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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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New(ish), 6 weeks post-amp, strutting that stump :D
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Member Since:
21 September 2013
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7 November 2013 - 1:00 pm
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Hey all :) I actually found this site back in August, and have posted a few pics of my Grady over on the Tripawds Facebook Page , but haven't really told his story. But he's six weeks out now, and I'm just so proud, I could burst!!! :D

A little background...Grady is a Golden, and he'll be 11 on Nov.18th. He was a Christmas puppy (my love,Mono, had crossed the bridge 2 weeks before Christmas the previous year), when my kids were 6 and 8. Grady developed a mystery limp the first week of July, literally 3 days before my eldest son, Grady's "boy", was leaving for a pre-college month-long backpacking trip. We waited about a week, thinking he'd done some boneheaded Golden thing to himself, and when it didn't resolve, we brought him to his longtime "friend", Dr. Browning. Upon first exam, we found nothing wrong, so we went home with 10 days worth of Rimadyl, and a prescription to "take it easy" (lol...he's a GOLDEN), and to come back if it didn't improve. Well, it didn't improve. Went for his first series of xrays. By this point, I was a wreck...how do I tell my son, at the most exciting time in his life, that his dog was really, truly sick?? Dr. Browning returned from the radiology room practically giggling, and told us that 9 times out of 10, with a dog this age, of this breed, with a mysterious limp, he'd have the tissues ready. Grady's xrays looked perfect, though. Some MILD arthritis, but no injury, and nothing at all to indicate a bone infection or the dreaded osteo. We ran a tick titer (negative) and went home with 10 days of antibiotics (in case) and 30 days of Rimadyl, TAKE IT EASY instructions, and come back in a month (or sooner). Worth noting, at this point, what an angel my vet is...he stopped charging for office visits, and only charged us for a single xray, even though we had like 6, and a WBC. Also worth noting, that aside from the limp, and a bit of a slow down, Grady was perfectly normal. He never made a peep during exams, and he chased balls on 3 legs like he'd done it all his life :)

A month later, we brought him back. Still no change, and by this point, his muscles had totally atrophied. Upon physical exam, the doc said he could feel both soft tissue and hard bone. We were most likely looking at 1) nerve damage 2) undiagnosed, badly healed injury 3) soft tissue cancer or 4) an atypical presentation of osteo. At pretty the same time, I said, " Should we just remove the leg?", as doc was saying, " We should look into removing the leg." I asked what he would do, if it were his dog, and he sId , without a doubt, he would have already amputated. We scheduled the operation about 2 weeks later. The whole time, Grady NEVER seemed to be in significant pain. Let me tell you...I know dogs hide pain, but what happened next was a shocker to me :)

We had been financially concerned; I knew from research that amputation didn't come cheap. However, surprise again...total bill, including post-op meds and visits, was a mere $450. Before the surgery, they ran blood work (all perfect), liver enzymes (great, thank you milk thistle), and a second leg xray and chest xray "just in case". All came back not just good, but really, what you would see in a dog half his age. He came home 6 hours after. And he was high as a kite,lol. Didn't make it his bed, just crashed on the floor. But, at 5am, he apparently decided that he'd rested enough, and walked over to wake me up! He went outside, made it down the 2 steps ( he had a lift harness on, but ignored it), peed, pooped, and asked for breakfast. We spoke to the pathologist the next day, and found out that he'd had a localized smooth muscle fibrosarcoma. It was very slow growing, extremely localized, but, since the location was basically on his elbow, the bone itself had essentially remodeled around it, and he'd lost use of the joint entirely. It also encompassed a lovely nerve bundle, and was probably quite painful. He didn't so much as whimper once.

