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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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The decision is made, I will go ahead with the amputation, Im so stress!
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Member Since:
23 June 2016
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24 June 2016 - 10:19 am
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Hello everyone, Im Sandra, I live in Quebec, Canada, so excuse my english if I make mistake, Im mostly speaking and writing in french.

I have a belgian tervuren of 5 years old named Novak. That dog is a star, a dog that loves to work, a lot of drive. He was supposed to be my agility dog and all other kind of sports. I play disc, I do obedience, scent detection, I tried herding, dockdiving, barn hunting etc... I love trying all dog sport. Novak was a rising star in disc dog, winning a lot. Then, one time, we were going to the USDDN worlds in Georgia and his rabies vaccination was not up to date to travel to the state, so I had to leave him behind, we took only one dog(we have 4). So my 2 terv were at a "friend" place, first time I left them there, usually I had my regular dogsitter, but no one was available. So anyway, that was october 2013. When I came back, Novak was limping back left leg, the dogsitter told me that he fell in the grass playing disc and that she put him to rest after that and that he was fine. But at home he was not fine, he was limping or not even putting weight on it. So I put him for 1 week in complete rest and it didnt help, so I went staight to an orthopedic specialist(I work in a vet clinic). Took xrays, they were a fracture in the knee, a fragment was visible, all ligament seem intact. He said to try for 1 month with complete rest to see...and I did and nothing...so I went back to him, we took xrays again, the fragment was still visible, but the arthrisis was bad, very bad, in one month, all the knee was inflamme and arthrisis was all over. So, in order to have a diagnosis, we did a Ct scan, and then... bad new, we can repare the knee and the surface has a hole, so the friction is not stable and creates a lot of arthrisis. He said that 2 solutions was there, amputation or complete knee replacement done in the US with $$$$$$$$ and not even predicable outcome. So I went home with my dog crying... I was angry, because I lef my dog at a dogsitter, and the vet told me that that kind of injury had to be a hard hit at the knee and not just to roll down on grass. The dogsitter sad that she didnt know what could have happen. So I will never know what happen.

So, great new was, that after a while, Novak did amazing, I use cartrophen injection, Inflapotion and a lot of swimming, and we did start to play disc again, but I stop agility. Summer was the best season for him, cause of the swimmin, temperature and more activities. But then, it got bad again this winter/spring. I did more xrays to see that the knee was completly horrible. He was clearly in pain...but still running, jumping like a crazy dog. My boyfriend thought at first that if he was running like that that he was surely not in pain...but he is in pain...since the accident. So I just consulted anothe specialist that is specialize in pain management /orthopedics, she said that the only way for him to have a free pain life was to amputate the leg... I knew it was coming, but of course I feel sad... And I have to start 3 meds for at least 3 months and a lot of swimming so he can have more muscle mass to close the leg so He can receive a prothestic. The meds are for pain management and to make sure that he doesnt have a phantom leg/pain. The vet was so positive, that he will be pain free and be able to run again, play disc, etc....

I was always hoping for that kind of result: when I saw that dogs could play disc with 3 legs, my heart was hoping... I know, that each dog is different and that Novak will or will not be the same after the operation, but with his temperament, I think he will be ok. 

Im not sure about the prostetic, how it will work, or if its better on 3 legs. The vet wants the prostetic to releive any more problem of the rest of his body and to have a more natural gaith and position. But I have so much more questins like do it stay on all the time, do I have to remove it when he sleep? Can he swim with it? Does it create contact friction and wounds, etc... the physiotherapy after the surgery and we teach him how to walk, how long, how? I have a great team at work to help me, but im very stressed about the after.... the stairs, omg...

Ive been looking at videos, reading a lot and seem very encouraging...but still, very sad and stressfull for me. I think that Novak will be ok, its me the problem LOL

Thanks for reading me, I know its long...

Livermore, CA




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24 June 2016 - 10:40 am
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Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

I hope you don't mind that I moved your post her to Beyond Cancer, it's the best place to start when you are not dealing with cancer (yay for that!).

I did a blog search on prostetics and found these results. I know you have to plan for an artificial limb before surgery, which you are doing, but I don't know much more about them. Hopefully the links will answer some of your questions.

As far as amputation goes- most dogs do cope quite well.  My current Tripawd is a little pug mix named Elly, she lost her right rear leg after getting hit by a car.  She is just now a year and a half old and full of puppy energy.  She lost her leg at 7 months old so has been a tripawd most of her young life.  I do moderate her activity a bit, and I spend lots of time working on her core strength and balance.

It is sometimes hard to deal with the fact that amputation is the best solution to whatever is wrong...but after our pups heal up most of us have found out that it is just like you said- much harder on us humans! 

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Los Angeles, CA
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13 June 2013
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24 June 2016 - 6:01 pm
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I had to Google what kind of dog Novak is ... beautiful! Looks like a shepard! And I love his name.

