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
I'm posting for one of my best friends, a true dog and animal lover. She recently found out that the mother, father, and one littermate of her beloved blue heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) all died recently of osteosarcoma that presented in the jaw. She asked me if I could think of anything she could do to reduce the chance that her dog will also be afflicted; he shows no signs of the disease now. I suggested the anti-cancer diet and artemisinin but can't think of anything else. If anyone has other suggestions that I can pass along to her, please let me know. She'll be very grateful.
Beth
Beth with my beloved Tshuvah, 10 year old "TaosDog". Provisional diagnosis osteosarcoma on 6/10/10, amputation of left foreleg same day, firm diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma 6/24/10. Set free on 9/9/10. Treasured forever.
http://labrador.....ipawds.com
Beth, it's so good to hear from you. How are things going?
We hope your friend's pup never, ever goes through cancer. As for preventing it, well, my unscientific and personal belief is that the healthiest diet available, consisting of real foods and zero tolerance for harsh chemicals like spot-on flea meds and such (which are not needed if a dog is eating a healthy, real foods diet), will go far. Our Nutrition blog has lots of tips.
However, the scientific part of me also realizes that studies (even our own Tripawds Amputation and Cancer Care Survey), show that while OS is prevalent in certain breeds, it can and does pop up in many unlikely dogs. Also, dogs like Maggie, who were given this type of diet from day one, still got diagnosed with it. There are so many factors that play into the development of cancer, nobody can say for sure what can prevent it. The best we can do is limit our exposure to toxins that might kick it into gear.
And as with everything about the Tripawds philosophy, the best we can do it so live each day the best we can, without worrying about things we cannot control. That is indeed, the Way of Dog.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Online
I would agree with Jerry that a good diet is important as well as avoiding things like pesticides and fertilizers which can decrease a dog's immune system. Giving fish oil also couldn't hurt. Unfortunately it sounds like these Cattle Dogs suffer from a genetic form of the disease so the best thing she can do is be vigilant and check for facial swellings or pain and then get xrays ASAP. Just because other family members have had OSA doesn't mean that all of the pups from the litter will get it.
Pam
Thanks so much for taking time to answer. I'll pass your wisdom along to my friend.
Thanks also for asking how I'm doing. Not surprisingly, it has been a rough road after losing Tshuvah. Without her and Yesha life feels pretty empty. First time in 12 years we've not had at least one dog, usually two or three. But we're in the midst of moving to Chicago (yea!) and are trying hard to wait until we get there and get settled before finding our next one or two fur kids. Zevi the cat is enjoying the dog-free home for the moment, so I try to take joy in his freedom from big curious noses. I've been reading the poems posted in the coping with loss thread and find them helpful, although nothing takes away the yearning for my girl.
blessings to all, Beth
Beth with my beloved Tshuvah, 10 year old "TaosDog". Provisional diagnosis osteosarcoma on 6/10/10, amputation of left foreleg same day, firm diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma 6/24/10. Set free on 9/9/10. Treasured forever.
http://labrador.....ipawds.com
Oh that's wonderful about the move! The move means you'll be closer to your sister and that will help mend a broken heart! I hope she is doing well.
When you get settled, I'm sure we'll all chip in to find some furry friends for you (and Zevi will love us!) !
Oh, Comet says: a peanut butter cookie diet sure can't hurt either! Although after trying some butter cookies, she's a bit torn on which is her favorite! But none-the-less - they cure whatever ails you (she thinks)!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Yes, being close to my sister is a priority now. and nothing heals like being of service to another in need.
Beth
Beth with my beloved Tshuvah, 10 year old "TaosDog". Provisional diagnosis osteosarcoma on 6/10/10, amputation of left foreleg same day, firm diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma 6/24/10. Set free on 9/9/10. Treasured forever.
http://labrador.....ipawds.com
Hi Beth,
It is nice to hear from you.
I hope once you are settled you find just the right pups to welcome into your family. I too have found myself dealing with family illnesses, and I am grateful everyday for Maggie's little sister Tani, and new pug boy Obie.
I hope your move goes smoothly and your family finds strength and peace being closer together.
Karen
1 Guest(s)
