As the parent of a dog, “leg amputation” is a phrase you probably hope you never have to hear in reference to your furry friend. However, sometimes it becomes a necessity due to injury or cancer. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby understands the many emotions this procedure can evoke. With compassion and clarity, she explains everything you need to know about a dog leg amputation.
I met McArthur, a 10-year-old friendly, happy-go-lucky gentleman of a Westie, after his parents noticed he had started limping. As I examined him, I determined he had very mild lameness in his right front leg but seemed painful in the shoulder, too. I recommended X-rays to be on the safe side.
Unfortunately, the X-rays showed his shoulder had a moth-eaten appearance near the head of the humerus (i.e. the bone above the elbow in the front leg). This destructive pattern indicated he could have a serious underlying problem such as bone cancer.
After breaking the news to McArthur’s parents, we discussed the treatment options—palliative care to manage his pain or an amputation to remove his painful leg. Removing a limb isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. So while his parents processed everything, I started McArthur on pain medication to keep him comfortable.
What is a dog leg amputation?
As I discussed with my canine patient’s parents, amputation involves surgically removing either a front or back leg. Vets may recommend it when there is severe disease or damage present. The goal is to remove the source of pain, which in this case is the limb.
Why might a dog need an amputation?
There are many reasons why your veterinarian may recommend an amputation for your dog. These include:
- Cancer such as osteosarcoma or soft tissue sarcoma
- Non-healing or complicated fracture
- Severely infected limb
- Non-functional limb that is painful or continues to be damaged
- Financial concerns—the cost to amputate a severely fractured leg is typically significantly less than the cost for surgical fracture repair
Preparing for a dog’s leg amputation
McArthur’s parents and I had several conversations to discuss the pros and cons of surgery. Since the dog’s pain was becoming progressively worse despite pain medication, they made the difficult decision to proceed with an amputation. His parents felt it was the best way to buy him as much time without pain as possible.
Pre-operative blood work showed my patient’s liver, kidneys, and other organs were working well prior to surgery. This helped put his parents’ minds at ease because like many senior dog parents, they were wondering, “Is my dog too old for surgery?” and “Is my dog too old for anesthesia?“
We also took chest X-rays before the procedure to look for evidence that the cancer had spread to his chest. We did not see any masses in his lungs. However, I warned his parents the cancer might have spread microscopically. In other words, it could already be in the chest but the areas are too small to see.
How is amputation surgery performed?
*Disclaimer: Some people may find this portion of the article unsettling or graphic.*
There are a couple of different procedures for amputation depending on which limb the vet is removing and why the amputation is necessary.
Scapulothoracic disarticulation
This is the most common procedure for front leg amputation and is the one I used for my patient. Just like the name indicates, the surgeon removes the scapula (i.e. shoulder blade) from the thoracic (i.e. chest) muscles. The scapula is only attached to the thorax by muscles. So by removing those attachments, the surgeon is able to easily remove the entire leg. The surgeon then sews the muscles closed to provide padding to the area.
Proximal femoral amputation
One method of hindlimb amputation involves cutting across the upper thigh bone (i.e. femur) then sewing the thigh muscles around the remaining bone. By preserving some of the femur and the associated muscles, there is more padding around the hip to provide comfort when the dog lies down.
Coxofemoral disarticulation
The vet may recommend this method of rear leg amputation when the affected area is higher up on the femur near the pelvis or hip. In this case, the vet separates the femur from the pelvis at the hip joint (i.e. coxofemoral joint). This procedure is more invasive to the musculature of the hip, and can result in some reduced padding over the surgical site.
Hemipelvectomy
This is a less common procedure and is the most invasive method of amputating a back leg. It is primarily used in cases where a tumor involves the upper femur, hip joint, or pelvis. In order to achieve complete removal of the tumor, the surgeon must remove part of the pelvis in addition to the back leg.
How will the vet control the leg amputation pain?
As you can imagine from the amputation surgery descriptions, pain management is extremely important. After all, the whole point of the surgery is to eliminate the source of pain for a better quality of life, right? Your dog’s surgeon will provide multimodal analgesia. This means he or she will combine several different medications and other pain management methods to control pain in dogs.
Pain management will start before surgery even begins. Your dog’s veterinary surgeon will give medications prior to surgery to preemptively prevent pain and discomfort. These medications typically include opiates to manage the pain. Additionally, the vet may administer other medications to help prevent anxiety and stress during surgery. Then, during surgery, the vet may use a local anesthetic to block the nerves in the area, thus preventing additional pain.
After the amputation, the vet will send your dog home on pain medication such as:
- Anti-inflammatory medication like Carprofen, Previcox, or Meloxicam
- Opiates such as a fentanyl patch or tramadol for dogs
- Additional pain medications like gabapentin for dogs
You should give those medications as directed and contact your veterinarian if you continue to notice signs your dog is in pain. If you see medication side effects, please also consult your vet for advice.
How can you help your dog during the amputation recovery period?
In addition to administering pain medications on the prescribed schedule and monitoring your dog’s pain level, there are several other ways that you can help him or her in the post-operative period.
Provide support and traction
After surgery, your dog will need to learn how to redistribute his or her weight onto the remaining three legs. Using a sling under your dog’s chest, in the case of a front leg amputation, or under the hips, in the case of the back leg amputation, can help provide additional support when your dog needs to get up to use the bathroom.
Slippery floors such as hardwood floors or tile can make it difficult for your dog to keep his or her balance and walk confidently. This is where Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips come in. ToeGrips are silicone bands that go on your dog’s toenails to help provide extra grip on those slick surfaces. This helps prevent your dog from slipping and falling while learning to navigate on only three legs.
