Injured pup (nerve damage)

[Soñadora]

About a month ago, our 7 month old pup was injured in an accident. Her right front paw was paralyzed and the immediate prognosis was to amputate her leg. That was a bit of a shock for us. Tears were shed and we decided to give it a few weeks to see if function would return.

Function has not returned. There seems to be some function in the shoulder but her muscles are quite atrophied and she is “knuckling”. She has started to lick the knuckle to the point that it’s now bare. We’ve been keeping it clean. Bandages won’t stay on.

She is scheduled to have her leg amputated.

Of course, of researched this to death, but I’m no vet. I realize the damage could be permanent but much of what I read claims it can take months for nerves to heal. I would hate to remove the leg if there’s a chance of recovery. I’ve been considering a second opinion. Without MRI or some other expensive analysis, there’s no way to know the state of her nerve damage.

She has adapted well to the paralysis and walks/runs fine.

Does anyone have experience with this?

[Olaf Hart]

We know a couple of three legged dogs.

They seem pretty happy, one still likes to chase our sheep..

[JoeP]

Sorry to hear about this Rick. Take heart though. As Paul says. They seem to adapt to the loss pretty well. My brother in law had a Schiperke (spelling?) who lost a leg in an accident too. Afterwards he accompanied him on some of his trips enforcing Alaska Fish & Game laws in a 43 ft fishing boat out of Kodiak. I went out with him once and the dog, Harley, could make his way around the boat offshore in a force 4 or 5 with swell and cross chop and even stood on the cap rail in calm waters on our way back into the harbor. I think your dog will adapt quite well and may even be able to a accompany you sailing.

[Soñadora]

We decided to amputate her leg. It's been over two weeks and it's as though she never had it or even needed it. Such a sweet, loveable little pup!

[Slick470]

Sorry to hear about the pup's leg. It sounds like you made the right decision though.