It sounds like you are at peace with your amputation decision which is great. I know it is a tough place to come through but once the recovery period is over, Novak should do well on three legs. Like Karen said, tripawds can do agility and other tricks. In fact, it is great for their core in general! 

It is indeed much harder on the parents (I know I was really struggling when my shelby had to lose her leg) but when I saw how happy she was w/out that painful leg, it made it all worthwhile. Now Shelby lost her leg to cancer but others here will chime in on non-cancer amputations and their stories!

Keep us posted!!! 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Michigan
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2 April 2013
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24 June 2016 - 8:36 pm
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I also had to google what kind of dog he is, wow, beautiful!  And as for his name, my maiden name is Novak!  I've never known anyone else named that smiley

It's great that you're doing your research.  I don't really know anything about prosthetics , sorry.  Our Murphy had his surgery 3 years ago & has done well.  The first couple of weeks are the hardest, but after that, they usually do well.  I'm sure with the prosthetic there will be fittings and therapy involved.

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Minneapolis, MN
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23 April 2016
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24 June 2016 - 8:54 pm
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Sandra:

Well, I LOVE Tervs!!  Novak is beautiful.

I am so sorry this has all come about as a result of whatever happened while he stayed with a sitter and that she wasn't more truthful with you.  Maybe if she had been, you might have been able to treat sooner and avoided this outcome, but maybe not.  And accidents do happen - we can't have our eyes on our dogs, cats or kids every moment.  But I understand it dashed your hopes and you have invested so much time and energy into sports with him.  And he is clearly eager for it.

I hope you can find some useful info on the link provided on prosthetic limbs for dogs in Karen's post. I am certain that you are doing what is best for him and you are doing research and planning carefully giving him a good chance for a very good outcome.  

Dogs are very good at hiding their pain, but he is in pain.  So imagine how much more able and willing he is going to be when the pain is gone and he can focus on building the new skills he will need to be your disc dog again.

I wish you and your star dog the very best.  I think he can be another Maty!

Lisa, Minneapolis

On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly.  His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.

Blog: Pofi, Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Amputation

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25 June 2016 - 11:48 am
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Thanks everyone,

Last night I broke down and started crying, crying for the unknow, crying because I was lost again. I read so many thing and protesthic doesnt seem a good idea, very negative comments about them. Very difficult to adjust, the dog prefers without, etc... but now, I have to decide to cut short at the hip or leave the femur for future protestic and my 2 vets recommands 2 different things, one suggested to cut it short and the other to leave a part of the bone so he can use that part to get up from a down position. But Novak's breeder got me in touch with a friend that is a vet and works in oncology and she recommanded cuting at the hip, cause they can get the limb bang, hurt etc... she said that in her experience, dogs had a lot of difficulty with a prosthetic and was better without. She suggested chiropractor once a month.

I have so many thoughts, like, how will he poop, will I need to elevate his bowl for drinking and eating, what about stairs? Are my other dogs will act differently around him after the surgery, do I need a harness, etc... what about exercice, what are the limitation? Do I need to buy a special bed, fitpaw for physiotherapy...

In my mind, I know he will be fine, with clients, I dont have any problem telling them that their animal will be ok, but when its my dog, Im lost and hurt, Im imagining his little leg/feet loose, not attach and Im very hurt about it. Why him? I have to get my emotion Under control...and do the best for him.

Thanks for the support, it makes me feel better to know that they are people around that know what it is to that kind of procedure.



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25 June 2016 - 12:05 pm
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Bienvenue,

Your English is great and it's evident you are very sad about Novak's leg but you love him and will do the best for him. Over the past two years I've seen agility dogs here go back to agility of some kind after becoming tripawds. I don't know of any that are able to run at that speed with a prosthetic though. Would it be possible to have a prosthetic and compete without wearing one?

Here are some blogs of tripawd athletes:

http://kesstheb.....pawds.com/

http://bart.tripawds.com/

Good luck with your decision.

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

Minneapolis, MN
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23 April 2016
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25 June 2016 - 12:48 pm
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Hi, Sandra:

I posted a video of my Tripawd dog, who is 11.5 years old, romping a bit in our yard and climbing the stairs to get to the deck he loves to lie on and watch the world go by hoping others facing this decision would feel encouraged.  He's much older than your Novak and not a star athlete.  He is also a very, very deep chested dog and lost a front leg.  If he does as well as he is only 6 weeks post op, with Novak's athleticism and your commitment and knowledge of training, I think he will do brilliantly.  

Pofi 6 weeks post amp

I would say yes, you may want to get an elevated stand for food and water.  I am no expert, but I find it hard to believe that Novak would do better with prosthetic - just my personal belief, mind you.  I think he will do brilliantly without.

And, by the way, whenever we are outside of our fenced in yard, Pofi feels he has to be a show off and lifts one of his back legs to pee... he pees on two legs!!  My point is, Novak will figure out how to relieve himself!!  He will just "lean" to pee and I am sure he is strong enough to learn to squat with one back leg.  It will take some time, but he will be fine.

