My dog's broken leg healed improperly. Should I consider amputation?

Thank you for reposting your question with pictures. The second x-ray is a little dark and is difficult to read, but I can certainly see that the area is not normal and why your vet would recommend amputation since the area will not get any better. However, if Ella only has a slightly limp, then I'm not sure why the amputation needs to happen now. Some dogs do very well with an abnormal leg for many years. If at some point it starts causing her more problems, it can always be amputated at that time. And certainly only having 3 legs puts more strain on the other legs, so we try to wait to amputate unless the leg is currently painful or causing problems. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I think a third option might be available based on the x-ray - an FHO procedure to remove the ball of the femur and allow for more comfort with the dislocated hip. To me it sounds like Maggie is not using her leg much at all, and the vets don't think an FHO would help (which is certainly possible, I'm just suggesting based on what I can see in the x-ray) it sounds to me like amputation might be best. I would worry that she cries out because the leg is sometimes painful.

That looks like a pretty nasty fracture. My first recommendation would be orthopedic surgery. The surgeon may recommend plates or other devices to get the bone back in alignment so that it can heal. If that is not an option in your area, then amputation would be my next recommendation. Due to the location, a cast or splint will not provide enough stabilization to allow the edges of the bone to knit back together. If the bones can be re-aligned, a hobble can be attempted, but the failure rate is quite high.

Hello. Without x-rays it is impossible to know what is actually going on in the paw. It is difficult to say if this will bother her more as she matures, but you really do not have too many options. Perhaps a surgery to fuse & stabilize the paw may be helpful, but will not eliminate all pain & discomfort & you certainly would not amputate the leg unless she began to self-mutilate the paw. So, unless you can have the paw x-rayed, I would take a wait & see how she does. If she over does it when you play with her, then make sure she rests the leg. Otherwise, I would try to avoid pain relieves in such a young dog. Perhaps, once her bones are finished growing & maturing, she may actually do quite well. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. Thank you for the additional information. It is possible that Poppy was born this way, but the important point is the description of the pad on the top of the foot. You see, the only reason to consider amputation is if Poppy was self-mutilating the foot by dragging it. But if she is managing, then there is no need to do much of anything. A boot might help, but may also not be necessary. I wish I could see a video of how she walks & uses the leg. But if you just keep an eye on things, she may do just fine. And thank you for rescuing her, & clarifying things for me.

I'm sorry that Salem is having this issue. I bet he is in pain :( Once a metatarsal is fused it is impossible to re-break and splint to get it to heal. Even if they could do that (which I highly doubt) it would most likely need to be fixed with plates and screws; splinting will not help. I suggest you consult with an orthopedic surgeon. They will tell you how the leg can be fixed or even if it can be fixed at this point. The surgeon may know of a way to fix it that your vet may not be aware of. Ask your vet about a referral to a surgeon. Honestly, in my opinion, it is better to amputate the limb. Cats (and dogs) do AMAZINGLY well with 3 legs. I have had numerous 3-legged cats and dogs (my personal pets) that once they have the surgery they never look back. The source of pain is gone and they adapt to using 3 legs very easily. That will be the easiest and least painful option for him and it will heal very quickly. The surgery is very easy and quick to do. He will heal in no time and will no longer be suffering. I hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to ask. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Muneca is limping. Based off the radiograph, it looks like her fibula, the smaller bone in her lower leg, may be fractured. It is difficult to know for sure without an orthogonal view, but that may be the reason for her limping. I recommend restricting her activity to cage rest and leash walks only, do not let her run or play for at least 4 weeks to allow time for the bone to heal. I recommend having her evaluated by a veterinarian who can perform bloodwork and see if it is safe to prescribe her anti-inflammatory pain medications to help her feel more comfortable. NEVER give human pain medications to dogs as they can be markedly toxic. I hope this is helpful!