Member Since:
21 September 2013
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7 November 2013 - 1:27 pm
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His amputation was on a Friday. On Sunday afternoon, I had left his side for all of four minutes...and when I came back, he was on the couch :P We did hit that slump in between weeks 1 and 2, when his energy dropped, he seemed depressed, and we thought he may have been sicker than we thought. He also popped a few stitches after 1 week, and got a few external stitches to close the wound back up. So, at 3 weeks post-amp, he happily hopped back to the vet to have his stitches removed, ANOTHER chest xray, and CBC. The vet was truly stunned at his mobility and perkiness, and all bloodwork was 100% perfect! We asked when we should bring him back, and he said...they're taught to never use the word "cured" when dealing with cancer, but I should read between the lines: we'll see you in March, for his annual well-check!!! I should also mention, by this point, I had cut his Rimadyl down to half-dose, because the cold weather did seem to make him creaky. As of this past weekend, I took him off completely and...the increase in his stamina has shot through the roof! We have a good friend, that we didn't meet until last March, who has been stunned by the change in Grady. He's always been a big greeter, and nothing makes him happier than new human friends, but we've been told from a few people that didn't know him years ago, that they've never seen him so happy :) He's who he was years ago, which makes me happy, but also a sad that I wrote off what, in retrospect, was pain, as just "aging dog".

My son now uses Grady on weekends, with Wounded Warriors, and Grady also spends time at an adult daycare facility, for handicapped adults, and elderly patients. He still catches air, all 3 legs off the ground, and has learned to scratch at the back door (he's a front leg amp!). I have a heart attack when he does stairs, but he does them better than he did prior to his surgery. He chases balls, chickens, kids...it rewound time for him.

I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop, however. I'm more aware of his mortality, and terrified that I'm missing something. Some lump, bump, or hidden attack-cell. I try to enjoy him more, and I do, but I can't help but look at him as a time-bomb with something growing inside...is that normal??

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 November 2013 - 2:22 pm
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Welcome, and thank you for sharing Grady's story!

Your feelings are perfectly normal, our best recommendation is to try and Be More Dog!

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

New York, NY
Member Since:
3 December 2012
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7 November 2013 - 2:33 pm
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Welcome Grady!!  What a story!  Sounds like you are doing terrific!  Keep up the great work buddy!!

 

xoxo

Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo

Member Since:
21 September 2013
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7 November 2013 - 2:35 pm
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Thanks! And the funny thing is...during what should be such a stressful time, just laying in the sun with Grady, and watching his goofy face, I've actually managed to go off of my own anti-anxiety meds for the first time in 4 years :D I love all of my pets (3 dogs, 2 cats, and 6 chickens), but there's just something so inspiring and downright admirable about a dog that goes through an amputation that's oddly calming. My perspective, not just on my dog, but on LIFE, had been profoundly affected! He just takes it all as it comes, and it's sad that us humans can't roll along like that :)

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 November 2013 - 3:17 pm
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Aww Grady, you are a bundle of furry therapy! Wow. I'm so happy to read about you and learn about all of the wonderful work you're doing to make the world a better place.

Please help your Momma see that you don't worry about the future like silly humans do. To dogs, every day is a great day and every day is all that matters because it's all we have so why not make the most of it right?!

That's right kiddo, you might be 11 (almost) but I can tell you are young at heart and spreading that spirit all over the place. Amazing!

How about posting some pictures here? These are instructions on how to do it.

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

krun15
7
7 November 2013 - 3:28 pm
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YES!!!  That's what we mean when we say Be More Dog !  It is truly amazing what our pups teach us.

Sounds like Grady is doing really well- and the out reach work... wonderful!  And yes- the ticking time bomb.  It's hard not to worry about what will happen next.  Maggie had mast cell cancer which manifests with tumors you can feel (usually).  After a couple of tumors I was constantly checking her for new lumps.  I can't tell you how many times I flipped her over to check a lump I felt on her tummy just to find it was one of her tits laughing.

Thanks for coming to the forums and sharing your story.  More pictures are always welcome!

 

Karen and Spirit Maggie

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21 September 2013
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8 November 2013 - 7:13 am
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Hehehe, I can GLADLY add pictures :) Now that my kids are teenagers, the only "people" in the house that allow photos are the dogs! Most of them are of G-dawg lying down, simply because if he's up, he's moving...and I'm an awful "motion" photographer.

