I have a 12 year old Beagle Terrier mix named Phoebe that had her front right leg amputated about a month ago. She had developed a tumor on it three years or so ago. We monitored it and took her to our vet like anyone else would. It was cancer, but fortunately it did not attack her organs. The tumor grew much bigger over time and eventually we had it removed with a skin graft after. Phoebe did great with the surgery and was walking around within a month. About two years later the tumor came back and grew even faster. Once it started to affect her mobility it was time to make a decision.
Our vet warned us having it remove would only be a temporary fix and it would come back again. We decided to amputate the entire leg after talking to our vet and doing a lot of research on websites such as this one. Like everyone else who had ever visited this site we were super worried about how she would do. Phoebe is a very round dog about 3 to 5 pounds overweight with long skinny legs. She is also getting on the older side. I thought to myself, “No way will she be able to hold herself up and move around.” I was wrong.
She was pretty pathetic the first day or so. She was medicated and the anesthesia still hadn’t completely worn off but she was up and walking around within about 48 hours. She would only walk about 10 feet and would lay down to catch her breath. With a little bit of encouragement (and some bribing with treats) she got used to having only three legs. She was moving around as if nothing happened within 10 days. She is acting even younger now. She walks, runs, jumps on the couch, plays with us, and is happy as can be.
I would like to thank Dr. Adam Wright and the entire staff at Ontario Veterinary Hospital in Ontario, California. Without their help and support Phoebe might not be around today to make our lives so fun. They did a great job and we’re incredibly helpful through all of this.
To anyone who has a dog or knows someone with a dog in need of amputation, do not worry. It doesn’t matter how old, young, fat, skinny, hyper, mellow, or all around crazy your dog may be, they will do fine. They will adapt, over come their handicap, and embrace it just like you will. If it’s possible I think I love Phoebe even more…..even if she is missing a leg 🙂
awwww, well said Phoebe and family! This is wonderful, I’m going to link to it in our ‘Size and Age’ matters Discussion Forum topic.
I know it’s gotta be super scary to proceed with amputation for an older dog, especially one with a roundish figure ;), you are one brave pack!
By the way, my pack always travels to Southern California for winter. Stay tuned to our “Tripawd Pawties” discussion topic, I think they want to arrange a Tripawd Pawty sometime after the holidays.
Much love to you and Phoebe, may you have many many great times ahead!
This is a wonderful success story! You are giving encouragement to many who need it for sure. We wish you many more fun filled days with Phoebe! Great picture by the way 🙂
Awww, we used to have a beagle. They are so awesome! I’m glad she’s doing well. It can all be very scary and overwhelming at first. It’s great when you start to see them get their personalities back!
All the best,
Jackie, Angel Abby’s mom
What a happy story! Glad to hear Phoebe is doing so well! How wonderful that she is enjoying life, running, jumping and playing!
Our Charlie (Lhasa/Chihuahua/Terrier) had his left front amputation last Monday. It is an un-reversible scary decision! Charlie doesn’t have cancer, but had a stroke in his spine. He lost use of that leg, and after 6mo’s of rehab, we decided to amputate instead the hinderance of a dragging leg. I hope our Charlie does as well after he gets through the recovery period.
Wishing Phoebe and you a happy, healthy, active life!!
That’s a wonderful post. I agree, our dogs don’t let a little thing like 3 legs get in the way of enjoying life. They just get on with living. We can learn so much from them.
I haven’t been on here in a long time but I just want to give an update on Phoebe. She is still doing great! She has lost a little bit of weight (which she needed to) and is as happy as ever. She moves so fast on three legs and can even climb on the couch. Thanks again for everyone’s support!