Last November when I had my surgery, my Mom was a little upset that my Dad posted my surgery photos on Tripawds. He wanted everyone to see my battle scar because he thought it was cool. My Mom wasn’t amused.
Not too long ago, I got an email from Bear, a big ol’ dawg that got the bad osteosarcoma news that he’d be a tripod dog soon. His people were worried, but his Dad said
“Both my wife and I were very happy that we had seen Jerry’s pics before Bear had his surgery. It would have been much more traumatic to have seen it for the first time when we went to pick him up.”
Ha! That made my Dad feel good. And then my Mom agreed, and said “well, yeah, we had never seen any post-op photos of an amputee dog either.” When she first saw me come out of the hospital, she almost fainted!
So, in the interest of canine health education about bone cancer, here is Bear’s story, post-amputation surgery photos and all.
This is Bear, before his surgery. See, he’s limping just like I was. Ouch!
Then, look at Bear, after his surgery.
Don’t worry Bear, that big furry coat will grow back. Mine took about 6 months to come back completely, but now I’m more handsome than ever! And remember, even though you lost your leg, you’re lucky it was a back one. See, when a dog loses a rear leg, it’s much easier than when he loses a front leg like me. Dogs carry most of their weight on the front legs. Rear leg canine amputees have an easier time getting around. But watch out Bear, I’ll bet I can still beat you in a race for a stick!
Bear is doing great now. His Dad says:
“It’s been great to have him back to his old self. It’s been a week now, and he barely seems to notice anymore. . . He’s eating really well, and he’s getting a lot better at taking walks and wanting to go check out his old haunts to make sure everything’s OK and re-mark his territory.”
Are dogs cool, or what? Yeay for bear! Go get ’em pal!
Grateful for the pics. Facing this next week. Thank you.
Sadie loses her leg on Friday, February 1, 2008. It has astounded me regarding the opinions of outsiders as to whether she should lose her leg or not. The decision is debilitating for me, but for others it seems to be easy. Don’t put her through the pain and suffering; only for a couple of years? No matter what, if I’m in Sadie’s position or something similar, please don’t make the decision that my life is not worth living because I don’t have the required number of limbs.
Thanks for commenting Carrla. Anyone who has gone through this and truly loves their dog can tell you, it is no easy decision by any means. The hardest part is that you alone must make the decision … unless you can talk to Sadie.
Just don’t let anyone tell you what to do. We sure can’t. We just advocate that it is quality of life that matters. Not quantity. And I can testify that life on three legs is much better than the alternative! Best wishes with whatever you decide.
-Jerry
Hi all,
Please help!
I have a large 8 stone dog called Tree. He was hit by a car 3 weeks ago and broke both bones in his front right leg.
After his 3rd cast slipped off yesterday, an xray revealed that his bones have not even started to knit and are not likely to.
Without going into too much detail about other options not being viable, we are now left with decision of amputation or euthanasia.
I cant bare the thought of having him put to sleep when all that is wrong with him is a broken leg, he is not ill or unhappy. I’m worried about the prospect of amputation because of his size and that it is his front leg.
Are there any people out there with happy ending stories about big heavy dogs with only one front leg?
thanks for any coments
Mary and Tree
Hi Mary. Depending on Tree’s age and health, he should do just fine on three legs. W’ve heard success stories of big dogs in their teens recuperating and enjoying life.
Moose was a large three-legged Harlequinn Great Dane who did just fine for more than two years and Finnegan is a huge three legged Irish Wolfhound who still gets around great.
Post your concerns in the Tripawd Discussion Forums for more support and advice. Good luck with whatever decision you do make. We know it’s a difficult one.