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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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Member Since:
14 February 2016
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16
3 September 2016 - 2:36 pm
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If there will be someone who Mr. Gibbs knows and trusts to be with him during your trip, it should be fine. Make sure Susan knows the med schedule (she should probably go with you when you pick him up), has the vet's phone number and knows about this community so that she can post questions here.  

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.

Member Since:
31 August 2016
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3 September 2016 - 4:13 pm
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Thanks krun15. I am hearing amazing stories from everyone and want him to live a long life. This is of course a gamble, and I not being a gambling man, will need to take a leap of faith and hope for the best. I am not ready to send my boy to the rainbow bridge. So with a lot of soul searching and my wonderful wife to back me up, I think we will get through this, as it is our only chance to keep him with us. I just have to get used to the idea, and know inside it will relieve the pain he is in now.

I feel better than I did this morning, and hope this feeling of hoplessness will pass as all things do.

Thanks

Dave

Member Since:
31 May 2016
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3 September 2016 - 5:14 pm
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Hi there Mr. Gibbs and Dave. I know its such a hard decision to make. You've already read several stories, but I'll add another in the hopes it helps. My guy Clyde started limping the week before Memorial Day weekend. He wasn't limping badly, but it lasted a couple of days so I figured I'd take him in, thinking he'd hurt himself jumping after squirrels or something. That vet visit did not go as I thought, but ended with a probable diagnosis of cancer with the hope that it was maybe a fungal infection. Well, when we ruled out a fungal infection, I made the decision to have the amputation done. The vet initially recommended a biopsy, but everything I read made me decide against that - I didn't want him to go under twice, and what was the point in my mind since whatever type of cancer it was, he was probably going to have to have the amputation. He had his amputation on Friday, June 3 and came home the next day.

Like everyone said, the first couple of weeks had their ups and downs. Some days, he'd look so down. But he started getting around better and better, and after his stitches came out, took off and hasn't looked back. He's every bit as happy as he was before and definitely more happy than he was when he was limping. I've been paranoid about everything, and we aren't doing chemo, so I know statistically I'm not likely to have too much time with him, but he's not in any pain and happy as can be. I wanted to give him as much pain free time as I could, and so for us, the amputation has been a complete success. No, he can't go for super long walks and can't turn corners at a run as well as he used to (he's a front leg amputee), but he's enjoying every bit of what he can do!

I spent the entire Memorial Day weekend doing just what you are doing now - questioning and researching about what was best. I also personally was upset, angry, and just devastated that this happened to my sweet boy. So I know how you feel and how hard it is to make this decision. Hopefully everyone's input will help - and we all know you are trying to make the best decision you can for your guy out of love.

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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3 September 2016 - 7:03 pm
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Dave ~

Our Murphy had his surgery 3 years 5 months ago for a different bone cancer, histiocytic sarcoma.  He was 7 years old at the time.  Last week he had a chest x-ray and it shows that his lungs are still clear - still cancer free!  At 10 1/2 years he can still run the fence if another dog comes near our yard, chase squirrels, jump on the furniture, get into the car (Ford Escape), lay in the sun, eat, bark, sit pretty, roll over, catch treats ... do everything he could do before the surgery.  Pretty much everyone who meets him comments that he seems so happy.  Because he is!

Recovery can be difficult for the first couple of weeks, yes.  And having a dog survive cancer can be an emotional roller coaster - we tend to over-react to everything.  But this community is the best for pulling each other back from the edge of insanity.

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Member Since:
6 August 2016
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3 September 2016 - 7:16 pm
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Hi Dave,

I'm so sorry that your sweet boy is going through this - you obviously love him very much.  My Sweet Ted was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma this year (he is 9 years old). He presented with a very slight limp on a Sunday and I took him to the vet the next day where an X-ray showed that his ulna was almost completely gone and he was at risk of breaking the leg at any time.  That scared me a lot since he travels around with us often and I didn't want something to happen when we were too far away from our trusted family vet.  Long story short, I agonized over the decision and finally decided - after scouring this site and watching the videos of recovering dogs -that he was such a happy dog and so full of life and joy and it would just be wrong for me to not try to give him a longer life without that painful leg.  He has brought us so much joy for so many years and he was a good candidate for amputation.  On 8 August his left front leg was amputated.  The first few days were rough, mainly because he required 24/7 supervision (in my opinion), but after day 3 he really started improving drastically. Today we were at a little winery near our place and he was running all over the place!  He started running just shy of 2 weeks post amp.  I have no regrets.  He has recovered really well, he's happy, healthy, and full of the same joy he had before - without that painful leg.  Everyone here knows how hard this decision is and we all are here to support you.  

