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I'm devastated, just diagnosed - please help
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gerryuml
16
26 September 2009 - 7:12 pm
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You guys/gals are all so great.  I sincerely appreciate the support and the words of wisdom.  It’ tremendously helpful to hear from you and realize that there are people who face the same challenges and have succeeded.  Dakota already owes you a lot and I am greatful!

I like the idea of telling the naysayers to not share their opinion with me anymore.  I know they love me and want to help but it is single minded and not constructive.  I think maybe they have not been lucky enough to have a real best friend like I have – I suspect then they may stop and think before being so quick to a decision.

I am looking inwards and I am trying to hear from Dakota what he wants – he is so sad these days though.  I can see his paw/leg often quiver with pain and he will occasionally whine lightly or cry in the night and wake me up – I can only imagine how a nerve tumor must feel.  I drug him but try to balance it so “he” is still there.  I caught him tonight playing with his squeaky toy for a couple minutes after I fed him his steak tip dinner – it was a glimpse of who he is and him before the pain.

Heather – I am sooo sorry to hear about Zues, but it sounds like you got that extra time that made a real difference!  I am hoping to be as lucky as you to be honest with you.

I think someone asked about Dakota’s overall health.  He is 11, but he is a spunky 11.  I have fought to keep him with me through my life – this means that at times he has had to suffer as an apartment dog – with less exercise than he should have gotten – this results in a somewhat stiff back end, but with exercise he does very well.  Short of that he has been a very healthy doggie, never anything major wrong with him (till now)

Also,  thanks for the info on putting Dakota back under again for surgery – this was something I could not find information on and part of my worry and fear that I HAD to make the decision this coming Tuesday.

I am compiling TONS of information.  I feel like I live on the internet now researching the condition and treatments.  I may start a blog just to centralize information realting to this condition so that others will find it easier and in one place.  I will write more later – I have to go put my mattress on the floor and out some runners down on the hardwood floors to make his life a little easier.  I have tons of questions I want to ask and will be posting those soon too.

Thank you all again – I think you know how helpful you all are and how much it means to Dakota and I as we work through life’s toughest challenge to date.

Harrisonburg, Va
Member Since:
29 July 2009
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17
26 September 2009 - 7:30 pm
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I am sorry to hear about Dakota.  Hearing the word cancer, or even tumor, is a blow to the system.  You are doing a great job of researching and getting various opinions.  It is very hard to know what to do.  You will question everything you decide.  I am glad to hear that it's not a more aggressive cancer.  That makes the route of chemotherapy look more promising since if you decide to do it Dakota would probably be able to complete a full round.  As for the amputation, it is not the end of the world or their lifestyle, but it is indeed a big decision.  It is true what the others are saying that a lot of dogs bounce back really well, but not all.  My family was not supportive at all of amputation and thought it best that Mac be put to sleep but the cancer he has had broken his leg so I had to make a decision then and there.  I'm not gonna lie--I don't know if I did the right thing at this point.  At the time everyone including the doctors thought he had a different type of cancer (osteosarcoma) that most dogs recover well after amputation from.  They still have the cancer afterwards of course but they are out of pain.  He was diagnosed with a much more aggressive kind of cancer after his amputation and the biopsy of the removed leg.  It has been 7 weeks and he is much worse than he was even running around on a broken leg.  My dog's case seems to not be the norm in terms of recovery though.  I don't know if that helps.  I've probably confused you even more.  I feel for you and no matter what your decision, it will be made out of love and you are doing what you can to help him.   

Winnipeg
Member Since:
13 July 2009
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18
26 September 2009 - 8:35 pm
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Jacki - Isn't Mac 13 yrs old and weren't some medical issues known from the bloodwork (e.g., kidney or liver enzymes) before the amputation? I think I also forgot to mention Tazzie's age (middle-aged at 8.5 yr, 80 lb dog, seemingly good health but we did find some evidence of hip deterioration recently, which might explain why his recovery was a bit slower than most). I just think we should mention these things if describing our individual's progress to a newbie who has no way to know whether his or her dog might be similar to ours or not. Tripawds come in all ages and sizes - from 1 yr old to about 13 - and their recovery success and time can reflect age, size and weigh, underlying health issues and other unknowns. Many older dogs (11 or 12) have done very well, but age and health status are definitely factors to consider.

Susan

just north of Boston
Member Since:
24 September 2009
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19
26 September 2009 - 10:00 pm
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Dang it, I had posted above but I think I must have not been logged in when posting – should have figured that out when it asked for a username and email address.. I'm definitely not with it.. see previous Post below – hopefully the forum admin will delete one of these to avoid redundancy…

You guys/gals are all so great. I sincerely appreciate the support and the words of wisdom. It’ tremendously helpful to hear from you and realize that there are people who face the same challenges and have succeeded. Dakota already owes you a lot and I am grateful!

