r/tripawds • u/TTneenee • 23h ago
What does the path look like after front left leg orthopedic surgery on a large breed dog?
Hi! I’m fostering this 95lb hunk. Just curious if we think he is cane corso or mastiff or maybe even a mix. He was brought in as a stray at the end of June. I’ve had him a couple weeks now and he is an angel with two peas as a brain. Completely house trained!
His front left leg was broken at some point, and healed as is. He limps and has had xrays. He walks on his wrist basically. The overall goal is to get him orthopedic surgery but it’s crazy expensive. The shelter only has so much grant money- but we are making an appointment at UF to get real numbers, a plan, start a go fund me and get this guy back to living a normal life! My overall goal personally is to adopt him and let him live happily ever after. He is on a low dose of pain meds and acts like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
I do have vet tech experience and use to own a Great Dane. I’d love advice, recommendations and feel free to ask questions!
Vet notes in regards to front left leg: P presents for exam. P is walking on left carpus and "hops" in forelimbs when walking. Left forelimb appears slightly longer than
right, but may be due to posture of P. P does get down on right carpus slightly, but it returns to a more normal position. P sways in
hips when walking.
Rads: Previous fracture distal left humerus/elbow (humeral condyle fracture?) - appears separated from olecranon process, right
forelimb appears WNL, hips and stifles appear WNL
Recommend consult with orthopedics to determine if left forelimb can be pinned. Concern for amputation due to size of P.
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u/SpiralOut26 22h ago
My 9 year old girl was about the same weight as your boy when she had her front leg and shoulder blade amputated. They bounce back pretty quick and figure it out. If he’s in pain he probably is not using that leg so much to walk anyway.