Adaptation of dogs to the amputation of a limb and their owners' satisfaction with the procedure

Vet Rec. 1999 Jan 30;144(5):115-8. doi: 10.1136/vr.144.5.115.

Abstract

Forty-four Dutch dog owners were interviewed by telephone about their experiences with their dog after it had had a limb amputated. Most of the dogs adapted to walking on three legs within a month, sooner than most of the owners had expected. There were few complications after the amputation, although changes in behaviour were observed in approximately one-third of the dogs.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Amputation, Surgical / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Body Weight
  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Dogs / surgery*
  • Extremities / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Ownership
  • Postoperative Period
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires