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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

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Harness advice needed
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Member Since:
21 July 2018
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21 July 2018 - 7:36 pm
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Hi. My 13 year old yellow lab Nilla is having rear leg amputation surgery in two days.  She developed an aggressive mast cell tumor on her leg that practically grew overnight and she became really sick immediately after the tumor grew.  She has been in the ICU for 5 days while getting stronger and healthier to face surgery.  Prior to the cancer diagnosis she had already lost a lot of muscle mass in her rear legs and hips due to age and some mild anorexia, and she carries the majority of her weight in the front.  We are anticipating that she is going to have a hard time adjusting to life on three legs, and we know that she is going to need a harness that provides maximum support for walking and going up and down stairs.  I have been reading about the Get-A-Grip harness and the Gingerlead harness.  I'm wondering if anyone has experience with either one and/or can let me know which harness would give her the most support.  Thank you.  Jill

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
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21 July 2018 - 10:08 pm
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Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

My Pug Maggie lost a rear leg to a MCT.  If you are interested you can read her story and about her amp and chemo- the links are in my signature below.

I'm sorry Nilla is so sick- can I ask what treatment she is getting?  I didn't have this happen with my dogs and MCTs and would like to learn from your experience.  It might also help the next member who comes here with a MCT.

One more question- you said she has mild anorexia...did you mean arthritis?

I haven't used the Get-a-Grip harness but I did use a Gingerlead with my quad Pug Tani. Tani had a variety of mobility issues and in her last months getting her back legs working was sometimes a challenge.  I actually used a RuffWear Webmaster on her front end and the Gingerlead to help the back end.  She was small and bending over to help her move was hard on my back.  I used a leash attached to the front harness and the strap that came with the Gingerlead in the back.  The only thing I didn't like about the Gingerlead was that it wasn't something I could leave on her between uses.  I actually got the boy version of the sling so she had a little more room, she was able to potty without a problem.

You should also check out our Tripawd Rehab Reimbursement Program.  I bet Nilla would benefit from an evaluation by a certified rehab vet to asses her needs and get a strengthening program going.  Our Rehab Program might pay for your first visit.

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

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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22 July 2018 - 6:06 pm
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Hi Jill, welcome. I'm so sorry to hear about Nilla's situation, you guys have been through so much! I'm also interested in learning more about how the tumor caused an infection.  I hope she's doing better now.

Regarding the harness, we typically recommend the Get-a-Grip for senior dogs with mobility issues so it sounds like you are on the right track. The Ginger Lead is great too but for long term daily use during the first few weeks after recovery, the Get-a-Grip is ideal. If you haven't seen the Custom Pet Support suit, you may want to take a look. It's made by the Get-a-Grip manufacturer and because it is tailored to each dog's measurements, it fits like a glove, unlike the Get-a-Grip which only comes in 3 sizes. Please let me know if you have any questions.

We are anticipating that she is going to have a hard time adjusting to life on three legs

One thing I'd like to add, is that the stronger and more optimistic you are about her new normal, the easier recovery will be. The more downbeat, the more difficult it will be.  We say here that attitude is everything when it comes to recovery so as hard as it is, stay upbeat and show her that you believe with all your heart that she will do great. I promise you, she will reflect your feelings right back to you and surprise you in all new ways.

