3 legged dog

[Connemmara]

My friend's daughter's little dog had to get one of her back legs amputated. What do you think of it. I have Harvey but I dont think I could cope with him having to cope with 3 legs as the back of a dog is heavy and one leg does not support it or so I think

[Pigletion]

Having seen dogs with only three legs both in person and on tv (on vet-type programmes), they seem to adapt remarkably well and remain happy and still run around. If the dog still has a good quality of life and is not suffering, I'm sure it will be fine. Obviously you wouldn't have it done if it would prolong the suffering..

I guess it would depend on the age of a dog, an aged dog would probably find it harder to cope. Also I would think that some breeds have an easier time adapting that others, due to body proportions etc.

[paddywak]

About 12yrs ago my nephews cat Tiger had to have a rear leg amputated after being caught in a snare he's nearly 15 now and after the first few months he was as agile (and still is) as he'd ever been. As the two previous posters have said provided he's reasonably well to start with there is no reason at all to prevent him having a long and happy life

[B00]

I don't understand your comment Connemmara to be honest..."I don't think i could cope...."?

[brenda]

One of my neighbours has a three legged Jack Russell, aged 8 . he has been this way since he was 2 years of age. He is fit, runs , plays and goes for walks. I am sure the dog you are speaking about will be fine and cope very well indeed.

[kippyboo]

Dogs tend to carry their weight on the forehand, years ago I had a boxer *** who had her back leg aputated at the age of 9, It didnt slow her down one bit she could still run as fast as ever and lived till the ripe old age of 14. It will be fine.

[lankeela]

I know a three legged lurcher who does agility and jumps full height obstacles and all the ramps etc with no problem.

[Connemmara]

for boo - to tell you the truth I saw a little dog in a park with 3 legs and every now and again compared to my own dog it had to sit down, run sit down and run - wasnt able to run all the time. yes for me I could not cope perhaps with my dog being in pain and out of puff and so on and on

[mrs.chappie]

The lady who runs our local hedgehog hospital has a dog with three legs. She (the dog) copes very well with the missing leg, although other ailments are now affecting her. She is an old dog.

I don't think she is long for this world. [:o(

[pastafreak]

The fact that " it had to sit down, run sit down and run " may have very little to do with the fact it has 3 legs. It may be an old dog that would need/want to rest any way. There is a 3-legged dog by me that runs like a little bullet.

[Noweia]

Most of a dog's weight is carried on the front legs; the back legs are more for propulsion.

Dogs cope well even with front legs amputated. If he's overweight, get the extra weight off him as it won't help. Otherwise he should be fine.

[paddywak]

I'd rather have a three legged Max then no Max at all

[Andyvon]

Most dogs and cats that lose legs seem to adapt quickly and go on to lead happy and healthy lives for the rest of their allotted span. Amputations are obviously unavoidable and I think that's a better option than the animal either struggling with the injury or affliction that led to the amputation, or simply being put to sleep years ahead of it's time.