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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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14.75 year old mobility-challenged and arthritic pug
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Member Since:
6 January 2017
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6 January 2017 - 7:47 am
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I’m so glad I found this site, but am also overwhelmed with the decision we have to make.  Our 14 yo pug, Darcy started favoring her right front leg around the holidays.  She tends to get quite gimpy in winter due to arthritis, so we weren’t too concerned at first and gave her some pf her pain meds for the arthritis.  I brought her in to see our vet on Monday night.  She took xrays and explained that Darcy’s right shoulder had weakened and basically crumbled due to cancer.  MY poor little pug had been hobbling around in so much pain from a broken shoulder and we never knew!  Her appetite and routine hadn’t really altered.  She’s low energy but happy and continues to get a bit manic at dinner time, she loves to eat so much.  She also still gets excited for visitors and extra attention.

Our vet put a splint on her leg, sent us home with tramadol and meloxicam and said we had to make a decision by next Monday at the latest.  She’s concerned with Darcy’s age and already decreased mobility in the hind quarters.  She did not see anything in her lungs on the xray, but would want to do more diagnostics if we choose amputation.

Some background on Darcy’s mobility issues

She had back surgery at the age of 9 due to a decrease in rear mobility and a suspicious potential tumor in a CT scan and MRI.  It ended up being benign but the surgery was quite traumatic for all of us.  Recovery was challenging with us initially having to express her bladder as she had no control from the mid-back downwards.  The first week or 2 were the worst.  As the swelling in her back receded she regained some mobility and started months of PT – underwater treadmill, exercises and cold laser.  

She has not been able to go up stairs or hop up on her hind legs since before her back surgery and her gait is permanently wonky.  As she has aged, the arthritis has become more pronounced in cold weather and she drops poop bombs around the house on a regular basis.  Since getting the splint on Monday, she’s not quite sure how to move with that big thing and has been balancing on 3 legs and leaning against furniture to keep herself from falling down.  It also seems like it is easier for her to maneuver backwards instead of forward.  I crafted a sling from a pillowcase to help her when squatting outside.  She’s been angling her left front leg more towards center to help her balance as she holds the right leg out.  She's only 16 lbs and easy to carry.

Aside from being gimpy and mostly deaf, Darcy has been relatively healthy and, up until the past month or 2, she still enjoyed short walks and exploring the yard at her leisure.  She still has a sparkle in her eye and is eager for treats and ear rubs since she hasn’t been able to use her hind legs to scratch herself in years. Surgery and recovery would be hard on her and I don't want to be selfish and put her through all this and not improve quality of life.  We never expected to have her with us for almost 15 years, should we be grateful for the time we’ve had and let her go peacefully? I’ve called our vet to ask for more info on the diagnostics she’d like to do and what she’d be looking for.  We're scared and sad and not quite ready to decide to let go.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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6 January 2017 - 8:51 am
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Ohhh my heart breaks for you, I'm so sorry! This is a really tough spot and I know I would have a hard time deciding too. Darcy sounds like such a tough doggie! One of our long-term members here, Karen, will certainly chime in as she's not only a Pug pack leader but also had a tough old Tripawd named Maggie. I'll make sure she sees your post.

I've never been blessed to have a dog live that long, so I can't offer any experience there. But what I will tell you is that every dog is different, so don't let anyone tell you what you "should" do. Only you know Darcy as well as you do and whether or not she's resilient enough to bounce back after a major surgery like this. The recovery isn't as bad as we imagine, usually, but senior dogs do take a little longer as a whole. With Darcy being so tough, she could be one that just sails through, you never really know. If she's already been doing the Tripawd stance, she could very well already be used to living on three legs so it may not be that challenging for her.

In tough spots like this, I always recommend getting a second or even third opinion. A certified canine rehab therapist and a board-certified orthopedic surgeon are definitely the go-to vets if you haven't talked to them already. 

Stay tuned, others will chime in with their thoughts soon.

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


Member Since:
6 January 2017
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6 January 2017 - 9:41 am
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Thank you for understanding.  This is torturing us, as I'm sure it does everyone who finds themselves in such a devastating position.  We live in the Boston area and I was able to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon this afternoon!

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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6 January 2017 - 10:03 am
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That's great. Let us know how you get on. I hope they can give you some clarity on what Darcy's options are. She sounds an absolute TREASURE I have to say. You have me totally and utterly smitten just from your description and the avatar pic.  And what a total WARRIOR PUG, what with everything she's been through. Your love and dedication to her wellbeing shine through.

All best for the visit this afternoon. We will be thinking of you.

Meg, 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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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6 January 2017 - 10:55 am
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DARCY SOUNDS ADORABLE AND FEISTY AND SPUNKY AND A BIT OF A SPITFIRE!!!

