Amputation Of A Limb – Can Your Dog Live With A Prosthetic?

In the instance of an amputation – many dogs live normal, healthy lives filled with play, exercise and time spent with their owners. The owners refer to these newly amputated pups as “tripods” due to their three legs. Something as tragic as a car accident, or ongoing as a disease can lead to a dog requiring an amputation.

Does Your Dog Need A Prosthetic?

In fact, although it can be a disturbing decision for any dog owner to make – an amputation often takes only weeks for the dog to recover from the mental aspects of losing a leg. Although as owners, we are upset for the loss of the limb, the recovery process takes less time for the emotional, than it does for the physical. It is important to remember that after the recovery, the dog will indeed be back to himself!

Most dogs receive n amputation on one of two places; either on the shoulder, or the hip. With the hip being down lower, it becomes easier to fit for a prosthetic, and is also more comfortable for the dog. Depending on the injury or disease, the veterinarian will suggest which amputation is best for the dog.

Most owners that have the choice decide to amputate at the shoulder, which will remove the entire leg. A stump can be harder for the dog to adjust, whereas a dog living with three legs learns to adjust and walk, hop – and eventually walk normal. Dog owners that decide on a stump most often have the intention of giving the dog a prosthetic.

Bone cancer is the number one cause for amputations in dogs. To prevent the cancer from recurring – veterinarians most often recommend removing the entire leg, to the shoulder. In this case, many decide to leave the dog as a “tripod”.

It is important to remember that attaching a prosthetic is easiest when the leg is amputated on the dog below the knee. Sometimes this is not always possible but when it is, special preparations can be made to the area such as the implementation of pads, and other devices to assist the amputation in cohesively attaching to the leg.

Unfortunately, in the case of bone cancer the leg is often altered completely amputated – and there is no choice for a prosthetic. Not all dogs require a prosthetic, it is important to remember that dogs living with three legs will enjoy just as healthy and fulfilled lives as those living with four!

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on raised dog bowls online.

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