TRIPAWDS: Home to 22974 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Need advice plz
sp_NewTopic Add Topic

Member Since:
30 July 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
30 July 2018 - 2:39 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I’m so overwhelmed, I don’t know where to start. We have a 10 year old 90 lb Boxer who is facing a left hind leg amputation or the unthinkable and we are so torn.

A little background on our Boxer Tank...He has a sarcoma tumor (hope I’m saying that correctly) on his left hind leg that is too big to remove. Our only option is to amputate but we are concerned about his age and weight. We know Boxers only have about a 10-12 year life span and we are worried about his quality of life for his remaining years. He is otherwise healthy and has been VERY well taken care of, as I’m sure all here have been. He’s had 3 other surgeries over his lifetime, which includes the removal of his toe (same leg) and his side. Both sarcoma removals. He’s also had knee surgery on this same leg due to a torn Meniscus. My husband and I are mentally exhausted trying to make the right decision because we don’t want to be selfish. I know nobody can tell me with 100% certainty how things will go but thought I’d reach out for advice. I appreciate any and all advice we can get because we have to decide in a couple days.

thank you so much!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
30 July 2018 - 3:54 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Penny and Tank, you have found the perfect place to start, welcome. We are sorry for the diagnosis (sounds like a recurring soft tissue sarcoma?). Many of us are familiar with the terror you are feeling right now. We hope to lessen the load.

First, what does your vet think about him being a candidate for amputation surgery? Did you talk to an orthopedic surgeon? Getting multiple opinions can make a big difference in how you feel. There are no right or wrong choices, and we will support you no matter what.

Try to look at it like this: nobody knows how long we have with or without a cancer diagnosis. All we can do is live each day to the fullest and make the most of it. What do you think Tank wants? In your heart, what do you think he would tell you do to?

The vast majority of senior dogs do great on three legs. Yes, some recoveries are slower than others, and there is always a risk with surgery, but overall, most will live out their lives pain-free and happy. Here are some Boxer blblogs that may ease your worries:

Sarge the Boxer

Chloe the Boxer

Roxy the Boxer

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


Member Since:
30 July 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
30 July 2018 - 4:33 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Thank you so much! My husband has done most of the talking with the vet and from what he’s relayed is that the vet said it’s a 50/50 chance. He’s given both sides as far as an outcome. He did say that if it were his dog, he would prob lean towards letting him go. He’s speaking on the pain, age and size aspect I believe. We did speak to another vet who had the same concerns (age and size) but then I read all these success stories and with Tank being otherwise healthy, I can’t help but think that he would want us to try. We have gone back and forth for days and just can’t commit either way and we know we have to as one thing we do know for sure at this point, is he is in pain now. We had no idea how fast growing this one was or we would have DEFINITELY had it removed 3 weeks ago when it was much much smaller. It grew faster than we could imagine and broke open so quick. The vet did consult with a specialist and she said she could remove it but there’s not enough healthy skin for it to heal, even with a skin graph) so it would have to be the full amputation, which knowing how big and open it is, I wasn’t surprised a bit. If he wasn’t otherwise so healthy, this would be a much easier decision. Definitely not easy by any means. 😢

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
30 July 2018 - 8:38 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Hello and welcome.

I'm sorry you are facing this decision and cancer!

How big is Tank?  Boxers aren't anywhere near the size of many here, we've had lots of giant breed dogs to fine with amputation.  And age is just a number- if you think he is otherwise healthy and has life left to live then that is what matters. 

My Pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a mast cell tumor.  She was only 7.5 years old at the time and otherwise healthy so that wasn't a factor in my decision.  Maggie was stubborn and did not do well with change.  After her amp her prognosis was downgraded from good to poor, I thought the amp would be curative, instead she was given 6 to 9 months with chemo.  I thought I had made a terrible mistake choosing surgery, which she didn't help by being a grumpy slug for 6 weeks.   She finally got used to her new normal and hopped happily though life for almost 4 years.

If I had known before her amputation that her prognosis wasn't that good I probably wouldn't have done the amp.  She certainly wouldn't have made even a year with the tumor growing in her knee, probably more like a few months. 

In hindsight I realized that I had given her a chance. And given what I know now, and given the same circumstances I wouldn't hesitate to amputate. 

Not everyone is so lucky of course and cancer plays by it's own rules.

This is your decision to make- you obviously love the Tank and want what is best for him.  We will support you no matter what path you chose from here.