Yes, Karen will chime in as she has been owned by many Pugs. Her Stubborn Pug Maggie is a well known. Angel Rock Star around here!!

It's great that you're having her further evaluated. We'll be checking in to see the feedback when you get a chance.

At that point, perhaps there will be more clarity a d then maybe we can be more help. And yes, we COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND the agony of thos decision process, especially when there are some extra hurdles!

Hang in there and check back in when you can!

A d give that precious Darcy some extra treats for us!!!

Lpve 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!

Vacaville, California


Member Since:
30 December 2016
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6 January 2017 - 10:59 am
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OMG Darcy is darling.......never owned a pug but always gush over every one I see.  I even have a pug purse cuz it was tooo cute to say no to.  Please let us know the outcome of your appt today.  My 11 year old greyhound had her left rear leg amputated on Monday, and five days later actually walked to the corner and back without her sling.  In her case though she did not have any mobility issues before.  Not sure if it is easier for dogs that are closer to the ground?

As everyone here will tell you........this is your baby and only you can make this difficult decision.  Know that there is no wrong decision.... and what ever you decide will be the right decision!!  Love and kisses..... and prayers to all of you.

Sessy's mom Gayle

Gayle - mom of beautiful greyhound Sessy.  Sessy diagnosed with osteosarcoma on 12/26/16, left back leg amputated on 1/2/17.  Feline siblings Mooshe, Tinkerdude, Odie and Bean


Member Since:
6 January 2017
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6 January 2017 - 3:49 pm
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Thank you so much for all the positive thoughts!  The orthopedic surgeon does not have any concerns about her age as long as her heart and blood work are good.  He also checked out her mobility and doesn't think that should be a concern.  He did set expectations that this is palliative and that 90% of the time, the cancer spreads and average life expectancy is 3-4 months post amp and 10-12 with chemo, which we will do if needed.    He recommended that it be done tomorrow and I think we may go for it.  We're having a pizza party for her tonight - she loves deliverysmiley

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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6 January 2017 - 4:26 pm
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Hello and welcome.

Darcy sure has had some challenges!  And now bone cancer- very unusual in a pug.

I'm glad you were able to see a surgeon and that he thinks Darcy is a good candidate for amputation.  The recovery period can be rough but since you've been through a back surgery you should handle it just fine. 

I'm glad that she is still in good enough shape to be a Tripawd at her age.  Only one of my dogs have made it past 14 and that was quad pug Tani.  She had so many things wrong with her that she wasn't supposed to make it past 8 years old.

My Tripug Maggie lost a rear leg at 7.5 years old due to mast cell cancer. She took her time getting used to her new normal after surgery but she was a very stubborn pug who hated any change to her routine.

I'm having pizza for dinner tonight as well- I'll be sending good thoughts for you and Darcy!

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:
2 December 2016
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6 January 2017 - 5:14 pm
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Darcy!!! You are a super pug! You are the Betty White of the dog world!!!!! Look at you!!!!! My goodness, toooooo adorable and pugnacious ( ahem,could not resist that one)!

That is fantastic news that the ortho consult was so pawsitive. Honestly, since she has already been compensating, I think she has a very good approach to this whole pesky matter. Darcy says she will be up and at 'em feeling sooooo much better soon. Also, it is very likely that this will be an easier recovery than her previous surgery. The first few weeks post amp are the hardest, but Jerry is absolutely spot on in that you can never tell. Some dogs fly through it and some take a bit longer. ( I personally believe since she is tough as nails, she will likely do very well.) 

Whatever you decide, congrats on being owned by one gorgeous, classy, and happy gal! Eating, having visitors, and getting extra attention is where it's at when you are a STAR PUG! We can all learn from Darcy!!!

( P.S. Darcy, shhhhhhhh, don't tell your momma yet but soon she will be cooking your meals for you...chicken, hamburgers, liver...whatever you want Darcy! ) 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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6 January 2017 - 6:19 pm
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Wow the stars really lined up for Darling Darcy! That's awesome! Pizza pawties are happening all over the Tripawds Nation tonight 🙂 It just goes to show you that age is just a number, whether you're talking animal or human. 

Well, whatever questions you have, please don't hesitate to ask OK? Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List if you haven't already, it'll address a lot of your concerns as will this amazing community. Keep us posted.

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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11
6 January 2017 - 11:42 pm
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Okay, guess who else had pizza (frozen cheese spinach California Kitchen)? Yep, Merry Myrtle and Frankie shared theirs with me! So I'm thinking we're all showing solidarity with precious Darcy!!

You are doing everything possible to help your girl! The Specialist feel like she's a good candidate and cleay Darcy has a lot of spunk! So all that's good!

The whole Tripawd Universe is sending pawsitive energy!

Please update when you can! And a scoop of ice cream for Darcy for good luck!

Love

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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