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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
It's been 3.5 years since Lucy had her front right leg amputated. At that time we were dazed and overwhelmed as she was lame in her leg and a mass found on the MRI was thought to be a nerve sheath tumor. When she went in for amputation, no tumor was found and the biopsy results showed no signs of cancer, only degenerative nerves, nothing in the tissue or bone. We were happy and devastated. Why did she had to have to have the leg amputated. We became cautious of what the future might hold but Lucy did not let it slow her down, life moved on and she has done very well as a tripawd. She’s always been happy, a bit crazy, anxious and full of energy. Her hop kept me at a jogger’s pace next to her on our walks all this time!
She’s had several lipomas aspirated since that time and one that we have anxiously monitored for just over a year on the right side of her neck. Several aspirates came back as lipoma but her vet never liked its location. Three weeks ago we noticed it was larger and went back for another opinion. We were referred back to the surgeon and had a CT scan. Appeared to be a blood clot connected to the jugular vein. On Tuesday she had the mass removed, they had to tie off the jugular vein and take part of it as well. It had continued to grow even one week between the scan and surgery.
Friday was a bad day. Lucy woke us up with a hacking cough that brought up LOTS of clear and sometimes foamy mucus. About 20 minutes of that nonsense we were on the phone with the hospital and brought her in for a check. X-ray showed the lungs clear, no signs of pneumonia, and she was diagnosed with possible kennel cough or irritation of the throat from surgery. Of course there was no hacking at the hospital even though it was non stop at home and almost the entire car ride there… A few calls later, after we were home and the hacking continued, the surgeon called with the biopsy results, Grade 3 sarcoma.
The hacking was unnerving but now a cancer diagnosis?! I had a major meltdown yesterday.
During the consultation two weeks ago, the surgeon suggested this could be a tumor from a “finger” of what was never found when the leg was removed 3 years ago. The thought had crossed our minds as to the relation of the growth and it’s location to the amputated leg as well.
Now what? Help! We are overwhelmed yet again. I’ve been reading through forums and some blogs but need direction on how to start this process.
We have a consult with Dr Loops over the phone on Monday about a holistic approach but we also want to meet with oncologists locally to help make a decision. We’re confused by the options and direction.
Mary, Lucy's mom
Lucy's front right leg was amputated 12/19/11. Thankfully there was no tumor, but her nerves were found to be degenerative. Life as a tripawd is Lucy's new adventure!!
Mary I'm really sorry to hear this, I know it must have knocked the wind out of you.
Try to stay strong though. You are on the right track with everything you're doing. Getting a holistic and a conventional consultation is super duper awesome and between the two you'll come up with a treatment plan to help her kick cancer's butt. I wish I could offer you some kind of "do this and do that" but until you speak with the pros I would just suggest taking very deep breaths, and looking into Lucy's eyes. All she wants is for you to be happy. Remember she doesn't know what the report said and she doesn't care, she just wants a happy pack. You can do it!
Promise to keep us posted OK? We'll be thinking of you and your sweet Lucy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so so sorry you are going through this. You are headed in the right direction. We unfortunately learned the very hard way that STS tumors of the chest/neck, that present with hacking like that, are generally from the tumor pressing on the trachea causing the airway to close. They can grow FAST and be very invasive. My Rosco had something very similar. It originated under the scapular on his amputation side, and his amputation was not cancer related. The really really good news for Lucy here is that they were able to remove it. I am not a vet, but I would imagine the oncologist will suggest some form of radiation to try to control any bits of the tumor that may be left. I know this news is devastating, but hang in there, you are headed in the right direction getting a holistic vet and an oncologist on board. You can't go wrong with getting the experts opinion's so you can make the best decision for Lucy.
HUGS
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Jerry and Elizabeth-
Thank you for the replies. We are feeling better today because Lucy had a better day yesterday, a good night and so far a good morning. The hacking has calmed some and she is interested in moving around and being involved.
Elizabeth I read some of Rosco's story when I started looking for STS here on Friday. I am glad you explained the above, I hadn't read that in what I found. More and more we feel the cough is kennel cough, we doubted at first because it came so fast and she had been vaccinated in July of 2014. In further reading we found the vaccine has different strains, lasts a max of 12 months and her sneezing and watery eyes all lean toward kennel cough. We will question this too based on what you said above. We've also started here on homoepet cough that I found referenced on tripawds.
