Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi! My dog Rocky (8 yrs old) was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma on his left ankle/toe and after consulting with vets and trying to do what is best for him we had his leg amputated. He had a chest radiograph and blood tests that were all normal.
We are concerned however because while we know his tumor was cancerous, we still have not gotten any information about what grade of cancer the tumor was etc. from the pathologist. His vet and his surgeon have told us that his tumor was very inflamed and that the tests have been inconclusive and we need to wait even longer.
We are getting more and more concerned. Rocky does not seem to be doing well at all. The first week after his surgery he was anxious, constantly panting, and would not move unless he absolutely had to. Now he seems calmer and isn't panting to much but he is still anxious and more concerning to us is that he sleeps all day and all night. He only gets up when I call him to eat and to go to the bathroom. He has an invisible fence and we have a pretty large yard and he will lay on the grass and just sleep.
The vet told us we have to wait another week before we can take him for a walk, but he hardly moves around the yard the way he used to. He normally likes to watch whats going on, dogs and people passing, cars pulling in driveways, kids playing etc. but now he sleeps through everything.
We're trying not to assume the worst and are hoping that maybe this is some kind of depression, his way of grieving and that it will pass but we don't know what to expect.
I was hoping that anyone here could tell me if his behavior is a sign of him getting sicker or if this is normal in some dogs. We are just lost and don't know what to do for him so any advice, or help would be so appreciated! We love Rocky so much, we want to do what is best for him and if he is sick, we can't bear letting him suffer.
(Rocky, three days after surgery)
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Awww Rocky has a face that melts our hearts! What a sweetie.
I know you're worried, and who can blame you. The vet and pathologist are taking way long on the report. When was the last time you called them? Get on the phone first thing Monday morning and let them know you are waiting for answers. Don't be shy, advocate for Rocky and you'll get the information you need to make a plan.
About his recuperation: two and a half weeks is not a long time. All dogs recover at different rates. It sounds to me like Rocky started off recovery with inadequate pain medication. What was he on? Is he on any now?
Sleep is medicinal, and Rocky is healing as he knows best. I wouldn't call it depression, I would call it recovery. If he is still eating, drinking and eliminating, he's on a good path to recovery.
Have you tried interacting with him in a different way? Dogs need brain stimulation and especially when they are on confinement and rest. Honestly it sounds like boredom to me. But that doesn't mean he needs to run around like a maniac. There is so much more to playing than just going on walks and throwing a ball. Scroll through these search results for interactive doggy brain games and see if his sparkle starts to come back.
Hang in there. Rocky is a young dog and still has lots of livin' to do. Your attitude, emotions and actions will determine how recovery goes so be pawsitive and encouraging and so will he.
Keep us posted and ask any questions you'd like.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi:
Pofi is a recent amputee with STS as well - 6 weeks ago. His was more unfortunately located (in the armpit) and he probably had it longer than your Rocky and it was a high grade. Generally speaking, with STS, the closer to the feet it is, the lesser the chance of metastasis.
I agree with what Jerry said above - Rocky is recovering from major surgery and needs his rest. But I would also question whether the pain management is adequate. There are different STS and I don't know if Rocky's was a nerve sheath tumor like Pofi's, but he needed 3 different pain management modalities and was on them for 2 weeks prior to and after surgery and then we tapered off in the following two weeks.
He had Tramadol 3 x daily, Rimadyl 2 x daily and Gabapentin 3 x daily. I am surprised how many other dogs do not initially have Gabapentin prescribed, but I know it has made a huge difference in Pofi's recovery.
Pofi's tumor was also described as very angry, inflamed - his was the size of a baseball. 
Let me know if I can answer more questions for you!
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.
My Otis lost his leg to osteo, so different cancer, but we were still using Tramadol into week 3 (although at reduced doses). He still slept a lot, and we didn't start walks until almost a month out. Even now, his walks are very short, and we spend a lot of time just sitting in the sun together. Not a vet, but my guess is that you are still seeing recovery, and that you will see improvement. Just let Rocky take the lead on his activity.
