Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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When I adopted Tanner, my chihuahua, from the shelter, he was six months old and his left wrist was traumatized. Apparently it had been crushed as a small puppy and he had received no medical attention. It healed but isquite malformed. He could get around but would limp when the temps were low or when he tired out. This was fine but this week I received the devastating news that his RIGHT leg, the GOOD leg, has inoperable, benign tumors which will result in the need for amputation.
This is super bad news because I am not sure how we will function with only his lame, deformed left foreleg in place.
I've contacted My Pets Brace to see about a custom brace for the gimpy left foreleg. . . and figure I"ll get a cart for walks. . . but I'm not sure that I'm heading in the right direction.
Tanner is 12 years old now. Should I put him through this trauma? What if the tumors grow again in his chest/armpit area? he had three of these large tumors removed one year ago from that right leg and now they are back. The recurring tumors are further down the arm and do not seem to be in the armpit area . . .but who knows.
Any insights would be helpful. I have a couple of months until the decision has to be made.
Welcome! Your future forum posts will not require approval.
Have you consulted with a certified rehab vet tech (CCRT or CCRP ) yet? If not, please do so for a professional evaluation.
We also recommend you contact Orthopets and watch our video interviews with the founder for information about the benefits of orthotics for tripawds.
For details about the pros and cons of carts, see our various posts about wheelchairs for Tripawds.
Start here for lots of help navigating the many resources this community has to offer and be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for many links addressing common concerns.
Hope this helps! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
First of all, thank you for giving Tanner such a wonderful home for the past twelve years...and many more to come! He sounds like an incredible spunky dog with a whole.lot.of determination!
It sounds like you are definitely headed in the right direction. You are doing a great job of checking out options and doing your research. You have some great links from Admin that will give you more information.
These are benign tumors? The leg needs amputation because they will grow and interfere with his ability to walk, is that right?
I can only kffer that dogs, especially little dogs do really well on three legs. Obviously, Tanner has an "issue" with his "good" leg. Going to a Rehab Specialist is really a good idea. It coukd be that, with some proper rehab work, that leg can be strengthened in prep for the amputation.
I know this is frustrating and you have to be feeling overwhelmed. But I think the more information you are getting, the more empowered and confident you will feel.
Hang in there! Your research will give you a more clear direction and options to help suport Tanner through all this. Do you have a Rehab Specialist in your area?
Sending lots of love to all
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Would love to see pictures of this cutie pie!
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!
Thanks. I'll look in to a rehab/ortho specialist asap. I do have a second opinion scheduled this week. Yes, while tumors are benign, they are growing and so the doctor said he would get to the point that the skin will begin to split, causing alot of pain. If I could stop the tumors from growing, that would be fantastic, but radiation would only be minimally helpful and require anesthesia numerous time so I don't want to go that route. If I can figure out how to upload a photo, I will do so. He is a sweetie, happy, waggy-tailed . . . I hope we can figure this out.
Really tough decision, but I agree that only an expert can help you make it after looking at Tanner's situation. Will be thinking about you both!
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.
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