Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all! My name is Maddy and my beautiful Phoenix, a boston terrier x pomeranian rescue, had her left rear leg amputated November 2012 to remove an aggressive cancerous tumour as the cancer hadn't spread yet. She had an Xray at 12 years old which showed a tiny spot of arthritis at the base of her spine, but no stiffness, lameness, pain etc so we went ahead with the amputation. She was 15 and a half then, turned 16 30th June. 
However over the last 2 months I noticed she was reluctant to get out of bed, not wanting to walk far, and the vet found her spine is very painful about half way between the base of her tail and end of ribs. We were both surprised as she had no pain there after the amputation, and has been on Sashas Blend (green lipped muscle, abalone, shark cartlidge), fish oils, turmeric/curcumin, ginger, MSM, apple cider vinegar, vitamin C, fed a raw meat diet etc. What I'm finding upsetting is all the people in my life commenting they 'knew' this would happen, and that I shouldn't have amputated (she adjusted brilliantly, able to run and walk just fine), that the amputation of a rear leg has caused curvature of her spine and has definitely caused the arthritis so I was foolish to do it etc etc. I researched amputation extensively and never saw any warning that it mightl even lead to arthritis. I'm feeling soooo guilty and so upset I apparently did the wrong thing amputating. 
Other than that my Beany - we called her that cos she could jump very high, our Mexican Jumping Bean, but unfortunately she can't do that anymore! - is happy, eating well and interacting as normal with us and our other pooch. Any advice most appreciated, I can't stand being accused of making a foolish mistake to amputate. Thanks, and big hugs to all your Tripawds! 
Welcome! We're sorry to gear about Beany's issues, but glad you found us.
The most important thing is to forget about what other people have to say. Ignore those who question the lengths you'll go to caring for your little friend. And never regret your decisions. You may also want to consult with a rehab specialist and get some scans done to determine if arthritis is indeed the cause.
What kind of cancer did Pheonix have removed? It is rare, but osteosarcoma has been known to metastasize to the spine. Search these forums and the blogs for arthritis or spine to find many other topics you may find helpful. Best wishes, and please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Maddy and Phoenix, welcome. As Admin said, part of being a Tripawd pawrent is being strong and ignoring what other people say and think. After all, unless someone has been through this situation themselves, they have no idea what it's like and have no right to comment.
As far as Phoenix's arthritis issues....show me any elderly dog, three or four legged, without arthritis issues! Yes, three legged dogs are more prone to arthritis because they're distributing their weight differently but all dogs as they age will typically develop some aches and pains. Whether that's related to being on three legs, the wrong kind of exercise, or just getting old, it's something nearly every dog will develop. The good news is there is a lot you can do to help her feel better!
If you haven't already, check out our ebook, Loving Life on Three Legs, which discusses exercises and fitness tips for dogs of all ages. Also, see our "Size and Age Matters" discussion forum topic for conversations about aging and how to alleviate arthritis pain in dogs. You aren't alone, Phoenix is normal and for total piece of mind, be sure to make an appointment with a certified vet rehab therapist who can see what's going on.
One more thing: what would have been better, not having her around for the last 8 months because you listened to everyone else, or knowing that she's been living a great life on three legs as a cherished older gal? Be strong, know that you made the best decision you could for her.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I think at 16, regardless of size or other health conditions, MOST dogs will be starting to slow down or see effects of age-related disorders like OA. I certainly don't think you should regret your decision...even if it were over tomorrow, you had eight happy months. That certainly beats the alternative.
Have you looked into PT or acupuncture to help her mobility? I have found it to be quite helpful. Does it make our Sam ready to walk 10 miles (or even ONE mile)? No. But it helps his pain levels, keeps him relatively limber, and he is still enjoying life. It's something of a slower-paced life, sure...but still enjoyable.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Thank you guys! 
I feel so much better, your comments are all so supportive and kind! Thank you for the advice also - I had been looking into physio, Bowen therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy etc - just cos she's a tripawd - but I live in a tiny rural town and me with epilepsy can't drive far for specialised services ... but I massage her and do gentle stretches, and short walks. But with this recent diagnosis I'm now organising access to these services with the help of others. I'll be reading all the links after posting this - thank you. Luckily she's been on all the supps I mentioned so I can't really do much more there... she is literally the perfect weight (I'm neurotic!)... don't know what else I can do I'm not already doing, so will be eager to follow up the links and learn more! I just want her to be comfortable and happy. And thank you for supporting my view: better here with 3 legs, and me supporting her every step of the way, than life without her due to cancer being left to spread. Thanks everyone!
You ARE doin everything possible for our Phoenix! What a beautiful storu of love! And, really, we can only feel sorry for those who don't understand the depth of love we can have with our dogs. They are truly mssng out!
Keep your friends, of course, but, from now on, you just come here to discuss your challenges with treating Phoenix. WE UNDERSTAND:-)
Yes, this seems to be simply the side effects of "senioritis"! This has NOTHING to do l with the amputtion! The amputation has everything to do with this wo derful extended quality time you are having!! WE UDERSTAND THT! We understand your devotion and applaude your loyalty and devotion to your Beanie!!
Keep us posted and, if you can figure out how to do photos...there are liks nere for that.....we'd lov to see a hoto of your pup!!
