Question:
I am new to this website and board. Please don't blast me for going to the wrong place! Guide me there if you need to.

My 5 year old Australian cattle dog/shiba inu mix was walking with my husband last Thursday night (2-3-05) and was grazed by a mini van. She sustained no internal injuries, just bit her tongue. However she is not using her front left leg. The emergency vet said it might be nerve damage and that amputation might be our only option. He said to watch for the first 10 days.

Okay, now after days of crying and grieving , I am determined to get her the best care and other options. She gets around slowly, I am sure she is sore.

I don't want to amputate, only as a last resort. Please help me! I need referrals or suggestions, anything to lead me in the right directions.

A few prayers for my girl! She loves to run and play and she seems very sad now.

Thank you in advance!

Connie

Answer:
First of all, welcome to the site. This post is fine here... but there is a forum for "ask the vet" and related medical questions -- there is no vet in that forum that can help you! (Just so you know) and people here can only give you advice, not diagnose anything for you! (Just so you're aware!)

I am very sorry to hear that you're poor girl was brushed by that van, it's still VERY scary! I would consult another vet though... amputation sounds very drastic! If the van only brushed I find it difficult to understand that she now requires amputation!!! I would see another vet ASAP! It hasn't been 10 days yet!

My old dog (RIP Tanner) was bumped by a car as well. I think it was most freight, but he had a bump on his rear that he wouldn't walk on his back leg for days. The vet said that the swelling made it uncomfortable for walking... he was fine after a week or so...

I hope you're girl is going to be okay, please keep us updated!

Answer:
Sorry about your doggie!!

The vet gave good advice. With nerve damage, either the nerves will heal or they will not. There is no way to repair them. If they do not fheal, and there is no feeling in the leg it must be amputated since the dog will not recognize it as her own body part and will chew it.

Even if ( and I hope not!) your dog needs an amputation, dogs do perfectly well with three legs as long as you keep their weight down. Most dogs are not even slowed down by this! They live in the here and now and do not grieve this kind of loss the way we would. This type of thing is much harder on us than on them.

I hope things turn out well! Please let us know.

Answer:
Our prayers are with your sweet angel

Personally, I would be getting a second opinion. Your vet may (unfortunately) be right, but for peace of mind alone that this is the ONLY solution, I would be seeing another vet, maybe even specialist.

If the worst does happen and it has to be amputated, there are lots of tricks to help her still have a long and happy life



Answer:
OMG.. I'm so sorry . I agree with GoldenGirl about the second opinion.

(((Hug))) & Prayers for your girl.

Answer:
Oh dear. How sad. I guess Lucky said it best if its amputated many dogs/cats and other animals have functioned very well with just three legs. Im crossing my fingers that your doggy is ok and will heal good. Go get a second opinion. It wont hurt to see someone else and if they say the same then atleast you tried and can take comfort in that. Good luck and Ill pray for your fur babies speedy recovery.

Answer:
I'm so sorry to hear that your girl has suffered these injuries. How heart-wreching for you. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that she can recover fully without an amputation.
A second opinion would be wise, but if this is the only recourse, as mentioned, many dogs do just fine with this limitation.. and are able to compensate very well indeed.
Good luck to you both. I send postive thoughts and good wishes.

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