How long does it take for a dog to recover from leg amputation? Simple and Effective Tips

Activity restrictions after your pet’s amputation surgery

Bruising — Minor bruising around the incision site is common after any surgery and should resolve after several days.

Seroma formation — Fluid may accumulate under your pet’s skin near the bottom of her remaining stump. As long as swelling is not excessive, this is a minor complication, and the fluid should slowly resorb over one to two weeks.

Infection — Skin infection is not common unless your dog licks the incision or it becomes contaminated from her environment. Ensure your pet wears her e-collar at all times, and keep her in a clean area with clean, dry bedding. If you notice infection signs, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, contact us immediately.

Neuroma formation — Occasionally, nerves that were cut during surgery form small lumps that can be painful. Although this complication is rare, treatment options are available.

Phantom pain — Many owners of pets who need limb amputation are concerned about their pet suffering from phantom pain (i.e., pain from a body part that has been removed), but such pain is uncommon in pets and is not a typical limb-amputation complication.

While it isn’t an answer in all situations, limb amputation shouldn’t be discounted in circumstances where it is potentially curative or greatly improves your pet’s quality of life. Thankfully most pets adjust without skipping a beat.

If your pet requires a bandage or drain after surgery, we will show you how to care for them at your pet’s discharge.

It may be helpful to have a few supplies at home in order to better help you care for your pet. A digital thermometer and some lubricant can help you to monitor your pet’s temperature. Basic bandage supplies such as bandage scissors, sterile gauze pads, flexible wrap, and adhesive tape may come in handy.

Veterinary Oncology Services and Research Center wants to be sure that you know what to expect when it comes to pet limb amputation so that you can be prepared to help your pet make a full recovery.

Help your pet build strength—Your pet is going to be using some different muscles than he or she has previously used. We can work together to develop an appropriate exercise program or refer you to pet rehabilitation specialist in order to help your pet recover.

How does having three limbs affect pets’ quality of life?

According to Dr. Pavia, quality of life actually improves after amputation because the source of pain and discomfort is removed. In many cases, the pet is already used to shifting his weight to three limbs because the affected leg was too painful or sensitive to walk on.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about limb amputation in pets,” said Dr. Pavia. “Most pets do remarkably well with only three legs and quality of life greatly improves once they are no longer in pain.”

Amputation – What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know: VLOG 67

Limb amputation sounds like a scary and life-changing event. But for animals with debilitating and painful disease or trauma of the leg, amputation can sometimes be the best decision for quality of life and pain relief.

It may surprise you to learn that most pets with three legs live perfectly happy and normal lives. Dr. Philippa Pavia, a board-certified veterinary surgeon and medical director at BluePearl Downtown New York City, answers the frequently asked questions about three-legged pets and limb amputation.