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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Hi, Fellow Owners and Pet Lovers!
We recently found out that our sweet Ruby (beagle/lab mix) has bone cancer in her left leg. They are not sure that will be able to save her leg, so we are accepting amputation. I was so torn with this decision and then came across this site.
I need guidance and reassurance that this is the right thing for her. We love her so much, and I do not want her to be in pain. I feel that amputation is the right decision.
Any guidance, support, or tips would be helpful.
Thank you, thank you!
Hi Rubyred and family, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join. So sorry about the diagnosis, we understand how tough it is to go through and question whether or not amputating is the best thing. What is Ruby's age? It sounds like your vet thinks she is a good candidate for surgery? If so that's great.
Have you checked out Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books yet? You'll find lots of info that can hopefully ease your worries. We also debated about amputation, it's a difficult decision, but in the end we were so glad we did. It bought us two great years and we wouldn't have changed a thing. Not every journey is the same, but whatever quality time it can buy is icing on the cake.
I hope this helps. Stay tuned for more feedback from others, thanks again for joining.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Rudyred,
We also have a 10 year old lab mix (Rottweiler/Lab) that was recently diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. He had a large tumor located on his front left leg. They performed multiple X-rays and ultrasounds of his lungs and other parts of his body to see if the cancer had spread. They informed us that it is a microscopic cancer and to 'cure' the cancer is next to impossible, but removal of his leg would remove the pain and extend his life. For us this was the best decision. He had his surgery on 8.20. I was very worried that he was going to have difficulty moving around because of not only his age, but his weight (85lbs). Today, I am amazed. He hops around like he has always had three legs. He does get tired quickly but he is only 8 days into his recovery. Now we are left to decide to go ahead with chemotherapy combined with a fairly new drug called dasatnib or to try a holistic approach. Either route we go I believe that removal of the tumor was the first step to getting our Bean Bean well. We are sending happy thoughts and well wishes your way Rudy. Please let me know if you have any questions or just need a friend to talk with. We are very new to this as well but I know that support is key to the process. Our dogs are our family. 
Welcome Keno, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Thanks for sharing your support for Rubyred, this is a wonderfully supportive community.
Please consider starting your own thread and tell us more about you and your cancer warrior.
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
Sorry to hear that Ruby is dealing with cancer. Hopefully the amputation and any follow up treatment will give her many more years.
I can tell you the e-books offered on this site were very helpful for me and my husband in knowing what to expect and how best to help our boy Leland after his amputation. It also gave us some insight on managing our human emotions regarding the procedure.
Regarding some prep work you'll want to make sure you have throw rugs down with rubber backing if you have hardwood/tile flooring. The pups are more comfortable and confident when walking on something they feel they have traction on and they won't slip.
Make sure you have a belly sling and/or harness to help navigate stairs. You didn't mention if Ruby was going to be a hind or front leg amp.
When Ruby comes home and for the first couple of weeks you'll need to keep her activity level low. She should only be going outside to potty...no long walks. Her body needs time to heal and recoup from the surgery.
Also, be watchful for any signs she's in pain/discomfort. I'm sure she'll come home with some pain medication but there are so many out there and not every dog responds the same to them. Some alterations may need to be done once the hospital meds where off. Stay in contact with your vet if you notice Ruby having problems...don't worry if you think you're pestering them that's what they were paid for.
Finally, stay in contact with this community. There's a lot of great folks here who've been on this same journey you and Ruby are now starting. We're more than happy to lend support and let you know what worked for us.
Keeping Ruby and you in my thoughts.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
I needed so much to hear this. We just got home from pre-op consult and I am so upset. I don't know why.. we have known for a week that this was coming and trying to prepare but the realization just set in that tomorrow my sweet girl (who looks perfectly healthy) will have to have a major operation.
I know that it is the right thing to do and the e-book has been so helpful, I am just having crazy amounts of emotion around all of this. I am mad, sad, frustrated, etc.
I am so thankful that I found this community and strangers are allowing me to lean into them for guidance.
Ruby is having her rear left leg removed tomorrow morning. Because of how high they have to do into her hip, we have been told she will probably be able to come home on Sunday. (We are taking her to a specialist clinic that is open 24/7 and is associated with a medical university). She is 10 years old and 35 pounds, and the vet thinks that her size will be helpful in recovery.
Does it get easier? Will my pet think I am mean?
Thank you for your support!
It does get easier. The first couple weeks will be pretty tiring for both you and Ruby. Don't worry though Ruby will get things figured out on how best to maneuver on 3 legs. You'll be amazed at how resilient she will be.
Also, since she's a smaller dog she'll probably have an easier time than my Leland (108lb Dobie boy) did. He was a left hind leg amp as well. And Ruby won't be mad because I have no doubt you'll love and spoil her rotten when she comes home. Just be happy and excited when you first see her after the procedure. Dogs are very perceptive and can pick up on human emotions. Don't cry and be sad in front of her. Also, don't carry around guilt for making the decision to amputate....you're doing this for Ruby to give her a better quality of life and many, many more years to be a happy and healthy pup.
