Hi all, I have a terrible dilemma.  Does anyone have any experience of nerve paralysis due to a brachial plexus avulsion?

2.5wks ago my darling sighthound has jumped a gate badly and over a short period of time become totally lame and has no feeling in the bottom part of his leg.

To make matters worse, he has a wound injury which is quite severe in the part of the leg with no feeling, but which IS showing signs of healing.  The vet wants to amputate the whole leg.

Having had another of mine recover fantastically and against the odds from a spinal paralysis, I've asked to be given more time to see if my physio makes a difference - I can already see a small improvement - in an ideal world I'd have taken him swimming if it wasn't for the wound.

Re the wound, the vets says its a pressure sore, but I think it may be part of the original accident.  It may need a skin graft.  It's not infected.

Any thoughts on which way to go?  amputation seems so drastic.

Many thanks in anticipation

Many years ago a then friend of mine had a dog with paralysis in a leg due to nerve damage plus other injuries. All caused by an off road biker purposely driving into him on a field. She was advised amputation but refused. It took a long time but he eventually regained a reasonable amount use in his leg. I would assume all cases are different and what is right for one may be totally wrong for another.

I'm afraid that I can't offer advice.  I have a 3 legged dog but it's a very small breed that copes well.  I just wanted to send my thoughts and positive vibes.

Is this a specialist in their field or your regular vet? If the latter then get a referral, if a specialist then of course you can see another one but i would listen to what a specialist says

Thank you all. 

I'm so conflicted that I asked the vet if I could waylay amputation for a week or so and dress the wound myself (ordinary vet, not specialist but has sent all xrays, scenario to an orthopaedic specialist).  Having been allowed to do that I'm terrified that I'll make it worse. I'm going to do a separate posting re. dressing wounds.  I do my other dogs superficial wounds with confidence, but this wound is deep, but fortunately uninfected.

Has the specialist actually seen your dog yet? If not i would want an appt to see them.

Has the specialist actually seen your dog yet? If not i would want an appt to see them.

Hi Cambria,
the specialist in orthopaedics has seen the xrays and the photos of the dog and wound - he's a friend of my vet and is advising her on what the likely prognosis is - grave for recovery, hence why she is recommending amputation sooner rather than later. 
One massive reason I'm so against this is that we had a dog years ago that recovered from total hind leg paralysis against all the odds - both legs. He made a slow recovery but could finally walk and run and lived til he was 15yrs - he was never perfect but did keep his life and all his limbs.

ps the specialist is £200 just for a consult. I'm trying to conserve funds for if I do have to go down the amputation route :-(

Facebook replies:

Jules Magee Burton says: Finding a vet you trust is the way to go.

Claire Sharp says:  I’ve never agreed with amputating legs on dogs. Yes I know people do it and they can post videos of three legged dogs managing ok but that’s not what I want for my dogs. To manage.

--- Claire Leavy says:  [Claire Sharp] I agree mostly but I also think it's a very individual decision . No way would my lab cope on 3 legs but my terriers would probably chew off an offending limb if it was hindering them lol .

I too have had sight hounds make miraculous recoveries from desperate situations like this, so understand fully the dilemma you feel.
  If I were in your situation I would try to find the best specialist in the field and use all my funds for that. I would expect your own vet would allow you to pay in instalments if you do eventually have to resort to amputation.
  I have lived with a 3 legged whippet- front leg- she managed fine, even able to run off into the woods with her pals! Once she got the hang of it she just got on with it

I've had a dog with idiopathic nerve paralysis to her jaw which my vet said 'may' heal itself in 4-6 weeks.
I was advised by a friend to use homeopathic hypericum remedy on her and by her check up at 4 days she was virtually back to normal.
Within  a week she was mended. I think it can be used for any nerve issues - Helios or Ainsworths would be able to advise I'm sure

Facebook Replies:

Nikita Norman says:  Many tripod dogs don't just manage though, they thrive. It all depends on the individual dog and situation. I've had dogs I would never even consider it for, should it ever happen, and others I wouldn't hesitate to have it done to.

Lindsay Mann says: I have mixed views, I believe most dogs manage well (depending on weight etc, must be a lot harder for say a Newfie) but it's when I see dogs with 2 legs that my heart flips over. I find it hard to believe they are ok and aren't struggling, but I could be wrong.

I know not everybody agrees, and it may sound a bit naff, but would your vet refer you to Noel Fitzpatrick?   I was slightly suspicious about him originally, but I think at least you'd get a thorough check-up and an honest answer.

Im wondering if red light therapy would help or something similar to the Arc Equine ? To aid blood circulation in the affected area and generate feeling / stimulation ?

If u do consider Fitzpatrick get an estimate of costs first as they are not the cheapest and its a large practice so its not just him .there are number of other very good orthopaedic vets out there to be considered all over the country .we hear a lot about him due to his media  profile but others are equally as good in the field too.