Many of us have probably seen a three-legged dog before – and chances are, they were happy. Whether it’s the result of accident or disease, limb amputation in dogs is common, and dogs are great at coping with it.
Although it involves major surgery, amputation can actually help dogs, rather than hinder them, by removing their source of pain and suffering. Limb amputation in dogs is designed to make their life better, after all, and will only take place if your vet thinks the procedure can achieve this.
Most dogs will happily adjust to life on three legs with your help and your vet’s advice. In fact, they’ll often be so busy running around, chasing balls and playing ‘fetch’ that they hardly notice anything’s wrong.
How will my dog cope with amputation surgery?
Limb amputation in dogs, although difficult to think about at first, could do your severely injured pet a lot of good. In fact, dog amputation surgery may often be the best option for canines with severe injuries from car accidents, other accidents, or for those suffering from bone cancer or other serious diseases.
Of course, it may not be easy for your dog to learn how to move around as they once did. The absence of a limb makes normal movement a bit of a task, and your dog will have to learn how to make up for it before they become their usual, bouncy selves again. However, with time, most can compensate for the changes in weight distribution and learn to walk and even run again. With time and understanding, they could soon be running around in the garden or in the park – just as they used to.