Posted on 08/17/2015 9:06:32 AM PDT by NCDave
Hello everyone, I would like to hear from the vast knowledge of Freepers about anyone who has had to have a dogs leg amputated and also if anyone has had their dog fitted with a prosthetic after. I have a senior female Great Dane that has to have her front leg amputated somewhere above her wrist. She has tumors that grow and have to be removed, and now they are embedded in her paw bones and are not able to be removed. Right after the last surgery 2 weeks ago, a new tumor grew out and won't allow the paw to heal. So, I am up against the clock and I need to do something fast. I am trying to decide what to do about amputation and maybe getting a prosthetic due to her size and ability to get around on 1 front leg. She is healthy otherwise. I want to do what I can to make things easy on her but I am also limited by time and money of course. I would like to know what people have had to spend on prosthetics and surgeries. I love my dog like my children and will do whatever I can. Please let me know what your experiences have been. I will try to respond to as many replies as I can. Thanks again Freepers, your help is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, Dave
Sorry for the formatting. Just do a search and the sites will be clearer.
Good luck.
Does your dog have cancer? It’s it malignant? Has it metastasized? Would this surgery guarantee that there is no more cancer?
We had a Rottweiler’s front leg removed due to cancer, spent $3k total and had to put him down 4 months later. Not the wisest use of our money.
I hate to say it, but a tender goodbye is probably your best choice.
where do you live?
My dog “Puppy” was hit by a car when I was a kid. It only damaged his right front paw . We didn’t have money for a vet, so we bandaged it and he dragged it around for a week. The neighbor lady couldn’t stand it so she paid the vet to take the leg off, leaving just a short stump. Puppy adapted right away and hopped around on three legs several more years.
Just remember: dogs have no sense of self-sympathy.
That is what differentiates them from cats but also why they are so lovable.
A tripod dog will be just fine.
Tough call.
The one thing you can absolutely be certain of is that whatever they tell you it will cost..you should double or triple that number..and once you're committed..it's hard to turn back. I know it's a hard decision..but with such a large animal...you can't tote her around like a much smaller dog..sometimes it's better all the way around..for the dog, and your own mental state...to put her down..
how old is the dog? My sister in law sitting next to me is a vet? Are the tumors cancer? How are the other 3 legs?
Thanks, yes I have done some searching. I was just looking to get some responses from people who have had to do this and what their experience was like. I guess I could join one of the forums at an animal site also. just thought I would see what people here have to say as well. Thanks again.
It seem like the larger the Breed(Great Dane, Mastiff, St Bernard etc) the shorter the life span. It may be more merciful to give the dog a good and humane send off. Grieve for awhile and start over with a cute little Great Dane Puppy.
Not cancer. Spindle sarcoma tumors. Yes, Doc says this would take care of the problem.
Hi Dave, I’ve had experience with this - my rescue foster dog (now adopted by me) had her rear leg amputated. It was not cancer but had been broken as a puppy and some idiot never had it set. She is fine - my vet said dogs do great with 3 legs. Of course, the cancer is another complication for you to consider. I recommend you visit Tripawds.com for support and information. They are a wonderful community and there is tons of information, videos, suggestions, etc.
One thing I do tell everyone is to ask your vet about prescribing Gabapentin for phantom pain. I had some rough days before getting this and it takes a day or so to start working. Wish I had it just in case before symptoms surfaced. Feel free to message me with any questions.... Don’t give up - many dogs live long, happy lives after this surgery!
I have a good friend, DVM, in Oregon who specializes in large breeds and she has extensive experience in this area. PM and I can give you her info. She would be more than willing to help you go over your options.
Best wishes for your dog and your family.
Sorry for your loss. Yes, I know the risks. I asked the doc about that. He is a very good old school farm vet. He didn’t suggest that. And yes, I am limited by money as well...I am trying to get some money together. I was told about the same price. But if she makes it or not, I will probably spend it if I can do it. Dogs do that to us, Don’t they....Thanks for your reply.
We are in the same position now.
Our Westie is 14, which is beyond the average life expectancy for the breed of 12-13.
He was diagnosed with a tumor on his paw last month and given 4 months to live. Cost for surgery to amputate the affected area is $2600.00
We could do x-rays and tests to determine how far it has spread and do the surgery but we really can’t spare the money and wonder if there would be a net improvement in quality of life for his remaining time.
We will continue to care and provide doggie hospice until he is experiencing difficulty and pain.
Great Danes’ weak points are their hips. Standing on three legs or three legs and a prosthetic may be viable for Jack Russell, but the chance for success with one these big fellas is not good.
They also only live 6-8 years at best. I have owned four of them in my life, and their short lifespans make them real heart breakers.
All said, it may be time to let the dog go.
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