If your dog or cat is facing a cancer diagnosis and amputation, today’s Tripawd Tuesday story is just what the doctor ordered.
Meet Porter the Boxer from Toronto, Canada. He’s taking life one hoppy day at a time and showing the world that resilience is possible after losing a leg to osteosarcoma. Here’s his story as shared by his dad Ryan.
Follow Porter’s hoppy adventures on Instagram!
Tripawd Tuesday Q&A: Porter’s Story
How old is your Tripawd?
Turns 7 in September
When and why did your Tripawd lose a leg?
Cancer at age 2. Our vet was incredulous at the diagnosis himself, claiming he’d never seen a dog get Osteosarcoma this young, it was supposed to be an older dog disease.
Initially, through xrays and vet visits, the diagnosis was CCL in January 2021. Covid delays pushed surgery date to March 1st. Porter started limping in early January, and we figured he had slipped on ice, given the wintry conditions that year.
We had him looked at, with nothing definitive, so 2 week monitoring and reduced activities was the plan. Recheck at 2 weeks to have an xray. Then diagnosis of CCL tear based on what was available.
March 1st, Porter went in for surgery with the vet and specialist brought in for this, and they do a rescan before surgery, and that’s when we got the call…they could now see in the bone in the joint area where there was the Osteosarcoma.
And that started our 3 week whirlwind of meeting the oncologist, reviewing options, talking financials and deciding to proceed with Amputation and 4 doses of Carboplatin. March 21st, Porter became a tripawd
How did your Tripawd adapt to life on three? Did the reality match your expectations?
Definitely quicker than expected. It almost seemed like a relief for him to lose the limb that was inhibiting his prior movement. He’d not put any weight on it for those months between Jan and March 21st.
What are your Tripawd’s favorite things to do?
He loves people and attention. So, visits to the pet store, local pet friendly businesses and markets or events are a highlight for him. He’s become the unofficial brewery dog at our local brewery as well.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your Tripawd so far?
Resilience. And they just move on with life. He had limited side effects from chemo, and as humans you have a preconceived image of what it’s like, but dogs manage it significantly better.
What is your best advice to someone who is about to go through amputation with their pet, or someone who is thinking of adopting a Tripawd?
Rely on your vet and surrounding team. If you don’t have that, find a community. And don’t underestimate your pets ability to adapt to their new body.
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