We have done some reading here and other places and feel a little more prepared for action tomorrow with Dr Loops, Lucy's vet and working on finding an oncologist.
We'll let everyone know how she's doing. I am sure I'll be asking more questions.
As always I am so glad there is Tripawds as an emotional and directional support through our journeys. You have been invaluable these last 3.5 years.
Thank you,
Mary and Chuck(Lucy's dad) 
Lucy's front right leg was amputated 12/19/11. Thankfully there was no tumor, but her nerves were found to be degenerative. Life as a tripawd is Lucy's new adventure!!
I'm so sorry that this is happening to Lucy. I'm glad to know that she has thrived on 3 legs these last 3.5 years. Lucy and my Daisy had their amputations around the same time.
I don't have any experience with cancer but wanted to let you all know we will be sending positive thoughts your way.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Hugs,
Marla, Biscuit & my Spirit Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
Online
Just want to lend my love and support to you Chuck and LUCY! Lucy is a mighty cute gal!
Sounds like you've got a good handle everything and you are leaving no stone unturned.
Keep in mind that Lucy is feeling good and certainly isn't worried about a thing!
Stay connected and update when you can.
Sending lots of hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I'm sorry to hear this. My cat's leg was amputated due to cancer caused by a vaccine injection. I believe the amputation got rid of the cancer but there is a chance it may pop up elsewhere. It certainly is a shock when it does and I feel for you. It's great you are looking at all your options including a holistic approach.
As for the kennel cough, leading animal immunologists had found that kennel cough is NOT a vaccine preventable disease. What I understand from other research is that the vaccine only reduces the severity of the disease. So Lucy's cough could possibly be kennel cough as diagnosed. Here's an article you may be interested in (although you have other pressing concerns): http://www.dogs.....h-vaccine/
I hope you find some answers at your upcoming appointments and that you find a clear direction for Lucy.
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
Update on Lucy. Today we had our initial visit with a local oncologist. Her recommendation is radiation at the site of the tumor. Since it is a sensitive spot, on her neck, but away from the trachea, it will need to be treated with 20 - 21 doses of radiation either 5x/week or 3x/week. Wow!
That's a lot of visits, a lot of radiation, a lot of anesthesia. We discussed the anesthesia and dosage level because Lucy hasn't always done so well after use, it would be a low dose but she would still need intubation each time....
I'm feeling very hesitant about this option. Lucy is extremely anxious in the car, at the vet, you name it and to take her for visits, leave her there for the day and go through the process for 20-21 visits seems more than I want to put her through. Lucy's dad is looking at it as 1 month and Lucy would have 85% chance of an additional 3-5 years.
Hmmm, Lucy is 10, 3-5 more years? Does that sound probable?
Not to mention the oncologist is a 45 minute drive to downtown Dallas in good traffic. We both work full time and then some. This will be a major undertaking.
I spent hours on here today searching forums for others who have gone through radiation but only found a few and those were short term compared to the amount of visits Lucy will need. I'm so conflicted. I'm not sure how I'll make this decision.
On a good note, Lucy has been completely cough free for 3 days!!
And after the 7 days of antibiotics it was so much more under control we didn't need to administer the hyrdocodone. Thank goodness! Sunday we went for an early early morning walk. It was short and we initially rested a few times just to get her out and she had a great time. Sunday evening she was exhausted early and I could tell was in some pain. I've been giving her 25mg of tramadol 2x/day since then although none today since we had oncologist visit this morning. She seems to be doing well with that amount.
Does anyone have any experience with this volume of radiation? How did it work out? How did you and your pet manage through?
Thanks everyone!
Mary, Chuck and Lucy
Lucy's front right leg was amputated 12/19/11. Thankfully there was no tumor, but her nerves were found to be degenerative. Life as a tripawd is Lucy's new adventure!!
Oh my goodness, I forgot to mention our consultation with Dr Loops last week went well. We were happy with the discussion and Lucy is now on a 5 day repeatable regimen of 3 separate remedies. We're on day 7 today. Lucy has no problem taking them! It will take a few weeks to notice progress so we're hanging in!
Also, I did change up Lucy's diet some based on Dr Dressler's Dog Cancer Survival book. She looks the new vegetables I've added and she's been getting more chicken, as we previously primarily feed turkey and veggies.
