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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:
30 April 2010
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30 April 2010 - 8:38 pm
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I found out today that my chocolate lab, Sierra, has bone cancer. I was 95% certain I knew the diagnosis before it was official and have even been researching it extensively for the past week. But....knowing this and thinking I was prepared for what I already knew has not made it easier. I already know that we will amputate and do chemo because putting her to sleep is not an option that I can do right now. However, I , like everyone else probably, wonder if I am just being selfish in delaying the inevitable. Knowing that, most likely cancer will show up in a year if I am lucky sooner if I am not, and cause her great pain again.   She is in a lot of pain now and  I know that amputation will make her feel better soon and that is the hope I hold on to. It dose seem like a difficult road, teaching her to be able to safely manage stairs will be a must as soon as possible, how on earth am I going to keep my rambunctious lab/GSD, Jack, from accidentally hurting her. He can't stand to be alone and whines if even a baby gate seperates him from her.  Sorry about the overly sad post this time. I guess everyone deserves at least one day to wallow sad. Promise to be more upbeat next time.   

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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30 April 2010 - 8:53 pm
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Sierrasmom, you don't need to apologize, everyone here understands what a difficult situation you're in. We are very sorry that She got diagnosed and hope we can be a source of support for you both.

Where to begin....well, as you've probably already seen here, most dogs do just fine after amputation. While all dogs are different in the time they take to recuperate and/or handle the post-surgery pain, one thing we've seen here over and over again is that they all give the recovery their best, never looking back with regret or being angry or sad about the future. You'll quickly see that Sierra can handle things much better than you ever dreamed possible. It's a lesson all Tripawd pawrents learn and sticks with them forever.

Never hestiate to ask your vet as many questions as you need to to make you feel good about the surgery and follow up. Give the recovery time, don't be in a rush, and take it one day at a time. In a few weeks after surgery, you'll look back and wonder why you were ever so worried. Oh, by the way, most dogs don't really need that much help in managing stairs and instinctively know how to work with them, and other sibling dogs usually give a new Tripawd tons of space to recuperate. They are so incredibly intuitive, wait and see.

As for the cancer....that's a hard thing to deal with but again, one day at a time is the best anyone can do. Statistics are just numbers and nine out of ten are wrong! All dogs are different. Try to avoid focusing on the prognosis and stay pawsitive, believe that Sierra will beat the odds. Pawsitive energy is so important when it comes to coping with cancer.

There's been so much great stuff written by members here about dealing with amputation and cancer. Take a look around and you'll see. Also, check out these recommended posts for some popular questions people ask:

What to Expect Part 1

What to Expect Part 2

We hope this helps. If there's anything else we can do to make you feel better please let us know OK? Tell us more details about Sierra. How old is she? Where is she being treated? You may be surprised to find you have a lot in common with our other members here.

Talk to you soon!

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

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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30 April 2010 - 9:15 pm
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Welcome Sierra and Mom(?)!

I'm so sorry about the cancer.  I don't have a 3-legged dog with cancer but most everyone here does so you've come to right place.  

You are more than welcome to come here and cry and agonize...that's what makes tripawds.com a special place.  We don't judge, we support.  But I can promise you, you are not going to be sad for long!  You are doing the right thing by amputating your baby's pain.  Please don't think I'm being trite because I don't have cancer, just a deformed 3-legged dog.  But I've had her for 11+ years  and she has had a boatload of problems - so I can understand the difficulty to a degree. 

But make a promise after you get all the initial hurt and shock out of system, you will NOT focus on the stats of cancer.  They are stats for doctors, not dog pawrents.  We have so many tripawds here that have beat the odds to a pulp! 

 

However, I , like everyone else probably, wonder if I am just being selfish in delaying the inevitable.

WELL!  Not one person here feels that way!  So, there goes your "everyone" theory!  laugh  Not even our wonder people who have lost their fur baby!  They still come and give advice and tips, not to mention support.  I have never heard one of them say they regretted it. 

But I understand what you are saying.  Family and friends sometimes try to protect us from the hurt and will say something that can cause even more hurt.

We don't think you are selfish!  We think you love Sierra so much you'll give her a chance.  We find that wonderful and brave. 

So, please keep us posted.  In the meantime, please read around on the tripawds site to see how wonderful the next journey with Sierra will be!

Sending you entire fur family a big HUG!

