Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all,
We are new to the forum after Theodore's recent diagnosis of osteosarcoma in his front limb on Thursday. After reading many things online and finding this site we scheduled Theo for his amputation for as soon as possible. That day is tomorrow.
My husband and I are devastated and literally sick thinking about all that the future holds in store for Theo. But the one thing keeping us going is giving Theo the opportunity to do the one thing he loves without pain which is play ball.
I'm just hoping to be able to share updates of Theo post-amp and get advice as we go down this path.
Welcome Snagglemom & family, we are glad you found us. Your future posts won't need approval, so yes do keep us updated on how he's doing.
I'm sorry to hear you got the diagnosis, many of us here know what a shock it is and how emotional this decision can be. If you have any questions or just want to vent, or whatever, we are here for you. Have you had the chance to check out Jerry's Required Reading List
or the Tripawds e-books
? Lots of info there that can help you stay calm and prepared, as well as the terrific advice of our members here. Stay tuned, they'll be chiming in soon!
Tell us more about Theo, how old/young, what's he like, all that good stuff!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the response! Theodore is a 9 year old Chow-mix. A small boy, only about 34lbs. I've had him since he was a puppy! He loves playing ball more than anything (esp eating a very picky eater which has been tough given his pain level) and has a precious under bite that gives him his nickname Snaggle! He started limping 4th of July weekend, but he's a very active dog and runs full out so he's no stranger to bumps and bruises, so we brushed it off and put him on his usual limited activity regimen.
2 weeks later the limp was still there, but still no swelling, so we took him in for x-rays. The vet diagnosed his limping as arthritis, since she saw no lesions or "starbursts". Her exact quote was "Good news, it's not bone cancer!". Another two weeks pass and the limp remains, and now there is a hot, swollen lump just above his wrist joint. We take him back to the vet who takes another round of x-rays. Again says, nope no bone cancer, keep him resting.
I wait two more weeks before I can't take it any longer and take Theodore to an orthopedic specialist. They x-ray him again. This time, the vet says due to the change from his first xray to this one, it is either osteosarcoma or an infection. I think he was really hopeful (as were we) for an infection given the unusual look of Theo's xrays. Theo's xrays showed no central lesion in the bone, the bone was being destroyed from a tumor on the surface.
A biopsy revealed that it was in fact osteosarcoma. I'm so frustrated that our vet told us not once, but twice "NO BONE CANCER!" only to get this final diagnosis, but I know the appearance was way off from what they expected.
So Theo becomes a Tripawd tomorrow, and we'll meet with the oncologist on Thursday to discuss our options. I keep going back and forth on whether or not proceed with chemo. Theo showed no lung mets, but of course we know about the chance for microscopic, but the Ortho also classified the tumor as "low grade". But I guess we'll take it day by day, since we need to get him up and walking again first and foremost!
Thanks again!
Good luck! We have all been there! Just remember, the first few days are the worst. You are going to second guess yourself a few times, cry some and think "what in the H did I do?!" But I promise, it is worth it. I've gotten time with my Polly I never would have had before. People always remark at how good she gets around and I bet you will hear the same about Theodore! They are so resilient that way!
Its awful when you hear its not cancer- then Boom! Its cancer. I've been there and it gave me false hope. So now I just always assume the worst and hope for the best.
Good luck to you! Its such a hard decision, but to have that extra time with your pup makes it worth it. At least in my eyes.
<3 Polly and her mama
Welcome! And I am sorry to hear about Theodore (great name, BTW) but it sounds like you are ready and prepared!
I, too, sadly understand all too well that "is it cancer/is it not" - my girl Shelby, broke her leg last June and they suspected cancer but after a million tests, it was definitive and in the end, the cancer presented in her spleen two months later (hemangiosarcoma) and two months later, her leg HAD to be amputated. But this website was a lifeline for me - pre-diagnosis and all through the recovery.
I have no regrets about any of our choices and while Shelby has gone over the Rainbow Bridge, we did chemo and fought with all we had!
Wishing you and Theodore all the best and keep us posted!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Ohhh he is a DOLL! What a spunky little guy!
I'm sorry the diagnosis was delayed. A lot of us here went through the same thing, some times for months! So at least you caught it relatively early, that's good!
We will be thinking about you tomorrow. If you want to read something while you wait, here's a list of questions to ask your vet oncologist. Let us know if you have any others. Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the best support group in the world.......So sorry you are dealing with this OSA diagnosis in your sweet boy Theodore. My precious Lab girl Polly did not have OSA, but a different ugly cancer to deal with. However, they are all very frightening to hear, once that definite diagnosis comes in......we just learn to adjust to the "new normal". We all do know how scary this is for you, as it was for us, but you can lean on us, there is a ton of heartfelt support, experience, and generous collective wisdom here.
