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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My sweet beagle-mix, Biscuit, was just diagnosed with a nerve sheath tumor. He's around 7 years old and otherwise healthy and active. We're moving forward with amputation of his front leg, and I happily discovered this site and all of the wonderful resources you fine folks have provided. Thank you!
The neurologist said the tumor is in his brachial plexus and hasn't breached the spinal canal. I thought the amputation sounded relatively simple, but the surgeon said he is concerned about the proximity to the chest wall. He is having a radiologist review to determine if a portion of his body wall will need to be removed.
Anyone have experience with an amputation that included a portion of the chest wall or rib? The surgeon said if part of his chest wall needs to be removed it will make surgery and recovery more complicated. Since Biscuit is fairly young, my inclination is to be as aggressive as possible to prevent recurrence, but then again, the amputation is already going to be major without the added complications.
Hi Team Biscuit, welcome. I'm sorry you found yourself in this place, but glad you joined us. Thanks for the kind words, you'll find everyone here is terrific and so helpful.
This type of surgical procedure isn't something I can recall anyone doing, off the top of my head anyhow, but I haven't searched the Forums. It is good your doc is being so thorough and bringing in the experts. Did the doc say when he might be able to tell you the status of things?
I know it sounds like major surgery, and it is, but lots of major surgeries aren't as bad as we envision them to be. There's a procedure called a "hemipelvectomy" that happens when the leg and affected part of the hip bone needs to go, and you wouldn't believe that dogs could bounce back from it but they DO. It's not as easy as a straight amp, but as long have you are working with board certified vet specialists, which it sounds like you are, then you're in good hands.
Let us know what the report comes back with and their recommendations, I'm real curious. Hang in there OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm sorry to hear about Biscuit, but glad to know that he has the support of a loving family.
I do not know much regarding the surgery. My 13 year old Beagle had her front right leg and shoulder amputated in February 2014 due to a mast cell tumor. She adjusted wonderfully and had been doing great until two weeks ago. Unfortunately another mast cell tumor has appeared basically where her right shoulder was. She is going to have the tumor removed on Tuesday. I am hoping and praying that the grade of the tumor is low.
I hope you find the answers you need. This site is great and people here are supportive and understand what you are going through!
Danell and Kasey
Oh Biscuit I'm so sorry you and your family have to go through this. I think we need a law that says dogs and cats under the age of 20 can't get cancer! You are right though 7 is fairly young and aside from this is probably in good health. When you do know the whole story let your Dr help guide you. Let's all of us cross everything we can cross for good luck that it's far enough away from the chest wall to not cause any problem. Healing thoughts coming your way. Beagles are so cool. I love their little faces! So sweet. Yours is a "keeper"!
BISCUIT!!! YOU ARE ADORABLE!!! Nothing like the mug of a smiling Beagle!!
Really rotten you may have more "hurdles" to deal with beyond the "normal" amputation. Yeah, amputations are definitely considered normal around here.
Has this Surgeon ever dealt with this before? That would be a pretty important factor in deciding whether to proceed or not...with him anyway. Maybe you could check around with other Surgeons in your State and see if they've done this kind of Surgery. Then, perhaps you can actually speak with the owners and see what, if any, complications or specific challenges they amy...or may not...jave faced.
Biscuit sounds like he jas a lot of spunk and is very fit. Of course, having such a loving human with a positive attitude as his advocate is an extra bonus!!
Remember that Biscuit isworrying about a thing! He's living in the NOW, in the present. Xrays, statistics, diagnosis...none of that means squat to Biscuit. He is feeling great and enjoying the fact that he's probably been getting a few more treats than normal!
I know you're worried and trying to envision every single scenario. To have to wait for more input is stressful to say the least. The best thing you can do while waiting is take Biscuit though drive thrus for cheesburgers, give him extra long tummy rubs and take lots of pictures and ppst some here! We love pictures!!!
Just remember, all is well in Biscuit's world and that's all that matters.
We are all right by your side in this journey. You are not alone, okay? Take some deep breaths...exhale slowly...go hug in Biscuit and watch him wag his tail! Doesn't that feel good? Oh, and eat lots and lots of chocolate to help with yiur stress level...it works!!
Sending lots of hugs!
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!
My Jake had a nerve sheath tumor at his shoulder blade. They took everything right up to the chest wall, but not the chest wall itself. The surgeon said the chest wall was a barrier for the tumor. My Roscoe had a tumor that had grown under his shoulder blade, through his rib cage and invaded his chest cavity. Before we knew the extent of the tumor, they had discussed taking out ribs. Unfortunately for us, removing the tumor ended up not being an option but apparently it can be done. I'd definitely make sure you are working with a board certified surgeon.
Have they said why they think they may need to take the chest wall? Has he had a CT scan?
Hugs
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Thank you all for your encouraging words! I just got this email from the surgeon, so thankfully it looks like he won't have to breech the chest wall. I'll take good news any way I can get it!
Fortunately, it does not look as though the mass is extending into Biscuit's body wall. The radiologist said that what I was seeing was a group of blood vessels that were filled with the contrast for the MRI. The mass also does not look as though it is invading into Biscuit's spine/spinal cord. Since these masses are of nerve origin, they can spread up into the area of the spinal cord where the nerve originates. This does not appear to be the case with Biscuit.
So, the next step will be amputation. This will also allow me to get a better look in the area of the mass to determine if extra tissue needs to be removed to get all of the cancerous part out. This is the primary goal with the surgery.
Alrighty! Yes, our definition of good news around here is different than most!!
Sounds like you can formulate a plan to move forward now and I know that has to be a relief! And yeah, our definition of "relief" around here is different than most!!
Thanks for updating us and please keep us posted as you move forward.
Sending lots of hugs to sweet Biscuit!
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!
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