Comet's mom 

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

Livermore CA
Member Since:
24 January 2009
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30 April 2010 - 9:16 pm
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Hi Sierra's Mom

You're at the worst part right now--deciding whether or not to amputate.  There are a ton of factors to consider, but somehow, the dogs manage to get through it and amaze us with their abilities.  I had the same concerns as you have about the other dogs--I have 3 others, and they're used to being together most of the time.  When Cemil first got home and they came up to him to check out where he'd been, he gave a very tiny growl and they got the hint and didn't do anything that hurt him.  They kept their respect and were very careful of him until he convinced them he was well enough to rough-house and play.  Somehow, they communicate with each other and take care of it for you.  I think lots of others have had similar experiences with multiple dogs.

The greatest lesson to learn from a dog living with cancer is staying in the here-and-now.  That's the way they live their lives, and it's the only way to get through this.  Just think how much more attention Sierra is going to get--she's going to love it!

I hope it goes well.  Keep us posted.

Mary

Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today

Cemil's blog

10711
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30 April 2010 - 10:10 pm
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Welcome Sierra and Family,

First let me say that I'm really sorry to hear about the diagnoses. There's nothing I can add to the level of advice and support that you will receive from the caring tripawrents on this site except to say really use the site and never be afraid to share your emotions or to ask questions! There's a mountain of info on this site and links will be suggested as in Jerry's post earlier. My advice is to really look into them. I have had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way I'm afraid.

 

Please don't feel selfish or guilty. We pray for years not a moment with our three legged friends that can only be described as the deepest kind of love. Your pup Sierra is lucky to have a mom like you and she is going to teach you more than you can imagine. I know my boy has.

Prayers,

Fortis and His Pack

Arizona
Member Since:
28 September 2009
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30 April 2010 - 10:13 pm
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Welcome Sierra, so sorry to hear of the cancer diagnoses. When you get that diagnose it knocks the wind out of you. We got that diagnoses just over 10 months ago. We then had some confusion about the diagnoses for the next three months but then again we got the diagonses of osa and we knew that to get Tasha out of the incredible pain she was in was to amputate her left front leg. The first two weeks after amputation were hard but we got through it and today Tasha is a happy, active dog. She plays, runs, we take walks.  Tasha amazes us everyday at how she has adapted.

We also have two small dogs and my son has a young Doberman that is very active and wants to be very close to Tasha, I think she thinks Tasha is her mother and wants to lay very close to her but during recovery all the dogs just stayed away, they would sniff but never tried to play or be ruff with Tasha in any way.

All the best to you as you start this journey, you will find much information and support here, feel free to ask for advice anytime.

 

Jo Ann & Tasha

Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.

Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….

Member Since:
26 November 2008
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30 April 2010 - 10:33 pm
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Sierra and Mom,

We are so very sorry to hear of Sierra's diagnosis, but you have found a site filled with wonderful people willing to share their collective experience, provide suggestions, and give support during this very tough time. When Miss Cherry was initially diagnosised, it was devistating to us as well. In the end there really never was a choice for us because only with a left fore-leg amputation and extremely aggressive chemotharepy could we hope to return Miss Cherry to the quality of life that had defined her first eleven years. The chemotherapy was worse than the amputation, but we had a very glorious 405 days after the amputation. She enjoyed her life and helped to create extremely great memories. We will not decieve you, the journey will have very tough moments, but you may just win the lottery as I did with Miss Cherry.

Please read over the recommended posts that Jerry referenced above. Most here will tell you that I have three suggestions that I would like to add to help you as you go forward.

1)  Remain as positive as possible around Sierra.  They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder.  I often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile.  It will make a difference.

2)  Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body.  Find something that they love and can still do during recovery.  Then exploit that love to give them purpose.  For Cherry, it was her trips in the truck/car.  It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered.  As the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approached, you could see the excitement grow.  Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool.  Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable.  View the Fun!  Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips.  Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary!  Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years.  View the fun!  Help them find a purpose to fight.

3)  Consider keeping a journal.  I kept a journal and posted much it on-line.  It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison.  The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog, which is also a great idea.  This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery.  Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition.  I have a page of thumbnail photos (with links to larger versions) covering from just after the diagnosis, first days home, chemotherapy treatment, through recent days.  View Cherry’s TriPawd photos.

