Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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5:15 pm
Hi! I am new here and need some experience/advice from you.
My dog Leyla (Boxer, 9 3/4 years now) has a tumor on one frontleg.
The tumor could not be completely removed at this point. So it will grow again soon. The vet suggested that the leg be amputated soon before the tumor will burst. And this will only a be question of when.
She is a very happy dog and full of energy. Blood tests, X-rays and abdominal ultrasound have so far been normal. Apart from the cancer she is in good health. So maybe we could have some more year(s) together after an amputation.
What worries me most is how she will get up and down the stairs right after the amputation. I saw some videos of dogs walking the stairs.
But which day after the operation is that possible? Will I need help to carry her up and down the stairs for the first X days?
6:20 pm
Team Tripawds
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25 September 2009
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Hi Leyla and Mom, welcome. We are happy to help, just sorry that you two are in this situation. Cancer. Ugh!
I'm curious, what type of STS is it? And did your oncologist talk to you about the possibility of doing electrochemotherapy or intralesional chemotherapy instead of amputation? I just wanted to mention those therapies because they're not something widely practiced in the U.S. but it is in other countries, and it's a good option in many instances when a soft tissue tumor is involved.
If you do need to amputate, rest assured that it sounds like she is a great candidate for surgery and life on three legs.
As for the stairs...how many are you talking about? Do they have a no-slip surface? And are they required for her to get outside to do her business?
Dogs missing a front leg will have a harder time going down stairs than up. If stairs are necessary for going into and out of your home, you will need to help her. Stair training isn't difficult, many people have to manage them with their Tripawd.
We lived in an upstairs apartment when our Jerry lost his leg. He had 18 steps to get up and down after surgery. We tried carrying him for a while but 75 pounds is a lot of weight. So we got a Ruffwear Webmaster harness to save our backs, and it also gave him the confidence to do the stairs while we guided him with the handy handle on top. Today, the Ruffwear Flagline harness is a better option for most front-leg amputees, since it's easier to put on a front-legger.
I hope this helps! Stay tuned for feedback from others and let us know how things are going!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
9:41 pm
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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Glad that Leyla isn't having any pain with that bum leg for now.And it is good news that all her tests show she's a good candidate for amputation.
Yeah, as Jerry said, front leggers usually can go up easier than down. MAs suggested, a harness is a good tool to help. Surgery recovery generally lasts about two to three weeks. Every dog is different though.
So yeah, for a couple of weeks Leyla will need help with the stairs, at least until the stitches are out. If they are hardwoods, carpet or non slip stair strips will help with traction .
Tell us more about your girl when uou can. Let us know any questions you jave regarding surgery, recovery, etc. Recovery is no picnic at first, you will be amazed at how well she will adapt and enjoy being Leyla!!
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!
Thank you! 🙂
She has a kind of soft-tissue-sarcoma. Fortunately, this tumor does not tend to spread into the organs.
And, fortunateley, she has strong muscles and a strong will. 🙂
I think the Flagline harness will not fit, because Boxers have a deeper chest than most other dogs. The "front range" from ruffwear f.e. does not fit: The part which should be in the middle between the frontlegs, slided to the left or to the right and so the whole harness was crooked.
What about some kind of vest with a handle and holes for the legs?
The steps are not slippery and not steep, but they are many. 😉
If she can't walk stairs at all for the first few days and a harness is not enough support, someone has to carry her at least 3 times a day because I can't lift her 58 pounds. I have to know that in time for planning. I must know how many days it will be.
7:58 pm
24 March 2020
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Hi Leyla's mom (what's your name?)! I'm Stacy, mama to Griffin (Griffin's Journey). Welcome to the Tripawds family! I think most of us didn't use the harness until the stitches came out, so you have some time to figure that out. Here is one <a href="