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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Front leg amputation - 12 year old Shiba Inu. So scared.
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Member Since:
26 June 2018
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27 June 2018 - 10:44 am
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Hi Everybody, 

My name is Caroline and I am the "mom" to 12 year old Barbie - a beautiful red Shiba Inu. In the last month, Barbie went lame in her left arm. We thought it was an infection or muscular, but got the awful news that she has a rapidly growing, deep, MCT. I have done all the testing we are able to do at this point - chest xrays (clear), blood work (clear), ultrasound of tumour site and stomach/speen (clear/good). Because her little leg is so little and the tumour is quite big, the Doctor has said the safest option is to remove the leg. They will take the lymph node as well and biopsy all. Their hope is that the lymph node is clear and no further chemo/treatment is needed beside the arm removal - but of course there are no guarantees and I have read Maggie's story on here and others. 

This is terrifying and one can't help but think about the human experience of amputation (and our own ego and attachment to limbs and ability to go through all the things we "can't" do without our leg or arm) and I realize for dogs this is a different experience. It should also be said that even humans prevail with amputations and are so inspiring with what they are able to do too. But it's just such a scary thought to think about putting Barbie through this. 

The vet has assured me that she's a VERY healthy 12 year old dog. She doesn't seem ready to be put down (and I absolutely would do that if I thought it was right. I don't want her to suffer needlessly). I am just... I am so scared I"m making the wrong decision. It's a huge one to make for another being and I want to do right by Barbie. I want her to be happy and pain free. 

Tears streaming down my face as I write this. I want to add - I am so grateful to this group. THANK YOU because the stories on here are uplifting and comforting. I just want to know how best to advocate for her and I'm so scared of the recovery period and her being miserable. 

I also want to make sure my mom (who co-dogs) with me is aligned in this choice. I need to help her understand this IS the humane choice, but I'm trying to navigate this all myself. 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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27 June 2018 - 11:31 am
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barbiesmom said
This is terrifying...  

Sshhhhhh...don't tell Barbie! She is not scared about the future or worried about she will or won't be able to do. We silly humans tend to get emotions all involved in the healing process. Dogs are incredibly resilient creatures. They only want to feel better, and the vast majority recover quickly and adapt well to life on three legs. This is why we say Be More Dog ...and that is not just some silly saying. Take some time with your mother to listen to our Be More Dog podcast to understand what we mean.

In the meantime, while you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here , and for help finding all the helpful Tripawds resources and assistance programs: start here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!

Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.

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

Latham, NY
Member Since:
1 October 2017
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27 June 2018 - 12:34 pm
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Hi Caroline!

You're in exactly the right place, and Barbie will do just fine!!  We're about 8--9 months past that scared, confused, questioning stage, and I would not question one thing we've done.  My Fallon was 11 when she had her amputation, our vet advocated against--due to age, size, arthritis, Fallon's fear in medical settings--but he was so wrong, today Fallon's thriving, and I have confidence Barbie can as well!!

We were told to be prepared for 2 weeks of hell following the surgery, but maybe we were lucky--it wasn't so bad, we were prepared for worse.  Our very confident surgeon said it would not be awful, he was correct.  Fallon did stay in the hospital 2 days longer than we really wanted, as she was not eating and seemed to be in pain.  Then all of a sudden things came together and she was home.  I slept downstairs with her until her recheck appointment, where her sutures were removed, and we restricted her activity significantly.  I got tons of information from the Tripawds blogs and forums about that initial time home.  We got tons of greyt suggestions from the Tripawds e-books admin references above--a wise purchase!  The one "Three Legs and a Spare " covers most of the issues you've listed!

Getting rid of Barbie's ugly cancer and any associated pain is going to help her feel awesome, and as you've probably read over and over again here, you'll be impressed and touched by her abilities.  I know I am with Fallon's.  I've heard over and over here--you're doing this FOR her, not TO her. That your vet suggested amputation is a bonus.  We don't have crystal balls and have to go with our gut most times, but we'll ALWAYS do our best to make the most informed decisions for our dogs--they're family.  Fallon's surgeon told us there's no wrong answers, whatever we decided would be correct--but we chose amputation for Fallon because, like Barbie, it didn't seem like putting her down was right.  We got so much support fro this community during that hard decision making process, and I'm sure you will also!

I know how rough it is at this stage, but I found this to be the hardest part, after this fork in the road, things fell into place for us.  We'll be thinking of you and Barbie and looking for updates!

Fallon  8/28/06--9/6/18.  My Heart.

Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.

Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com


Member Since:
26 June 2018
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27 June 2018 - 2:33 pm
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Thank you so much to you both for the comforting replies. I am going to do as you say and look into the resources now. If I am making this decision (which I am) then the best thing I can do is be armed with knowledge about how best to care for Barbie post-op and as a new tripawd so that shes's comfortable. I really appreciate the supportive words. It helps so much. 

Thank you. xo

Member Since:
21 January 2018
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27 June 2018 - 7:52 pm
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Hi Caroline and Barbie.

Oh man, I can still feel the terror of when I first heard my surgeon say that after looking at the CAT/CT scan there was no way we were going to be able to save the leg like we talked about. I was so scared as I know everyone here knows what that’s like.

