Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I live in Norway and we are not "used" to three-legged dogs. My dog is diagnosed with mast cell tumor grade I - II in her left front leg. She has also a large wound in the same area that probably won't grow because of the tumor. The vet just called me with the biopsy results - and it is cancer, but only in her foot, they haven't found cancer in other parts of her body. They want me to come with her tomorrow to put her down, and this is completely horrible. She is 12 years old, belgian sheperd, her name is Stella. I have talked with them about amputation, but they say that she is too old and it is better to put her down because of her age. I need help, fast. Can someone help me with some advice here? Maybe a link to some documentation I can bring to my vet? I am grateful for any support right now. Thank you!!
Hi Sonja, welcome. I'm in the Tripawds Chat room right now if you want to talk.
I'm sorry to hear about your doggie, I know what a tough decision this is for an older dog. And the fact that you're in a place where vets aren't used to coping with three-legged animals is even tougher. But my recommendation is to find another vet, asap. There are wonderful vets in every country who know that even a senior dog can get along well on three legs, provided that any other health conditions are manageable. It does sound to me like she's otherwise fit and doing pretty good right?
We've actually had another dog mom from Norway join us, a few years ago. Here are links to her posts:
http://tripawds.....egged-dog/
http://tripawds.....ese-angel/
You can always Private Message her to ask if she knows any good vets who worked with her dog.
I also "think" that Nora's mom, Vibeke, is Norweigan (and living in New York now). She might know someone. You can reach out to her the same way, through Private Messaging or leave a comment on her blog.
To private message, first look up each member here, nina and Vibeke. The click on their profile.
The photo shows where you can access the system via their Forum posts:
Or through their Member Profile:
Let me know if this makes sense OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh wow.... that's a huge leap from a tumor to saying goodbye! I think things are a little more compassionate here in the states. I am sorry you are going through this.
Now only you can make the decision about the treatment for your dog. I am curious why they think you should put Stella down? Is it just an age thing or is she not a good candidate for amputation? Is there any chance you can get a second opinion?
There are many dogs here that are of 'senior' age when they had their amputations (my Shelby was 12 also). She was smaller, about 25 pounds but thrived on her three legs.
I am sure others will chime here but I wanted to offer my support... you can share with your vet this website with all these amazing and heroic stories of those that have thrived on three!
hugs!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
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
I am profoundly shocked by this and am so, so sorry that you find yourself in this situation. I couldn't agree with Jerry more, FIND ANOTHER VET.
I am sure your vet has their good points, but – I hope you don't mind me being so blunt – this is no way to treat anybody.
From what I understand, your vet just called with the results and is now pressing you to come in tomorrow and have Stella put to sleep. This gives you no time process the information, do some research, explore the different options, seek another opinion and so on. I am really concerned about the fact that you have been placed under such time pressure to make such a huge decision on behalf of your treasured companion. It is not the vet who will have to live the decision; it is you. The vet's job is to offer advice and information and support you in making YOUR decision. I HATE the sense that you seem to have been placed in a position where you feel you need to come up with evidence (by tomorrow) to persuade the vet not to put Stella to sleep. This is just so wrong.
It is ALWAYS worth getting another opinion, in my view. With my Meg I went to three different referral hospitals before ultimately making the decision to amputate, something which one specialist had told me categorically was not an option for her. She is now six months post amp, and enjoying an excellent, active and pain free life.
Thankfully you have come to the right place to get the information and support you need. There is a wealth of experience on this site, people who have lived through this and care deeply for your and Stella's wellbeing. And whatever you decide to do, we are all here to support you.
With warmest wishes,
Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
WAIT!!!! ABSOLUTELY WAIT!!!!
DITTO everyone else!!
Unless there is a lot more information suggesting she needs to be put down right away...RIGHT AWAY...because her quality is so bad and she is suffering badly.....you must check with vets for other options!!! You do NOT have to go back to that Vet! There has to be an Orthopedic Surgeon somewhere who is familiar with amputations...someone who jas performed them!!
What is her overall health, her overall attitude? Other than that painful leg, does she she still have a zest for life?
Did they give you any pain meds for her? Here, it would probably be Tramadol.
Certainly it is MAJOR surgery and, like ANY surgery it has risks. Obviously all of us here felt like it was worth the risk. Recpvery is no picnic for about two weeks. Sometimes more "mature" dogs and larger dogs take a bit longer to get mobility issues worked out. Almost all dogs are able to walk within 24 to 48 hrs. Is Stella already limping? That actually helps them adjust a little faster sometimes.
STAY CONNECTED!! We are here to help in anyway we can! Update us as soon as you can and ask any questions at all! We are here to help!
Lots of love!
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!
I've just been doing a web search and this man came up. No idea what he's like (obviously) but he is a European Orthopaedic specialist, and he seems very highly qualified and experienced, including time spent working in the US and the UK, where, from what you say, three-legged dogs are more common than in Norway.
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
oh, no no no. Ditto everyone else - get a second opinion, do some research, whatever it takes. My girl is 13, 80 pounds, and two months post amp, not to mention her "old lady back." and she's doing great! gets around like a champ, plays ball and is living her best dog life.
Seems like the others have good suggestions for resources - I can just offer Isa as an example of a large, senior tripawd that's happy and healthy.
good luck and keep us posted!
Right rear leg amp 7/12/16 due to OSA. Metastatic lesion on her right front leg, January 2017. Joined the Winter Warriors January 19, 2017. Run free my sweet girl.
Hold up, 100% get a second opinion! Even if Stella isn't a candidate for amputation, a grade I-II tumour that hasn't spread should respond well to alternative treatments (radiation, chemo, immunotherapy), even palliative care to fight the symptoms of an MCT would be better than putting her down immediately. There is no way that diagnosis, even in a big senior dog, should be cause to put her down unless there is something else the vet hasn't mentioned.
Good luck, do your research (we'll all help with that) on both MCT and amputations, along with any other treatment options.
Keep us posted!
Please update when you can. We are here for you and support you with any decision you make
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!
Oh my God! I am just reading this now, a day late, and hoping you got more info.and feel more informed about choices for Stella. Euthanasia is pretty drastic when there are many options, as others have said. I'm SO glad you found this website when you did. The people here are from all over the world and full of experience and knowledge in this area! Maybe Norway is not used to 3 legged dogs, but this site sure is and there are tons of great people to walk you through this journey if Stella becomes a Tripawd. Maybe she can be an ambassador and show other dog parents there that you don't have to put your dog down, there are other options!! They can live a healthy happy life on 3 legs! My Kylie sure is! You should see her go!! 
12 is not that old if she is otherwise healthy and the cancer has not spread. I hope you have called other Vet's or specialists to hear her case. PLEASE update us on Stella asap. Many Hugs! xo
I vote with the rest of the Tripawd Squad! Get another opinion. My Izzy was 12 when she had her amputation for osteosarcoma. She's now 13 and has a mast cell tumor on one of her remaining feet and we are using palladia to treat it ... very effectively!
Good luck and keep up posted!
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
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