Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone. We are brand new to the Tripawd community but are already so impressed with the info and support that's here. Amazing! We have a 7 year old Golden Retriever named Molly who started displaying lameness a few weeks ago. After two rounds of x-rays showing a likely bone tumor on her left femur, we got an appointment with the CSU Animal Cancer Center just down the road from us (lucky!). After a full day there yesterday, we have learned that Molly does have osteocarcoma on that knee - and sadly, that she has pulmonary metastatic disease (there are a few nodules in her lungs and trachea). We are having a very hard time with this diagnosis but only care about what is going to make Molly the happiest and the most pain-free. We, like most here, have to make the choice between definitive intent or palliative treatment and we are leaning toward a combination of both -- amputation and chemotherapy. Our question about amputation, though, has to do with the condition of Molly's other leg. She has a partial ACL tear in the opposite leg, so we are concerned about her ability to recover properly. The advice we've received from two different vets (including one of the residents who did her consult) is that she is still an adequate candidate for the amputation and that we would need to consider some additional physical therapy to help with her recovery. Like I said, what we care about the most is that she is in the least amount of pain, and everything we've read here tells us that amputation is the right decision. It will not "cure" her, of course, but we are hopeful that it will help her be comfortable. It nearing killed us when we started reading and hearing about how dogs, especially goldens and labs, will only show pain when it is almost completely unbearable, and that it likely has been hurting her for a very long time. She is on pain meds now and her personality is back -- and we found out yesterday that the structure of her bone is still very strong, the cancer has not weakened it whatsoever yet -- but we are antsy to have a game plan to move forward. We would welcome any thoughts. Thank you in advance!
Hi Molly and family, welcome. Soooo sorry you're dealing with this situation, we know how tough it is and will be here for you throughout.
I am so sorry but I'm on the road right now and have to run (literally parked on the side of the road taking a break doing this!), but for now do check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books Library for our best tips. Scan the forums for "ACL tear" and you'll find lots of others who have been in your shoes as well.
Stay tuned, our pawesome community will be here shortly to offer support and insight. I will talk to you soon!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Molly is c@early a c ery well loved pup with wonderful humans as her advocates!
I'm sorry you have to be here, but under the circumstances there is no better place to be! We are all here for you and understand like no others can.
You are doing a remarkable job of grasping the options...the pros and cons...all the while focusing on what is best for sweet Molly. I know you are devastated at the news. Try and remember Molly is NOT worrying about a thing and certainly does not have a time frame stamped on her butt!!
I'm glad that the pain meds are making her feel better. Yes, dogs are so stoic. I went several mow treating my Happy Hannah (Bull Mastiff) for an off and on limp that seemed to respond to anti-inflammatory .eds for a strain or onset of arthritis. She was diagnosed with osteo. and we had the most GLORIOUSLY joyful and happy pain free life for one year and two months after amputation! Every day is a bonus day from this point forward and everyday must be lived in the PRESENT, in the MOMENT, in the NOW! That's exactly how Molly is living it! We call it BEING MORE DOG around here.
There used to be a time when vets weren't too keen on proceeding with amputation of ets were found. Fortunately, that thought process has evolved. The main goal of amputation is, and has always been, to remove pain AND give them a chance at a quality life full of more loving and spoiling than anyone could ever imagine and for as long as possible! Heck, six months in a dog's life pain free, happy a d being loved is equivalent to three years in a human's life!!
Obviously this is major surgery and it has risks. And recovery is no picnic, especially for the first two weeks. Some dogs recovery faster than others...some slower.. For about the first three weeks I wondered what I had done TO my dog! After that when her sparkle came back brighter than ever, I knew I had done this FOR my dog!
Again, no dog has a time frame stamped on their butts. Many dogs have GREAT quality for quite awhile even though they have mets. Our founder Jerry was one of them!
I think the fact that two vets regard her as a good candidate as a three legger is very encouraging. If she does need help in the beginning, the site has great links to wonderful supportive harnesses, or just using a towel as a sling for awhile.
If you have hardwoods, you may want to get non slip scatter rugs for traction . Raised food and water bowls help prevent strain too. I cannot speak highly enough about The Big Barker Bed . It's made specifically for large dogs. It's firm enough that it doesn't slip and slide as they try and get up and extremely supportive for their joints. If she's a lightweight Golden, it may be too firm for her tnough.