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

Member Since:
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23 July 2018 - 8:41 am
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Thank you all for your responses.  Today is surgery day.  We've been waiting for this day for almost a week.  Nilla was admitted to the ICU last Tuesday and for the past 6 days the vets have been preparing her for surgery.  The complication was that mast cell tumors release histamines and heparin.  The histamines caused the tumor to be the size of a naval orange as well as caused her entire leg from paw to hip to swell three times the normal size.  The surgeon said they could not perform surgery with the tissue so swollen.  The other issue was the tumor was releasing heparin, which is a blood thinner.  The site of the tumor had broken through the skin and she was dripping blood that would not clot.  She required a blood transfusion and medication to counter the effects of the heparin.  Without that, she would have bled out during surgery.  She has been on IV pain meds, IV fluids, and nasal feedings, as well as steroids for the past 6 days.  Hopefully after today's surgery she can begin the healing process.  We are staying cautiously optimistic about her recovery, but at almost 13, she had already lost a lot of muscle mass in her rear quarters and the surgeon told us that while most dogs do well on three legs, we need to be prepared that her remaining rear leg may not be as strong as it needs to be to help her get around easily.  I ended up purchasing the Ruffwear Webmaster harness with the brush guard -- I hope that provides enough support to her.  If not we will opt for more sling-like support.  And yes, Nilla has been dealing with anorexia for the past several months.  She contract giardia over the winter and ever since then has been a lab who doesn't love food.  She will sometimes go several days barely eating, while other times she will happily gobble up her meals.  We recently switched her from dry kibble to canned food, which helped somewhat, but even with the tasty wet food, she would often eat 3/4 of the food and walk away.  She dropped from 64 pounds in the winter to 58 pounds right before hospital admission.  Needless to say, we're going through a lot with her, but we are committed and determined to do whatever it takes to give her a quality life.  Her most favorite thing to do is to roll in the mud.  If she can get to a point where she can wallow and roll in mud again, this will all be worth it.  I feel so lucky to have a group like Tripawds to teach us, guide us, listen to us, and support us.  

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
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23 July 2018 - 9:07 am
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Hey Jill, just wanted to let you know we're thinking of you today - sending positive vibes and wishes for a speedy recovery for Nilla. Hang in there, reach out to us if you need to.

Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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23 July 2018 - 9:49 am
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WOW!!!  Nila certainly  has had her share of challenges!!  She's  a real Warrior Woman with a real Warrior Hooman as her champion!

And this sweet girl has us all cheering  for her!   You are doing EVERYTHING  possible  for your girl, leaving  no stone unturned.  And that's  the best any of us can do.  Your limitless love comes shining  through❤

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
21 July 2018
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23 July 2018 - 10:12 am
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Thank you all so much for your good thoughts and emotional support.  Nilla is out of surgery and the vet said she did great.  They removed the entire leg at the hip socket.  She's oozing a little because of the steroids she has been on, but he anticipates that will stop soon.  They're going to keep her heavily sedated for at least 24 hours, and then start to wean her onto oral medications.  Pathology results will take about one week, but the surgeon said the tissue above the tumor looked clean and didn't show signs that the tumor had spread.  Now I can breath again and start to think about getting her back home. 

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
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23 July 2018 - 10:45 am
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What great news! Thanks for the update. It sounds like she's in good hands. Continued positive thoughts coming your way

Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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23 July 2018 - 11:12 am
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Thank you for the update.  I am glad to hear she is out of surgery.  Here is to a good recover.

hugs

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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23 July 2018 - 12:42 pm
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Seriously great news, that is a great way to start the week! clap

Thank you for sharing the info about how the MCT affected her entire system. Wow. I had no idea that could happen. You explained everything perfectly. Sounds like your vet team is doing a great job educating you and keeping you informed every step in the way. The way they made sure your expectations are in check totally makes sense, now I understand what you mean by knowing things may be a bit ruff for her.

May I ask where she is getting treated?

We will keep our paws and fingers crossed for an easy recovery. You are wonderful pet parents to Nilla, she is so lucky to have you. 

P.S. I think you will find the Webmaster works well for her. Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for your support of the Tripawds Community!

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

Member Since:
21 July 2018
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23 July 2018 - 1:10 pm
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She is being treated at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in Stamford, Connecticut.  We feel so lucky that we live in a metropolitan area with such a great facility.  Everyone there has been loving and supportive to us and to Nilla. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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23 July 2018 - 2:41 pm
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YAAAAAAAAY FOR  WARRIOR NILLA!😁😁😁

Her hurdles have been well documented  by her Bet team and it really  is heartwarming  to see how very carefully  they have prepared  her to get her in the best possible  shape for this surgery. ❤

Now get some rest while she's  all nice and druggy and flying  high as a kite!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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23 July 2018 - 11:27 pm
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So glad to hear that the surgery went well and she is on the road to recovery.

When I was researching MCTs when Mag had her amp I had read about reactions like Nilla's but I never experienced anything like that.  We had histamine issues but it was controlled with benadryl and pepcid.  Thank you for sharing.  I'm sorry Nilla has had such a rough go but it sounds like she is in an excellent facility and in great hands.

I hope you get the best possible news from the path report.

Let us know when she is home.

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

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