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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I learned this morning that what I thought was IVDD is osteosarcoma in my shihtzu's scapula (front left leg). Vet said heart and lungs look good but she is doing an ultrasound to see if it has metastasized elsewhere. He is 11 or 12, I rescued him 5 years ago and am not certain about his age. Prior to limping about a month ago, he was happy and bouncy, and passed his latest senior wellness test with flying colors. He is in a lot of pain now, which I understand will subside very quickly if I amputate. Vet thinks that it is unlikely that he has osteosarcoma and IVDD, but can't be sure. I am leaning toward amputation and chemo but since he is 12 and in pain I don't know if I'm being selfish. Any advice/success stories for older dogs appreciated.
Hi bugsmom, welcome. Thanks for registering as a member, your future posts won't need approval so post away.
I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis, it's an especially tough call in older animals but it sounds like Bugs (is that his name?) is in great shape overall. That's terrific! Even older dogs can do well as Tripawds, especially smaller ones like him. And yes you are correct, the pain of slowly disintegrating bone is much worse than amputation recovery. Most dogs are up and around shortly after surgery and back to a normal routine within a few weeks. For some examples you may want to check out "Size and Age Matters" and share Bug's journey there too if you'd like. You'll find lots of inspawration there.
I know it feels like you're being selfish by wanting to amputate, but the reality is that Bugs has a pretty good chance at being happy as a Tripawd for however long he has left. That's not selfish, that's wanting to help your pup have a good quality of life. Of course every surgery has risks but the majority of animals end up doing well afterward. And remember, you don't need to decide on chemo right away, the most important thing is to help your pup be free of the pain.
We hope your pup doesn't have osteo, but if he does, you're in the right place for support.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Bugsmom!
So sorry to hear that your pup is hurting and facing amputation. I understand that struggle in deciding to move forward - my big girl was just shy of 12 when she broken her leg and we discovered it was Osteosarcoma. She was such a trooper that she hid any signs of pain prior to that and the break was cause by the deterioration of the bone, so I know she had to be aching.
After much thought, I decided to move forward because her heart, lungs and general health were great. She also still had a whole lot of zest for life. My adoration of her was no small factor in the decision, either. The life expectancy for a dog her size (she was a 55-60 pound American Bulldog mix) was maybe in the 12 to 15 year range, so it was surely a gamble. That said, all went well and I got two extra years with my girl. Old age finally caught up with her - she might have had additional disease but I don't know because I'd not had her lungs x-rayed in probably a year - but I didn't do chemo for the OSA and her lungs were clear a year later.
No matter what you choose, you're doing what you feel is best for your baby so it's the right decision.
Wishing you both the best outcome,
Amy & the best, most beautiful bulldog in heaven, Izzy
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.
It's not the age in years that is important, it is the life left in the dog, and your boy sounds like he has lots of life left! We had a Poodle here named James who was 17 at the time of his amp.
You sure got dealt a tough hand- it's unusual for OSA to be diagnosed in small dogs, we've seen it here, but not often.
My little pug Maggie lost her rear leg to mast cell cancer but she was only 7.5 years old at the time of her amp.
The pain of bone cancer will only get worse until pain meds don't work. The pain from amputation surgery is usually well managed withe meds and most dogs are off pain meds at two weeks post surgery. Maggie was off her pain meds at the end of 14 days.
Chemo is not mandatory- focus on the diagnosis and surgery decision first. Decide what is best for your boy and your family and move foreword from there.
Now that you have joined you are part of the family- we will help you and support you no matter what path you choose.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girl
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Thank you both. Unfortunately I learned this afternoon that the cancer had spread to his spine. I had been hoping for better news since his organs were clear. I said goodbye to him a couple of hours ago, and I was with him until the end. I wish the ending had been different, but I thank you for your support.
I'm sorry to hear this. It's always hard to lose a pet who's a special member of the family. I wish you happy memories of your little shihtzu.
My condolences,
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
I'm so sorry- how devastating.
You made a brave decision for your boy. I hope the good memories you have will give you strength over the coming days and weeks.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Oh no! I'm so very sorry. You gave Bug one last gift by setting him free. It's the hardest thing to do. I wish it'd gone differently.
Izzy will surely taking your boy for introductions so I'll expect her to visit my dreams and tell me all about it. Listen for your pup ... I bet he's around you tonight and of course, forever in your heart.
Condolences,
Amy
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.
Just catching up in your losts...all of your losts.
I am so very, very, very sorry that you had ro release Bugs from his failing vody. So sorry. Our nearts break with yours. You and Bugs are our family now.
This is a horrid and brutal liece of crap disease. It takes unexpected twists and turns any time it wants. For the Vet to discover it had already gone to the spine (which is often doesn't readily show up in tests) actually saved Bugs a lot of unnecessary pain from the surgery of the amputation. Once it hits the spine it's very aggressive. No sute if I'm expressing myself well. Just trying to say you did EXACTLY what needed to be done at EXACTLY the right time for Bugs.
You were by his side for the past five years and you were by his side when you gave him the gift of release..... gift that prevented him from a lot of additional pain that could possibly have been confused with amputation surgery pain had the spine mets not be discovered whe they were.
I realize none of this makes your grief subside in any way, shape or form. We knew from your heartfelt words and concern for Bugs how deep your bond is. Nothing can EVER break that bond...it is timeless and eternal.
When you canPLEASE tell us more about your sweet Bugs. I think we all fell in lovece with him the second we saw his name! We would @ove to see some pictures. Let us know if you need help posting them, okay?
I don't know what his life was like vefore he picked you, but I do know he won the puppy lottery when ypu found each other. We would love to hear more about your adventures together.
Bugs is at the Rainbow Bridge acting like a wild and crazy puppy, bouncing all over the Bridge bragging about having THE BEST RIME WITH YOU while inhisearth clothes!
Surrounding you with love and hugs from all of us
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!
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