Mary, Chuck and Lucy 
Lucy's front right leg was amputated 12/19/11. Thankfully there was no tumor, but her nerves were found to be degenerative. Life as a tripawd is Lucy's new adventure!!
Mary, thanks for the update.
Yeah, that's a lot of radiation and trips to the onco. I can't think of anyone here who's gone through that much but you never know. I'll put this out on Twitter and see if anyone responds.
It's one of those situations when you need to measure quality of life vs quantity. The answer is different for everyone. Nobody's situation is the same, and what is right for one isn't right for another.
It helps to have a good heart-to-heart with Lucy and ask her what she wants. Really! Find some quiet time and just be with her, thinking about your options. See what she says.
Glad that you're working with Dr. Loops. We have seen so many Tripawds members enjoy great success with his treatments that I am really hopeful Lucy will to. Isn't he awesome?
P.S. If Lucy likes what you're making for her, she'd probably love Dr. Harvey's food. Did you see our post about Veg-to-Bowl?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh the sigh of relief I just had reading that it was away from her trachea. My eyes are tearing up I am so so happy for you for that! Before we found out Roscoe's tumor was so invasive, the plan of action had been 16-20 rounds of radiation, on a M-F schedule, 2 hours away from us. We had been planning to park our RV at a nearby campground and just rotate which one of us was there with him. We did learn that the oncologists office there worked with a nearby boarding facility, and they had people who would transport the dogs to their appointments. That might be something you could ask your oncologist to see if they have anything similar? I'm so glad you are working with a holistic vet too. I don't think there are any right or wrong answers when it comes to treatment.
You have no idea how much I am cheering Lucy on!!!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Thanks for the support. I struggled today. Got some unsolicited advice from Lucy's, somewhat new, nanny. URGH. I appreciate the comments. Elizabeth you made me smile and cry this morning.
Lots of thinking to do this weekend... Gotta make sure Lucy has fun too!! Love our girl.
Mary, Chuck and Lucy
Lucy's front right leg was amputated 12/19/11. Thankfully there was no tumor, but her nerves were found to be degenerative. Life as a tripawd is Lucy's new adventure!!
Your love and devotion come through loud and clear. You are so tuned into Lucy and all her little nuances.
Going for quality isn't necessarily eliminating quantity! No dog has a timeframe stamped on his butt. Of course, getting quantity by compromising quality isn't how dogs want to live.
Dogs don't look at "years". They look at the joy of loving each day they are given to the fullest.
Your decision would be easier if Lucy loved car rides, happily went running into the vet's office and didn't have problems with anesthesia! And she's a ten yr. old "young" senior.
Maybe you could speak with Dr. Loops in more detail and explain the dilemma you are facing. Also, maybe he could advise, or the Onco. of side effects of radiation (ie burning tissue/skin, etc)
As Jerry said, have that heart to heart with Lucy. You will make the right decision because it will be one made out of love.
Sending you clarity and love...
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I just had a sarcoma removed from my 13 year old cat. My hubby has pretty much informed me no chemo or radiation, so my decision is easy. Not guilt free, just made for me. She does stress out going to vet. I know how emotionally charged this decision is, especially if you and hubby are on different pages. Were they able to get clean margins? I do need to get some Sprrillina as we have a pony boarded at our barn that has outlived her prognosis quite comfortably. They could not get her whole tumor as it was in her eye and very close to her brain. I would assume that radiation also has its own side effects, but not sure as I have never had experience with it. It also just hit me that she is on a vegetarian diet, being an equine, so don't know if there are statistic there or not. I know my pups would not be too happy about that approach. I will be thinking of you and dear Lucy as you navigate through all of this. Keep us updated. Lori, Ty & Gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Over the weekend I finally decided we needed to try the radiation. I just felt like it would not be fair to her to try it. Sunday I felt a new lump, close to the scar but far enough away that it did not seem like any swelling. We scheduled radiation to start today and took her to the oncologist. They checked the lump and the aspirate came back bloody, just like the last one. We and the oncologists all surprised how big this one is already...
No radiation today, they couldn't fit her in for a CT scan today so tomorrow morning. We have her there overnight. Missing my girl. Such a roller coaster. Emotions riding high all over again.
Mary, Lucy's mom
Lucy's front right leg was amputated 12/19/11. Thankfully there was no tumor, but her nerves were found to be degenerative. Life as a tripawd is Lucy's new adventure!!
1 Guest(s)