Even after your dog has adjusted to getting around on three legs, he or she can still benefit from the added traction ToeGrips provide. With amputees, we recommend gluing the ToeGrips to the nails to help ensure they are not pulled off by the altered motion of your dog’s new gait.
Additionally, your dog can benefit greatly from recovering in a comfortable space with plenty of soft, thick bedding and/or a nice, cushy dog bed. Using non-slip rugs in the recovery area can also be a helpful way to provide traction as your dog learns to get around on three legs.
Follow a rehab plan
Your veterinary surgeon may recommend working with a rehab veterinarian. Doing this can help your dog learn to walk on three legs if he or she is struggling. The rehab vet may suggest strengthening exercises, using an underwater treadmill for dogs after the stitches are removed, or other therapies.
Watch for dog leg amputation complications
As part of the amputation aftercare, dog parents should also keep their eyes out for these potential complications:
Bruising
You may observe mild bruising around the incision site. While this is a fairly common complication from surgery, it usually resolves on its own after a couple days. Your veterinarian may recommend icing the incision for five minutes twice a day after the procedure to reduce bruising.
Seroma
Removing a limb creates an empty space in the tissue where fluid may accumulate, forming a seroma. This may make the area around the incision look swollen and feel squishy. Seromas tend to occur more commonly in front limb amputations. As long as there is mild accumulation, the fluid is usually reabsorbed by the body in one to two weeks. If you have any concerns, please reach out to your veterinarian.
Infection
Signs of infection include redness, swelling, or pus draining from the incision. Thankfully, infections are relatively uncommon due to the strict sterile procedures veterinarians follow.
However, it is also important that you keep the E-collar, also known as “the cone of shame,” on your dog at all times after surgery. If your dog licks the incision, he or she can introduce bacteria into the incision and cause infection. If you are concerned about an infection, it is important to contact your veterinarian to start antibiotics quickly.
Neuroma
In rare cases, the nerves cut during the amputation can form small masses at the end as they try to heal. These lumps are called neuromas and can be painful. Sometimes a dog may require additional surgery to remove a bothersome neuroma.
Phantom pain
Surprisingly, phantom pain has not been commonly observed in dogs after an amputation. Once the veterinarian removes the painful limb, most dogs return to their usual level of activity.
Plan for the future
After your vet removes the staples or stitches and gives their seal of approval to resume activity, you can continue to support your dog’s recovery by:
- Keeping your dog a healthy weight to reduce strain on the remaining limbs. For help with this, check out these articles on finding your dog’s body condition score (BCS), determining if your dog is overweight, and learning how to help a dog lose weight.
- Joining a support group such as Tripawds® to learn other tips and tricks from pet parents whose dogs have also undergone an amputation.
- Improving your dog’s traction around the house by using the tips found in our blog on Three-Legged Dogs: 3 Tips for Safety & Success.
- Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed to give him or her better traction around the house. Proper nail trimming is one of my passions and so beneficial for your dog. I would love to see it become easy and painless for you and your canine companion. Check out my blog on how to have successful dog nail trims or sign up for my course on dog nail trimming.
What about prosthetics after a leg amputation?
There have been some cases of partial limb amputations where prosthesis have been used. They can help reduce the strain and compensatory injuries that can occur from the change in weight distribution. In senior dogs who have osteoarthritis in dogs in other joints, a prosthesis may provide additional stability.
Be aware that the stump and prosthetic often require daily care and monitoring. Also, dogs may require multiple prosthetics as sometimes they can break down over time.
What is the prognosis after amputation?
Surprisingly, most dogs adjust well to amputation. Because the removed limb was a chronic source of pain or was not functional due to previous injury, most patients have already started to adjust to shifting their weight off of the leg. This often means pets learn to adjust to only having three legs fairly easily. In the cases where a limb is removed due to a previous injury, those dogs typically go on to live normal lives.
In cases where a vet performs an amputation due to certain types of pet cancer—such as osteosarcoma or soft tissue sarcoma—prognosis often depends on the type of cancer involved.
- Low or intermediate grade soft tissue sarcoma—removal can be curative.
- High grade soft tissue sarcoma—survival is about a year with surgery alone. In some cases chemotherapy or radiation can improve survival time.
- Osteosarcoma—dogs live about four to six months after surgery with amputation alone. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can extend that timeline.
Should you proceed with the leg amputation or put down your dog?
Although the outlook after amputation is good for trauma and it may buy some time after a cancer diagnosis, it is important to realize that amputation isn’t the right choice for all dogs. In some cases, euthanasia is certainly a valid decision, even if it is a hard one.
Not all patients adjust well to amputation regardless of the reason for the amputation. Plus, pet cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. This is especially the case when you know surgery may not completely remove the cancer due to its type or location.
Additionally, some senior dogs may not be good amputation candidates if they have severe arthritis in other limbs. The already painful limbs will need to support additional weight once the affected limb is removed. Sometimes the increased weight may be too much for the remaining legs to bear comfortably.
Talk to your veterinarian
Do not be afraid to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss the pros and cons of an amputation. That way you can discuss how he or she feels your dog would cope with an amputation. The vet can also give you an idea of what the long-term prognosis would look like.
Sometimes you will have the ability to process the information over a period of a few days or weeks. Other times, such as when your dog sustains a fracture due to osteosarcoma, you may have to make the decision to amputate or euthanize much faster. Both scenarios are incredibly difficult.
If you decide euthanasia is the right decision for your dog, you and your veterinarian can work together to create a plan to manage your dog’s pain until it is time to say goodbye. The following resources can be helpful during that heartbreaking time:
- In-Home Dog Euthanasia: Heartfelt Answers to 12 FAQs
- Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
- Dog Euthanasia: Knowing When to Say Goodbye
- How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
- Grieving the Loss of a Dog After Euthanasia (& Finding Peace)
Back to my Westie patient
Let’s wrap back around to our friend McArthur. His surgery went smoothly. And despite having his leg removed, he surprisingly seemed more comfortable immediately after surgery. While we were prepared to use a sling to help him walk and use the bathroom, he had been so used to not using his leg that he adjusted immediately.