 

The first one is about 3 weeks out, begging for the ball:

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These two were about the one month mark:

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And these last 2 are from this past week...coat's finally coming in nicely (same cannot be said for my lawn,lol) :)

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Member Since:
30 May 2013
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8 November 2013 - 9:05 am
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WOW $450 for amp surgery!

 

Good to hear your pups doing fine.  10 is not as old as it used to be for dogs. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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8 November 2013 - 9:30 am
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WOOOOOOOOOW! I'm breathless readng avout Grady's journey! WOOOOOOOOW!

First, he is a very' very handsme voy!! Look at the joy in that dog's face!! He ks truly have a delightful time and knows how to live in tne moment!!

And kudos tl you flr learning to live more like a dog!! They don't worry aout anything!.....no statistics, no diafnosis, nothing!! Well, maybe wondering how many treats they can get from you in a day!!
Yeah, this journey is very deepnd very profund...chock full of 'life lessns"! And Grady is doing a fine job of beng your teacher!!

And kudos again to Grady and your son for assisting in the "Wounded Warrior Project"! What an inspiration he must be!!

You are a wonderful advocate for your vou! You are BOTH very lucky to be partners in this life! I KNOW what it feels like to just want to burst open with pride!! OMD!! These special souls are "off the chart" amazing!

And he came home SIX hours after surgery??? Did I read that right?? Crrraaazy!! And he recovered sooooooo quicky?? Crrraaazy!! Grady is certainly proof that, although age needs to be considered, it's really about the NDIVIDUAL dog's attitude and overall health!! Great example for others!

It's just wonderful hearing avout Grady's journey AND seeing all the wonderful photos! His expressions are priceless!!

REALLY look for ward to more updaes AND photos! And YOUR progress on becoming more dog!!! Let othing rob you of this blissful QUALITY time together...Grady sure isn't!!!smiley

Tossing some more balls your way Brady!! Enjoy!!

A round of applause to everyoneclapclap

Sally and Happy Hannah

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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8 November 2013 - 10:44 am
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Ohhh I love these pics! Golden Grady you are such a sweetheart, I especially love that pic with you and the kitty. Hope you don't mind but I'd love to put one in the Gallery if that's OK with you.

And I forgot to say that yep, your vet is pretty amazing! If you'd care to give your vet a shout in in Veterinary Referrals I know someone some day will appreciate that.

 

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

Lancaster, PA
Member Since:
17 May 2013
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8 November 2013 - 10:54 am
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What a cutie pie! Grady really looks like he is enjoying life - and you should be too! Stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Try to enjoy every moment that you get with your sweet pup and cross bridges when you come to them. 

If this journey has taught me anything, its not to worry so much about everything. Now when someone asks me a "what if.." questions (whether its about life or the dogs or anything) my answer is always "We'll cross that bridge if and when we come to it." 

Again, Grady is a BEAUTIFUL dog. I am so glad you took the time to share your story :)

Heather & Barret

 

Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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8 November 2013 - 11:05 am
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Good response Heather when they ask all the "what ifs' about Barrett!

Ditto to Barrett.

I also want t add as far as the "other shoe droppi g" (and we ALL derstand but we've worked very hard on moving past that).....GET RIDOF YOUR SOES AND GO BAREFOOT N THE EARTH.....COLLECT ALL YOUR DIMES AND DNATE THEM TO TRIPAWD.COM!!

Now, nothing to worry about! Problems solvedwinker

And when it's cold, wear socks!

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

Member Since:
26 October 2013
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8 November 2013 - 4:11 pm
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Thanks so much for sharing your story.  I think we're currently going through that depressed slump between weeks 1 and 2 here, so it's nice to hear some reinforcement that it should only be temporary.

 

Member Since:
18 September 2013
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8 November 2013 - 4:31 pm
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What a beautiful dog, Grady is.

My lab, Tucker, is seven weeks post amp - same leg.

I have yet to upload any pics...I will have to do that soon.

 

Thanks for sharing....and enjoy your time with your beautiful boy.

 

Linda and Tucker :)

 

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