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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Rudy 15 1/2 year old lab Need to make a decision to amputate leg soon!
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Member Since:
4 February 2015
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4 February 2015 - 8:44 pm
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I need help.  Everyone thinks I am nuts for considering to go forward with surgery to remove Rudy's back leg because of his age...15 1/2.  I mean, he has lived a long and great life, right!  But they do not know Rudy.

Just this past Sunday,  he was walking around and suddenly yelped in extreme pain.  My husband I thought he may have gotten a charlie horse or maybe a small fracture. We had no idea.  He had been limping for a few weeks.  So immediately the next morning we took him to the vet.  They took and xray and told us they suspected Osteosarcoma.  A biopsy was taken the next day.  The results are still yet to come, but the vet is quite certain it is cancer. The bone literally crumbled when they took the biopsy.  Rudy did also have a fracture so he is in a splint until the results come in.  The vet told us it will come down to two choices, put Rudy to sleep or amputate the leg, but to consider he is already 15 1/2.  Rudy has been home a day now since the biopsy and he is hopping (fast too!) around like he always had only three legs.  He is still spunky and alive. I can "see" he has so much life left in him.  I can feel it!  So, am I crazy to want to go forward with the amputation? Realistically how long could he live?  We adopted him when he was 6 months old (1999) and he has been with us all over the world with my husband's military career.  Even the Middle East for two years!  He is older than my oldest daughter.  So, do I follow my heart? Help!

On The Road


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4 February 2015 - 9:48 pm
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Hello and welcome. I'm so sorry to hear about Rudy, I know that's a tough spot to be in and everyone here understands completely. Nobody here thinks you are nuts because we understand the depth of your love and compassion for this pup. You aren't the first one to wrestle with this decision in a senior dog. Have you seen our "Size and Age Matters" Discussion Forum topic? Lots of examples of dogs that are/were Rudy's age when they became Tripawds, so be sure to check it out.

I know you don't have a lot of time to think about this because he's in so much pain, but a second opinion from an orthopedic vet could really help if you can get in to see one asap. How does your vet honestly feel about his candidacy as a Tripawd? Does Rudy have any pre-existing conditions? How is his mobility otherwise? Remember only you know him best, you are the only one who is truly qualified to decide. It's a big decision but as long as you make it with love and in his best interest, you can't go wrong.

When it comes to osteo, this disease can be nasty. But then again there are times when things happen much better than anyone could predict and the dog gets to live a longer happy life on 3, out of pain and still enjoying the things s/he loves most. We see it all the time, and almost every parent is glad they made the decision even if the post-op longevity was only a few months. Every dog is different and of course there are risks, it's not always an easy road, so you have to be OK with that deep down inside if it were to play out that way. Sometimes palliative care might be the best choice but it all depends on the dog and the circumstances.

Here is one blog to check out, it's Bailey's story. Although he's an angel now (you'll have to go back several months for his story) it will give you some insight.

More people will chime in so stay tuned and please keep us posted OK? We are here for you no matter what you decide.

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

Virginia







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4 February 2015 - 10:34 pm
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Rudy sounds like wuite a feisty fella'! Fractured leg...biopsy...and he's bouncing around on three legs!

The decisions we are forced with as a result of this stupid piece lf crap disease are just plain brutal! And to nave to decide whats best for a "mature" boy such as Rudy...hard, just plain hard to know what to do.

Recovery can be rough, but almost all dogs do well on three legs fairly quickly. The surgery itself is major and not without risks.

Rudy is vibrant, spunky and full of life. It sounds like he's not done yet!

Did the vet do chest xrays to make sure lungs are clear, bloodwork, atrong heart, etc?

I can honestly say I do not know what I would do. Obviously, almost all of us here have continued on with amputation regardless of age, size, other hurdles, etc. We "hear" the risks, but proceed anyway. We proceed because we believe the amputation will give us QUALITY and PAIN FREE time. We hope our dogs will be one of the exceptions who beats the odds and blows this stupid disease to smithereens! We learn to live in the moment and savor every bonus day we are given. We let go of statistics, prognosis and our definition of "hope" changes daily.

You will make a decision out of love for Rudy. "Listen" to Rudy. What do you think Rudy would want? As Jerry said, you must be a peace with whatever decision you make. Will you have "regrets" if you don't try?? Will you have regrets if you try and things go downhill rapidly??

We understand the depth of your love and we understand the agony of this decision. You are not alone, okay?

We would love to see pictures of this cutie pie when you can! He sounds like a little spitfire of a dog...and that kind of attitude is a real plus on this journey!!

Sending you (((((((((((((((((((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!