Lisa, Minneapolis

On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly.  His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.

Blog: Pofi, Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Amputation

On The Road


Member Since:
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25 June 2016 - 3:43 pm
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Sandra, welcome. Your English IS perfect, no problem there.

Novak is GORGEOUS, I love his breed (but then again I'm a sucker for pointy-eared dogs!).

I'm glad you found our information about prosthetics . The reality we've learned is that they can be AMAZING for the right dog and the right person who is willing to commit the time and money to the endeavor. We've seen what a difference these devicees can make in the gait of a Tripawd and it's night and day. But, again, it's time and money. It sounds to me like you are the kind of pet parent who understands this level of commitment, but I understand why you are hesitant.

I think the reason you're hearing negative feedback from vets is because there just aren't a whole lot of people with experience in artificial limbs for animals. We weren't too keen on them either when they first came out, but after learning from OrthoPets about the ins and outs, the reality of using them, we think they're great if the circumstances are right. I can't make the decision for you, but this is just what I've seen. And if I had a sporting dog who didn't have cancer and had a chance to go the prosthetic route, I probably would. Again, if all things are equal. Every story is different. Novak is an original and so are you, you have to do this based on your heart and what you know he's capable of.

Can a Tripawd be an athlete? Of course. Can they compete on the level that four-legged dogs can? To a point. But ultimately they do put more wear and tear on their joints than a four-legged dog, according to what rehab vets have told us. Have you met with a certified rehab vet to get an assessment of Novak's candidacy for a prosthetic?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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25 June 2016 - 5:34 pm
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Before making my final decision, yes I will have feedback from different vets and prosthetic maker, I already left him a message. Here in Quebec, there are no specialist in that field, so a bit hard to have a team being me to monitor Novak and his progress. For now, I tend towards the complete amputation and no chance for a prosthetic, if I cut short, I cut short, no turning back. I have till august to have all the informations and make my final decision. In august I will be on vacation and thats why I want to do the surgery then, to have time with him for his recovery.

The main thing about prosthetic is that its an amputation above the knee, I dont get how we can put a false leg on the upper leg and not have the flexion of the knee or ankle. Still lot to learn...

Schofield, WI
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13 August 2015
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25 June 2016 - 7:46 pm
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Welcome Sandra and Novak!  You are the only one who can make a decision like this.  You know your dog inside and out and after doing all your research I'm sure you will make your decision based on what is best for Novak.  That's all any of us can do on this journey.  Just do your research, maybe even talk to some who have gone the prosthetic route, get advice from the vet pros and  make your decision on love and your individual dog. I'm sure there are pros and cons both way, you'll just have to see which way is better for you and your beautiful boy.  I'm sure once you have figured out which way you want to proceed and have made that decision you will have a sense of relief.  Hugs((()))

Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie

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29 June 2016 - 3:03 pm
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I was in contact with the prosthetic guy and to have that kind of help, you need at least 2 articulations left, so in my case, I have to amputate above the knee, so only 1 articulation left, so not possible. Problem solve! LOL But good to know! Now, the BIG question, amputating in the joint of the hip or cut the femur and leave a part??? I have opposing view on that part from my vets. One say that its better at the joint, better recovery and no risk of injuring the rest of the limb, she said, that often, she saw dogs hurting that "bump" and 2 others vets are saying to cut and leave a piece so its usefull to the dog, more balance...

What are your experiences with the remaining of the limb? Any injuries? Any use for it?

On The Road


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29 June 2016 - 4:40 pm
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Awesome that you've done your research!

Now for more reading:

What are your experiences with the remaining of the limb? Any injuries? Any use for it?

I've got just the thing for you:

Partial vs. Full Leg Amputation for Pets, What’s Better?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
23 June 2016
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29 June 2016 - 5:15 pm
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OMG, I read the article and Im more confused LOL really, it seem to go both sides! Hard to decide!

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7 July 2016 - 8:17 pm
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OMG, so the surgery date is fix on july 28 and now, Im panicking again!! I was really ok with the idea, setting everything up, etc... and now, I want to cry again....I can't believe I will remove his leg and he will be in convalescence for a while. Im taking the last week of vacation that I have to be with him after the surgery. Im working the day of his surgery, so I will be there with him, but now, Im questionning if I should, maybe it will be too emotionnal to see the procedure done on MY dog? I want to be with him when he's waking up, thats for sure and so is my boyfriend. Do they have to be crated for at least 2 weeks after the surgery? We dont do amputation a lot at work and never assisted in one, I don't want to bother my vet again, I know she's there for me and im texting her a lot of questions and she said that is was ok, but I would like to know from people who went through this with their dog. I read, that the important thing is rest, to prevent seroma , etc... but total rest or the dog can move a bit in the house?

Thanks again for your support, I feel all sort of emotions and sometime, I still can't believe its happening to MY dog. Will the rollercoaster of emotions will end someday?

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