Posted by keith on 5/9/2007, 9:10 am
152.163.100.16
I have a 6 year old rottie mix that has been through a few surgeries. she (charlotte) has had both acl's surgically repaired, she has also had a round cell sarcoma removed from her right front paw only to have it come back and grow far more aggressively. she now faces the option of full or partial amputation. my concerns are that charlotte has severe arthritis in both front elbows and as previously mentioned repaired knees (rear legs). I'm not sure she would do well with full amputation (the vet would take the entire right front leg shoulder blade and all) and leave her as a three legged dog. my other option is to try a prosthetic that would be purchased through handicappedpets.com or orthopets.com. what I am trying to find is some one who has had a similar experience to talk to. Charlotte is low energy and doesn't require a lot of exercise. my wife and I adopted her as a puppy from a local shelter and she is like our child as we do not have any "human" children. we have two other dogs and have had other dogs in the past. if the prosthetic doesn't end up working out then we have a leg that could cause further complications down the line. in order to have the prosthetic work the vet must leave at least 50% of the forearm so the prosthetic can be attached. Charlotte weighs just over 70 lbs. I have had very little luck trying to find any one who has been through this. lots of rear legs but never any front leg amputations. if she was stronger and more active I feel she could handle being three legged, but due to her current physical health I believe she needs to be able to use four limbs, even if one is like a cane instead of flesh and bone. is there anyone out there with any advice or experience with this sort of thing. as with anyones "child" the price of comfort and happiness is not an issue.
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