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Pet dogs 'can adapt well to amputation' E-mail
When pet healthcare issues require amputation, insurance policyholders should not be overly worried about how their dog will adjust, a vet has claimed.

Roger Smith, veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center and columnist for Indiana's Starpress, gave this advice in response to a reader inquiry.

The owner's Doberman pinscher had bone cancer and her vet was recommending amputation but she was worried this would mean a difficult life for the pooch.

Dr Smith said that animals did not seem to suffer psychologically from losing a limb as humans do.

Their play and ability to walk and run will be almost unrestricted after a short training period following the operation.

"Most dogs adapt amazingly well to life on three legs," he revealed.

In summary, he commented: "Is it Ok to lose the leg to save the dog's life? In almost all cases, the answer is 'yes'."

Charity Bone Cancer Dogs said canines can recover quickly from this type of surgery - usually within two weeks - and do not have the mental issues with amputation that humans do.

The organisation said that important thing is to not treat the furry friend any differently.

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Written by Kirstie
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