Sophie update..

[mainpower]

Have I made the right decision...
Quick recap, on Saturday my lurcher Sophie chased a horse, she was either kicked or just caught up and fractured the humerus. Had a long chat with vet, he's not done much of this type of surgery, but to go to a specialist would cost between 3/5k. Sophie is not insured.
He planned to plate the leg, but he spoke to a specialist over the weekend who said it couldn't be plated, it would have to be pinned, and to stop the pin spinning she'd have the external bar and screws attached. There is a chance of radial nerve damage, which wouldn't be fully diagnosed until after the op, leading to a dropped shoulder, plus usual infection risks. (I have just had a finger pinned and had massive infection when the pin was removed which stopped it healing, so know where he's coming from on that score.)
The external frame would be taken off after 6 weeks, then she would have short lead exercise for a minimum of 3 months, but potentially up to a year. While the bar is there the chance of catching it or one of the other dogs thinking it would be fun to pull her along by it would be high!
The vet said that she wants to play "lurcher style" when taken out for toileting, despite only having the use of three legs. So today I made the decision to go straight for amputation, which means she can come home tomorrow, I am confident about any nursing needed, and she'll quickly be able to resume usual lurcherness, albeit on 3 legs!
The vet did go through the options of leg off at shoulder (eventually the muscles would atrophy and the bone would be poking at the skin) or removing the shoulder blade completely, which takes away some protection of the chest cavity. I've left that decision to him!
All being well Sophie will come home tomorrow, the op. is planned for this afternoon. I popped in to see her today, but wish I hadn't as she was howling for me when I walked away! Cue me having another blub (my eyes are too close to my bladder lol).
Was it the right choice?

 

[Spudlet]

Honestly, I think yes. That is an awfully long recovery period for an operation with so many potential problems... I think amputation sounds like a better option for her tbh. I think it's the option I would go for in your position.

**Hands over Kleenex and chocolate cheesecake**

 

[davisn]

I think you have made the right choice for Sophie. The estimated recovery period was really long, especially as she is an active dog & she isn't your only dog. I'm sure she will cope just fine with 3 legs.

Also a much better decision for your stress levels & purse!

Fingers crossed for the op. Home made strawberry muffins, still warm from the oven, on their way over to you.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Yes I think you have made the right choice. Lurchers and greyhounds seem to cope really well with amputations, so with any luck she will soon be running round with the others. Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly this afternoon, will be thinking of you. Please keep us updated.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Definitely the right choice. I see a girl who goes out running with a three-legged greyhound/lurcher type.

 

[mainpower]

Thanks everyone...went to see her after work today. Vet took the scapula away, and has made a very neat job of the stitching. Sophie's a bit confused (actually she tends to be a bit dopey at the best of times lol ), looks like she's thinking "There's something not quite right here but I just can't put my paw on it " . Will post pics tomorrow!

 

[MurphysMinder]

Glad she has come through the op okay, I am sure she will cope brilliantly.

 

[Dobiegirl]

Ah bless her and you so glad the op went well and what a horrible decision to have to make. You had no choice and have done the right thing.

Youve maintained your sense of humour which is great and when she comes home she will suprise you,

 

[mainpower]

Sophie has some very bizarre habits... she does an excellent impression of a flea, leaps about, has been known to do the odd back-flip. She was found on a rubbish tip having been left behind by "travellers" and rescued by my neighbour. Who lives in a bedsit with several ferrets, cats and dogs. And a baby, who Sophie looked after while neighbour went out. Eventually social services stepped in and said the baby would go into care if the animals didn't go. When I got her she couldn't go out for more than 10 minutes at a time as her pads were so soft from being indoors for so long. Yet she's got the most loving nature I've ever known a dog to have... everyone's best friend!

 

[Snoozinsusan]

I would probably have made the same decision in your situation. Hope she is bouncing around again soon and keep us up to date with her progress.

Saw a little cocker spaniel puppy at the vets last week. She had had a front leg amputated at just 6 weeks old and I didn't even notice because she was coping so well!