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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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My Missy- Spindle cell diagnosis 12 yr old dog CT today pre surgery 1/24
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Member Since:
23 January 2017
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23 January 2017 - 3:58 pm
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Hi there I just joined the group after finding it this weekend.  Our story is my 12 yr old pit/cattle dog mix Missy was found to have a 5 cm x 5cm mass on her left hind leg at the end of Oct.  A punch biopsy was done and the findings were low grade spindle cell most likely peripheral nerve sheath tumor.  At the time I was told slow growing and generally doesn't metastasize.  Since I had previously lost my other dog in June 2016 to lymphoma I was just not ready to deal with another dog with cancer and allowed myself to think slow growing would give me time to decide what to do.  Well holidays came and went and Missy seemed fine so I was on that river of denial until 2 weeks ago.

2 weeks ago she started to lick the area and last week she started limping at times when running on the beach and at the dog park.  Till then I she didn't seem to even notice it.  I noticed at this time that it seemed to be bigger and sure enough after measuring it was twice as big in just 2 1/2 months.  I started to panic.  I live in an area where there aren't any board certified veterinary oncologist or surgeons and my regular vet just told me she wanted me to have a consult with an oncologist.  I had taken my other dog Kimber to a certified oncologist that was 2 hrs away from me and really didn't want to do that travel again with Missy. Well after an internet search I did find a local vet who not only does surgery, he specializes in orthopedic surgery and does oncology.  Still not pleased that my primary Vet did not volunteer this information to me ever !!!

I called on Thurs 1/19 and we were seen the next day Fri 1/20.  He told me that as large as the tumor was (now 10x10cm) that he knew he would never get clear margins and without extensive radiation it would come back and soon. The radiation would have to be done again about 2 1/2 hrs from my home. He also questions the low grade initial biopsy since it grew relatively fast. We concluded that for Missy and I her best bet at this time would be to amputate her leg.  I know I am not ready to lose her and would much rather have a 3 legged dog then no dog.  

So as I type this she is having CT today as the new vet is concerned that it could have spread into her abdomen and it will also help him to see the extent of the tumor in her muscle and nerves.  If they don't find cancer anywhere else then she will have her amputation tomorrow.  She has had blood done and labs are all good and other than a low thyroid (she is being treated) she is in good health and loves to run and play.  Not quite into hiking long hikes with me anymore and sleeps more but no one ever believes she is 12 yrs old.

I have read through some of the stories in the forum and thank goodness there is so much good information.  The vet seems to think she will do fine as it is a hind leg.  I am concerned because she does weigh 52 lbs.  I will continue to read the forums for post op info but would appreciate any advice up front any of you have that had a dog this age have their rear leg amputated and what I should expect.   The other thing I'm worried about is that on Sun 2/5 I will be going out of town for 10 days.  I do have my 20 yr old daughter here with me and a good neighbor who will help with her care but my daughter is working full time and won't be with her 24/7.  

Will she have issues trying to urinate in the beginning because of balance?  Has anyone had a dog get depressed after their amputation?  I know she is prone to depression as she showed it after her companion of 10 yrs died and only perked up after I adopted a senior dog from my local shelter a month later.

So happy to have found this website. 

Livermore, CA




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23 January 2017 - 4:53 pm
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Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

I have to run right now but wanted to get your post approved so other members could give you input.  I'll check back later tonight.

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

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23 January 2017 - 6:52 pm
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I may have put this post in the wrong area as I see this is for tributes.  

On The Road


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23 January 2017 - 7:53 pm
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Kathleen don't worry, you can share Missy's story here, not a problem.

I'm sorry you're faced with canine cancer again! That's terrific you found a good vet close to you, he's definitely doing all the right things at this point in time. We have our paws crossed that the CT scan comes back with a green light for surgery so that nasty tumor can go away.

First, don't panic OK? Have you seen Jerry's Required Reading List yet? Lots of good tips there to help calm your worries. Also:

52 pounds is relatively small. Many Tripawd dogs are or have been twice that size or more! Seriously, nothing to worry about there, especially if your vet believes she's a great candidate.

As long as the neighbor can check on her a few times a day, and your daughter can double check, she should be fine. Keep her in a confined, safe area in your home to recover and odds are she'll sleep most of the day. If that still doesn't calm your worries, ask your vet to board her a few days longer, as the first few days after surgery can be (but aren't always) a bit rough as you try to pinpoint the right dosage of pain meds for her. Your daughter and neighbor can also come here or call the Tripawds Helpline , or your vet, with concerns too.

Will she have issues trying to urinate in the beginning because of balance?  

Most dogs learn right away! Some are woozy from the pain meds and may take a bit longer to get that 3-legged stance down while urinating. 

Has anyone had a dog get depressed after their amputation?  

Oftentimes we mistake the side effects of pain medication as depression. Usually it's just that we're not used to seeing our dogs hopped up and goofy on the meds. Any appearances of depression usually go away once the pain meds are over, in about 10 days. Also, a big part of her recovery and attitude will depend on yours too. Project confidence, and she will respond with it. I guarantee it!

I hope this helps. Stay tuned for more tips and insight and ask any questions you'd like OK?

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

Livermore, CA




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24 January 2017 - 10:08 am
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Hi again Kathleen,

I see from your profile that you are on the CA coast! I'm in Livermore.

I'm sorry you and Missy are facing cancer - hopefully Pofi's mom will see this soon, Pofi also dealt with a NST. 