YOU are doing a great job:-)
Surrou ding you with loving support,
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Hi Mandy & Phoenix,
I agree wholeheartedly with the comments above. Please don't give yourself a hard time over your earlier decision to amputate - it sounds like you made a very informed decision at the time, and you had Phoenix's best interests at heart when you made the decision. There are a lot of treatments available to help manage the arthritis and it's just a matter of finding what works for you both (given location, funds, efficacy of treatments etc).
Peda had no significant signs of arthritis when she had surgery, but within 6 months she had fairly significant arthritis kick in. (10 year old larger dog with front left leg amputated). I will never know if she would have developed it anyway, but moving around on 3 legs definitely puts the body under different wear-and-tear. I think older dogs may tend to have different challenges kick-in than some of our younger tripawds. But that is to be expected really - we all know as we age any injury is a bit harder to recover from compared to younger days. I remember being quite sad that she had arthritis issues develop and that she had to battle that too! But ultimately I had no regrets - a couple of wise people warned me at time of surgery to always hold on to the fact the the decision to amputate was the right decision for her at that time.
Some of the decreased mobility and pain at 6 months was attributable to muscle pain / stiffness rather than the arthritis. That became more evident as we treated her. She really had quite tender back muscles and knots in muscles in her back left leg particularly. Lots of massage at home, as well as acupuncture and pain meds really helped her and she made quite dramatic improvements. She also started a course of injections called Pentosan - I think this is available in the USA but has a different name. Just google it - or hopefully someone else will jump in and say what it is called. It was not an expensive drug at all ( here in Australia and it is widely available at local vets) and worked really well for her. (Once a week injection for our weeks to kick off then once every 3 or 6 or 12 months depending on need).
Let us know how Phoenix is going and good luck!
Kirsty and Spirit Peda
Hi Maddy,
Do your best to ignore those who are now doubting your decision. You did what you know was right for Phoenix and that is all that matters. All we can do is make the best decision at the time we are faced with a challenge, then deal with what comes when it comes.
As far as arthritis- my tri-pug Maggie was a rear amp for almost 4 years. Luckily she never had arthritis problems- she passed when she was 11. Mag's little sister Tani, a now 13 year old quad-pug, is a different story. Tani was diagnosed with arthritis in her spine when she was 6 years old. She has always been a reckless pug- jumping off of things, running into things... etc. My vet says she does everything with enthusiasm . Anyway- once she was diagnosed we started on supplements which got us to 11 years old or so. She now as arthritis in all four legs in addition to her spine. Then we had to add an anti-inflammatory, we use Rimadyl. She was a new dog when we started on that, much more mobile and active. We started with a low dose and slowly ramped up. We topped out on that when she was about 12.5 years old. She was really creaky- I was worried about her life quality at that point. In December we tried Adequan injections. Wow, a new pug again! Still 12.5 years old but again much more mobile and active. We have since added a low dose of gabapentin as a pain med, and I give her adequan injections every two weeks. We also see a chiropractor once a month or so and that really helps her. You may not be able to get to a chiropractor- but you could look into the meds to help Phenonix feel her best. Adaquan is really expensive- but Tani is only 15.5 pounds so it is doable for me. The bad thing is that right now Adequan is not being manufactured and it is not available- the plant was shut down. They are hoping to get back to production in the first part of 2014. When I run out of adequan I will have to find a substitute, I don't think I have enough to make it that long. Tani will be going to the vet in a couple weeks so I am going to find out what our options are.
Karen
Personally I don't think you should feel regret for going through with the amputation, you can't know the million possibilities at that moment of what will happen if you do or even do not go through with amputation. I think you are doing everything you can for your pup, so tish tosh to those other people!
My experience: Chloe had her amputation at the age of 9.5, no signs of arthritis then, but now at the age of 12.5 (3 yrs post amp) she does have initial signs of arthritis 'average' for a dog her age. Chloe is on chondroitin/MSM to help delay the inevitable, but nothing can stop it permanently (in current medicine). I'm not sure what will happen if I am fortunate enough to have Chloe around as long as you have had Phoenix, but I'm sure I will face a similar situation.
I've heard that there are laser treatments available for arthritic dogs and that is has helped many cases. I've also heard that they are not cheap, so there really is no easy answer 
In the future, I might also consider a hip sling or doggie wheelchair
if that is something that would help Chloe stay a bit active, but who knows what will happen?
Sending you love and good thoughts to help outweigh the downers you've heard from others
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Hi Maddy, Don't feel guilty. It amazes me how everyone knows the outcome after the fact 
You did what your heart had you do, which is what you believed to be best for Beany. Stay strong. Your love for Beany will see you thru. Praying for you, Beany, and your family.
You have absolutely no reason to regret your decision. You made your choice based on what was best, and by doing so you gave her extra pain free time.
Like the others I do not think the arthritis is related to the amputation. Trouble had arthritis, that finally was the reason we let her go. She was a 27 1/2 month osteosarcoma survivor. I don't regret the decision to amputate or the decision to do chemo.
I do wish I had been more aggressive with treating the arthritis. I followed basically the same pattern as Karen mentioned above, but I didn't start it soon enough nor attack it hard enough. Would it have bought us a lot of time? Probably not, but it may have given her more mobility for a little longer. Phoenix is lucky to have someone like you making the tough decisions and giving her the love that makes her keep fighting. Sixteen is a long life, she is allowed to slow down a bit.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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