Hello,
My 6 year old whippetmale has had three operations on his foot/paw, now the vet tells me he might (probably)need to amputate the whole leg to get rid of this tumour. It breaks my heart just thinking about it, since he is a bit overweight due to a hypothyreos. Although he is loosing weight now with the dietfood. Will he be able to recouver after a possible amputation of his frontleg? how do they react after the surgery etc and with other dogs?
I have so many questions about this.
Best Regards
Mia (Sweden)

Hi Mia,

I have a three legged springer, although it is one of her back legs that was amputated a couple of years ago.  When it happened, I didn't know what to think, I thought that she just wouldn't be able to do the things she loves to do.  She has managed wonderfully.  A lot of people don't actually notice she only has three legs.  She can swim, run, jump, chase a ball and work.  She spent last shooting season on the beating line :-)

She is the same as she was before around other dogs.  She would prefer they weren't there :-D but she certainly hasn't got worse after her operation.  When I went to collect her after the op, I really didn't know what to expect, I thought I would have to carry her to the car.  The nurse brought her out and she was pulling to get to me.  I burst into tears because she looked so happy.  She pulled me out of the door and was just about to jump in the car when I managed to stop her.  It's not the end of the world and you would be surprised at how quickly the adapt.  They are not like humans where we would be thinking too much about it, they just carry on as normal. 

Try not to be too upset about it and do what you think is right.

I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

Helen

Thank you very much for your fast answer Helen.
This is all so new to me, My vet called me on friday, so my weekend wasn't the best.
Although I will do anything in my power to help him with everything so he can be a happy boy and have a happy life afterwards.
At first I will schedule an appointment for a scan so there want be any internal problems.
If the scan comes out good I will make the appointment to amputate his leg.
This is a very rare thing to do in Sweden, and my vet said that we might have a lot of bad reactions from people. Have you had a lot of reactions from people? How long does it take to heel after the surgery?

//Mia

>Have you had a lot of reactions from people?

Had mixed really.  As I said, some people don't realise she has a leg missing.  I get a few people staring at her but I think that's probably due to how surrised they are that she manages so well.  I had a lot of questions when I took her beating but everyone soon thought of it as the norm.  I haven't had anyone say anything to me in a negative light, if that's what you are worrying about?

>How long does it take to heel after the surgery?
>//Mia

She had her stitches out 10 days after the operation and then she was fine.  The wound did look a bit nasty, in my eyes as it was so big but it didn't bother her at all.  I was taking her for on lead walks about 3-4 days after the op as she was just going bonkers inside.  After her stitches came out, she was back to running around.

I did take her to a hydrotherapy pool after her stitches came out.  Mainly to see if she could still swim as that is her big love in life.  We introduced her to it with her wearing a life jacket but after the first session, she was swimming without any aid.  I continued with that until I moved as she loved it so much.  It also helped to build the muscles in her back leg.

If you email me (my address is in my profile), I will send you some pics of her enjoying her life.  I had to make a big decision in her life and I don't regret it for one moment.

Helen

Hello,
Thank you all for all the answers, here and by e-mail.
//Best Regards
Mia

Most three legged dogs I've seen have been of the deep chested slim build type, and they seem to adapt remarkably well - probably worry less about it than their owners ;)

Although Tara hasn't (fortunately) had her leg amputated, she hasn't really been able to use it these last 11/12 weeks and manages without any problem :)

Daisy