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5 February 2015 - 7:01 am
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Thank you for your posts thus far! I do have a question.  The cancer has not spread to his lungs.  They did do a chest xray.  So, if they do amputate his leg, is chemo necessary?  I guess the vet didn't talk too much about anything beyond the amputation.

Los Angeles, CA
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5 February 2015 - 9:21 am
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I feel your pain... it is a really hard decision. My girl, Shelby, was 13 when she got her rear leg amputated for a different kind of cancer. She had already had 2 surgeries (spleen and a broken leg that was plated and pinned). It was a terrifying decision but Shelby was spunky yet in pain. I opted to go w/the amputation - saying that if we had one good MONTH it would be worth it. She had 4. She was already under-going chemo so her surgery for her amp was dicey ... low red blood cells, concerns about her heart. 

It is a very personal decision but I would agree, if you can get a second opinion and ask the vet what they think Rudy will do as a Tripawd ... it might help you.

Hugs and prayers coming your way,

alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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5 February 2015 - 10:43 am
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What an adorable avatar picture! Wanna jump through the screen and kiss that mug!

And that is v ery good news that there are no mets! Way to go Rudy!!clap

In "theory", it is believed that those nasty cells are probably in their system, but just so microscopic that they are not visible yet. The chemo, in theory, is supposed to destroy, or at least delay the cells. Now, obviously I'm no vet! Thix is just my simplistic way of understanding all the medical mumbo jumbo.

Just a suggestion...for now keep things chunked down...one decision at a time. You have a lot on your plate a d the chemo decie is something you can decide after, znd IF you proceed with chemo. Generally it's given about two weeks after surgery so you'll have plenty of time to do research then.

Chemo is very much a personal choice and, quite frankly, another one of those "crap shoot" scenarios! Some dogs "appear" to get extended time as a result of chemo, and some pass before the rounds are complete. Some dogs "appear" to get extended time without chemo, and some pass relatively soon. The same scenario applies to the holistic approach.

As far as "longevity", remember, three months in doggy years is equal to about a year and a half in human years!

Just know that everyday is a bonus day and to make the very, very best of each moment!! It sounds like Rudy sure is!!

Sending you love and support and a "knowing" you'll do what's best for Rudy...and Rudy knows that too!

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!

On The Road


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5 February 2015 - 10:51 am
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rieckym said
Thank you for your posts thus far! I do have a question.  The cancer has not spread to his lungs.  They did do a chest xray.  So, if they do amputate his leg, is chemo necessary? 

It really depends on your situation, your dog, and your budget. The dog can go on and live a good life without it. Many people opt out just like many people decide to do it. Our Jerry lived 2 years with no IV chemo (we did metronomics ), others have defied the odds and lived longer. BUT, statistically speaking, chemo does give dogs a better chance at living longer with this disease. Will it cure it? No, sadly. But some dogs will live much, much longer because of it. Overall though it's a roll of the dice, there are no guarantees. You just have to make the best decision for your pup and your life, one that you can live with and know that you're giving him the best quality of life you can. In this situation, quality is more important than quantity.

Here's a chemo discussion that will give you things to think about.

Hope that makes sense.

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

Member Since:
4 February 2015
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18 February 2015 - 7:34 am
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Rudy had his surgery yesterday to have his back left leg amputated and is resting.  He seems depressed, has no appetite, but is drinking. I cannot get him to take his meds.  It is weird not seeing him with four legs because he was so happy before the surgery.  However, he seems to be doing fine hopping along with three.  Hopefully we made the right decision.  We are not going to do chemo.  I have no idea how long we will have with him with just the amputation.

Westminster, MD
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18 February 2015 - 7:51 am
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Hi and welcome,
So glad you were able to come to a decision regarding Rudy, and for a senior guy, he surely seems to be doing very well overall.....However, he just had major surgery, and it will take some time to recover and get past some of the ups and downs with pain, pain meds, and getting around. Great that he is drinking, but you gotta find a way to get those pain meds into him. Find something he really enjoys as far as food, peanut butter, lunchmeat, whatever, just to get him comfortable. Pill pockets are another option that works very well.

Others will have some different ideas as far as helping you out, but I just wanted to mention a few options to try. Hang in there, it does get better, and with Rudy being an extra senior, it could take a bit more time than usual, but he will get there.

Keep us updated on him, and hoping you find something that works for giving his meds to him...
Bonnie & Angel Polly

On The Road


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18 February 2015 - 11:25 am
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Yay Rudy! You made it through surgery, you're a rock star!