At McArthur’s two week recheck, he bounded into the hospital with the exuberance typical of a Westie puppy. In fact, we had a little trouble removing the stitches because he was so busy bouncing around with a full body tail wag and constant kisses. His dad was thrilled at his recovery!
Unfortunately, McArthur’s biopsy report came back as osteosarcoma. His parents elected not to pursue chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, they chose to focus on ensuring their beloved dog enjoyed the time he had left. He certainly lived life to the fullest chasing his ball and going out on the boat with his owners.
Sadly, about three months later, he returned to the hospital because he had been showing signs of discomfort and slowing down. X-rays showed that the cancer had spread to his lungs and one of his nearby ribs. While they were incredibly sad to face saying goodbye to their spunky Westie, his parents were grateful for all the good time we were able to buy McArthur with the amputation.
There is life after a leg amputation
I know that the prospect of your dog having a leg amputation sounds scary. It isn’t the right choice for every dog or every family. However, many dogs can live good, happy, comfortable lives after an amputation just like this spunky Westie did. Yes, it might only be for a few months if your dog has an aggressive cancer, but each good day is a blessing. It is one more day you can spend loving on your dog and making memories.
Do you share your home and heart with a dog who had a leg amputated?
Please share your experiences below. We can all learn from each other.
my 6 month pup is undergoing and amputation the 14th of October thank you for this opportunity to learn before he has it removed he was hit by a car that went off the road and didn’t stop and I find this very helpful how would you recommend a prosthetic??
Hi Dale,
I am sorry your puppy was injured by a car and is facing this upcoming amputation surgery. Most dogs have no need of a prosthetic and do extremely well running on three legs. If he does not adjust well during the recovery period, then I would schedule a consultation with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They can determine if a prosthetic is needed and help you with measuring, sizing, and ordering. Praying for a successful surgery for you pup and a smooth and uneventful recovery. Best wishes to you and your sweet boy!
Hi- 13 yr old American Hairless Terrier, 10 lbs. Scarcoma front left leg. Met with oncology, they recommended amputation, cannot be debulked, radiation equipment is down at LSU Baton Rouge . For 8-10 weeks. Oncology said that will only buy time. Chemo is not an option .
Do they make wheels for a front leg amputation? She also has 50% less use in her back leg due to a disk issue 4 yrs ago.
So that concerns me.
Help me! I’m freaking out about this. Woukd a front wheel help for a small part of the day.
Loretta Jeansonne
Hi Loretta,
I am sorry your senior girl is facing this difficult diagnosis. There definitely are wheels and other prosthetic devices for dogs with front limb amputations. I encourage you to talk with the surgery service or the rehabilitation team at LSU to find out which options would work best for your pup. Try not to let the stress become overwhelming. You are headed in the right direction and doing a great job! Praying for a successful surgery and many happy days ahead. Bless you and your sweet girl.
Hi!
My Leo was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in November 2023. Our oncologist stated because he would not have long but we had option of chemo/ radiation or amputation. At the time we decided to do radiation and chemo due to him being a doberman and concern of him having issues walking on 3 limbs. Leo completed radiation on January 2024 and the tumor diminished greatly on his front right shoulder blade. A few weeks ago he had a sort of rash near the tumor site. It has slowly opened up and now is an open wound. I have been bringing him weekly to oncologist and oncologist is waiting for a swab test to see if its cancer related or what. They are afraid if they sutur it it may not hold because of the skin being frail.
Has anyone heard of this? Is amputation still possible?
Dear Kristine,
I am sorry Leo is experiencing this worrisome complication since completing radiation therapy. I am not sure if amputation is possible but would think the oncologist would be willing to go over all your options once the test results are back on this new skin lesion. What did you find out? Hoping the results offered a clear path forward and Leo is on the road to recovery. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Praying for healing and many happy days ahead.
Duke 7.5 years old!
GRADE 2 PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEATH TUMOR on his front left leg right above his paw. (SOFT TISSUE CARCINOMA). UNFORTUNATELY SHE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE 100% OF IT. She thinks she got 98%. They want us to follow up with oncology. I’m not sure what to do… I can’t afford radiation nor could my dog withstand it. Unsure if I should even pay $240 just for consult for them to tell me about treatments I can’t afford. What are the treament recommendations? How long could he live without treatment? One stressed dog mom!
Dear Jennifer,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with Duke. These are great questions but the only way to get the answers is to talk with the oncologist. They can tell you what the treatment options are, go over the prognosis for each one, and help you decide which path is best for you and your boy. It is ok to choose palliative care and focus on comfort and quality of life. Make sure you voice your concerns and trust your intuition. Praying for you and Duke as you navigate these emotional decisions. Bless you both.
We lost our beautiful 12 year old greyhound today, just one day after her back right leg was amputated. We are still in deep shock. We were faced with the life or leg dilemma. Our vet said even though Flossie is getting on in age, other than the cancer she is a healthy dog and should do well.
We brought her home last night and she was in a state of trauma even with pain meds. This morning she passed away. I guess in due course we will find out why. I wan prepared for her not to survive the amputation but not prepared for what happened today. Now of course we feel guilty that her last day was so traumatic. These are very hard decisions for us to make, the vet did their best. So sad.