Wanda

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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3 September 2016 - 9:14 pm
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Sage advice well said from Karen for anyone on this hourney, regardless of where they are with it:

"mistake of focusing on that time like it was etched in stone somewhere- that when we hit the 6 month mark she would vanish in a puff of smoke! While I was worrying about the end and missing all the things I thought she couldn't do anymore Maggie was right there in front of me living her spoiled pug life and figuring out how to do all the things she wanted to do. I finally realized that I was the only one missing things, Maggie was getting on with her life and not worried about a thing"

"

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:
31 August 2016
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4 September 2016 - 8:48 am
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Thank you all for your advice and comfort. I do not know how we would get through this without the advice and caring that I feel every time  I open this page up. We took Mr Gibbs swimming last night, hoping the cool water would help on his leg. He swam like a champ but tires out easily and this morning he is limping again badly so maybe we will wait on anymore swimming. This morning he is not using the leg at all and is getting around on his three good paws. Thinking that is a sign from him so I am sure we will proceed with the Amp this Thursday. We are gearing up for the recovery time. I have to leave week after next for work and wish I could get out of it but our dear friend Susan and my wonderful wife Chris have assured me he will have the best care humanly possible. I of course will fret the whole time I am away and not sure I will fully focus on the job. I will keep all you wonderful, caring people updated with how he does after the surgery on Thursday. Maybe once this is all over I can help someone, as you all have helped us through this entire time.

Thanks to everyone.

Dave

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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4 September 2016 - 8:53 am
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It will be hard, but Mr. Gibbs will likely amaze you with how well he does as a tripawd!

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.



Member Since:
27 July 2014
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4 September 2016 - 10:09 am
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I'm happy to hear you have made a decision that gives you comfort and hope. It was an easy decision for me to have my cat's front leg amputated because I could see the tumour growing to golf ball size in 4 days.

My sister has recently been diagnosed with cancer and I just spent a week with her. The cancer has spread it is considered incurable but treatable (similar to dog osteosarcoma) and she's incredibly optimistic about beating this. I came to realize that her attitude is just like those of our dogs and cats. She is positive, wants to have fun and is enjoying life. She's been advised to eat well but not lose weight. The cancer diet book said to eat higher fat content yogurt (yum, yum). So the family's role is just like that of the pet care-giver: to ensure she is comfortable, take her to appointments, and have fun and laugh with her. I've bought her new "toys" - an ipad and comfy recliner; her workplace gave her a gift certificate for a new purse; there are beautiful flower bouquets; lots of nutritious frozen meals delivered.

You'll get lots of ideas and advice how to make Mr. Gibbs recovery and tripawd days comfortable, fun and memorable. Please remember to reach out to family and friends because there's a lot of help out there, including this site.

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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4 September 2016 - 3:18 pm
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Dave, I'm just now able to read this topic you started and am so glad you came over here to do so.

When it comes to amputation, we humans fret about it so much more than the dog or cat. They just want to feel better, but we worry worry worry. We love them so much, how can we not? But as you go through this remember, you set the tone for recovery, even from afar if you're out of town. Stay optimistic, hoppy and hopeful and he will too. I know you can do it!

Yeah I'd take it easy from now on until he's recovered. Dogs hide pain so well, they just want to please their pack. You'll have lots more swim sessions when he's all healed up. Stay patient, focused and you'll all get there together.

Let your wife and friend know we're here to help if they need anything. We'll all be thinking of you this week.

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

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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4 September 2016 - 3:21 pm
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kazann said
My sister has recently been diagnosed with cancer and I just spent a week with her.

Kerren I'm so sorry. I love your great attitude though, and hers, I see it runs in your family! And as you know, prognoses are just guesses really. Here's a fact: a close family member of ours was dx'd with stage four metastatic cancer almost THREE years ago and she's still rockin! You'd never know it these days, she's been doing great for a while now. So it is totally possible with humans just like our Tripawds, to throw those stats out the window and prove 'em wrong. We send all our love and pawsitivity to your sissy and family that she will too. Let us know if you want to talk or need anything at all OK? xoxo

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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4 September 2016 - 3:21 pm
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KERREN! And make no mistake about it, just as your Mona picked you and Dave's Mr Gibbs picked him...your sister picked you!
And because of her choice and just like Mona and Mr Gibbs, she knows what TRUE Souldeep lve feels likeheart

Lptsof @pve 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!



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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4 September 2016 - 3:30 pm
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Hi Dave and Mr Gibbs heart

So glad you've made your decision!

I found deciding which route to take was the hardest part in our journey and strangely enough once we got a plan I got some peace of mind.

My girl Eurydice is a 150lb Great Dane who lost her right front leg to osteosarcoma 4 months ago. 

Concerning recovery, make sure you've got traction covered so Mr Gibbs doesn't slip which can be a confidence killer for a new tripawd.

We got carpet cut to measure (sort of, as I did it myself) and rubber underlay underneath for extra grip. 

Also, get a good harness, we used a soft harness over a t-shirt until stitches came out and we use a ruff wear harness ever since.

We are all here for you so do keep us updated!

Sending you lots of pawsitive energy and lots of tummy tons to your gorgeous boy heart

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 :-) 



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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4 September 2016 - 3:46 pm
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Kerren I am so, so, so sorry about Nancy ...

You are definitely doing what is right, being more dog and making sure her life is full of laughter and joyheart

As Jerry says statistics are worth what they are worth and love is such a powerful power, the strongest ever!

My heart is right there with yours and your sister's

Sending you an avalanche of hugs and a huuuuuge cloud of kisses heartheart

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 :-) 



Member Since:
27 July 2014
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4 September 2016 - 5:18 pm
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Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I did not want to make this thread about me but wanted to support Dave in his decision that whether it's a dog, cat, or a sister we can still respond the same and Be More Dog by living in the moment, forgetting about the statistics, hope for the best and just do the best we can.

I look forward to seeing some photos of Mr. Gibbs!

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

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