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 am so happy that I found you all - this site is such a wealth of information and support!
My 12 1/2 year old pitbull mix was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front shoulder. The vets are recommending amputation of her leg and shoulder blade. I am crushed, but trying to stay positive and figure out what is best for her. Trouble is, she is an older girl and has pretty severe arthritis (according only to her x-rays, as she has been largely non-symptomatic) in both of her front elbows. Does anyone have experience with amputation in arthritic dogs?
Until she woke up with the limp, she was getting on very well - still going for walks of a mile or so, chasing squirrels, romping with other dogs, jumping on and and off the bed, etc. I hate to know that she is in pain and I can see that she still wants to get out there to play, but can't really because of the pain. Thoughts?
Thank you!
Hi there and welcome! Is your girl's name Bella? What a cute avatar photo!
I'm so sorry you're dealing with the diagnosis. It's so hard when the situation isn't 100% certain, when there are factors like age and health in play. It's obvious why you're struggling with this and we feel for you.
What we've seen here is that dogs of any age can do great, whether they're super young or very mature. Every story is different and no two are alike. Age really is just a number!
Now, it sounds like you've done your homework and have seen specialists. That's terrific! What do they think about your girl's ability to get around on three? It sounds like they're OK with it? The fact that she hasn't shown arthritis symptoms is really pawsitive. She sounds like a very active, happy and healthy girl otherwise.
Yes, there have been many dogs here with arthritis who have done well on three legs. Some have issues, most get along quite good. Check out Ajax's story, he'll totally inspire you!
http://tripawds.....ry-to-ajax
Our Size and Age Matters Forum has other examples you can check out too. Stay tuned, others will chime in.
Your future posts won't require approval so post away.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My Otis has mild arthritis in his hips. It does cause pain from time to time, and he has been on Dasaquin and Ventaquil since he was diagnosed. (He was diagnosed several years ago when we got up in the morning and he couldn't get out of bed or walk). My family vet did not originally think amputation was a good idea, he was more in favor of trying the limb sparing procedure. When we saw the surgeon, however, he thought Otis would be a great candidate for amputation, and that we could treat the arthritis as needed. Otis sailed through surgery and chemo (as much as any of them sail through this), and is doing great on 3. He gets tired more easily, and we restrict him to the first floor during the day, but only seem to have arthritis problems when he overdoes it. Every dog is different, but I would definitely see a specialist. Our family vets just don't always see enough of this, unfortunately, for the surgeon I saw, amputation is common.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Hi there!
Bella and my girl Shasta Marie have some things in common. They are both pittie mixes, older - Shasta is 12 years old. She started limping earlier this year and was diagnosed with Osteocarcinoma with a tumor in her upper right foreleg too like Bella. Here is our timeline:
May 2016 diagnosed
May - July - underwent chemo and radiation. I opted not to have her leg removed because she already had a surgery in one of her hind legs due to torn ligament and she was older and she was a little overweight.
July 21st - her bone broke due to the tumor.
July 25th - became a tripawd.
July 29th - We discovered that Shasta had 3 herniated disks. This became prevalent AFTER the surgery - so we had an MRI and this is what was found. Now Shasta is on bedrest for 30 days...
and we hope that she will be able to walk after.
Lesson learned: Make sure that a thorough examination of the hind side is done before the surgery.
You are smart to reach out for feedback. I am sending you and Bella happy thoughts and prayers....
I would post a picture of Shasta but cannot figure out how!
Hi Shasta Marie's family! Welcome and thanks for sharing your story here.
You've been through SO much together, I'm really sorry the journey has been bumpy, and hope that she is feeling better and on the mend. Sounds like she is getting some GREAT care. What clinic is caring for her?
Here's a post about adding images to the forums. If it doesn't make sense and you'd like help just holler OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for sharing.
Shasta Marie - I am so sorry! That sounds really rough for all of you, I hope she heals up. Bella slipped a disc in her neck years and years ago. She was a younger girl then, but it did resolve itself with rest and rimadyl. I hope the same for Shasta Marie.
Otis's experience is reassuring. I did speak with another vet on Saturday who said that generally arthritis is not a reason not to amputate, unless they are already having difficulty using their other limbs. How old is Otis and how long ago did he have his amputation?
This is such a hard decision.....I just don't know if I should put her through the amputation
Thanks for your help.
Positive thoughts for you and Bella.
It all comes down to your specific situation, and each dog is a bit diffrent . You have to put everything on the scale, and see if it will ballence it self or weather you will have to keep it ballenced. After all that its weather you all will have a good quality of life.
I wish I had something more to offer on this but we are just starting our journey.
We are all here and pulling for you and Bella.
Thank you. Appreciate the well wishes and the wise words. Good luck to you too.
Bella is having surgery today to amputate her leg. Please send good wishes!
Lots of good energy and well wishes come your way!!!! Keep us posted on how Bella is~!
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
We are thinking about you and Bella today and sending an avalanche of kisses to you and lots and lots of pawsitive energy to Bella 
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
The power of the Tripawds Community is there by your side! We're all sending lots of love your way, keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Gosh, just catching up! I just want to join in with everyone here in wishing you the best! We've all been where you are, so don't hesitate to lean on us and let us know how we can help.
Recovery can be a little...er....rough for several days, along with a few sleepless nights. We're here for you every step of the way!
And Shasta Marie...sending you best wishes also.
Lpts of love to all!
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!
Thank you all so much!!!!
Surgery went well and I picked Bella up from the hospital Friday night. She was pretty groggy and stumbly when she tried to walk. I slept on the floor with her that night, but she slept so that made me happy. Last night, I put my mattress on the floor and she slept with me there.
She is getting more adept at hopping around and is jut amazing me with how well she is managing. She hopped out this morning into the the backyard to go potty and to sunbathe, which warmed my heart. I can see that her other legs are going to get tired and will need to think about how to address that. Massage and acupuncture probably?
She has occasionally let out a yelp, which from reading here sounds like it is probably phantom limb pain. That breaks my heart and I hope it gets better. Otherwise, though, all is well so far! It sounds like things may take a turn for the worse at some point, so I am prepared for that, but really hoping for a smooth recovery.
Please keep sending the love!
Best, Nicole and Bella
Thanks for the great update, and best wishes! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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