Dear Shane,
My heart aches for you with your tragic loss of Flossie. I am so sorry she experienced complications and was not able to recover as hoped. I can only speculate about what may have happened and with this type of surgery it is possible she may have thrown a blood clot during recovery. You may never know for sure, but I do know you didn’t do anything wrong. You made the best choice you could, and I would have done the same thing for one of my own. I am certain your girl knew how much she was loved. I pray with time your heart will begin to heal and the grief will turn into peace. May Flossie’s memory always be a blessing to you and your family. ♥
Hi. I have a 7 year old French Mastiff. The has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the rear left thigh. Avoidance to weight bear started around 3 weeks ago.
We visited an oncologist today and advised that if this diagnosis is 100% confirmed as osteosarcoma then we don’t want to proceed with amputation. Coming to this decision has been extremely difficult and emotional my dog is in considerable pain. I felt quite judged for not wishing to prolong his life.
The dog is a well loved member of my family, but I have read the stats on survival and quite honestly though his chest is clear today, know it may already be too late to prevent spread. I don’t want him to suffer like this again in 4-12 months iff the cancer returns.
More reasons to not amputate include that the rear right leg that is compensating for his lack of weight bear on the left is wobbly and I’m not confident he will do well losing a rear leg. Secondly, he has had ongoing front shoulder issues which are intermittent and which shift sides and have been recurrent size age 3 years. He has been treated with anti inflammatory meds and painkillers for these issues and no underlying cause found in imaging.
I guess my question is, am I making the right decision? I’m crying just writing this, it’s the worst decision to have to make, and it’s not that I don’t want another year with my dog. I just don’t want to prolong his suffering for my own needs. I want to remember him as he was 3 weeks ago, not as chemo trips and cries from the pain of amputation and further cancer.
thanks
Dear Cheryl,
I am so sorry your beloved pup has received this devastating diagnosis. It is not wrong to pursue hospice care and I commend you for choosing quality of life over quantity. Each situation is different and what works for someone else may not be what is best for you. You have to trust your intuition as you know your boy better than anyone. My heart aches for you with the difficult decisions you will be facing over the next few days. Praying for your strength and wishing you both comfort and peace. ♥
My 6 year old beagle has a grade 2 soft tissue sarcoma above his front left leg near his shoulder. He is going in for a CT scan tomorrow to determine if it’s operable, but they mentioned the possibility of amputation. I hadn’t heard of this possibility so far in our journey so it was quite shocking. He already babies this leg and doesn’t bear much weight on it, but does still use it for balance. I’m so torn about the decision if there’s no guarantee that this removal will 100% get rid of the cancer and I’m terrified of putting him through an amputation and then having the cancer come back anyway. Any recommendations?
Dear Kenny,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult decision about your Beagle’s health. I think the CT results will be a deciding factor for whether the specialist recommends amputation or not. I don’t think they would pursue that option if it would not remove 100% of the cancer. If amputation could be curative, I would definitely move forward with the surgery. Most dogs do wonderfully with three legs, and they are more comfortable without having to carry around the painful limb. Hoping you get good results from the CT today. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Praying for a positive outcome.
Our son’s dog River is a two year old Pit Bull, when she was 6 weeks old she got tangled in their other dogs tie out fell down some steps. She had to have her front leg amputated at the shoulder. she’s done very well and it’s never stopped her. Until now, her remaining front paw is knuckling. The vet gave her some anti inflammatory medicine, said she not over weight and left it at that. Is there anything we can do to help stabilize her leg? It’s hard seeing her keep falling because of this.
Thank you,
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
I’m sorry to hear that River’s remaining front leg is starting to knuckle now. Dogs do bear the majority of their weight on the front end, so that can sometimes make front limb amputations a bit more of a challenge for the remaining leg. It is good to hear that she is not overweight as increased weight can make it harder for TriPawds. In addition to the anti-inflammatories, you may want to consider putting her on a joint supplement to help protect her remaining legs. I’ll include a link below to an article that talks about the various supplements. My personal favorite is my own product, Encore Mobility. It could also be a good idea to make an appointment with a vet who specializes in physical therapy/rehabilitation as they may be able to suggest some exercises to help strengthen the remaining front leg.
I hope you are able to find some solutions that work for River so that she can continue to play and get from place to place without falling.
Here are the links:
1) Do Joint Supplements for Dogs Work? A Vet Oughta Know…
2) The Best Supplement for Joint Pain in Dogs Is Not Just About Joints…
3) How Do I Find Veterinary Specialists Near Me and What Do They Do? (This article talks about rehab vets and provides resources for finding a rehab vet near you)
Thank you!! Along with the supplement, do you recommend a brace to help support the leg until it’s better? It’s so sad to watch her fall multiple times a day.
Sincerely,
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
That is a great question, and I wish I could give you a definitive yes or no. Braces can be helpful in some situations, but can also be uncomfortable for the dog, alter the mechanics of the leg, or cause rub sores. Without being able to examine her and get a better idea of it is weakness, pain, joint instability, or a combination of those things that is causing her leg to collapse, I can’t predict how much a brace would help. Your vet or a rehab vet might be able to give you a better idea about that though.
I forgot to mention in the last reply that if she seems to have more trouble on slippery floors, you could also consider some ToeGrips. I like them for TriPawd dogs because they give a bit more traction, which can be helpful when trying to get around on three legs. (We recommend gluing them on so they don’t get pulled off by the dog’s altered gait- I’ll attach more information below).
She might be too short for this to work well, but using a harness with a handle you can grab while walking could also be a way to give her some extra support. I like the Help’Em Up Dog Mobility Harness, but there are other great options out there as well.
Best of luck in finding some solutions for her!
Links:
1) Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips
2) ToeGrips instructions
Hi – I have a lovely 7 year old Rottie boy who has a soft tissue sarcoma in his front paw, that developed in 2021. He opened it up in November 2022 so I had it removed but they
Couldn’t get it all out (this is when it was actually diagnosed – the bet thought it was a fatty lump up until this point). The biopsy said it is a type that doesn’t metastasis. It is now regrowing and I’m at the point where I need to make a decision for a future plan.