I know it's hard to see our pups after surgery, they seem so down. Keep reminding yourself, you got rid of some horrible pain, and everything else is icing on the cake. Time is nothing to dogs, just quality of life. Make his remaining time the best it can be and you've done right by him. Recovery can be ruff sometimes but it's not forever and you'll have your boy back soon.

What we see as depression is usually a side effect of a very exhausting procedure as well as pain medication. Lack of appetite too is usually caused by the whole ordeal. If he's still not eating even just a bit of hand fed food be sure to ask your vet for an appetite stimulant. You can also check out these tips for getting dogs to eat.

Administering pain meds is tricky. You don't want to hide them in his food if you can avoid it, or he will associate food with the pills (that might also be why he's not eating if pills have been in his food). If he's on tramadol, keep in mind it's an extremely bitter pill so definitely don't put it in his food. Many people use stinky meats like Braunschwager or Liverwurst, and cheese to hide pills, and this video has some good pilling tips for dogs too. And if all else fails, Pill Paste works really great.

Keep us posted on how he's doing. Hang in there! And oh if you'd like to start a new topic in "Size and Age Matters" it's a great place for newbies to follow along with senior dog stories like Rudy's. You are both inspawrations to everyone!

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

Orrtanna Pa.
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25 January 2014
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18 February 2015 - 11:48 am
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My Quadpaw is on antibiotics right now for a pesky skin infection, I use string cheese. Just cut or break it and shove the pill into the center like a pill pocket. I have used cream cheese as well. Keep in mind, as Jerry said, he is still in recovery mode. The anesthesia combined with the pain meds will keep him out of it for a bit. Rudy sounds like a spry old boy who will get his mojo back in no time. Hang in there, the first 2 weeks is the hardest. It goes better after that. Lori, Ty & the canine trio

TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed  and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater. 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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22 February 2015 - 2:38 pm
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Hi Rudy's mom!  how is Rudy coming through this first week?  the first days are hard, and eating can be a problem because they are not feeling well.  However, he should be taking his pain meds, antibiotics and etc.  This is really important.

You may want to look into the various "protocols" that families have come up with to help the dog's body react and fight cancer.  There is metronomic therapy and there are holistic methods, with chinese herbs and the like.  

An immunity-boosting therapy is what most of us do, with or without chemo.  These are the most common:  K-9 Immunity ; an apoptogen like Apocaps or Artemisinin (artemix from hepalin.com) - some go for one, some for the other;  Shield4Pets.  

My 90 lb Golden is on K-9 Immunity and Apocaps , and is 9-month past his surgery.  

If you browse through the forums, you will find other senior dogs' stories.

Good luck and speedy recovery, Rudy!

Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet.   Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues.   Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle.  October 17:  started having seizures.  Taking fenobarbital for seizures.  April 18: started prednisone.

Norene, TN
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24 February 2015 - 3:18 pm
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I know I'm late to the discussion, and I really have no more to add than what's already been said. I just want to send my thoughts and prayers for you and Rudy. What a special boy, 15 1/2 . . . that's just amazing!

COME ON RUDY!!!

Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.

"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."

- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey

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4 February 2015
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26 February 2015 - 9:57 pm
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Thank you all! I am worried though. He seemed happy and fine a couple days ago but lately has not eaten or drank much. Today he laid around all day and when we got him to stand up he either fell down or stood there in one spot comatosed. I know it was not the pain meds because he was like that before I gave him any and this was happening 10 hrs past giving him the meds. Other than that I have not given him anything. His surgery was 10 days ago. Literally he was 100 percent different (better) two days after surgery versus now. ????? We made a mistake doing the surgery, didn't we.....being as old as he is...

Norene, TN
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27 February 2015 - 7:34 am
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Okay, here's your "Come to Jesus" talk. There are never mistakes when you make a decision out of love. You have to always remember that cancer is the monster here. It will make you question yourself. It gets a kick out of suffering. Don't think for a minute, much less a second about taking the rap for its cruelty. You are a loving and wonderful fur-pawrent. Take that ugly cancer and use it to make your bond stronger.

The emotional roller coaster is a harrowing ride, and it'll make you a better human. Crazy as the ride can be, just hold on tight, we're right here with you.

Just for chuckles, when I used to put Harmony's and Melody's cold weather "jacket" on them, they would both stand comatose waiting for me to take them off. They would forget how to sit, lay, stay, EVERYTHING, until I took the jackets off. LOL! I know that's no where near what you're talking about with Rudy, but I mentioned this because we never know what truly goes through our fur-babies minds. For us to guess is just a reflection of our own interpretation.

Stay centered, stay balanced my friend. You and Rudy will be in my thoughts and prayers.

pam

Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.

"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."

- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey

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