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.
I was going to ask you what medications Rocky was taking. The panting he was doing that first week was probably pain-related. Really, 2 1/2 weeks is not very long at all - think how you would be feeling if you had had your leg removed! lol The first couple of weeks are really the hardest, and it's all about recovery. Some take a little longer than others. It took almost 3 weeks to get our pathology results from Murphy's pathologist, too....it was so frustrating! I was on the phone a few times with the surgeon who did his surgery before we finally got his results. It took longer because it was a different kind of cancer - he had histiocytic sarcoma, and they had to do some other testing. Continue to be his advocate, you're doing a great job!
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
I'm definitely going to call on Monday! Rocky got his stitches out on Thursday and his surgeon said to call the oncologist just to make sure we know as soon as possible. When we were talking he said that we could stop Rocky's pain meds which I was concerned about at first but he actually seems pretty content the past two days. No panting or the anxiety he was having just earlier this week so I hope that's a good sign! I looked through the interactive games and am ordering the StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy, you're right he must be so bored! He just looks at me like 'can we do something please?'.
Oh poor Pofi, that must have been so hard for both of you. I hope he feels better now! We gave Rocky metcam leading up to his surgery and switched to Tramadol and an asprin like medication that I can't remember the name of, but we were told to stop giving it to Rocky because it was actually upsetting his stomach. Rocky didn't have a nerve sheath tumor, he wasn't in a lot of pain. He was fully using his leg which we think is a big part of why he's had trouble adjusting. We went on a hike the day before his surgery my poor guy.
It sounds like Tramadol can be pretty sedating. Rocky is happiest just chilling in our yard so we basically are just letting him stay outside as much as possible. He is visibly calmer outside than when we had him in the house the first week. I definitely think letting him just do what he likes has made him so much happier.
The waiting is the worst! We are just trying to hope for the best right now but of course it's hard when the pathologist can't seem to figure out what is wrong! Hopefully we get a definite answer on Monday.
Thank you all so much for your help and concern for Rocky! This site has been such a relief to us, just seeing how many other people have gone through this experience with their dogs and how everyone is so willing to help each other is fantastic! I know we love Rocky even more (if that's possible) because of this, he's such a good boy and knowing there are dogs out there who do so well with three legs has made this decision rest easier on our minds. Again thank you for your quick responses and kiss your pups for me!
Hi and welcome.
My little Tripug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a mast cell tumor. She was a stubborn little thing who hated, and I mean HATED any changes to her routine. She was really grumpy after her amp- she didn't play with me for 6 weeks after her surgery! I was sure I had made a big mistake by choosing the surgery. Mag had her amp before Tripawds was here so I had no one to ask...all the vets said was 'most dogs do just fine on three'.
Eventually Mag came around and hopped happily though life for almost 4 years. Many pups bounce back in 2 to 3 weeks, a very few even faster. And there are a few like Maggie who just take their time. One thing that helped perk Maggie up was visits from my parents. Is there someone that Rocky likes that can visit?
I'm sorry you had to wait so long for the path report- it is frustrating!
Keep us posted on how Rocky is doing.
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
He's adorable!!! And yes, as others have said, recovery can be tough. Shelby came home and was great at first and then things went downhill before they went back up. Like Jerry said - sleep is healing and dogs know what to do. My Shelby set up camp in my tiny bathroom, made it her den for recovery.
Also, panting can be a sign of pain.... I would double check in the pain meds for sure. Shelby had some seriously aggressive meds and would still pant but they also made her slightly paranoid ... It's all a balance!
Keep us posted !!!
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
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Just wanted to offer some more love and support to the great advice you've gotten!
How is sweet Roxy doing today? Did you get to have a conversation with the vet today?
Deep breaths.....eat lots of chocolate.........a d know that recovery doesn't @ast forever, it j4jst feels like it!!
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!
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