Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
My 7 year old Pyrenean Mastiff is having amputation in the morning for OS front right leg, our vet here said that she is going to cut through the humerus bone and leave alot of muscle around the stump to protect it (as i am concerned about complications with the stump)
I really wanted her to do a scapular amputation so she could get any cancer lymph nodes as well, but she said this is a lot longer surgery and doesnt want to keep Porthos out so long as he doesnt react well to anesthetic. Also taking the scapular can leave the chest vulnerable.
Please can you give me your thoughts on this, I dont want to second guess her, I just want to be as informed as possible.
Thanks
Amanda
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
Gosh, I don't have any idea but saw your urgent post.
Try going to the live chat and see if Rene or Jim is there and they can answer you. Go to the top of the page an in the black border you'll see "chat" - just click that.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I actually think that the surgery to remove the scapula is easier but that is just my personal opinion. All of the muscles in the forearm will atrophy around the stump over time so most dogs do better with the scapular amputation (if you leave part of the humerus and scapula behind then they can eventually bother the dog).
Having said that a lot of dogs here have had mid-humeral amputations and done well so if that is the only way your vet does it then he should be okay. I just think that the giant breeds do better without the scapula.
Pam
I'm assuming the surgery has already happened so I hope you were able to come to a decision that you were happy with.
Our pup had her scapula removed, but the surgery was done by a surgeon who had done it many times before. Our vet (who watched the surgery, since it was done in his O.R.) said if he had done the surgery himself it would probably have taken twice as long since he'd only done a full amp like that a couple of times. So, that may be why your vet was saying it will take longer?? Maybe he hasn't done it that way before or hasn't done it often?
Hope all went well! Keep us posted!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Thank you for the replys,
Our vet just called and said that she took the scapula as well, we discussed it briefly before the surgery and she seemed fine with taking the scapula. Porthos is in recovery, the vet said the surgery went well, they are keeping him in tonight and will see how he is tomorrow. I will keep you posted.
Thanks again,
Amanda
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
glad porthos made it through surgery well. they took gayle's scapula with the leg (cutting through muscle and not bone, we were told it would heal better) and it worked out well. she had a smooth side that (once the hair grew back) looked very 'natural', if you didn't notice there wasn't a leg there.....
let us know as he recovers and gets to come home!!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Hooray for successful surgery! Let us know how it goes once you get him home. Rest up!
Jackie
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
This is great news! Now you can relax a bit. Porthos will be home soon!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Sorry I missed your post Amanda, I'm glad that Porthos made it through surgery!
The surgeon took my scapula too, and it caused me no issues whatsoever. Don't worry, this is pretty common.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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