I can't really help you with size or age questions.  Maggie was a small pug who lost a rear leg to mast cell cancer when she was about 7.5 years old.  I have Elly now who is 2 years old and a pug mix. She was hit by a car when she was 7 months old and lost her right rear leg as a result.  Maggie figured out her tripawd pee stance pretty quick after surgery!  Elly was more than two months post amp when I got her and oddly her pee stance was a little less balanced than Maggie's. As far as pooping Elly pretty much balances on her front two legs... not sure why she does it that way but it works for her!

Maggie was quite grumpy after her amp.  Most here will tell you that their dogs got their sparkle back in two to three weeks.  Not my Maggie!  She was a very stubborn pug (in a breed known for stubbornness!) and set in her ways.  She hated any changes to her routine.  Maggie wouldn't play with me for 6 weeks after her surgery!  She was hopping the day of surgery and had no medical complications.  I was sure I had made a terrible mistake by choosing the surgery- I had the only dog that was not going to adapt. In hindsight it made perfect sense for her to take extra time to get used to her new normal.  She did get used to things and hopped happily though life for almost 4 years.  If Missy is stubborn or set in her ways she might take a little longer than others to get used to things.  Its hard not to get discouraged but you have to stay strong and positive for her.

Is surgery today?  Keep us posted.

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

Member Since:
23 January 2017
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24 January 2017 - 10:40 am
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Thank you ladies for the pep talks. The veterinary radiologist has reviewed the CT and Missy had been cleared for surgery. Next time I see her she will be without her cancerous leg. I have so much to do to prepare for her. I live in a mobile home so there are 3 steps to deal with.  I have French doors in my bedroom that lead to a small yard where she will be able to relieve herself but there's 3 stairs. 

I'm going to order a firm bed today with my Amazon prime account and will move her food and water dish into my room where she will recover. 

Karen I know the Livermore area well. I was raised in Santa Clara and lived in Stockton for many years. I just moved tho San Luis Obispo in Aug 2015. 

Kathleen 

On The Road


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24 January 2017 - 10:45 am
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Kathleen said
I'm going to order a firm bed today with my Amazon prime account ... 

Great! Please find all our best recommendations on the Tripawds Gear Shop Beds Page. Your purchase from these links help keep the Tripawds community online! way-cool

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

Livermore, CA




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24 January 2017 - 5:57 pm
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I bet she will be fine with the three stairs- going down should be OK.  Coming back up she might need help until she gets her balance and builds some strength.  Many here including me use the RuffWear WebMaster harness, and with a rear amp you could use it right away since it won't interfere with the incision.

If you don't have a harness and the vet doesn't give you a sling you can make one out of a cloth shopping bag.  Slit the sides open, the handles are built in.

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

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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24 January 2017 - 6:47 pm
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Also a big fan of the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus harness.  You also should make sure that you have good traction down in any areas of your home that are tile or laminate floors.  Cheap yoga mats work great - they give a tripawd the traction needed to prevent slips.

My Otis was 106 pound pre-amp, with mild arthritis in his hips, and he did just great!

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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25 January 2017 - 11:59 am
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That's how I ordered Jerry. Followed the link. Thanks she is coming home today and I am a little scared about this next week but have this wonderful forum to guide me.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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25 January 2017 - 12:59 pm
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Hi Kathleen and Missy! Okay, deep breaths!! As you can see, we are all here for you.

STAY CONNECTED! Let us know how we can help. We also have a Tripawds Helpline 2 844 TRIPAWD

(((((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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25 January 2017 - 1:58 pm
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Kathleen you are so sweet, thanks for your order. We're so happy she's coming home! And yes you CAN do this and you'll be confident and super amazed with her pawgress. We are totally here to help you get there so keep us posted!

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

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25 January 2017 - 11:30 pm
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Missy hopped/walked out to the lobby at the vets and was wagging her tail when I picked her up. Asst home she wouldn't settle down until age had wandered through the house. I had made her a sick bed in my bedroom but she wanted to lay down in the living room.  I think I'm going to be on my toes trying to keep her from over doing it. I took her cone off for the evening but will put it back on before I go to sleep.

I can't believe how quickly she seems to be able to get around. She went down the 3 steps to the yard easily. Up seems a little more difficult. 

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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26 January 2017 - 10:17 am
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WELCOME HOME MISSY!! 🙂 Wagging and hopping around on three..GRRRRREAT NEWS!! 🙂

Now Missy still has the hospital meds in her, so she may not feel wuite as perky in a day or two. Rest and short potty breaks for the next two weeks.

Yeah, it's hard for rear leggers to go up stairs. Going down is easier.

Her appetite may, or may not, be off for a few days. My Happy Hannah never missed a meal but, for some reason, she didn't want ro drink water. I had to swirl in some ice cream to bribe her!

Let us know how it's going.. Sounds like she's up and movir faster than some dogs! Good job!

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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24 September 2009
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26 January 2017 - 11:34 am
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Pawesome! Love that you're back together. And yeah, sometimes we think our dogs will want to heal in one place but they prefer another. Let her pick but do keep her confined to the area so she doesn't overdo it.

And I know I sound like a broken record, but please use the cone. We've seen many many dogs and cats destroy stitches almost in front of their humans who were trying to give them a break from the cone. I'm on my soapbox today because this article just published:

The Cone of Shame: Why E-Collars Get a Bad Rap (But Are So Important)

Then, you turn your back for one second to take the garbage out to the curb. Or to answer the phone. It is at these moments of distraction that it will happen (Murphy’s Law) and your dog will do everything in his power to lick at that neuter site because it’s just so darn itchy from being shaved, sore from being poked and prodded and smells of funny antiseptic used during surgery. Next thing you know, you're back at the veterinary hospital, checking your dog in for his next procedure, a neuter site repair. And we begin all over again. The truth is, you cannot keep your eyes on them at all times. You must eat, sleep and go to the bathroom (not to mention work!).

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

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