Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My siberian husky Flame (approx age 10yr) needs to have his right front leg amputated. He has had limited use of the leg for the past 3 years and has really only used it for balance. I adopted him from a shelter and he arrived home to us with a limp. The vet advised that it was do to arthritis from and old injury / break. 2 years ago he slipped and broke his elbow (same leg). We had his elbow fused and supported with titanium rods and pins.
Lately he seems to be experiencing some discomfort from the pins and licks at the site until he opens up a wound. In addition he has developed a tumour (non cancerous) on the same leg which has grown radically in size. About the size of a tennis ball. We were advised this morning by the vet that they are unable to remove the tumour and perhaps amputation would be a better option.
My main concern is that we are currently in Brazil but will be relocating back our home country in 10 weeks time. This will involve a stay of 2 weeks in a quarantine facility for Flame. Would he be suitably recovered by that time? Should I rather wait until I return home to do the amputation surgery. I am concerned that he is in pain and that he wont get sufficient care (of his self inflicted licking wounds and abrasions to the tumour) in quarantine?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Sandra
Hi Sandra thanksfor joining us, your future posts won't require approval.
Pardon my brief welcome, I"m at a conference all week and sitting in on a class at the moment. I'll be back later but for now what I can say is that "most" dogs will be far along in recovery at two weeks out but you never know, there can be complications like infection, etc.
More to come, again, my apologies. Stay tuned and welcome.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That is a hard call. Most dogs are recovered in 2 weeks but complications can occur. I would contact the quarantine facility and see what their comfort level is with that sort of situation.
Pam
Wow Sandra, that's a really tough situation. I'm sorry you have to make such a difficult choice. I think I'd ask your vet what he/she recommends you do and also take Pam's advice to call the quarantine facility and see if they are equipped to handle Flame's special needs. My concern is that they would have too many animals to give him any kind of special attention or even notice if he's in pain / suffering. If I'm reading your post correctly, there's still 10 weeks before you head back to your home country. Is that right? If so, consider getting the surgery done immediately in Brazil so that Flame has many weeks to recover before having to take such a big trip. If you wait until you get home for the surgery, I fear his health could deteriorate significantly and 1.) he wouldn't be strong enough to make the trip or 2.) he could damage his bad leg further during his travels and end up in a situation where he needs emergency surgery during the height of this stressful transition time.
I commend you for doing your research and seeking out advice on what's best for Flame. I wish you two the best of luck in whatever decision you make. Please keep us posted, we're here to provide whatever support you need.
Claudia and Angel Jersey Girl
Sandra, Tazziedog is our "Fairy Vet Mother," a veterinarian so I would definitely follow up on her insightful help. Good luck and please keep us posted. I'm sorry you're in this tough spot.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the advice and information everyone. We have had a tough weekend trying to make a decision on what is best for Flame and it looks like we will be joining the Tripawds family. This has to be one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but I hope will be the right choice for Flame!
He is a brave and courageous boy. Just 6 weeks after having his elbow fused, he was bitten my a Cape Cobra and survived - it was his first full day of being out of the house and in the yard! He's a real fighter and I believe he will adapt to this with his normal full throttle attitude.
I am definitely going to phone the quarantine facility in Johannesburg and get acquainted with the vet there. Thanks Tazzidog for the advice. I think if they know well in advance that he is a recent amputee they will be able make any necessary arrangements for him.
xx
Oh my goodness, a Cape Cobra!!!! Geeez. Your fur baby sure is resilient, that's incredible. Good luck with the amputation and please keep us posted on how he does. I can honestly say that I worry about all our little fur patients and hate not hearing how they do with the surgery.
Claudia and Angel Jersey Girl
Hi everyone
Flame went for his amputation surgery yesterday afternoon. Sadly he died in the theater. They tried to resuscitate him three times, but were unsuccessful.
My husband and I are absolutely heart-broken. He was the light of our lives and his loss is huge.
I am sure he is bouncing around in heaven on all 4 paws now.
Oh no! We are so terribly sorry to hear this news. But you are right. Flame is now at the Bridge, running around on all four, happy to meet the rest of his new friends. We will keep you in our thoughts.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
OMG .... I am so sorry .... prayers and healing thoughts with you now.
Sending love ...
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
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
Ohhhh! I can't even imagine the shock, I am so very, very sorry. My heart goes out to you. Please feel free to share Flame's story in Coping with Loss, we are here to support you through your grief.
Lots of love & hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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