I like the idea of telling the naysayers to not share their opinion with me anymore. I know they love me and want to help but it is single minded and not constructive. I think maybe they have not been lucky enough to have a real best friend like I have – I suspect then they may stop and think before being so quick to a decision.

I am looking inwards and I am trying to hear from Dakota what he wants – he is so sad these days though. I can see his paw/leg often quiver with pain and he will occasionally whine lightly or cry in the night and wake me up – I can only imagine how a nerve tumor must feel. I drug him but try to balance it so “he” is still there. I caught him tonight playing with his squeaky toy for a couple minutes after I fed him his steak tip dinner – it was a glimpse of who he is and him before the pain.

Heather – I am sooo sorry to hear about Zues, but it sounds like you got that extra time that made a real difference! I am hoping to be as lucky as you to be honest with you.

I think someone asked about Dakota’s overall health. He is 11, but he is a spunky 11. I have fought to keep him with me through my life – this means that at times he has had to suffer as an apartment dog – with less exercise than he should have gotten – this results in a somewhat stiff back end, but with exercise he does very well. Short of that he has been a very healthy doggie, never anything major wrong with him (till now)

Also, thanks for the info on putting Dakota back under again for surgery – this was something I could not find information on and part of my worry and fear that I HAD to make the decision this coming Tuesday.

I am compiling TONS of information. I feel like I live on the internet now researching the condition and treatments. I may start a blog just to centralize information relating to this condition so that others will find it easier and in one place. I will write more later – I have to go put my mattress on the floor and out some runners down on the hardwood floors to make his life a little easier. I have tons of questions I want to ask and will be posting those soon too.

Thank you all again – I think you know how helpful you all are and how much it means to Dakota and I as we work through life’s toughest challenge so far.

East Bay, CA
Member Since:
6 August 2009
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20
26 September 2009 - 10:27 pm
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I agree with the other Mary. We took Caira Sue on a trip to the beach to decide. We didn't know if it would be our last trip or not. We spent a long time just trying to decide what was best for her-and as unselfish as possible for us. I was originally against the amputation. My husband was for it.

9 weeks have passed and our girl is doing really well. I have had the best 9 weeks, truly enjoying and appreciating our girl. She has been back to the beach several times already.

We looked into her eyes. We asked her to tell us what she wanted. She wanted to live.

Same story holds true about one of cats last week. We looked into his eyes and he said he was ready to go. So only you will really know the answer, and whatever you choose you should have no regrets.

After you have more answers, after you know what kind of cancer this is and if it will relieve Dakota's pain, it will make it a lot easier.

Mary and Caira Sue

May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.

Madison, WI
Member Since:
14 June 2009
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21
26 September 2009 - 10:45 pm
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Yay, we get to see Dakota's handsome face!  Gerry, it sounds like you are the best friend a best friend could have, but don't let your eyes burn out from staring at the computer screen. 

Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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22
27 September 2009 - 1:47 pm
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gerryuml said:

I may start a blog just to centralize information realting to this condition so that others will find it easier and in one place.


Most excellent! That's exactly why we set up the new and improved Tripawds Blogs community. The more diaries we have of treatment plans and results, the better we can all help others prepare for their own circumstances. Thank you for sharing Dakota's story.

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

just north of Boston
Member Since:
24 September 2009
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23
27 September 2009 - 1:54 pm
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I am trying not to let myself get too wrapped up in everything, I promise I will only spend a few (23) hours a day researching and trying to find the best treatments, and options for Dakota.

I think that in Dakota's case the onset of pain was instant and I believe that it is still there and that he is just dealing with it. I see moments when either the dosage of tramadol has balanced just right, or he finds a sitting/laying position that lessens the pain and I catch a glimpse of who he is/was. These are the times that it is clear to me that I need to have the surgery. There are other times (most of the time now) that he whines, has labored breathing, cant get comfortable and/or shakes and is scared when I go to pet him as i think the slightest pressure in the leg area really hurts him (I obviously avoid that area) - these are the times when I see him pulling away and not so sure that HE wants more. This is one reason for the lump in my throat and part of my indecision. I continue to be optimistic and brave for him. We are going for a car ride today to see granny and celebrate Dakota's 11'th birthday - he LOVES car rides and seeing granny.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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24
27 September 2009 - 4:56 pm
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All that research work is OK, as long as you share it with the Tripawds Community! 😉 Thanks.

