chirowife

Hi,
I have a 91/2 year old weimaramer who has been diagnosed with fibrosarcoma in his front leg. My vet feels the best course of treatment is to amputate the leg. I am not sure what else to do since he is having a lot of pain and I am giving him previcox and tramadol. I was wondering if anyone else has experieced amputation and how long the recovery is. I am concerned because he is such a large (tall) dog and I have two young kids that will have to go through it as well.
Thanks

Kate

Hi there, SO sorry about your dog. Years ago I had a cat that we ended up having to have his front right leg amputated. He did just great. We ended up calling him "hefty lefty" as the muscle in his left leg got so strong. Animals just accept what is. I've seen dogs with amputation on Animal Planet and they just move on. Big dogs, little dogs... they seem to manage just fine. If that's what you have to do, then that's what you have to do. Good luck to you. Kate

chirowife

Thank you so much, he goes in Tuesday for the surgery...

redheron

Hi Heidi,

My Irish Wolfhound/wolf had his right front leg amputated April 29 - seven months ago today.
Osteosarcoma.
He was 10 1/2 - considered by some to be a respectable age for such a big dog - and already a little stiff in his hips. I didn't think he would be able to be a three-legged dog.
I could tell you how agonizing it was - deciding what to do - but you already know.
I hated hearing people tell me how great he would get along on three legs.
There were a few dark days and interminable nights after the surgery but no need to go there.
A couple weeks (I think it was about two, can't remember if his stitches were even out yet) after the surgery he is lying in the grass at a jobsite all shaved and wearing a t-shirt and legless and miserable looking and this fox comes along. Up jumps my dog and gives meaningful chase for 50 yards and you could not see from the way he moved that he was missing a leg! Scared the hell out of me. He came hopping back all proud of himself, and it was then I realized that his personality had been saved along with his life.
Today it is clear and warm and my dog is lying in the sun on the front porch waiting for me to take him on a hike. They are not the long hikes we used to take, but still, wow, life is good!

We wish you the best. Be strong.
He would do it for you...

David

chirowife

Hi David,
Thank you for your support and story. Dutch has his surgery on Monday, Dec 8th. He is already getting along fine on three legs (chased the UPS truck yesterday all the way down our driveway...) so I think he really will be ok. I am just so scared about the after care but we will get through it. Thanks again and I'll let you know how he does.
Heidi

riley

Riley had his leg amputated on Tuesday. He is a golden and he is doing fine so far. It's hard to keep him down, but it is important they rest until the stitches are out. I was amazed at how well he adapted, but he was in such pain because his leg broke from the cancer. It's like a miracle. Hang in there.