You will have many questions, starting this new journey, and we will all be here to support you along the way.......please keep us updated on Theodore, wishing you all the best with his impending surgery.
Keeping you, your family, and handsome Theodore in my thoughts,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Hi Snagglemom...so sorry to hear about the diagnosis, I'm fairly new here myself and while I know what you're experiencing please be rest assured that the people here on this site are some of the kindest and most sincere people who you can truly lean on through this journey. I did and it helped me in so many ways I can't begin to tell you. I wish you all the best tomorrow, all of us are here for you what limited advice or words I can offer i will, there are so many people hear with so much more advice to offer you. I can tell you this to never stop believing in theodore you will be amazed at the strength and determination they can show. As humans we think of the past the present and the future, not so with Theodore or any of our now three legged friends. Keep your heart and mind open to all possibilities and you may find one that you haven't even considered. As you keep your heart and mind open to all the possibilities, keep them open to all that Theodore is about to teach you, about how to live in the moment I think you'll see what I mean. I just wanted to reach out to you as someone who's dog (Ava) is only a little over two weeks post surgery and while we've had some ups and downs (far more ups though) I have learned so much from her and the people here on this site who have been so kind to Ava and my entire family, and I know if you keep us all posted that you'll have the same positive experience and support here that I've been so fortunate to have through this difficult time. But remember believe in all the possibilities miracles do happen.
All my support and positive energies to Theodore and you.
Steven, and Ava, and the entire pack
Welcome Theodore and Family-
I'm sad you had a reason to find this site, but so glad you did. The first couple of weeks are thr hardest, but just hang in there and your new normal will settle in. Everyone here has great advice and there is always someone here to listen, offer or shoulder to cry on or help you smile when it's most needed.
Shooter was a front amp and I found a raised dish really helped him and lots of area rugs on the hard floors.
We'll be watching for updates and sending pawsitive thoughts your way.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Hi all,
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement, even though I wish none of us ever had to take this journey. Of course Theo skipped right into the backroom for surgery this morning like nothing was wrong. He's such a happy boy. Here's a picture of him in the car on the way to the hospital! They said his surgery would be saved for the end of the day, so no updates yet.
Hello and welcome. I'm sorry OSA has brought you here but as you can see this is the best place to be when faced with cancer and amputation.
I hope you have something to keep you busy today...it can be a long, nerve-wracking day. At least you know the surgery is scheduled for later in the day.
My little pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to mast cell cancer. We did do chemo but it is not the right choice for everyone. Do your research and get all your options from the oncologist. Just so you know most pups have little or no side effects from chemo so don't let that decide it for you. I have another pug who also has mast cell cancer and I have gone the holistic route with her.
Have you looked at any post op pictures yet? It might help prepare you for how Theodore will look. It can be startling at first, but just look into his eyes and see how happy he is to see you. There are some pictures HERE in the GALLERY, just scroll down to the Surgery and Treatment pictures.
Good luck with the surgery today, I'll be looking for an update on your handsome boy.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Oh my goodness, Theo is absolutely adorable!! He looks like he has the personality it recover fairly quickly. The first 2 weeks are the toughest. That is after waiting for surgery to be over. So sorry you have to make this journey, but you could not have found better people to make it with. Keep us updated on how that little cutie is doing. Hugs from, Lori and Ty
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.
Hello Snagglemom and Family -
As the parent of a 2 week old amp (as of today), let me say that living through the first 2 weeks of Kota's surgery were pretty tough. There were nights that my wife and I were up for several hours keeping our little guy comfortable, feeding him ice cubes, petting him, and just letting him know that we were going to be right there for him during this new adventure. Then there were the many medications such as Carprofen, Tramodol, and many others. The good thing is that within the first few days Kota was trying to run around the house and leap onto the sofa. We applauded the effort, but holy cow! Our dog does not know the meaning of the word rest obviously.
He has been at the vet all day today for his 2 week checkup. We are hoping that his incision looks good enough where the staples can come out - if not, then we take him back Saturday.
So, just take things one day at a time and keep giving Theo continued love and support, and if you ever have any questions, the people on this site know a lot so don't be afraid to ask 
- they have been great!
Thanks everyone! Theo's surgery went well, and he is resting comfortable in the recovery room. He'll stay there for about 24 hours and we'll see our boy tomorrow. I'm so nervous for what lies ahead, but we're determined to make sure he knows we're by his side each "3" steps of the way!
Welcome, Theodore and mom. My journey with Johnnie (Golden Retriever) was very similar to yours - first it wasn't OSA, then it was. It is a shock to hear the diagnosis, and to hear that amputation is the first part of a long journey. Glad to know that all is going well. Be assured that this forum is the best place you could be at this moment, because you will get tips and help from experienced tripawd parents, that really understand what you are going through. Welcome, and all the best for Theodore in his recovery.
Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
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