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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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Glad I found this group, but wish I didn't need it
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Member Since:
25 August 2016
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28 August 2016 - 7:31 pm
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Hi, my name is Amy and my puppy is Ruby.  I'm single, no kids... so she really means a lot to me. She's a mutt (my best guess is Boxer with maybe Pit Bull?).  My username is Rougarou after the nickname my Dad has for her.

Ruby's had a rough life. She was found as a stray about 3 days before I adopted her.  She was skin and bones, had mange, and wound up with kennel cough.  They had her listed on the site as a Puggle (which I adore) so I drove down to see her.  It was immediately clear she was NOT a Puggle, but when this poor, sad, skinny puppy crawled into my lap and went to sleep I was in love.  No way I was leaving without her.  They guessed she was about a year old, but she was so underweight it was hard to tell.

Fast forward to the present. I've had her for nearly 3 years (so she's only 4ish now). About a month and half ago I noticed she was being very ginger with her left rear leg, but she was still running and playing like normal. Then a few days later she was standing on the laminate floor and slipped a bit. The yelp she let out broke my heart. I took her to the vet that evening, and they though it might be an ACL (CCL) injury and recommended 2 weeks crate rest. Even with me carrying her up and down all the stairs in my town home for 2 weeks, she seemed to be worse.  

Back to the vet. Still thought it might be ACL tear, but she's a statue at the vets so it was hard to tell. In my heart, I knew it wasn't just an ACL tear, but she was in so much pain and wouldn't put any weight on the leg at this point I went ahead and scheduled surgery for August 24th. I figured if it wasn't ACL they'd find out for sure once she was sedated.

Come the 24th. I dropped my Ruby off in the Morning and the vet said they wanted to do some x-rays to check it out before they started surgery. About 1 o'clock I got a call. I figured they were going to start surgery. No. It was the vet... no ACL tear... it's a tumor.

My heart dropped. I think I knew in the back of my mind that was it was way worse than just an ACL injury, but to hear that my 4 year old dog might have cancer gutted me. I got all flustered on the phone while the vet tried to talk through my options so she told me to come down. 

I got there and they showed me the x-ray. I could see the large lytic region on her tibia near the knee. They said they could biopsy and send it out and wait for results, or just amputate today since she was already scheduled for surgery. We did some chest x-rays first to check for metastases before we did anything. That was a long wait, but those were clear so I just decided to go ahead with the surgery. Like I told my mom on the phone, "I'm just not ready to lose her."

She's home now and though the first couple days were rough, she's adapting to tripawd life quickly. She even seems to be able to navigate the step off the deck to the backyard better than when she was carrying that 4th leg.

I still don't know if I did the right thing.  We don't even know for sure if it was cancer yet, but the vet looked at the tumor after the amputation and said it was bad and she was surprised Ruby hadn't broken her leg already. I'm now in limbo waiting for pathology results. I found this site literally minutes after I agreed to amputation surgery for my dog (which I had about 20 minutes to prepare for). It helped me tremendously to have this resource the last couple of days. It's been great to see all the kind words posted here for others, you're all amazing people. Now that my Rubert is back to snuggling with me on the couch I finally felt ready to share my story.

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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28 August 2016 - 7:53 pm
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Hi and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

We often say welcome to the club nobody every wanted to join.  But since you have to be here there is no better place to find information and support.

If you're still not sure you did the right thing then look at the xray again and listen to what the surgeon said...'surprised the leg hadn't broken yet'.  Cancer or not it sounds like the leg was too damaged to salvage.  Also- look into her eyes and know that she is out of the terrible pain that comes with damaged bones.

That being said...I was sure I had done the wrong thing for weeks after my pug Maggie lost her rear leg to a mast cell tumor!  Maggie was stubborn and didn't cope with changes well at all.  She eventually got the hang of things and hopped happily through life for almost 4 years.  Yes, I know I did the right thing.

It's hard to say from your avatar- but she does look more like a boxer to me than a puggle.  BTW- I adopted my second Tripawd about 10 months ago- she is supposed to be a puggle also, but is a small white and black dog. 

I'm glad you found us and have posted your story.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Minneapolis, MN
Member Since:
23 April 2016
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28 August 2016 - 8:28 pm
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Hi, Amy:

I know this has all been terribly shocking.  But even if it isn't cancer, the vet has told you the bone was very, very compromised.  It wasn't going to get better and it had to be so painful!  Ruby sounds like she is adapting like my boy Pofi did - he was immediately better off not having to lug around that painful and practically useless appendage.

I firmly feel you have made the right decision.  None of knows how much time is left for anyone or anything - but Ruby didn't need to be in such pain. 

Concentrate on how much better she is feeling. Give her lots of love and soak up the love she gives you back!  Hang in there!!

Lisa, Minneapolis

On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly.  His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.

Blog: Pofi, Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Amputation

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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28 August 2016 - 9:09 pm
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I'm so glad Ruby found you! She knows what love and joy feel like thanks to you!heart

No, this is not any easy journey and recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks. In a bizarre way though, being forced to having to make such a quick decision about surgery alleviated the stress.of doing more tests and agonizing abput what to do. You skipped all that and fast forwarded straight to recovery!

And remember, Ruby does NOT have a timeframe stamped anywhw in ner butt! She is not a statistic! She is Ruby! She is Rogarou!! She is Rubert!

