Amputation

Are you facing the possibility of having your pet's limb amputated? It's a tough decision to make. Most of us think about what it would be like to lose a limb, and we assume that our pets would feel the same way. But in reality, pets don't lose much sleep over it. They aren't worried about what the other dogs will think of them, and they don't worry about it being "undignified." Usually, the reason for an amputation is a painful condition (e.g., cancer, trauma), and once you remove the source of pain, most pets adapt very well. (One of the TVEC docs has a three-legged cat who will successfully climb 6 foot privacy fences if you don't watch out. She's got the strongest front legs in the world!)

If your pet is facing this problem, and you're not sure what to do, first talk to your vet. Tell him/her about your concerns and ask the questions you want to ask. This is definitely your best source of information. If you're the type of person who needs or likes to find more information on the internet, here's a good site to check out. It's written by people who have been there and done that. Also try the amputation FAQ's at BoneCancerDogs.com. This is another good website for those with pets facing this disease.

Disclaimer: These websites have some good information, but we can't promise that all of it will apply to your pet. We provide the links just to give you more information. Again, talk to your vet!