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

New Jersey
Member Since:
4 January 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
30 July 2018 - 9:05 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Sorry that these are the circumstances that have brought you here but welcome. This website had a role in saving my dogs life. My 10 year old Golden had a pathological fracture of her front leg from bone cancer. Like you I was torn with what to do. They couldnt fix it so my only options were to let her go or amputation. I wanted to make sure i was doing what was best for her, not what was best for me and my breaking heart. They vet sat me down and said that i should amputate. That if she didnt do well after amputation or if there were complications then i always had the option to let her go then. I looked at my fluffy little sweetheart, laying on the floor with her completely broken leg, i sat next to her and she layed her head in my lap and wagged her tail. I knew that was her saying she wanted to fight. So I amputated and that was almost 8 months ago. She is doing amazing. There is no right or wrong answer. You know your dog. If you think that Tank wants to fight then give him the option. Do not worry about his size. Dogs have an amazing ability to adapt. You will have many different options from vets and family and friends who just dont get it. You and your husband know your dog. Follow your heart. Look into Tanks big beautiful eyes and he will tell you the right answer. I will keep you amd Tank in my thoughts 🐶

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
30 July 2018 - 10:17 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Well hello to Tank and his hoomans!

No one wants to be here, that's  for sure.  But as you can already see from the great support and advice from Jerry, Karen and Abby's mom,  YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

We understand  the fear, the panic, the uncertainty,  the tears, being overwhelmed,  having sleepless nights full of worry.....ohhhh yeah, we understand  like no others can!

Please don't  think that we are "pro amputation".  It's  not that at all.  Obviously  almost everyone here has gone the route of amputation.  Every situation  is dofferent and whatever  YOU decide is the RIGHT decision for you and Tank based on your own individual situation  and thought processes.

That said, we have lots and lots and lots of dogs who are  older and who weigh far more than Tank do very well on three.  Obviously  we are not Bets and have not assessed  Tank.  I'm  just a little perplexed as to why they would not think Tank was a good candidate.  

Certainly  amputation  is not to be taken  lightly.  It's  major surgery and, like ANY surgery, it has unforseen risks that just cannot  be predicted.  Recovery  is no picnic  for a couple of weeks.

The reason all of us here moved forward with the "forced choice" of amputation was because we HAD to give our dogs a chance! We were not willing  to call it quits and "let them go" without  a fight. Plus, we knew amputation  would get rid of their pain!  And the whole amputation  journey is about EXTENDED  BONUS TIME FOR MORE LOVING AND SPOILING, ALL WHILE PAIN FREE!!  Sure, there is always a hope that the extended time will be a really loooooong time!  The important  thing is to make every moment count.  Make every moment the best moment ever!!

Tank doesn't  count days on a calendar,  and he certainly  doesn't  have a timeframe on his cute Boxer butt!  Dogs flow effortlessly  from one glorious moment to the next.  They live in the NOW with no worries  about their tomorrows.  We call that being more dog!

Keep asking  questions.   Let us know how we can help.

One more thing.  Wanting  to have Tank with you as long as possible  pain free and happy is not selfish.  It's  called love, and that is not a bad thing.  And Tank wants to be with you as long as possible  pain free and happy and he is not selfish.  He just loves you.❤

We're  here with you  no matter what.

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:
1 October 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
31 July 2018 - 7:20 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Beautifully worded Sally, couldn't have said it better myself. Welcome Tank and family! So sorry you are going through this, but I am really glad you found us. 

There is no right or wrong as long as you have your furbabies' best interest in your heart. None of us share the "exact same" story, and all different reasons have brought us here. The only steadfast thing that you will find repeating itself over and over in here is our love for our furbabies and our support for each other regardless of the decision made. 

Hang in there and good luck, I just wanted to welcome you smiley

Hugs,

Jackie and Huckleberryheart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Montreal, Quebec
Member Since:
10 July 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
31 July 2018 - 8:48 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Hi, you've joined the most amazing support group. It's been a blessing to us. I have an almost 12 year old mix of lab beauty who had her front limb amputation last Thursday due to a nerve stealth tumor on her radial nerve that feeds her arm.

As been said here, there is no right or wrong decision and each case is different.

We had to make the choice for her to either put her down or remove her leg. Tough tough decision. Her vet had said that at her age amputation was not an option, we reached out a dog oncologist and other specialists: surgeon who said she could have a chance and looked like a good candidate. Plus the MRI suggested we might be able to get a clean margin with the amputation.

Reading the different stories in this community definitely helped us. Honestly my concern was/(still is) putting her (and all of us) through this only to learn that it had spread. But its been comforting to read that other parents do not regret the decision despite not having been able to remove the cancer since they got pain free and happy extra time with their love ones. 

I just wanted to tell you that I am with you and Tank  and send our love, good vibes and cuddles.

heart

Brave Belle & Yael + rest of the pack!



Member Since:
21 May 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
31 July 2018 - 3:33 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Penny and Tank 🌸🐾

Everybody has posted beautifully and I agree with others amputation is not an easy choice but if it means painfree extended happy life or immediately releasing our babies ... unless there are very serious specific reasons why it cannot be done the vast majority of us went for surgery.

Sadly, we do hear of vets here who are advising their clients amputation is not possible or advisable for their dogs due to their age/size. 

Well, they should spend some time reading our real life stories and watching videos of our babies for good measure.

