Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just recently found out a couple days ago that my 9 yr old Golden Hannah has Chondrosarcoma in her left hip joint. I was told the only hope for her was amputation which scared me to the death. I was devastated over it and now have to make a decision to what to do. I was told if I did not do the amputation that I had to put her down which I cannot do. The thought of having a handicapped dog scared me especially since she is a little overweight and has arthritis in her spine and legs. But after reading some the comments and doing my research online I see dogs adjust quite well on three legs. Has anyone ever experienced a hind leg amputation before and have any advise for me.
Thanks
Joy
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Just letting you know that I finally have my own sign in name and account so I am the person who started this post about my Hannah.
Thanks,
Joy
Thanks for joining the Tripawd Discussion Forums Joy! We're glad you find them helpful during this difficult time.
Give Hannah a big hug and all our best wishes. And just try to remember ... canine amputees are not handicapped! Once that pain is gone, most of us get around just fine. Whatever you decide to do, we hope you do it quick and you have our support.
If you proceed with the amputation, watch that weight problem and consider a harness - it really helps.
Keep us posted, and check back often. Hopefully others will add their coments or advice.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, Thanks for the encouraging words and support. I am going to have the surgery for Hannah. I am just waiting for the orthopedic vet to call me back and answer some my questions first so I can set it up. I have a few worries such as arthritis in her back and other leg and she is a little overweight which I have been working on for about 8 months slowly getting it off with a strict diet. She has a thyroid problem so she tends to carry more weight. I am just worried with these problems will she still cope well as a tripawd. I am a bit nervous but praying that it all works out. I do not want to lose her. She is my baby. I will keep you posted on what happens. Hopefully I will know something by tomorrow and have something set up.
Thanks again for the support. I need all I can get. I have some great support here but also getting a few that try to disencourage me and think I should have to put her down. It was a hard decision but it is one I have to live with not anyone else so in my heart the surgery feels like the right thing to do.
Hopefully others will chime in with advice from theor experiences. we've heard from a number of people who have dealt with amputation for large or heavy dogs. But the best advice can only come from your vet.
It's perfectly normal to be nervous and worried. But the hardest part is to come to terms with the harsh reality that you will indeed lose her someday. Just remember that it is all about quality of life at this point, not quantity. My people know ... every day is icing on the cake for us.
Best of luck to you and big wags for Hannah.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to give you the update. Looks like Hannah is having the surgery on Monday! They are doing blood work on her tomorrow to check everything and they gave me a bag of R/D dog food to help get some of the weight off her faster.
Dear Joy and Hannah,
Barney and his mom, Linda, here wishing you all the best. We too wondered about the amputation thing because Barney has hip dysplasia and this terrible tumor was wrapped around his right foreleg, meaning he was going to be putting a lot more weight and stress on those hips. The amputation was done on February 14th and we haven't second guessed that decision at all. Dogs are amazingly resilient! I'm praying your Hannah will do just fine on 3 legs - just like the rest of us on this site! The first week after amputation is a rough one, but things do get better with each passing day.
Best to you ...
Linda And Barney B .
I have hip displaysia too, and my Mom and Dad were worried when I got my leg taken off. But my vet took a look at my x-rays and said I would be OK. And I AM! Sure, I get sore when I play too hard, but overall, my hips are still doing pretty good!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am even more worried and nervous about the surgery today. I spoke
with the orthopedic vet and he said there is a chance the cancer
possibly could come back and if it does it will be in her colon or
uretha since it is so close to the tumor. I thought chondrosarcoma did
not spread and could not come back once they cut it out but he did not
give me any encouraging words on it. he just kept telling me that I did
not have another choice but putting her down so I don't feel any better
about it now. I keep second guessing myself now wondering if it will be
worth it. I don't want to lose my Hannah yet but I do not want her to
suffer. I wish I could find someone else that has been through this and
knows more about chondrosarcoma. I wish I knew more about it.
I wish we knew more about chondrosarcoma too. So sorry ... with osteosarcoma, it's not a matter of if it will come back, but when. In fact, I just got chest x-rays that show a large mass in my lung. But it has been a year since my amputation, and OS usually metastasizes by the time of diagnosis, so we have been fortunate. And we try to focus on that.
We understand these are very difficult times for you. And you have our best wishes. My people are now going through similar feelings, all over again. I try to tell them, whatever they do it will never be enough. They will always feel pain and guilt. But they are silly humans.
FYI: This ACVS article about bone tumors in cats and dogs seems rather informative. Just search the page for "chondro" as the article is long, but explains a lot about diagnosis and prognosis the various types of chondrosarcoma (i.e.; multilobular, osteo, long bone, etc.)
Hope this helps ... wish we could do more.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry it took me so long to respond. I hate to hear about the mass on your lungs. I am so sorry! I will say a prayer for you.
Hannah is having her surgery tomorrow morning. her bloodwork came back normal so that was good news. I am very nervous about it but have faith it all will work out. The only thing that still worries me is if the cancer has moved in her colon or uretha or will come back in that area later. I will keep everyone posted on how she does.
Thanks for your support and encouragement!
Dear Hannah Joy
Please read my story 'A remarkable story - Holly...' which I have left on the site. My experience is that you have nothing to fear having a dog with 3 years.
Good luck xx
Just letting everyone know that I just got word from the vet and Hannah is in recovery and doing just fine. They did not find anything else and the surgery went great! I get to pick her up tomorrow. I will keep everyone updated on her progress after coming home.
PS
Claire,
Thanks for sharing your story with me. It gave me an extra boost of encouragement that I needed to get through this hard day of worrying about my Hannah.
Dear Madam Hannah Joy: Sadie is an overweight mixed breed with a thyroid condition. On February 1 we had her left rear leg amputated and I begged her and God to forgive me for what I had done to her. Today is March 17 and she is happier and healthier than ever before. Do not doubt yourself == you know exactly what is right for Hannah and you made the right decision, even if you can't see that right now. My Sadie (one of 19 different pets of ours) feels better than she ever has before. I must admit that I sought after a Ruff Wear harness when I found out that this was Sadie's fate. In fact, Jerry (of this website) wears one. Sadie thoroughly enjoys her harness, as I think it gives her some security in situations such as a couple of steps up or a slick floor. She sleeps, eats and drinks in it, and I really believe that she knows it is hers and is a great assistance. Hannah willl be fine. Yes, you will continue to fight cancer, as will Sadie, Jerry, and all the other animals on this site. We all end up fighting something, and this is what you and Hannah will fight together. It's not the end -- -- only the beginning of another way of life for you both to learn and live together. Can't wait to hear from you after Hannah is getting better and better! Please let me hear from you. Much luck and love! Sadie and her people!
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