Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Clair, Michael & Bella, I'd like to add my own warm welcome to the group. I am sorry about Bella's diagnosis, but believe me, as you can tell already, you've found the absolutely best place for support during this very emotionally wearing time (not for Bella who has no thankfully has no idea she has cancer; she's only aware that she has an unimaginably painful leg right now).
Catie - our 75 lb (ok, she weighs a little less now) just-turned-seven Golden Retriever - had her right foreleg and shoulder amputated last January. In fact, last week she celebrated her one-year ampuversary. Her adaptation to her life on three legs was seamless; amazing, actually. I know Bella will be the same. She's a beaut, by the way 🙂
We have no regrets. Not one.
Good luck on the days ahead. Please keep us posted on Bella's, and your, journey.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
clairo said
Hi Guys,I am new to the forum and am very relieved to have found a site with so much information about amputation.
Our beautiful 5yo Bull Mastiff Bella was diagnosed with osteosarcoma last week, I am sure you all know how shocked and devastated we feel, she is so young and we are still trying to work through it all. Yesterday we got the test results back to show that at this stage the cancer does not appear to have spread to her lungs. The recommended treatment is amputation (it is a front leg) and chemo and my husband and I are struggling with that decision.
Bella is obviously a large dog 45kgs (100 pounds), we live on a large property in Australia with horses (who she is very wary of!) and a four legged very excitable brother Baxter (black Lab). Bella is a very gentle, timid girl, she waits for everyone else to walk through a door before she will come in, she hides behind me when strangers arrive on the property etc but she has a wonderful life with lots of room to roam (although her preference is to sleep on the verandah most of the day) and most importantly lots of love.
I would really love to hear from others who have gone ahead with the amputation (preferably front leg) on a large/giant breed dog, how did it go, what were the challenges and do you have any advice for us battling this decision. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have also downloaded the eBook which has been fantastic.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Clair, Michael & Bella
hi
were in the uk, our mastiff casey is a female 70kg( a big girl now on a strict diet) were waiting on hearing the out come of the specialist vets tests, so far we have a carbon copy of your situation. how long did it take for bella to get mobile hopw is she now
Hi Lewis,
We're glad you found us but very sorry that your girl is being tested for bone cancer. Is her leg gone already? How old is she? Please consider starting a new discussion here so that you can have one all to yourself and we can help you better. Also consider registering so your posts don't need moderation.
You'll find lots of stories about mastiffs who have done GREAT on three legs, just do a search in our forums for "mastiff". This one story of Bellona in particular is really good, she recovered so well. Our favorite Tripawds vet, Dr. Wiltzius, also had a mastiff who did wonderfully, here is part of her story.
We look forward to hearing more about you and Casey, don't be shy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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