I wish I could remember (but hopefully somebody else will) who posted recently about their old dog (a spaniel if my memory is not failing me) who is a wonderful success story and a marvellous example for you and Tank. 

As for my own experience, my baby Dane was young (5) when she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, she lost a front leg and was huge (77kg) so I had my doubts she would ever adapt but my vet, surgeon and oncologist all told me she would adapt beautifully and they were right. 

The fact your baby is 10 doesn’t mean he won’t have a long happy life on three, so many of our babies live way beyond life expectancy so why not Tank?

We are all here for you whatever your decision is but I personally hope you will go ahead with surgery and give your baby the chance of living a new painfree life with you and your husband.

Sending you hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹

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
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
31 July 2018 - 3:38 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Found it!

Go to the Share your Story forum, title is “15 year old cocker spaniel 13 days post op and she's doing amazing!”, sorry I can’t copy link from my mobile ... 

Hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹

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:
1 October 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
31 July 2018 - 3:51 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
31 July 2018 - 3:55 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thanks Jackie!

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



Member Since:
21 May 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
31 July 2018 - 3:58 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank you sweetie pie 😻

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:
30 July 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
3 August 2018 - 8:22 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Sorry I have not responded to the absolute amazing responses to our uncertainty on what to do. It’s just been a horrible couple days. Sadly, devastatingly actually, we chose to let him go. It was the hardest decision so far in our entire lives. We can’t stop crying and questioning our decision. We’ve been all over the place with our emotions and just wanting him here so bad. We weighed all the outcomes and possibilities. As selfish as we wanted to be, We concluded that we just couldn’t put him through an amputation due to his health history. This was his 5th sarcoma with them popping up closer together as far as time. Believe me, had we known what we were dealing with and how fast it would grow and pop open, we definitely would’ve had it removed. You would think with our past experience, we would’ve known but this one seemed and looked as though it was slow growing as we had another dog with one that took at least year to get to that point. We didn’t have that one removed b cuz of his health and not withstanding the surgery, so we let him live out his life until it was time to let him go. I just keep questioning if we made the right decision with Tank and blaming ourselves for not catching it sooner. It didn’t help that we went on vacation shortly after we noticed it. We had no idea it would grow as fast as it did. Thankfully we had left him in the care of someone that loved him and she took very good care of him while we were gone, not alone or in a doggie daycare, etc. We can’t help but regret ever leaving. We would’ve spent whatever it took if we knew it would’ve helped him and kept him happily alive. His last few days were Heaven for him. Steak, pork chops, ice cream, dog park and a long car ride through the country with his head out the window. He was a couch potato so he didn’t get out much. Plus, he was so heavy and couldn’t jump due to a past knee surgery and fear or tearing his meniscus in his good knee. He was okay with that though b cuz he didn’t really like going outside anyway. We r just so heartbroken and I knew everyone on here would understand just how horrible this is. Thank u again for all the compassionate responses. There truly r good people still in this world. ❤️

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
3 August 2018 - 11:14 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

You did the right thing for Tank!  You absolutely  did the right thing for Tank.  You know your Tank best and everything  you have laid out about your thought process absolutely  fully supports your decision  made out of pure love❤

I salute  you for thos courageous  and selfless act to release  Tank while he  was able to be Tank❤  And this is what Tank woild want.

Our hearts break with yours today.  We are so very, very sorry.  We understand every emotion  you are going through far better than most.  Our tears fall with yours today .  

Your emotions are raw.  You are exhausted  mentally  and physically.  And trust us on this, in this first part of grief we ALL second  guess everything  we jace ever done from the day our dogs or cats came into our lives!  It's  a complete  waste of time and energy, vut we are human and that's  just what we do!

For whatever it's  worth, I think this nasty piece of crap disease was already running  it's  course and amputation  would not have changed that.  It was just too aggressive.  With all of Tank's other issues, I think his quality  would never have returned.  The cards were already stacked against  him.  You do not have to live with that scenario!!

You and Tank have nothing  but gloriously happy  memories to remember  and that is such a gift!!!!   This is what Tank wantd and deserves....quality,  loving, spoiling  and heading  to the Rainbow Bridge with a wagging tail surrounded by love and happiness!  TANK HAS NO REGRETS!  TANK KNOWS HOW MUCH YOU LOVED HIM❤  We all know it! 

And when he got to the Bridge, running  like a puppy, he told everyone what a great time he had with you!  Right now he's  busy eating ice cream and getting massages  on his own personal  couch from the Angels so he may be too bisy to contact yiu.  He will though.  Pay attention!

All the ridiculous  things we humans make up to feel guilty  about have NOTHING  to do with the way our dogs see rhings!  NOTHING!  Tank woild not chage one thing in his life as long as it meant  his earth time could be spent with you!!!   And what Tank thinks is all that matters!

Stay connected.  We look forward to hearing  more avout your special boy.  If we can help with posting photos, let us know.

We are all surrounding  you with our love❤

Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 

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!

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 260
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17735
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256809
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG