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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Koda becomes a Tripawd
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Member Since:
29 September 2016
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30 September 2016 - 12:19 am
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Hello, 

My name is Amber and I am the proud momma of 3 precious fur babies (all 3 are dogs). Unfortunately, this morning my oldest, Koda, broke his femur and was rushed to the hospital. I was fully expecting that it would be a quick simple fix and we would be on our way. But when the doctor reviewed the X-rays he told me something I had never dreamed I would hear: "There are only a few options, the break can be repaired with plates & wires - which can be very expensive, the leg can be amputated... OR, euthanasia is always an option". I raised up through teary eyes and said "the last is not an option!". After calling around to several hospitals and specialists I came to the conclusion that there was no way I could afford the surgery to repair his leg. So my only option is amputation. 

I am so completely frustrated and angry that my dog has to lose his leg because I don't have enough money. I feel like I am failing him. 

However, I am trying to stay optimistic because Koda is such a brave, strong, & extremely smart dog. I am sure he will bounce back quickly. But I am still completely heartbroken that he has to go through this. 

I am not sure how to add a picture to this post but if I can figure it out I will post the last pictures I took of him this evening. These will be the last photos of him with four legs. 

I just can't wait to see my baby tomorrow. Even though we have two other dogs the house just seems a little empty this evening... 

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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30 September 2016 - 10:26 am
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Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

I'm sorry you and Koda are going though this injury and amputation.

You should look through the Reading List for lots of information on what to expect with amputation and recovery. 

The two or three weeks after surgery can be full of ups and downs so don't get discouraged if Koda isn't himself for awhile.  He will get used to his new normal and his sparkle will come back.

You are not failing Koda!  You are doing your best for your boy, and that is all that matters.  We've seen many stories here of parents who went the surgical repair route only to end up amputating when the surgery didn't work.  You have chosen the best path forward for both you and Koda and it is really important to be a strong and positive pack leader and show him everything if fine.

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

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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30 September 2016 - 10:29 am
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Oh, I forgot about photos.

Here is how you add photos to your forum posts.   The pics have to be hosted online somewhere like photobucket.

Karen

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

Virginia







Member Since:
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30 September 2016 - 11:04 am
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Hi Amber and Koda!!

Okay...deel breaths...B R E A T H E.....B R E A T H E!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! We are all right here by your side! We all understand the initial trauma of hearing the word "amputation". We also understand how extraordinarily well dogs do with three legs...and you'll see that too!

Just ro ditto Karen, YOU HAVE NOT FAILED KODA!!! He would HATE that you are thinking that!! The more research thst you do here, the more you will realize this is absolutely the RIGHT decision, REGARDLESS of your financial situation!! The fact that your vet realized this was a really bad break and woukd be hard to repair and woukd most likely include more surgeries and possibly infections, says alot about him!! Time after time we see dogs who end up with amputation after many surgeries to try and fix shattered legs! I'm glad Your Vet was on top of the amputation solution!

Check out the downloads link, check out Living Life in Three Legs, etc.

For now though, you just want to prepare for recovery. If you have hardwood floors, get non slip scatter rugs for traction . Be prepared to sleep next to Koda in the floor for awhile! Koda needs COMPLETE rest a and just potty breaks and then mlre rest.

This IS major surgery and it hurts. The vet will send you ho e with Tramadol, Rimadyl, Gabapentin and an antibiotic. The first couple of days he'll still jave hospital pain meds in him, so around day three is when he may reallh "crash. Balancing the pain meds can be tricky at first, but you'll find the right balance.

Some dogs are lretty zonked iut at first, and some are restless and whiny a d just can't get comfortable at first. Every recovery is different. Every dog is different.

Koda may not want to eat much at first. Just make sure he drinks water a d pees. Poop may take several days due to meds, etc.

They shave a lot of fur for the surgery! Don't even look at his incision...Just look into his druggy eyes and give him smooches and lots of praise and applause!!

TRY and get some sleep tonight......And eat lots of CHOCOLATE!!

STAY CONNECTED!! We have TONS of first hand knowledge and will be here to support you all the way!

Love and 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


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30 September 2016 - 11:37 am
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Failing? Oh my gosh NO WAY! You are giving him a chance at a wonderful, happy and pain-free life on three legs.

Yes, saving the leg is VERY expensive and out of the reach of lots of us here. And if it's any consolation, we have had MANY members join us because after spending thousands of dollars on trying to save that leg, it required amputation anyways. So do not beat yourself up, just move forward the way that Koda will do and go on living life to the fullest. It's all he wants for him and his pack. Follow his lead, you'll see how incredible he is.

And as someone who's a sucker for German Shepherds and pointy-eared dogs, I can't wait to see pics of your gorgeous pup. I can tell you without a doubt, in gneral they get along GREAT on three legs. Just ask Tripawds Spokesdog Wyatt Ray !

"Get well soon Koda, I wanna play!"

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

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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30 September 2016 - 12:29 pm
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Hi Amber, I'm so sorry that events have brought you here, but you have definitely found the right place for information and support.

I just wanted to come in and say that I am one of those people who went the leg repair route, and even if it was an option for you and Koda, my advice would be to be EXTREMELY cautious about taking this path. You are absolutely NOT letting Koda down. NOT AT ALL.

Not only is leg repair very expensive, it is also only too likely to lead to further problems, which I never foresaw at the time of the initial operation (with plates, wire, pins etc., very much what your vet was describing). In Meg's case, she had nine major operations, at a total cost of more than £40,000 ($50,000). I will be paying this off for the next ten years, at least. I thought I was lucky because I was able to find a way to borrow it. I don't think this any more.

The main cost wasn't even financial. Meg was put through an immense ordeal. Months of hospitalisation, endless procedures, hopes raised and then shattered, again and again, not able to do any of the things she enjoyed. I cannot describe just how awful it was. I am tearing up as I type. This IS letting a dog down. No question. What you are doing for Koda is the OPPOSITE.

So please do not take away from this even so much of a whisper of self-reproach. It's so, so easy to think 'if only'. I just wanted to show you the other side. This is absolutely the BEST thing for Koda. He will recover from the amputation. You are clearly so dedicated to his wellbeing and we are all here to support you. 

Warmest wishes to you both,

Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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30 September 2016 - 12:44 pm
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Well I am that person that saved a broken leg only to have it removed a few months later... We were dealing with cancer though but we started at a break! 

I am so sorry you are here but like the others have said, you are doing this FOR Koda not TO Koda. Koda just wants to be pain free and you can help with that! That is a HUGE gift to him. You have come to the right place and we can help you through this ... and you will see, Koda will do great on three. 🙂 

Hugs and love!

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 September 2016 - 4:13 pm
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Hi Koda and Amber heart

I totally agree with the others, we hear about limb sparing operations that go wrong too often around here ...

And poor Meg, NINE operations ugh all that pain to end up amputating the leg in the end... but, hey!, look at her now, hopping and swimming and full of joy clap

Do not even think of feeling angry because you cannot afford the operation to try and save her leg. 

Concentrate on Koda's recovery instead, first couple of weeks can be challenging but you will both get there in the end and Koda will show you what the word resilience truly meanswinker

We are all here for you and know exactly how you feel so lean on us any time.

Sending you and Koda a big hug and cuddles 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 :-) 

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29 September 2016
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1 October 2016 - 7:34 am
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<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e118/Kotila/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpswawmwusl.jpegImage Enlarger

" alt="Koda after surgery " /><img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e118/Kotila/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpscfk59prs.jpegImage Enlarger
" alt="Koda before surgery " />

I tried to add some photos so we will see if that worked. 

Today is the day that we will get to pick Koda up from the hospital. I am so excited to bring him home. I woke up early this morning and there is no way I can get back to sleep. 

Went and visited with him yesterday and he was so out of it from his meds. But the doctor said that everything went great and there were no complications. When we visited him yesterday I didn't look at his leg, or lack thereof, only because I didn't want to disturb him. So I just stroked his face and gave him lots of kisses. 

I have been thinking of starting a blog for him to document his journey. I just hope I can stick with it. 

Thank you all sooooo much for your kind words, encouragement, and support. It means more to me than you all will ever know. 

My boyfriend and I just recently moved from Ohio to Colorado so we don't have any support system built up here yet which has made this event even more difficult to deal with. 

I will try to update again after my baby comes home!! 

Love & hugs to you all! 