He can’t have lumpectomies forever – considering his age / anaesthetics. I’m deeply concerned about a front leg amputation on such a large breed dog and all the associated risks / side effects / recovery – and the vet said it has to be a whole leg, it can’t be a “below the elbow”?
I’d really appreciate some advice if you have any, as he seems far too “well” and happy in himself to be put to sleep but I obviously just want what’s best for him.
Thanks!
Hi Jen,
I am sorry you are in this difficult situation with your senior guy and understand your concerns. A lower limb amputation would probably be possible but then may require some type of prosthetic and come with all the hardships associated. For your dog’s specific case, I would highly recommend a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon or other specialist. They can give you all the options and help guide you through the risks and benefits of each. I agree, your sweet boy deserves more happy days ahead and it doesn’t sound like time for goodbyes. Hoping you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for everyone involved. Praying for a clear path forward and a positive outcome.
Hi Dr. Buzby!
Thanks for all you do!
We took in a 10 yo Rescue Rottie 6 months ago. Her back foot is amputated and 3 out of the 4 toes of the other back foot were also amputated. She was very immobile and in a lot of pain. She also has some other medical issues. First we tackled her medical issues resulting in surgery to remove two large masses and a slab fracture of her molar tooth. Then we tackled the foot. She now has an amazing prosthetic and is doing awesome with it! She can walk, peep and poop, and even chase bunnies (for short distances)! However, we continue to battle a few issues and no one has been able to help us with them, including our own vet and the prosthetist. I was hoping you could possible give us some insight. Her stump continues to open up periodically and drain serosangineous fluid, or occasionally blood. It has been infected a few times. We cleanse it nightly and apply a wound care powder per our vet. Her other partial stump also get pressure sores on the pad that are difficult to heal. The prosthetist could not do anything for that foot. We wrap coban over the pad every morning which helps somewhat so she can walk on it. It also developes a hoof like protrusion. Occasionally it falls off, and then grows back again. No one knows what that is. I’d love to send you pictures if possible. If you have any suggestions for us to help our little Princess Pie, we would be extremely grateful. Thank you. ~Michelle and Joe (Gretta’s parents)
Hi Michelle,
Goodness, you have already been through so much with this sweet girl. Gretta is one lucky pup to have found you and have you advocating for her health and well-being. I wish I had some great advice but unfortunately, I am just as puzzled by all of this as you and your vet seem to be. My only thought about the issues with her stump opening up, is could there be a mass or lymph drainage in the area causing a problem? I wonder if there would be any benefit to taking an x-ray or trying to ultrasound the area. It might be worth reaching out to a university/teaching hospital to see if they have any ideas or would want to use your girl’s strange case as a learning opportunity for students. They might be able to offer some testing or treatment that isn’t readily available in general practice. I like to defer to the specialists in more complicated cases such as Gretta seems to be. I applaud you for all you are doing and will continue to do to ensure Gretta is happy and living her best life. Feel free to leave an update as things progress. Wishing you all the best!
My 4.5 year old Perro De Presa Canario has a bone lesion on his rear back femur. It has not been determined if it is cancer or infection but we are considering amputation if it will help with the chronic pain. He is currently 175 pounds do you think he will function well with one rear leg, or do you think I will cause him pain and discomfort in his front and remaining back leg from having to compensate for the loss?
Hi Jefri,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your dog. Usually, dogs do very well after amputation. Of course, there are many factors that play a role in how things go post op. One thing to consider is if there is arthritis or other issues affecting the other legs. Dogs carry the majority of their body weight on the front legs, so the loss of a rear limb will have less of an effect with weight shifting. I am certain your vet will discuss the pros and cons of any surgical procedure that is recommended. Hoping you can get the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your big guy. Bless you both.
My 5 1/2 month old GS pup was run over accidentally by our daughter. Was not able to get her to the vet until 36 hours later and after x-rays has been diagnosed with a Right dislocated hip. The vet was unsuccessful in resetting it, and I will be picking her back up tomorrow. My husband and I are in total disagreement with what option to go with. FHO, amputation, or euthanasia. Costs? Quality of life? Any info would be appreciated.
Hi Carrie,
I am sorry you are facing this very difficult situation with your young pup. Without playing a personal role in your dog’s medical care it is hard for me to make specific recommendations. Of course, I would hate for you to have to choose euthanasia for such a young dog, but if she would be in constant pain otherwise then I guess this option has to remain on the table. I am not sure what the cost of an FHO or amputation would be where you live. Prices vairy greatly depending on where you are located and even what vet hospital would perform the surgery. Dogs can live normal happy lives with either an FHO or amputation. It would be a good idea to talk to your vet and see which option they recommend. If price is an issue, be honest about your financial concerns. Also, it is never wrong to get a second opinion or call to find out about prices at other places. Praying you can find a way to help your sweet girl live her best life. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
My 5 year old Border Collie called Digger was diagnosed with lymphoma/leukemia in July last year. After a course of chemo, he went into remission for 5 months. The cancer returned in March this year. He began chemo again, but then developed cellulitis in his left front leg which wouldn’t heal. During that time, we had to stop chemo, so the vet suggested amputation. His leg was amputated 2 weeks ago. Our problem is that we are struggling to get him to even stand, let alone walk, and sometimes, he growls at us when we try to entice him to wee and poo outside. He is normally an active and friendly dog, but he is showing signs of depression and anger. Can you suggest any exercises and/or tricks we can use to help get him a bit more mobile? We have a sling and plenty of treats. The stitches come out in two days time, and he resumes chemo tomorrow.