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

just north of Boston
Member Since:
24 September 2009
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25
27 September 2009 - 7:48 pm
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I will definitely share everything I have from the research. I am half waiting till Tuesdays MRI to confirm things and be certain I am getting the correct diagnosis and then proper names and terminology for the condition. I can not believe how many variants of cancer there are - almost seems like an endless maze. I also want to try to put together some sort of document or spreadsheet that outlines all the supplements and drugs as I am feeling lost on what is a good idea and how/when/if he should get them and cautions to consider for each. I am going to post my suggested diet in the nutrition forum to get feedback.

Winnipeg
Member Since:
13 July 2009
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26
27 September 2009 - 8:23 pm
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Genie's suggestions for diet and supplements were on a blog the other day, but soon got submerged by more recent blogs. Any chance we can keep them closer to the front page? I didn't even get a chance to download his information and once the blog is submerged under other blogs. . .

Gerry - the other Jerry prepared a spreadsheet with some of the common forms of treatment, and the time they are appropriate (e.g., before mets, after mets, etc. covering chemo, metronomics and I think a few other things). But I thought Dakota has a different type of cancer than most of our mutts (no offense intended to you purebred owners).

I guess each of us face the overwhelmed stage and slowly try to process the different forms of treatment, usually in the form of a thread on a forum page, which of course is lost to the next cohort unless they find it in the archives. Unfortunately I probably hit the met stage last week (will know this week for sure, but there is little doubt), which brings a whole new set of beeswax about which I had hoped to remain blissfully ignorant for a few months longer.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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27
27 September 2009 - 8:30 pm
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Tazzie said:

Genie's suggestions for diet and supplements were on a blog the other day, but soon got submerged...


Here is the link to Genie's recent cannine cancer amputation tips on the Downloads blog.

The most recent three Tripawds Blog posts will always appear at top right here in the forums. And all active Tripawds Blogs are always listed on the Community page in the order of those most recently updated.

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

Harrisonburg, Va
Member Since:
29 July 2009
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28
27 September 2009 - 9:52 pm
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Aw Happy Birthday Dakota! And how gorgeous you are....I love wolfy looking dogs like huskies and malamutes. 

Tazzie mentioned Mac's age and she's right, Mac is 13 so that definitely could be contributing to some of his post-op problems.  And the tumor had triggered kidney problems and that hasn't helped either.  The doctors weren't sure if he'd heal because of his low albumin level but he healed fine.  Everything has made him feel like crap but I don't know how much from actual amputation that is.  He went from acting and looking like a puppy to a very old man in just a couple weeks.  There are so many things to consider, the type of cancer, the age of the dog, current health problems, if they're prone to depression, etc. 

I'm glad that Dakota doesn't have something worse....as horrible as it is it really could be worse.  You'll make the right decision.  Hang in there. 

just north of Boston
Member Since:
24 September 2009
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29
27 September 2009 - 11:52 pm
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Tazzie - thanks for the heads up on that compiled document - I got the link from Jerry's post on the tips document - that is a lot of good information! I am definitely going to take some time and go through that. Dakota does have a different kind of cancer, it is soft tissue - not in the bone - this is why they need to do the MRI. The orthopedic surgeon said she believes it to be nerve root tumor - which from what I can see looks like a variant of nerve sheath tumor. Depending on the size and location it may or may not be operable (swallows lump in throat). I am expecting to know for certain on Tuesday and then really get things in gear for next steps. I'm so sorry to hear you hit the met stage - from all my reading I know where in the timeline that sits. Just keep remembering one thing - your buddy is with you today and that is a gift - that's what I keep telling myself at least...

Thanks for the Happy Birthday Jackiandmac - he loved the butter recipe cupcakes I made him but didn't like the candle idea. I know they weren;t the best for him - but I have to spoil him on his B-day. He also thought he didn't have to share any with granny and I - at least he still has an appetite. If there is one thing he likes it's food - when that goes then I know I am in trouble.

Gerry and Dakota...

Wesley Chapel, FL
Member Since:
13 September 2009
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30
28 September 2009 - 4:41 am
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Hi Gerry,

I'm sorry that you and Dakota are having to go through all this. We are all here for the same reason... our babies were diagnosed with a painful and most likely fatal disease. My Jake is 10yrs old and is 11 days post amputation today. So far he's doing well. My family and friends were also negative before we made our decision to amputate. But then I found Tripawds and started sending them snippets of other people's messages from the forum, links to some of the blogs, and links to videos about other tripawd dogs. They were all amazed at how well many of them were doing... and it changed their minds, for sure. I also started a blog about Jake (Jakes Journey) and this way everyone could follow his progress if they chose to. It's kept me sane during this difficult time... to know there are so many others in a similar situation, that totally understand what I'm going through, and give me all the support and information. Tripawds.com is AMAZING!!!!

I wish you the best of luck with whatever decision you make... Keep posting updates and info on Dakota...

Jake's Mom

Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!

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