You will need support and advice when Ruby comes home so come here. There's a lot of knowledge on this site and so many are happy to lend support.
Keeping Ruby in my thoughts that she has a safe surgery and speedy recovery!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
My girl, Shelby, was also a rear-amp. Not due to bone cancer but another cancer. She was also small, like Ruby, only 25# pre-amp. Shelby was also 13 so older.
She did great! She was at the vet, like Ruby will be, a couple days and they told me she walked right after surgery just fine. They figure it out! They are amazing!!!
Try and hold close to your heart that you are doing this FOR Ruby - not to Ruby.
We've all been there .. .the mixture of emotions and the roller coaster but looking into Ruby's eyes ... you will know you are doing the right thing. The day before our surgery I was so scared and couldn't imagine my girl on 3 legs but then I couldn't imagine her on 4! She was adorable as a Tripawd as I know Ruby will be.
Ruby will not think you are mean - she will know that you love her and you are helping her. And it does get easier ... Shelby and I fell into a great routine w/her three legs and people loved to ask about it and learn.
The first few days/weeks WILL be hard. I won't lie to you there but it gets easier. Stay close to us, let us know how the surgery goes (that waiting was so hard) and keep us posted!
All the best!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart
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
Ruby will not be mad, in fact with the bone cancer she will feel much better once she is healed from the surgery.
Your emotions are perfectly normal- my little pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a mast cell tumor. When the vet told me amputation I thought really? How can that be the solution to this problem...she isn't even limping! It was in fact the only solution that gave Mag a shot at more time with me. Because after the surgery lots of cancerous mast cells were found in the lymph node her prognosis was 6 to 9 months. She lived almost 4 years after her amp and did not pass from mast cell cancer.
The first couple weeks after surgery can be full of ups and downs- so don't get discouraged or second guess yourself. The ONLY way to remove the pain from bone cancer is to remove the leg. Maybe Ruby will be one of the lucky few who sail through recovery like nothing happened!
I know you will miss having her home, but the days at the vet should allow them to get her pain meds dialed in- its tricky to do sometimes.
As you can see there are lots of us here who have been through this and can help.
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
Thank you so much. I am overjoyed with the sweet outpour of love that strangers are giving each other on the site.
I love what you said about not TO her but FOR her. I will remember that over the next few weeks (hopefully years).
Thank you for allowing me to lean into you all for support.
I know that it will be the right decision, but the fear of the unknown is scary.
I am just so sad. I hope that will pass. I know that is for Ruby and this is what we need to do for her.
You are doing the right thing,, just as we were told also, you are doing this FOR not TO her. Another one I have always remembered over the years and used myself is "Only waiting gives the devil more time" and the devil is cancer. We did not hesitate for our Mr. Lee, who is 2 weeks post amp front right leg.
Joining this group has helped us immensely, emotionally and knowledge wise. We knew nothing of what to expect, but hearing from others has made a world of difference.
I look back at the last two weeks and will tell you there is high emotion and many many thoughts both ways. But can tell you now, best decision we made and he is seemingly a lot happier.
Just hang in there and go day by day
Very good luck and sending you good thoughts and good wishs.
Dave
FAITH IS NOT BELIEVING THAT GOD CAN, IT IS KNOWING THAT GOD WILL
Ruby is lucky to have you! What you are feeling is normal, we have all been there. Use this site for anything you need. Just read up on post op care and be prepared for a hellish week or two. Have you looked at Pics of what the amp site will look like? It is a good idea to do that. When you see her after surgery do not acknowledge the site. Greet her by looking in her eyes and hugging her. I bet she will be wiggling and wagging. Stay in touch and do not blame yourself. You are doing the right thing.
Laurie
Ruby will not be mad. That was the hardest thing for me, realizing that dogs don't see loss of a limb quite the same as humans do. All she will know is that the pain from the bone tumor is gone. Most adapt really well and I agree that her size will help. Sometimes , I think back amps seem to do better than front ones. She may be a bit loopy from the meds when you first bring her home. Hang in there and hang close here. This place is awesome!!
hugs from ,Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Hi and welcome. I second everything from the posts above, including that Ruby will not be mad.
Be sure you raise her food and water bowls, and the rugs or yoga mats laid out to form paths on slippery surfaces is very important. The first couple of weeks are very hard, so try to get as much rest as you can while Ruby is in the hospital. If Ruby sleeps in the bed with you, you might want to take your mattress off the frame for a couple of weeks so that it is easier for her to get up and down. Our vet told us absolutely no activity for the first two weeks except for getting up to eat/drink and walk far enough to potty.
Don't worry if she does really well the first day or two home and then regresses a bit in her energy level. It takes a couple of days for the really strong IV/hospital drugs to get out of their system and when those mega-drugs finally clear out, they usually crash a little. Plus, their muscles get sore after a few days of the "new walk" because they are using muscles in a different way. Think of how after a hard workout, you are most sore two days later than you are the day of the workout - this is kind of the same thing.
Last, do not hesitate to call your vet if you have questions or concerns. They expect to deal with follow-up questions from such a major surgery. Good luck!!!
Lisa and Angel Zeus
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
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