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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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Member Since:
11 November 2016
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11 November 2016 - 6:11 am
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Our five year old English bulldog was suddenly lame. Xray showed a bone lesion and they were fairly certain it was cancer. The specialist we went to in Chicago ruled out cancer and a fungal infection. She said she's only seen one other similar case and the dog lived a normal life after amputation. Does anyone have an idea what it could be? 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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11 November 2016 - 7:19 am
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Hi! I wanted to get your post approved so others can see it, but I'm on my phone now so I'll comment more when I'm on my laptop. My initial thought is that sometimes a third opinion can make a big difference. Have you considered having a university vet school look at your pups case?

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

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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11 November 2016 - 9:31 am
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Just curious as to how they ruled out cancer?  (Great if they did however!)

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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11 November 2016 - 9:43 am
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Oh gosh. This is very different from what we see here.

I agree...DEFINITELY get another opinion!

As Christine said, how did they rule thise things out? What tests were done?

If it's not those things, what did they call it? Why is amputation the only suggestion?

Is your pup on pain meds now?

Sorry for all the questions, but this just sounds very...well...very bizarre!

Looking forward to more info when you can! And yes, should amputation be the treatment, your pup can definitely live life to the fullest on three legs!!!!!

Hugs to you

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS. And what's your pup 's name? Bul@dogs are sooooooo cute!

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!

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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11 November 2016 - 10:16 am
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I was going to say the same thing - how did they "rule out" cancer?  Did you do a biopsy?  Biopsies often come back inconclusive, so if that's the case, it's not necessarily the most reliable.  Murphy had a biopsy to rule out a fungal or bacterial infection.  The biopsy was x-ray guided (I think) to make sure that they got into the correct spot.  It came back inconclusive.  Follow-up x-rays showed that the tumor had grown, so we proceeded with amputation.  It still took almost 3 weeks to get results after his amputation, but he definitely had cancer.  His wasn't osteosarcoma, which is more common, he had histiocytic sarcoma.

Do you have a picture of the x-ray? 

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

Donna.png

On The Road


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11 November 2016 - 10:51 am
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Well there ya go, lots of great input here right?!

So are they recommending amputation because he has degenerative arthritis? I'm also curious how cancer and fungal infections were ruled out.

I do think that if you could give more details we would be better equipped to offer some insight. It's always better to have more information so you feel confident when making such a big decision.

Oh and here's a post about adding images to the forums. Be sure to share pics of your gorgeous bully!

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

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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11 November 2016 - 11:12 am
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What kind of cancer did they rule out? Because we also ruled out Osteosarcoma when Shelby broke her leg but later discovered it was Hemangiosarcoma. If we could get more details we might be better able to assist. And I would also agree, a 3rd opinion might be a good idea too! 

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

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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12 November 2016 - 4:44 am
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Not sure where you are in Chicago.  We used the VCA Arboretum View in Downers Grove.  a bit expensive, but I was very pleased with the level of care and expertise.  I think the U of C also has a strong practice.

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

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