Today our dog Opal had her surgery to remove her right hind leg. About a year ago we found out our one-year-old Boxer had some knee issues which we were initially told could be fixed with a total knee replacement. After consulting with a vet college and opting to do an MRI, we found her knee trouble was much more complicated than our vet thought. It turns out not only did she have structural problems with the knee, but her tibia and fibula had grown with a slight spiral. We were told that to fix her leg would take multiple painful surgeries that may not guarantee a fix or alleviate her pain. Unsure of what to do and not yet ready to make a decision about surgery, we decided to focus on maintenance of her pain.
A year later, after being on daily pain medication we couldn’t keep our head in the sand anymore about the level of pain she was in. The pain medications no longer seemed to help, and how do you keep a two-year-old Boxer calm? You don’t. We decided it was time to schedule her surgery.
Today was surgery day, easily the worst day of our lives. We’ve been told the surgery is the worst of it, and that before we know it she’ll be running around causing all kinds of trouble again. Her surgery went well, but we haven’t been able to see her yet, but thankfully the vet hospital we take her to is phenomenal and tolerates our constant phone calls for updates. I can’t wait to see my wigglebutt tomorrow. 
Wigglebutt Opal! You are ADORABLE!! Welcome to the family!
Yeah, recovery from surgery is no picnic for about two weeks (sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less).
In cases like Opal’s, where a dog has gone through a lot of pain, or unsuccessful surgeries, amputation is actually a relief ro the eog! The painful leg is gone!!
Stay connected and let us know how we can help should you have any questions.
Look forward to following Opal’s journey AND seeing more pictures!!
Get some sleep while you can. Opal is seeing pink elephants right about now and feeling just fine!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
What an adorable photo. I’m sure her butt will wiggle even with one rear leg.
Wishing a quick, stress free recovery.
Kerren
Ohhhh wow, I’m sorry that you all went through this for so long and now you’re in the recovery process, what an ordeal. But we’re so glad you found us, let us know how we can help OK?
Your story reminds me of a new member who has a 1 year old dog and is struggling with this decision:
http://tripawds.com/forums/presentation-and-diagnosis/we-have-decided-to-remove-leg-but-when/
Opal is adorable. Can’t wait to see more photos.
Ill be following your story with great interest. Ziva well be having a front leg amputation in the near future.
Vet wants her growth plates to stop growing to do it. In the mean time I have meds on hand for if/when she starts hurting. She has a bone that stopped growing and the other one kept growing so the leg is deformed.
Try to keep busy till she comes home.
Thank you everyone for the words of encouragement. It’s great having a whole community of pet parents that have all been through the same situation. I’ve been anxiously waiting by the phone to get an update from the vet this morning. I’m trying to not be that pet parent who calls every hour on the hour!