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Tonka our three legged dog!
13 August 2011
1:27 pm
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12 August 2011
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My dog Tonka is 5years old and had or has soft tissue sarcoma in his left hind leg. On Wednesday he had his leg amputated, because there wasn't a way of removing the lumps completly. Myself and my husband didn't want to put the dog through radiation and chemo. He is three days post op, and I amazed at how well he has already adapted! Seeing sites like this has given my great hope that he will live along healthy life!!!

13 August 2011
1:34 pm
The Rainbow Bridge

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Hi Marla,

We're so sorry about Tonka but I'm betting nothing is going to slow that kid down! He's in good company, we've had quite a few members go through amputation this week and you'll also find many who have dealt with soft tissue sarcomas.

We'd love to see some pictures!! What kind of dog is he?

Thanks for joining us here (your posts won't require moderation any longer since you joined as a member).

It's better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.™
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Read my story here.
13 August 2011
1:56 pm
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12 August 2011
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Tonka is a lab pitbull cross. I am trying to post a pic but am having some trouble.

13 August 2011
4:00 pm
Here and Now

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marla said:

…trying to post a pic but am having some trouble.

Here are instructions for adding pictures to forum posts. If you don't already share photos somewhere online, the easiest way may be to start a blog so you can upload them to your media library

"Dogs are born with three legs and a spare."
— Jerry G. Dawg (10/98-10/08)
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13 August 2011
6:46 pm
knoxville, tn

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12 February 2010
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we had a soft tissue sarcoma removed in february 2010 (front right leg).  we did opt for five rounds of chemo – gayle was 10 at the time and weighing about 70#.  she continues to amaze us each and every day, check out her blog for details on her healing and wonderful life.  http://www.etga…..ipawds.com

welcome to the site!!

charon  &  gayle

Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included).  She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure. Love Never Ends http://etgayle
13 August 2011
11:39 pm
Las Vegas, Nevada

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14 August 2009
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Welcome Tonka and mom!

 

Lots here have had soft tissue cancer, maybe they will chime in and give you even more inspiration!

 

If you have a Facebook account, that's the easiest way to post a pic.  Just upload the pic on FB and after you have uploaded it, right click your mouse on the pic (make sure it's the big pic, not the small pic on FB) then—> click "properties" with your mouse over the pic and —> copy the "http" URL Address (be sure to get the whole thing which should start with http and end with a .jpg.  Then on a post here when you open up to post a reply, click the tree looking icon and a window will pop open.  Paste the http address in the

 

 

 

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
14 August 2011
2:43 pm
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Forum Posts: 6
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12 August 2011
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Would anyone know if it is normal after rear leg amputation for a dogs chest to be swolen? Tonkas left side of his chest is hanging low. It doesn't seem to bother him, and his breathing seem to be fine. Of course it's the weekend so the vets office is closed. If anyone could give me some advice that would be awesome!

14 August 2011
10:31 pm
Las Vegas, Nevada

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14 August 2009
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Marla,

Start a new topic with the question so others can see it easier.  I personally don't know.  Sorry.

 (never went thru an amputation, had a deformed leg).

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
14 August 2011
10:36 pm
The Rainbow Bridge

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marla said:

Would anyone know if it is normal after rear leg amputation for a dogs chest to be swolen?

Marla, my first thought was this could be a seroma (fluid buildup) but then I re-read your post and saw that Tonka is a rear-leg amputee, so this shouldn't be happening. Generally seroma's happen at the amputation site. It's how the body sometimes gets rid of fluid buildup after losing a limb, the fluid takes the path of least resistance out of the body.

Is the area soft or hard? Squishy or firm? Does he cry out in pain when you touch it?

I wish I knew what it was. If you can post a pic, do so. Otherwise call the vet in the morning and let us know what they say OK?

It's better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.™
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Read my story here.
15 August 2011
6:22 am
My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge

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28 November 2008
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Most of them adapt pretty quickly after surgery. It is truly amazing. We didn't experience anything like you describe with the swelling. I would be cautious and have the vet check it out, just to be sure.

My Trouble was a Pit bull Terrier and her brother is a Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull mix. Can't wait to see pics of Tonka.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
We honor our fellow November Five members who will always remain forever in my heart: Nova – the lone survivor, live proud and long; Spirits Max, Cherry, & Tika – who made half the journey with us and greeted Trouble at the Bridge
http://k9cancer.org – a canine cancer support community
15 August 2011
1:10 pm
Georgia
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Forum Posts: 825
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7 March 2010
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Welcome to the Tripawd family. I hope you were able to contact your vet this morning about the sweliing in Tonka's chest. Skyler was a rear leg amputee, but never had swelling issues. Please keep us all posted.

Sending you many golden hugs!

Cathy

Skyler earned her wings and regained her right rear limb on 6/11/2010. Chloe earned her wings and joined her sister Skyler on 4/4/2011.They are now "Happy Together" with all the other Tripawd heroes and other furbabies that are running free at Rainbow Bridge.
15 August 2011
3:00 pm
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Forum Posts: 6
Member Since:
12 August 2011
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I took tonka to the vet this morning, and it is just the swelling. His chest is lower than his hind. Nothing to be too concerned about at the moment. The vet will see him again on thursaday to double check. All in all he is doing wonderful! He is a very determined dog! Hopefully we caught the cancer before it spread. The vet had the lab do extra staining on the lumps that they were able to remove before. It would only take to one stain, and they were unable to tell us if came from the joint. So they still say it is a soft tissue sarcoma. Hopefully nothing had spread before amp.
Thanks for advice and well wishes!!!

15 August 2011
3:39 pm
Las Vegas, Nevada

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Forum Posts: 4156
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14 August 2009
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Excellent news!  Here's to a continued good recovery!

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
28 August 2011
7:30 pm
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Forum Posts: 6
Member Since:
12 August 2011
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It's been 2 1/2 weeks and he is doing great!! He took me for a run this weekend!

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