Do not waste one sacred second of your time worrying about the tomorrows!! You jave now and now is all that matters!
One more thing...important thing...eat lots of chocolate!! It helps! And give Molly a scoop of ice cream every now and then! Happy Hannah convinced me ice cream was nutritional!!
Hugs and love to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
You have come to the right place! I don't know if I would have made it through the last few weeks without the advice and great support from Tripawds members. Our Ada just turned 2 years old and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on May 9. She had her amputation 3 weeks ago. She (and I) had some rough days in the 2 weeks following her amputation. Today she is doing great! We are seeing her spunky personality returning. There are lots of tough decisions to make once you get the diagnosis. Folks here will help you through those tough times.
Molly is a very lucky girl to have a family that only wants the best for her!
PS -Ada's big fur brother is a golden retriever. We also have our angel Morgan, another golden, as our guardian angel.
You definitely have found the right place!
Murphy is a retriever mix and was also 7 when he was diagnosed. You're right when you say that about them not showing pain until it's almost unbearable - I think that's why Murphy was initially misdiagnosed. The place that first did his x-rays didn't medicate him because he was on pain medication already and was bearing weight on that leg, so I think they thought it couldn't be a fracture or anything serious or he wouldn't be bearing weight. When it continued and he had a 2nd opinion we found out otherwise. Ultimately, though, it wouldn't have changed his course of treatment.
It's been just over 2 years since Murphy had his surgery (right front leg). At the time of his surgery they removed a lymph node from near the site, and that was positive. After his chemo treatments, another tumor was found on his left shoulder blade. But that was over 18 months ago and so far it hasn't grown and his lungs are still clear.
You have to do what's right for you and your baby. Aside from his leg, Murphy was perfectly healthy, so we couldn't see not giving him every opportunity possible. At some point money will probably come into your decisions, too, and that's ok. You can't go broke for Molly, either.
Love every minute you have with her! Molly is lucky to have you. And if you need to vent or have any questions, there is always support here.
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
Thank you all so much for the amazing replies and encouragement! I know everyone says this but this is really an amazing community. Very grateful to have this support system.
After speaking with the surgeon who would be doing the amputation, our local vet, the CSU Cancer Center vet, and the radiologist, we are moving forward with the surgery. It is scheduled for Friday morning -- quick, so we can start chemo ASAP since there are some scary looking nodules in her lungs and trachea. We will drop her at CSU very early on Friday, and then she'll be ready for us to get her on Saturday morning. We have a game plan for additional physical therapy, so fingers crossed that her remaining back leg will be nice and strong! I am nervous, of course, but mainly excited to remove this nasty cancer leg. I was looking at her while home for lunch today and I realized I was trying to commit the visuals of her walking with four legs to memory. But then my husband made a brilliant comment about how he is looking forward to that leg being as far away from our sweet girl as possible because it is not "her" anymore. Love it!
Will keep this thread updated (and I will likely start a blog). Thank you all - please cross fingers and paws for an easy surgery on Friday!
Kirby, Jordan, & Molly
Hi! And, Welcome! Molly's story eerily resembles that of my angel, Eddy, also a 7 year old Golden Retriever. Eddy developed osteosarcoma in his left hind leg last summer. Two years prior, he had a knee reconstruction TCPO on his right hind leg. So, when he was diagnosed, my initial concern was that his remaining hind leg was already compromised. Well, Eddy did GREAT! All of my worrying was for nothing. He hopped right out of the Vet the day after surgery and was running a few days later. Removing Eddy's leg was the best GIFT! He had 5 months of pain free living after losing his leg and he was HAPPY!
Sadly, Eddy had mets in his lungs also, so his time with us was limited after his amputation, but if I could speak for him, I think he would say losing his leg was not really a big deal. He still went on walks, he still ran and chased his tennis ball, he still climbed the stairs to our bedroom every night, he still occasionally chased his feline friends, he still went out deep in the weeds surveying our lot, in essence, he did just about everything he did prior to his surgery. He looked so relieved to not have that horrible pain. I truly think his amputation was a gift!
I am POSITIVE Molly will do well after her amputation. You will ALL be in my thoughts and prayers Friday. Please let us know how Molly is. Prayers....
If you need anything or have ANY questions, feel free to in box me.
