Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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my 9 year old baby Stanley the Rottweiler was at the vets last Thursday as he was presenting what I thought and now really wished was arthritis X-ray showed a tumar vet as not took biopsy but think it's cancer.. she then went on to tell me he only as 2-3 months my world came crashing down he's my baby 🙁 she then went to go on she felt treatment was not a option for him as he growled at her I could understand if he was flying at her but he didn't he just growled which is understandable when she's poking him in his leg.. i have since told her i don't want her to treat my boy as I feel she as give him not hope I am my new vets today wirh him they have xrayed his lungs and as far as they can see it's not there.. my worry is his size will he cope on three legs it's his back leg which will after be amputated
Hi Vicky and Stanley, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
First, take a deep breath and congratulate yourself for listening to your heart. Of course Stanley growled, he is clearly in pain and that's what dogs do. You made a good move by choosing to seek help elsewhere. Good job!
Now, IF it is osteosarcoma, in general it comes with a six month to one year prognosis, however we have seen MANY dogs far outlive those statistics, including our own Jerry who lived two more years to his natural lifespan. Others have gone even longer. So for now try not to focus on numbers, the most important thing is to help Stanley feel better.
How does the new vet feel about him being a candidate for life on three legs? If Stanley isn't overweight or has too many other conditions he has every chance at doing well. Even if he is overweight, you can help him lose the pounds which makes a big difference for amputees' quality of life.
Have you seen Jerry's Required Reading List yet? Be sure to hop on over, it will answer many of your questions. Also, I saw you were in the chat last night. Feel free to stop by at the end of your day, which is the start of ours here in the states, and we can chat OK? We also have some members in other parts of the world who stop by all day long, so check in and you may run into someone.
Hang in there and keep us posted OK? Stay tuned for feedback from others.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Cannot wait to hear more a put your sweet Stanley and more pictures! His avatar is ADORABLE!!
As far as that first Vet....GRRRRR..........unbelievable what she said!!! Stanley has a painful leg and she's darn lucky all he did was growl!!! I'm soooo sorrynyounhad to endure thst! I really, really hope you have a .ore knowledge and compassionate Bet now. If not, find another one! Stanley deserves the best!
Now, as far as big dogs, or any dog for that matter, getting along just fine on three legs.....heck yeah!!! MynHappy Hannah (a fluffy Bull Mastiff) was mobile within 24 hrs and never needed help with a sling, or harness, etc. Sassy Sugar Bear is a well known Rottie around here who, I believe weighed in arpund 130 - 135 lbs, and handled three legs with no problems!!
And sure, some larger dogs or "mature" dogs take a few days longer to get mobile, but they usually work through it just fine in a very short time.
So let us know how your other appoin goes and then we can help you navigate through this whole amputation/recovery lrocess!
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
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!
I can't speak for longevity, because we are only 2 months out. But, my 9 year old Rottweiler made it through the amputation surgery fine. She has osteosarcoma. She gets around fine. She has additional issues (remaining back leg torn ACL scarring, etc.) but getting around is not an issue. We use a sling outside for our comfort more than hers. As for weight loss, she is a small female Rottweiler and went into surgery at 105. With removal of leg and strictly watching diet (and treats) she is 85.
Good luck and good choice to find another vet!
I am sorry to hear about your boy Stanley. Sally mentioned Sassy. She was 138 pounds when amputated. That was my vets major concern. Could she support that weight after amputation. Oh boy she surprised them (not me because I knew she could do it). She got up after surgery and hopped out to pee and wanted to keep on going. She tried to pull the vet tech right on out of the parking lot. She was going home.
Stats are just that. The vets have to give them. Yes some survive less than that and some survive more than that. It just depends on the dogs and this crappy disease.
I found a second opinion vet that I loved that is the vet we stuck with for our amputation and chemo treatments. Don't feel bad that your dog growled he was showing pain. I mean Osteoscaroma is a very very painful disease. How would she like someone poking her painful leg.
Keep us informed
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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