My dog Chance had his left front leg removed due to MCT. I hated that thing so much. I had it removed twice before but every six months it came back. This time however it came back super aggressive. It grew so big so fast and went deep. The only choice I had was remove the leg or put him to sleep. He was 11 but so happy and youthful! His surgeon thought Chance could do well on three legs, his internal medicine doctor said that Chance could do it. But I just didn’t know. It wasn’t until I found this website and met a very special lady and an equally special greyhound that I was able to feel better about my decision. She was nice enough to share her experience with me and listen to me voice all my thoughts and fears. I never stopped worrying but she did help me feel less scared and more prepared. 

His surgeon was able to remove the tumor completely, though he had to take Chances shoulder, and chest muscle as well BUT Chance is cancer free. That was one thing that worried me, what happens if I took Chances leg and the surgeon couldn’t remove the whole tumor. Would I have put Chance through this for nothing? But looking back, even if he hadn’t removed all of it, I wouldn’t have regretted  it. I said this before, I didn’t know how much that MCT was really hurting him until it was gone. 

I agree with dawn3g the hardest part is making the decision. Get all the information you can, ask all the questions you need to to feel comfortable or as comfortable as you can.  Dogs really do adjust. Even the older ones like my buddy. 

I know I can’t tell you not to worry but just hang in there. Being prepared is a great first step.

Member Since:
5 March 2018
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27 June 2018 - 10:07 pm
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Be More Dog and full steam ahead.

This site has helped me and my Cookie get on with fighting the disease and there is GREAT quality time still to share.

The advice you get her can accommodate any question

 Now go and KICK CANCERS ASS!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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28 June 2018 - 8:49 am
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As you can see, you've come to the right place for support, information, and understanding! We did it! We know the Panic, the fear, the mental exhaustion, and all the unanswered questions rambling around in your head. We also know that, once recovery takes place, you will be so glad you made the decision to give Barbie extended quality time that was pain-free and chock-full of more loving and spoiling and treats and tummy rubs!

We don't pay much attention to statistics around here because we've seen that the dogs don't pay attention to statistics either! Look on Barbies but. Do you see a time frame stamp anywhere on her butt? Nope! Didn't think so! Dogs don't care about days on the calendar, but they sure do care about enjoying each moment and living in the now! Barbie isn't worried about a thing! And is Doug said, that's called being more dog😎

STAY CONNECTED!!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! Recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks. But we are right by your side the whole way and will help you navigate through that. Once recovery is over and you see Barbies Sparkle come back you will be absolutely over the moon with happiness. And yes, you are doing this FOR Barbie and not TO Barbie!

Now go hug Barbie and give her an extra treat for us! As you can see, all is well and her world!

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:
26 June 2018
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28 June 2018 - 4:57 pm
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Thank you so much everybody! Reading these messages provide so much comfort. The resources on this site are great. I bought the ebook (Three legs and a spare) and am sharing the info with my mom tonight. Barbie's surgery is tomorrow morning. I'm preparing for a long road ahead with recovery but she's really stoic and has Shiba-like stubbornness -- I think she will be OK. 

Just wanted to thank you all again for the kind words. I will head over to the recovery section to read more there but THANK YOU with all my heart. Barbie thanks you too. The words here allow me to be brave and positive and strong for her. And she is what is most important.  xoxoxo

Latham, NY
Member Since:
1 October 2017
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28 June 2018 - 5:05 pm
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Caroline and Barbie--you'll both be in our thoughts tomorrow.  Sending positive energy to you both.  Surgery day was a rough one, full of anxiety, but it's the first day of her new Tripawd lifestyle!  Things will get better.  I'll be looking for updates.

p.s. when you have a chance I would love to see her picture!

Fallon  8/28/06--9/6/18.  My Heart.

Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.

Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com

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5 March 2018
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28 June 2018 - 6:46 pm
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You WILL be in our thoughts tomorrow !  We are all here forlaughingheart you!

Member Since:
21 January 2018
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28 June 2018 - 8:37 pm
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Good luck tomorrow Caroline and Barbie!☘️

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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28 June 2018 - 10:39 pm
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 Barbiie's got this!!  Barbie will be high as a kite tomorrow  and feeling no pain!  But you'll be all nervous and scared and worried because we're hoomans who have trouble  living in the present  like dogs do.

So stock up on chocolate, ice cream & junk food on surgery day! It helps calm nerves!😎🎂🍰🍦🍨🍬🍭

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!

Latham, NY
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1 October 2017
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29 June 2018 - 12:32 pm
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Thinking about Barbie today, hope you and she are doing well.  heart

Fallon  8/28/06--9/6/18.  My Heart.

Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.

Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com

Member Since:
26 January 2017
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29 June 2018 - 2:14 pm
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Hoping everything went well today. 

It's an absolutely terrifying thought at first. But dogs are so amazing and so resilient. You'll be amazed at how quickly Barbie recovers and adapts. There are some tough times ahead, but you all will get through them. 

BTW, since you mentioned your mom. I've told this story on here before, but I'll tell it again. When I was first looking at amputating Rocky's leg (OSA) my mom said, "You can't do that to him!" A couple of months later, we were over at my parents' house and Rocky was hopping along with their dogs like it was no big deal (because it wasn't). My mom looked at me and said something along the lines of "He's so much happier now. You made the right decision. No doubt." 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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1 July 2018 - 10:46 am
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Checking in and hoping the surgery was successful.

I'm Maggie's mom- I'm glad you found and read her story, I hope it was some comfort to you as you made this difficult decision.

Please update when you have some time.

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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