I too went through the mental process questioning if I was only being selfish and trying to hold onto Miss Cherry. I knew that I would never be prepared to loose her. However, I gave her every chance to enjoy her life and can honestly say that she did enjoy this "borrowed time" as much as I did. We know that you will make the best decision for Sierra, and only you know Sierra as well as you do.

Sending you Pawsitive Thoughts and Prayers,

Spirit Cherry's Dad

 


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30 April 2010
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1 May 2010 - 6:43 am
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I cannot express how much the support means to me. smiley Today I will start planning the best recovery ever for my super girl!!! Can't promise I won't have a sad moment now and then but we will definitely get through this.  I will definitely keep everyone "posted"wink

knoxville, tn
Member Since:
12 February 2010
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1 May 2010 - 8:34 am
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good luck with your decisions.  you make them with love for your girl, so they are the right decisions!!  as everyone else has said, the first two weeks are rough, but they become memories once the pain meds wear off and you see your amazing girl with no pain and with a wagging tail and happy face!!  enjoy those great moments, don't fret the future, cause now is where it's at!!  gayle

Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included).  She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.

Love Never Ends

http://etgayle

Madison, WI
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14 June 2009
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1 May 2010 - 9:57 am
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sierrasmom said:

I cannot express how much the support means to me. smiley Today I will start planning the best recovery ever for my super girl!!! Can't promise I won't have a sad moment now and then but we will definitely get through this.  I will definitely keep everyone "posted"wink


 

You'll do great, oh yeah big-grin  You're ready for this. big-blink  And your sad moments are as welcome here as the joyful ones.

Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide

Member Since:
10 March 2010
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1 May 2010 - 2:55 pm
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Let us also welcome you to this wonderful place.  We were looking for a harness and found Tripawds and discovered it is a community filled with caring people who can help through every single thing you will be experiencing.

I am a broken record when it comes to recommending the Ruffwear Harness that can be found here on this site....check with your vet to see how soon it can be utilized....mine let me put it on when I brought Magic home, but he was at the vet for four days.  Some vets prefer to wait til the staples are out.  This harness will be invaluable in helping with steps and in and out of vehicles...just an amazing help.

come here often and look around....you will be amazed.  Keep us posted and know you are in our thoughts..

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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1 May 2010 - 6:03 pm
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Welcome to both of you.  You've already got some great advise and words of wisdom and encouragement. Make each decision based on what is best for Sierra and what is comfortable for you.  There are no wrong decisions.  You make them one at a time based on research and love, and your best guess.

Oh, and you will have a down day now and then.  Don't beat yourself up just keep going.  Welcome to our little group, you'll have support and caring beyond belief.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

Calgary, AB
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30 January 2010
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1 May 2010 - 8:22 pm
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So sorry to hear of Sierra's diagnosis but welcome to a great site full of very caring compassionate people and amazing tripawd dogs. It is a very difficult time with what feels like an endless roller coaster of emotions. Rest assured you WILL get through it and remember you can always turn to us for a shoulder to either cry on or shout out from with celebrations. Keep us posted on Sierra's progress and take care of yourself wink.

Tai Dog and Laura

Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.

Kirkland, WA
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2 June 2009
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3 May 2010 - 11:24 pm
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I think I cried every day for a month after jack's diagnosis.  It sucks - but it does get better.  I started off in 'fighter' mode where I was prepared to try every remedy out there, then moved to more of a learning mode where I wanted to find out as much as I could about his cancer, and now I'm in an acceptance mode.  We can't change what we've been given, so we may as well make it the best time in our lives.  What can you learn from the situation?  How can you use what you are going through to help others going through a similar ordeal?  What can you see in Sierra that can make you live each day a little brighter and a little stronger?  It may sound weird, but cancer has turned out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to me...it changes your perspective on life and helps you realize what's really important.  It is perfectly normal to be scared, to be second-guessing yourself, to be worried for your dog, wondering how much time she has left.  If she has 1 good day, that's better than a million bad days.  It may take time, it may take LOTS of time, but eventually you will figure out how to get through this...one day at a time.  We started out thinking our dog had maybe 4 or 6 months left (high-grade, highly-productive osteosarcoma), but today marks Jack's 11 month ampuversary, a milestone I never thought we'd reach.  Best wishes to you during this life-changing time smiley

 

<3 Laura and Captain Jack

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
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4 May 2010 - 4:01 am
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Laura - an awesome post.  So very true, so inspirational.  Keep up the good work!

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

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