-Amber 

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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1 October 2016 - 8:47 am
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AWWWWWW!!! He's a lovely looking dog! You can see he's all doped out from the meds, off in his own world, dreaming happy dreams. It's great that the surgery went so well, over and done with and now you can focus on helping him to recover. Just loads of rest and potty breaks and all his favourite foods to eat, and ditto what Sally said re traction . That's really important to help him feel confident and secure as he starts to adjust his balance.

It's always especially tough when you're in a new place and haven't got to know many people yet, but trust me once you start taking Koda out, everyone will be queuing up to meet your Tripawd Rockstar.

Do update us again when you can. And any questions or concerns, you know where to come, okay?

Lots of love,

Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx 

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

London, UK


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15 December 2015
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1 October 2016 - 9:11 am
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Oh, and just a couple of things I found with Meg, which may or may not be relevant with Koda. If they give you tramadol, don't mix it in with his food, as it's really bitter and will stop him eating at all. Been there, done that.... What I found really useful for Meg was to get in a tub of liver paté, and stick a pill/capsule in a lump of that. Went down no problem, just thought I'd pass this on...

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Minneapolis, MN
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23 April 2016
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1 October 2016 - 10:02 am
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Glad you are feeling a bit better - really you have no way of knowing if that expensive repair surgery would have worked out as a long term solution for Koda.  Sure, sometimes it all goes perfectly to plan, but as others have indicated, it often does not.  I have known more than a few people outside of Tripawds who agonized over a damaged leg and spent months and great sums of money trying to save that leg and in the end amputate.  And are usually amazed at how much easier that recovery ends up being rather than the tough, long slow recovery of complex repair surgery.

So this was a viable and good option for Koda to be pain free and back to being his happy self!

Traction is important.  Rest will be important. And trying to keep ahead of the pain with his pain management meds is really key to a smoother recovery.  Talk to the vet about the "baseline plan" dosage and frequency, but also talk about what you can tweak if it seems like the starting point is not enough.  Every dog is different and different medication modalities are often used to get through the first few days and up to 2 weeks or so.  So don't be surprised if Koda comes home with 2 or 3 pain meds.  Some work on nerve pain, some in the brain and some work as anti inflammatory and they can be very effectively combined.

Best thoughts!

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

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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1 October 2016 - 2:15 pm
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Awwww! Those EARS! You know he's already feeling better, look how they're all perked up!

I hope you've had a wonderful homecoming with him. Just remember, this is giving him a chance at a happy, long life. Our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs has tons of tips to help you keep him fit and strong and we're here to help whenever you need it.

Sure, start a blog! And don't worry about "sticking to it." Even if you just have a few posts, it's so awesome when people can share their thoughts before and after surgery and tell about their experience, it really helps others who find themselves making the same gutwrenching decision.

More pics! He's so adorable.

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

Member Since:
29 September 2016
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1 October 2016 - 5:21 pm
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<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e118/Kotila/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps88kwm0ii.jpegImage Enlarger

" alt="Titus checking on his brother" />

<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e118/Kotila/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpscqy7nhqv.jpegImage Enlarger

" alt="Coming home with Koda" />

<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e118/Kotila/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpseh5b061v.jpegImage Enlarger

" alt="Koda resting outside for a bit" />

<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e118/Kotila/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsh6yv19dy.jpegImage Enlarger

" alt="Layla spending some time with her brother" />

A few pictures of Koda coming home. I laid down in the car with him because he kept trying to stand up. 

Also I know him being outside isn't ideal but he didn't try to get up and move around. Instead he just enjoyed getting to lay under the shade of the tree (something he's never been able to do because he never stays calm long enough). 

We are all just so happy he is home, but his brother and sister are sad that they don't get to play with him quite yet. 

We have to go get his dressing changed tomorrow. He developed a hematoma and has had some bleeding as a result so they want to keep an eye on that. Other than that we have another check up on Tuesday with our Doctor to see how well he is doing. 

Thanks again for all of the love & support. In the next few days I will begin trying to work on a blog for Koda's Journey. 

<3 Amber 

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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1 October 2016 - 9:52 pm
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WELCOME HOME KODA!!!! 🙂 🙂

You are a very handsome boy with a soft smushy smoochable face!

Sounds like your vet has a good handle on watching the incision.

I love how Layla is comforting him. So sweet!

Continue to update when you can. Recovery is no picnic for awhile.

Hugs to all!

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!

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