Hi Marnie-Ruth,
I am sorry Digger has had so many setbacks since his original cancer diagnosis last year. I am glad the amputation was successful and hope it will allow your sweet boy to keep on fighting. Please make sure your vet is aware of Digger’s growling and grumpiness. This could be a sign of pain that is not being well controlled. Your vet may be able to prescribe additional pain medications to help him get more comfortable and make him more willing to move around a bit. It could be beneficial to talk to a veterinary rehabilitation professional in your area and see if there are therapies they could offer/recommend that would help Digger with his recovery process. In the meantime, it might help if you can just get him out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. A dog stroller or cart might do the trick if he cannot walk on his own. I am hopeful you will find the best way to restore joy to your pup’s daily life. Praying for healing and many happy days ahead.
I adopted a Rear Right Leg Tripawd about a month ago, he will be 2 years old in May A Black Lab Mix he’s less the 2ft tall (paw to middle of back) and 38.5lbs According to my near by local shelter where I adopted him at says he is a local and was hit by a car a year or so ago resulting in his right back leg Amputation.
I have a lot of insight, knowledge and understanding on how much a Amputated Limb will affect the body wether it be a dog or human then most Tripawd dog owners. I’m a Left Arm at the Elbow Amputee for the last 15 years. My right Arm is destroyed from being overworked for 15 years so I’m adamant about keeping his back left leg pain free as possible.
Where I live Mother Nature changes her mind hourly sometimes which can/will majorly impact muscle pain. I already massage his left hip and leg to keep the muscles lose as possible. Is there any type of Dog Muscle Rub I can add to his massage? I live off of Bio Freeze & Tiger Balm daily! To bad he can’t return the massage favor for me lol
Hi Melissa,
Your sweet boy is so lucky to have found you! You are absolutely correct about how important it is to maintain the health of the “normal” leg. I am not sure there is a good rub to use for dogs but there are definitely other things that could be of great benefit. I love using a warm pack to help increase blood flow and stretch sore muscles and joints. Also, a high-quality supplement is a wonderful addition to just about any health plan. I personally like Dasuquin Advanced and, of course, Encore Mobility. You may want to find a veterinary rehabilitation professional in your area to partner with. They can offer laser, sometimes acupuncture, and many other therapeutic treatments as needed over the lifetime of your pup. Thank you for sharing your story with our readers. Wishing you and your sweet guy many happy years ahead.
Our 9 year old black lab developed a slight limp in October. We thought it was just a strain as he is very active. We rested him for a few days and it went away. This repeated itself a few times over the next two months. In December we took him to the vet who thought it may be a cruciate ligament issue. She gave him Meloxicam and Gabapentin and he got better again. But the limp became more pronounced in early February and didn’t go away after a few days’ rest. Xrays revealed a lytic and proliferative bone lesion and a periosteal reaction along the entire length of his right femur. A FNA ruled out a bacterial/fungal infection and was “suggestive” of sarcoma. Our local vet and the surgeon are recommending amputation but a canine oncologist recommends radiation as he does bear weight on it when he walks but does shift his weight almost entirely to his left leg when standing. Or is the amantadine just masking any pain? For the past 5 months he has had no lethargy, no loss of appetite, constantly wants to play and go for walks, has had no visible swelling at the site, no excessive licking, and no whining or crying. We are leaning towards amputation as it is not a healthy limb and we are concerned about pathological fracture. Is this a normal presentation for a highly aggressive osteosarcoma or could this be something else?
Hi Samantha,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult choice for your Lab. Without examining your dog, myself and being personally involved with his medical care, it is hard to make specific recommendations. Bone cancer can do some crazy things, so I am not sure it really has a “normal” presentation. Due to the aggressive nature of osteosarcoma, I tend to err on the side of caution and usually recommend amputation. It might be a good idea to talk to the oncologist and let them know the other two veterinarians are recommending surgery and see if they can give you some clarification of why they chose radiation instead. Amandine is great for pain control, but I do not think it is strong enough to completely mask the pain of a bone lesion like you describe. Your boy is just a tough cookie! I hope you can gather enough information and advice to make the best choice for your sweet boy. Praying for clarity and peace as you navigate this unknown path. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Two days ago, my one year old Weimaraner had his front leg amputated due to brachial plexus injury caused by jumping out of a moving car .6 months ago .
Within 24 hours of the surgery, he seems to be doing really well walking around and if anything wanting to run and play .
My concern is can he still continue to live a full long life and will he have problems standing or Sitting,urinating, etc .. and how else could this effect him in the future ?
Fortunately, he’s on the smaller size and lean..
I do wonder what he’s thinking when he looks down and his legs missing..As all these months he was very aware of this leg and much of the time wouldn’t let anyone touch it!!! 100
All these months he’s been experiencing nerve pain and continually injuring himself sometimes making himself bleed …
He’s also been experiencing some focal seizures ,which occasionally lasted 4/5 minutes but usually much less … sometimes we could attract his attention and snap him out if it, but sometimes he’d be very frightened by them .
Could they of been brought on by the nerve pain he’d been experiencing and could they possibly lessen now ?
He seems to have adapted very quickly as over the months,although he was using his other leg sometimes much of the time he wasn’t…
I was also wondering whether prosthetic leg would help him from putting so much weight on his other front leg …
Hi Alaana,
I am sorry your Weimaraner sustained this nerve injury and had to have his leg amputated. The good news is YES, he can definitely live a full long very happy life!!! The main concern after amputation is he will have to shift his weight onto the remaining leg which will predispose it to arthritis earlier in life. With that being said, there are many great joint supplements and therapies that can help minimize joint damage. I promise you he doesn’t miss having to carry that painful leg around anymore. Most dogs feel very free and have an increase in energy after their affected leg is removed. I am not sure the seizures are related to the brachial plexus injury, but pain could be playing a factor in the frequency of these episodes. Also, your dog could have sustained some head trauma during the accident that is now causing the seizures. I would be curious to know if the seizure activity decreases now that his pain is under control. A prosthetic leg might be helpful, but I honestly don’t have much experience with them and can’t say for sure if this is a good option for your pup. My best recommendation would be to partner with a veterinary rehabilitation specialist and let them guide you through this new journey. I am hopeful the worst is over, and you are headed for happier days. Wishing you both the best!
