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
I artificially propped up a couple of dogs in my day, and I'm ashamed of it.
When they can no longer get around without pain and when their moments of joy are just that, moments instead of days...it's time.
I am in Rock Hill,SC just moved.
I'd have to agree. I have a senior dog...in good shape for his age. But if the vet bill was going to be onerous and would only extend his existence for a relatively short time, I'd have to consider unpleasant alternatives. Cold, but life can be that way. The animal's quality of life must be considered.
She is 10, Spindle sarcoma I think, not cancer. Other legs are fine.
That is why the amputation is needed. To keep it from coming back.
Oops - just read it’s not cancer - so that’s good! My dog is a Black & Tan Coonhound and weighs about 65 lbs. Her surgery was about 18 months ago. Recently she almost caught a deer in our back pasture. If your dog is otherwise healthy, I would not hesitate to do this surgery. We had several complications (swelling,phantom pain, etc.) but it’s all a distant memory now and I wouldn’t take anything for my sweet Emma.
It will be cheaper where you are, the front legs take most of the weight, the tumors are a type of cancer but tends not to spread, get a hold of vet schools around for prosthetic. The dog may not work with the prosthetic, so you would have to get a second operation near the shoulder.
I spent about $1000 to have my cat diagnosed and treated with surgery for cancer. Six months later the tumors are back. So I’m going to lose my kitty because more treatment is futile, and futile is futile.
So, as long as it isn’t futile, go for it.
If, as your vet said, it will take care of her problem, I’d have the amputation done and then take it from there. My grandson’s dog had her hind leg amputated at the hip. Within a year she was running at full speed again. You’d never know she had only three legs until she slowed down. Saving your dog’s life is the first priority. Then see what comes after that. Probably she will adjust, as my grandson’s little dog did. Prayers for you both!
What? Cats have "self-sympathy"? I've had cats all my life, and I know them quite well. I wondering what you mean. Just curious. Cats are every bit as lovable as dogs.
My dad had about a 90 pound dog that had permanent nerve damage in the front right leg. She got along fine on three legs for years but the front paw had to always have a booty on it to keep it from being scraped on the ground.
Your vet should know if a Great Dane can get around on three legs.
Bigger dog breeds, unfortunately, are completely another matter. A large dog is carrying around a lot more weight on those legs and needs time to build strength in the opposite good leg. It can happen, depending on the dog's temperament, persistence and patience. But more often than not, these things don't end well.
I have had 3 Danes now, my last went at 9. I rescued this Dane at 7mos. I talked to The great dane rescue I got her from this morning and she has some that go to 13 and 14. It is usually a short lifespan. I am hoping I have one of those this time.
Uh, TC?
Salamander?
You two have any info available?
"...I have a senior female Great Dane...
Here is a link to a post about Emma : http://tripawds.com/forums/beyond-cancer/more-from-emma/
Don’t do it yourself. Get a professional.
Nope. We just got painkillers when Ash was diagnosed with bone cancer. Amputation and chemo would just - maybe - have given her another couple of months of misery.
That is ancient for a Dane.
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