3 legged dogs

[stuartmmcfc]

I had some very bad news today regarding my lab. She may have a “mass” on her shoulder and if a specialist opinion confirms it tomorrow then our vet has told me her left front leg would have to be amputated.
She’s my assistantance dog and is a very fit small lab but is 8 now with no weight. issues at all.
I’ve spent most of the afternoon fighting back the tears, not always successfully tbh.
I’ve seen 3 legged dogs in the park and they’ve seemed quite happy, has anyone had experience of this situation?

[cptsideways]

Sorry to hear the news, though an non overweight active dog will manage just fine, they are amazing at coping. Friends have a tripod spaniel you'd never know.

[softtop]

sorry to hear that. Is this based on an xray at this point? with such speed they must be wanting to solve the issue?

[billbring]

Sorry to hear your news, I'd be upset as well. But genuinely, I expect the dog will crack on as if nothing's happened.

[moorx]

Yes, we had a greyhound, Dylan, who had a front leg removed due to bone cancer. It's quite common in greyhounds.

He was 9 years old, 28" TTS and 32kg.

Once recovered, he managed just fine and was even able to chase rabbits (not that he ever caught one!) It was a while ago and my memory's not great these days, but I do recall we had to make a few adjustments (making his bed a bit firmer, so that he could lever himself up more easily; more mats on our tiled floors, etc).

They generally recover far more quickly than a human in the same position would.

Unfortunately, Dylan's cancer returned elsewhere after about 6 months so we had to let him go

This is him with a full complement of legs:

[garythesign]

What awful news.

This would upset any of us with pet dogs but to have it in a service dog must be devastating

As moorx says, dogs adapt incredibly well.

Good luck and please keep us posted

[stuartmmcfc]

Thank you for your kind replies. it obviously doesn’t make me feel better but I do feel more reassured now.