Our nearly 5yr old mix breed dog has just been diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma above his left front elbow. He is going to have it removed on Monday but we were told it may be difficult to get good margins. Should we ask about amputation?? We just want to do whatever gives him the best chance of cure/ most time.
Hi Lindsay,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult situation with your pup. There are many factors to consider when trying to decide if amputation is an option. Since I haven’t been personally involved with your dog’s case, it is hard to make specific recommendations. It is always ok to bring this subject up with your vet. You need to feel like you have voiced your concerns and have answers for all of your questions before moving forward. I am hopeful you will find the information you need to make the best choice for you and your sweet boy. Praying for a successful surgery and a bright future.
14 year old Australian Sheppard /Bassett Hound mix has a tumor on his Tibia in his hind leg. He also has some arthritis and has just recovered from a major infection on his front paw just below his ankle. It took 8 weeks to get that healed and now he has this tumor on his Tibia. Vet says we caught it early so that is good. Jack is his name. He has become very depressed and having to be taken outside to pee and poop. He is not eating well but still drinking water. Vet has given two choices, amputate to the hip or send our Jack to rainbow bridge. He needs to loose some weight so the eating part would help with his weight. Of course since he can’t get around he is not getting exercise. Before this leg tumor he had started to move around and be his old self again. Now this. If we could know that getting the pain from that leg being gone would bring back his cheerful self we would just have it removed and keep him with us awhile longer. How can you possibly know what to do? Would the pain from that leg being removed possibly get his personality back? This is so hard.
Dear Christie,
I am sorry Jack has received such a difficult diagnosis and is experiencing so much pain. Without examining him myself, it is hard to make specific recommendations. I do think removing the leg would help to restore his quality of life and allow him to feel more comfortable. Of course, there is no guarantee the surgery would be without complications. I also can’t say what Jack’s prognosis would be after surgery without knowing what kind of bone tumor you are dealing with. Some cancers do not have a very long survival time after diagnosis even with removal of the primary tumor. I highly recommend you talk to a specialist/veterinary oncologist and get their expert opinion on your dog’s specific situation. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your sweet boy. Wishing you both the best for a long a happy future.
Hi, I am beyond devistated my 11 year who acts and thinks she is a puppy. has cancer in her front leg not in joint. it’s gone threw one of the bones not both. blood work says good. we r struggling with amputation or not at her age. all she wants to do is run and play even with a hurt leg. we are managing pain and on antibiotic right now . can she even deal with amputation at her age. my vet doesn’t recommend at this point. today was not good and seems she is limping more even from this morning. i dont know what to do. I just want to do what’s best for her. shes 50 pounds border collie Sheppard and chow mix I believe
Hi Barbara,
I am sorry your senior girl is facing bone cancer. I understand your concern and worry for what lies ahead. In my experience, most dogs feel wonderful after their diseased leg is removed. It takes away the pain and by the time surgery is recommended, most aren’t really using the leg anyway. It frees them from having to hold up the painful leg or drag it around with them. If you have any lingering questions about what is best or about the procedure itself, don’t hesitate to ask for a consult with a specialist. I am hopeful you will be able to find the answers you need to make the best choice for your sweet girl. Wishing you both the best and feel free to leave an update at any point!
Hi there. I came across this blog and have a question. My 8 year old, 70 lb lab has already had TPLO & Meniscus surgery on her left hind leg. She started limping on her right back leg and is now not using it or putting weight on it. Took her to the vet and was told she blew out her other knee. We were told that about half of the dogs will have that happen. I know she is overweight. I feed her low fat dog food, hardly any treats and no scraps or food from us. She also has Epileptic seizures and takes meds for that. The TPLO surgery is very expensive but I am crying just watching her trying to get up from laying down or just walking.
She is on pain and anti inflammatory pills right now, but I can’t imagine she would be on those forever.
I just don’t know what to do. We have stairs in our house and I assist her with a dog lift under her back hips but she is almost too heavy for me to do that. I also have a bad back and not sure how long I will be able to continue to lift her.
Will the leg ever heal over time by itself? It is almost impossible to keep her completely calm and immobile. She’s a lab😉.
Hi Shyla,
I am sorry you are facing such a difficult situation with your Lab. I can only imagine how hard it is for you to manage her lack of mobility with your own back issues and her large size. Unfortunately, once the cruciate ligament has ruptured it will not repair itself. I highly recommend you schedule a consult with your vet and see if there are any other options to help your girl if you are trying to avoid surgery. You may want to talk with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They can offer exercises and treatments to help reduce inflammation and pain and are great at getting dogs to lose weight. Without examining your pup myself, I can’t make specific conclusions, but I am almost certain surgery will be the best way to restore your sweet girl’s quality of life. Wishing you both the best.
Hello, we have a 10.4 yr old Doodle who was just diagnosed with cancer and amputation is being suggested by the vet. Our worry is having his front leg amputated will be a major change for him. At 10+ years old and over weight, we are not sure what type of quality of life he will have.
Can overweight senior dogs thrive with three legs?
