Dog Amputation

Dog amputation is not an uncommon surgical procedure. It is frequently performed to remove a diseased of injured limb and can be done for both front and rear legs. It is uncommon, however, for a pet to have more than one limb amputated, although it does occur.

Dogs are quite capable of living and functioning very well with three legs. They can walk, run, play and even swim with just three legs. There is not necessarily any pain or discomfort involved in these activities provided the surgery has been successful. Dogs are usually able to adapt very well to having three legs since they don't have some of the psychological issues about losing limbs that humans have. A dog doesn't feel like he's less of a dog if he loses a limb. A dog doesn't worry about other dogs pitying him, and so on. Instead, dogs cope with the physical loss of the limb and move on. A dog also can't lose a hand or an opposable thumb which can be very difficult for a human.

Dog limb amputation can be performed on an dog of any breed and at virtually any age. It may take a little longer for an older animal to adjust to losing a limb but just about any dog can make the adjustment.

Amputations are usually performed for the following veterinary reasons:

Tumors

Bone tumors are a frequent cause of limb amputation, though tumors can also occur in the soft tissues surrounding the bones. Some tumors can't simply be cut out by themselves and it becomes necessary to remove an entire leg in order to prevent the tumor from spreading.

Osteosarcoma is the most frequently diagnosed canine bone tumor. It is more common in older dogs and in large and giant breed dogs. Unfortunately, osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor and it has usually spread elsewhere by the time an amputation is performed.

Trauma

In cases of severe trauma, where there are multiple fractures and trauma to the muscles and tendons, amputation of the limb may be recommended. There are cases where there is so much nerve damage to a dog's limb that it can't be properly repaired.

Cost

There are times when cost does play a role in determining whether a limb will be amputated. If a dog has severe trauma to a limb or the dog is facing complicated surgery to repair a limb, then amputation may be chosen instead.

It is possible to fit your dog with a prosthesis, or artificial leg. Most dogs adjust to these artificial limbs very well. If this is your preference, your vet will need to amputate your dog's limb a little lower than usual in order to leave a stump for the artificial leg to be affixed to when your dog wears it.

If your dog does have any mobility problems after an amputation, as with dogs that have two limbs amputated, you can look into getting him a cart or wheelchair. Many dogs are able to get around very easily when they are properly fitted with a doggy wheelchair.

Although it's easy to feel sorry for a dog with an amputated leg it's a good idea to notice that most dogs who have lost a leg don't feel sorry for themselves. They are living pain-free and are usually very active. Most owners are very glad to have their dogs and would make the same decision again.

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