Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hello everyone,
My 12yr old mixed-breed female dog had a difficult mass removal surgery last week, and unfortunately the surgery wasn't successful.
Now, because of complications, my partner and I are left with the decision to amputate her left front leg or euthanize.
We are so heartbroken by this unexpected turn. We know that so many dogs will led amazing, "normal" lives as tripawds, but we worry that her age and pre-existing conditions won't allow her that freedom.
Our dog, Atreyu, had a CCL repair a few years back (also on the left side) and she is arthritic. She has slowed down as she's gotten older (ie no more hikes or running, just daily walks) and she is active most of the day (hangs out/walks herself around outside, etc). But she has some gait differences because of her bad knee, the arthritis, and a seizure disorder/seizure meds.
Her vet, my partner, and I don't think her time is yet but I'm worried that she won't adjust to life as a tripawd well and that we will inevitably have to euthanize her post surgery because of this.
Does anyone have experience with senior dogs/arthritic dogs getting amputations? How did their recovery go? Were they able to adjust well?
Please help us!!!
Hello and welcome to you and Atreyu. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I apologize but I have to run off to a meeting. My biggest question is: what does your vet think about her being a candidate?
It sounds like she is a relatively normal senior dog. Most do have some level of arthritis, and even with three legs most will get along fine afterward. Seizures that are under control with meds usually don't play into things when it comes to limb loss. It really doesn't sound like she's any different than other older dogs we've seen here and while 12 might be considered "old" as long as she is otherwise healthy and your vet thinks she's a good candidate, there's no reason why she can't do well.
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