Ruby lives in the moment! She has no worries! We all work very hard around here to Be More Dog ! .ake everyday the best day ever!

Stay connected! We are all right here by your side! And we'd love ro see more pictures!!

Lots of love

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!

Los Angeles, CA
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29 August 2016 - 11:10 am
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I just wanted to offer my well wishes to you as well! I was also single (still am) when I went through this with my Shelby and she was my child. My first born (ha ha) and the love of my life! It is a tough journey but also, your baby is so young!!! But it's good there is no mets in the lungs. And statistics are just that ... numbers! Dogs amaze us! 

Surround your Ruby with lots of positive energy and love and you will get through this together!!! And lean on us! We're here for you!

Alison with Spirit Shelby 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



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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29 August 2016 - 5:54 pm
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Hi Ruby and Amy heart

Such a beautiful love story, yours and Ruby's, you were definitely meant to be togethersmiley

Amputation is such a brutal word and for most of us it all happened very suddenly and unexpectedly but the truth is when our babies are in pain and this is the only way to remove it, we are left with no options.

I am really thrilled Ruby is recovering well, it generally gets much better from the moment stitches come out which is generally our first landmark date to celebrate. 

Keep us updated on her progress, we are all here for you.

Sending you big hug and cuddles to your cutie pie, love her avatar picture heart

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 

Member Since:
25 August 2016
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29 August 2016 - 9:36 pm
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Thank you all so much. Your love and support mean the world to me, especially since you know exactly what I'm going through. Here she is napping today with her (sorta) buddy Harry. I can't believe how quickly she's improved post-op.  I think she suffered from some dysphoria while on her Fentanyl patches, so it's such a relief to see her sleeping well now.

Napping buddiesImage Enlarger

Sally, you hit the nail on the head.  Ruby doesn't have an expiration date stamped anywhere on her. We might have a month together... we might get 3 more years. Either way we're going to enjoy what time we're given.

We've decided to embrace the tripawd status.  I created and ordered this shirt for her (she actually really loves wearing shirt/sweaters).  Can't wait to get it!

Ruby

In case you're not familiar with the quote, it's from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The scene with the Black Knight.

https://www.you.....jEcj8KpuJw

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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29 August 2016 - 10:09 pm
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OMD!!! The MONTY PYTHON clip......the tee shirt....the quote.... BRILLIANT!!!!!! Gosh, seeing Monty Python brings back so many hilarious memories! Ruby is going to love her shirt.....and so will everyone who sees it!

Love your attitude!

Ruby looks very comfy sleeping with Harry. She is a very, very pretty dog. She looks so gentle, so sweet.

Yeah, those patches can make the dogs a bit whacky! Is she on Tramadol and Gabalentin?

Can't wait to see more pictures!

Hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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30 August 2016 - 10:27 am
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Bhahahaha! You have a great sense of humor. Ruby's going to do GREAT as a Tripawd!

What a sweet photo of her sleeping with Harry. They take good care of each other.

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

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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30 August 2016 - 10:33 am
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AWESOME!

If you can find that kind of humor right now you are going to be fine!

I can't wait to see Ruby in her new shirt and hear how people react big-grin

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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30 August 2016 - 10:35 am
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She looks great ....really great!!! Rest is good! The meds can make them a little nutty for sure! 

Love her new shirt too! That's fantastic!

Hugs!

Alison with Spirit Shelby 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



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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30 August 2016 - 6:40 pm
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That was SOOOO funny, you are going to enjoy so many happy moments together filled with laughter for sure clown

Love the picture of Ruby and Harry, they look really cute and cosy heart

Sending you a big hug and cuddles to your sweeties heart

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 

Member Since:
25 August 2016
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30 August 2016 - 8:46 pm
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I'm lucky and get to work from home, so I usually sit on the couch with Ruby on my left and Harry on my right.  But Ruby likes to steal my seat whenever I get up so that's why she's laying right by Harry in that pic above.

She's on Rimadyl (since prior to surgery) and Gabepentin now.  I had to call and request the Gabepentin post surgery because she was still so whiny I couldn't be sure if it was pain or dysphoria from the Fentanyl.  She's doing really well now on the Rimadyl and Gabepentin.  I can't believe how good her incision looks, too!  We get the staples out on Saturday which I'm sure she'll appreciate because that means she'll be out of the cone of shame soon. Since I'm home all day, she only wears it at night, but we'll all be happier when it's gone!

Thanks again for all the kind words.  It means a lot to hear it, especially from people who know what I'm going through. I heart this site so much. It feels like a safe place.

P.S. I'm thinking of a shark attack victim costume for Halloween.  Now that she's not in constant pain, it's easier to find the lighter side of all of this.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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31 August 2016 - 10:55 am
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rougarou said
P.S. I'm thinking of a shark attack victim costume for Halloween...

big-grin Domino was the winner in last year's 2015 Tripawds Howloween Contest with that same idea! Check that forum topic for many more fun photos and ideas...

Image Enlarger

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

Member Since:
25 August 2016
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31 August 2016 - 11:22 am
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Of *course* you guys have a Halloween Contest!  big-grin 

That costume is amazing! clap Way better than I was imagining.  I guess I'm going to have to step up my game.winker

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