Hi Tiffani,
I understand your concern about your senior dog’s ability to function without all 4 legs. Having arthritis in other joints and being overweight could significantly impact his quality of life after amputation surgery. Without evaluating him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. Make sure your vet/surgeon is aware of your concerns and be honest about your feelings. It might be helpful to schedule a consult with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They may have ideas about how to give your boy the best chances at a good quality of life post-op. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your senior guy. Best wishes to you both.
my dog was attacked by a bigger dog. The vet tried to help but the wound got infected and vet could not heal the infection. She wanted to put him down but I could not go through with that option. I took my dog home with hopes he gets better. He just lost one of his back paws/half leg due to the infection. The bad smell decreased and he walks around find. Only he still have his days he doesn’t want to eat. I’ve been crying praying for a miracle or if he has to go, go on its own without suffering more. What can i do to help him? I really don’t want to take him to that vet anymore, and want him to get better completely.
Dear Max,
I am sorry for this terrible situation you are in with your dog. I am extremely concerned for your dog’s wellbeing that this infection has progressed to the point that he has lost part of his leg. This isn’t something you can leave unattended, and I am certain this is very painful. If your dog cannot feel the wounded leg anymore, this could be a sign that the nerves are affected. Your dog may be avoiding food due to pain and there is a high risk of him becoming septic. A “natural” death of this kind is not usually peaceful and can be very traumatic. Even if you wish to get a second opinion from a different vet, I highly recommend you seek medical attention for your dog ASAP.
My golden retriever of 12 years was diagnosed with nasal cell tumour 18 months ago which was surgically removed 10 months ago from his left elbow. Now he has started limping on his elbow and there is a mass inside and has been identified as apocrine carcinoma. One of the course of treatments is amputation but he has arthritis in one hind leg and an FHO was done in the other when he was 3.
I don’t want to put him through radiation and cannot decide if I should put him through amputation. I most certainly want to alleviate his pain.
Dear Shally,
My heart goes out to you with this difficult situation you are facing with your senior guy. This might be one of those times where there really is no right or wrong answer. Since I haven’t examined your boy myself, it is hard to make specific recommendations. You may want to talk to a surgery specialist and a veterinary rehabilitation professional and get their opinions on if surgery is the best choice. It is never wrong to opt for palliative care. I tend to lean toward quality of life rather than quantity. If hind limb arthritis was not an issue I would definitely vote for surgery. I hope you can find the advice you need to make the best decision for you and your sweet boy. Wishing you all the best and bless you both.
our Australian Shepherd Nell had a Teri le accident last year and fell over some cliffs at the seaside. she had a comminuted fractured femur, collapsed lung and after 48 hours of touch and go, she pulled through. the vet pinned and plated her leg with internal fixators. After many operations and so much love and care, it was decided that amputation was the final resort. she has been lame about 70% of this last year.
she has do e remarkably well. she is walking and wanting to be off. we’re trying to keep her calm and ensure she doesn’t do too much. I’m afraid I am the problem, I don’t want to wrap her in cotton wool, but watch her like a hawk. I worry about everything. is her chest getting too big, is her spine sticking up and protruding, is she limping on her back leg. I’m afraid I’m going to prevent her recovery. I read everything I can. I know I’m overthinking.
it’s been a very difficult time
Hi Ann,
I understand your worry and the need to protect Nell but is sounds like she is doing great. I am glad she is feeling good and wanting to run and play. It might be a good idea to partner with a veterinary rehabilitation professional to monitor your pup’s progress as she recovers from her surgery. Also, they can give you ideas about exercises or therapies to try to help keep her remaining legs strong and prevent early arthritis formation from the extra strain. Nell is a fighter and I have no doubt she will have many happy years ahead. Try not to dwell on the “what ifs” and allow yourself to enjoy the blessing of extra time together.
I rescued an injured puppy literally sitting, right front paw up, on the line in the middle of a busy road. Long story short, she will have her leg amputated next week. The vet determined there was a complete fracture of the tibia and it was not a new injury. The nerves had decayed to the point that the puppy didn’t react to manipulation of the whole leg.
The young college student that helped to lure her in , with 8 sticks of my satay dinner, named her Daisy when I told him I would most likely be keeping her.
Thus we will have a very happy 6 mos old Daisy to join Holly the English setter, my kitty Keeta and my sister who is helping immensely with this adoption.
Hi Susan,
Daisy is a lucky pup to have been saved from the middle of the road! I am sorry her leg is damaged beyond repair but glad she is a good candidate for amputation surgery. I hope her procedure goes smoothly, and she makes a full recovery. I have no doubt that in a few weeks she will be running around living her best life. It is amazing how free dogs seem to feel after their injured leg is gone and they no longer have to hobble around with the extra weight. Thank you for sharing your story with our readers. Feel free to leave an update on Daisy’s progress and how she is fitting in with Holly and Keeta if you have a chance. Bless you both and best wishes!
I recently got a beautiful Akbash from a family that could no longer keep her. She had a hindlimb amputation at 3 1/2 months d/t trauma. She will be 3 in June and gets around wonderfully right now. I walk her daily both to keep her strong and trim. She is however approximately 100 pounds and I’m concerned about long term joint health on her remaining back leg/hip. Should I consider a wheeled sling early, before she shows signs of pain or will that weaken her muscles and make her dependent upon the extra support?
Hi Lori,
Thank you for taking on this special girl and offering her a lifetime of love. It is a great idea to minimize the stress and impact on her remaining limbs, but I am not sure if it is time for wheels yet. While it’s not that she will develop a dependence on the extra support but rather if she isn’t using her muscles, they may begin to atrophy causing weakness. The saying is true…. if you don’t use it, you lose it! I would recommend starting a good joint supplement as a protectant to hopefully prevent arthritis formation for as long as possible. Wishing you all the best and praying for many happy years ahead!