Eddy's Mom,
Betsy
Betsy Golden and Angel, Eddy. Eddy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-23-14, had a left rear amputation 8-07-14, had 3 rounds of carboplatin chemotherapy, a small lung met was discovered in October, had 2 rounds of doxorubicin, and unfortunately more lung mets were discovered. Eddy fought cancer valiantly and went to the Rainbow Bridge 1-6-15, at the age of 7 years and 359 days, just six days short of his 8th birthday. Best Dog, Ever....you will never be forgotten.
Just a shout out to BETSY! Good to hear from you my friend! Loved the visual of Eddy and his Eddyness just being a happy boy! Eddy is still inspiring others through yoi! Thank you!
Kirby, Jordan and Sweet Molly! You jave a plan and yoj are moving forward! BRAVO!!! And a HUGE BRAVO to hubby for reframing what the negativity odpf that fourth leg means and why having three legs is such a positive and so emppwering!! He's a keeper!!
The whole community will be sending you healing energy! We are all here for you! Stay connected and update when you can!
Hugs and love to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Welcome Molly and family. You've gotten some wonderful advice and support from others. I just wanted to say how brilliant your husband's comment was about
Molly ' s cancer leg not being her anymore. Molly has a beautiful soul and doesn't need that leg holding her back. So glad you're moving forward with the procedure.
I'll be keeping Molly and your family in my thoughts on Friday as you start this journey.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Sally, It feels good to be back! I had to take a little break for a while....it was just too hard! But, as you know, life goes on. IT's been five months almost since Eddy went to the bridge, and it does get easier with time. Thank you for the 'shout out'! Hope you are doing well!!! Most of all, thank you for all of your help and words of wisdom!
~Betsy
Betsy Golden and Angel, Eddy. Eddy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-23-14, had a left rear amputation 8-07-14, had 3 rounds of carboplatin chemotherapy, a small lung met was discovered in October, had 2 rounds of doxorubicin, and unfortunately more lung mets were discovered. Eddy fought cancer valiantly and went to the Rainbow Bridge 1-6-15, at the age of 7 years and 359 days, just six days short of his 8th birthday. Best Dog, Ever....you will never be forgotten.
Wow she's getting care at CSU? That's pawesome! You can't get better support and care from vets, we LOVE CSU! Did you see our posts about their pawesome services?
We're so glad you are here and will be sending all our love & support. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
bjilkgolden said
Sally, It feels good to be back!
~Betsy
It's so great to see you here again Betsy! Can't believe it's been 5 months since your sweet Eddy became an angel. Wow.
Thank you so much for sharing your insight and support with the community, you are amazing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
molly423 said
After speaking with the surgeon who would be doing the amputation, our local vet, the CSU Cancer Center vet, and the radiologist, we are moving forward with the surgery. It is scheduled for Friday morning -- quick, so we can start chemo ASAP since there are some scary looking nodules in her lungs and trachea.
I am glad to hear you have made a decision! It will be tough, no doubt, but like I had said before, you seem like a very optimistic person and that is so so important - especially during this first week of ups and downs! But again, you are in SUCH GREAT HANDS (!!) and hopefully that will provide you with some comfort, especially during that first night without her!
I'm not sure what your doc has told you about the pain med regimen, but it made me feel a lot better knowing that Mac would be on LESS pain meds after the surgery than he was before! Knowing the pain of a MAJOR SURGERY would be less than the pain that he was in with that leg still there was comforting.
Let us know how it goes!!
Jamie and Mac
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
Thank you again everyone! And Jamie, you are the sweetest! The surgery went very well today and Molly is resting comfortably -- after she tried to get up right away, that silly pup!. The surgeon says her desire to move around is somewhat fueled by anxiety but also indicates that she is not in pain, which is the part we're holding near and dear to our hearts! We cannot wait to go pick her up tomorrow but for now, my heart is just a little less stressed. Whew.
I did start a Tripawds blog so if you'd like to follow along on future updates, here you go! http://www.moll.....wds.com.
HUGS!
Kirby & Molly
That is SO GOOD TO HEAR! I'm so glad the surgery went well...now you can breathe easy! Looking forward to more updates. Others suggest looking at photos of other post op amputations so you are not surprised when you pick up sweet Molly, but it is also important to focus on her sweet face and not on that ugly wound. It gets better every day - you will be so surprised how quickly dogs heal!
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
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