Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi
It's my first post so please be gentle!
My blue merle border collie - Milly - has just had her front right leg amputated due to hemangioma/hemangiosarcoma in her paw. The tumour was so invasive that it had entwined in all her tendons and joints so the leg had to come off 
She had the operation on Friday and we should have the results of the biopsies back within a week. Her lymph node which drains that leg was also enlarged, so the vet removed that and sent it for biopsy too.
Unfortunately Milly has severe hip dysplasia, so has hardly any muscle tone in her back legs. Her chest muscles are well developed as she has always used her front to propel herself and just used her back legs for balance. Don't get me wrong, she used to race around like a lunatic and unless you knew she had HD, you wouldn't know it to look at her.
I am just wondering if anyone else here has experience of a dog with this problem and how your dog coped and adapted. She is bunny hopping around at the moment but longer term (if she has a longer term) then I worry about how she will cope. I have thought of getting her some wheels to run about on so am going to look into that as well.
I'd be grateful for any advice anyone could give me, thanks 
Here's the gorgeous girl herself ...
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.. and before her amputation..
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Millie is gorgeous! She looks like she is doing well. We'll be thinking of you as she goes through recovery. I don't have any infor on the HD, just wanted to welcome you to our little group and wish you and Millie the very best.
If you don't get any answers here, there is an "Ask the Vet" topic which gets answered by Pam, the vet and fellow tripawd owner. Sher gives us all excellent feedback.
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.
Gentle is what we're all about here ... Jerry was missing his front left leg and had mild hip displaysia, then he developed a partial ACL tear. Swimming is the best therapeutic excercise for these pups. We also believe Jerry found Bella's Hot/Cold Pain Relief Pack to be quite soothing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Merledogs & Millie! Read your post and wanted you to know that Admin (Jim) is right about the swimming. Our dog Chuy is a front leg amputee and he has Legg-Calves Perthes disease in his rear legs. Last May he had to have surgery on his left rear leg (FHO surgery), while we were waiting for the surgery to happen and the first 3 weeks following, the muscles in his rear legs atrophied. We started taking him to a Canine Rehab Center for swimming PT. He now has great muscle tone in both legs and runs and chases our other dog Gretchen all over. You can find his story in these links:
http://tripawds.....-tripawds/
http://tripawds.....o-surgery/
http://tripawds.....y-playing/
and a link to the Tripawd blog about him:
http://tripawds.....#more-1436
I do hope this gives you some encouragement.
Eleanor & Chuy
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Chuy is indeed a shining example of what a little determination will do. He's an amazing little guy!
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.
Milly and family,
First and foremost, Milly is a very beautiful girl and the expression on her face when laying on the pillow reminds me so of Cherry during the first few weeks. Also, we had a Bi-Blue Sheltie up to April of last year, so there is plenty of room in our hearts for another Blue.
While I do have any specific information that I can share regarding the issues with hip dyspepsia what you will hear from most of the contributors is that the resilience of our companions is nothing short of unbelievable. I would say that taking it easy to let Milly ease into the new condition is the best advice. I realize that trying to have a border collie take it easy is nearly imposible. The suggestion of swimming is probably excellent. I know that this is one of the exercise modes that workes best with me and my bad knees. The other is bicycling to develop side strength in my knees, but Milly may have trouble raching the pedals. (LOL) Feble attempt at humor I know, but above all give yourself some room and credit for the excellent care you are giving Milly. Your love and attention will do wonders.
I usualy attempt to remind to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something Milly loves to do and exploit that love to provide purpose in her life. Cherry always loved to go with me regardless of where or the purpose and while the ten mile walks are out, her passion is her truck/car trips. It is an activity that she looks forward to and one can see the excitement grow as the time approaches. I am sure that you will think of something that is both quiet and yet fills her with joy – even if it is just lap time (another think that Cherry loves.)
Paws are crossed and all the pawsitive thoughts possible your way.
Bob & Cherry
Our dog Tazzie had ACL surgery on both of her knees about 2 years before her front leg had to come off 1year ago due to osteosarcoma. She also had some muscle atrophy in her rear legs and also used her front legs/chest a lot. After amputation it did take her a little while to find a new gait but now she uses her rear legs better than she did before and has built up more thigh/butt muscles. We started acupuncture 2 months ago and that has worked wonders (her back muscles were getting very tight from her new gait). She still bunny hops a little here and there but for the most part can still run, jump, and play!
By the way, Tazzie is a 185 # Mastiff so your dog should have an easier time of it.
Pam and Tazzie
Thank you all for your very kind advice. Milly has always loved swimming (in fact I have to physically stop her jumping in the canal sometimes as the sides are steep and she can't get out, which means me having to lie down on the side and pull her out, usually followed by her shaking all over me before I have a chance to get up).
I will investigate new places/hydropools for her to swim and maybe get her a buoyancy aid (for my peace of mind more than anything). Will speak to the vet on Monday about referring her for water therapy, which may be covered on the insurance as well.
She saw a vet nurse for a check up last night and the vet nurse said she was doing as well as could be expected. I have started to see the light come on in her eyes again and she positively raced up the garden last night 
She has to go back Monday for her staples to be taken out, but before that we are expecting the results of the biopsies on Friday, which I am dreading.
You are right though about their spirit, I think we are more bothered than they are about their disabilities. I have another dog Max who is completely blind and has lumbosacral disease and he is the happiest dog I know.
Oooooh, we will be thinking about you on Friday! The waiting is the hardest part. But at least then you will know what you are dealing with and can choose the best way to kick this cancer!
I've just spoken to the vet, Ben. Unfortunately it's bad news 
The tumour on her paw was malignant and the lymph node they removed was cancerous, so Ben thinks it's likely to have spread. I need to take a couple of days to think about what to do next. There is a cancer specialist we can be referred to at a local teaching hospital so I think that's probably the next step, but just to find out how far it's spread to give me some idea of how long we have left. I don't want to prolong her life for a few more months if the quality of life is not going to be good. Ben said it's highly unlikely she can be cured. In terms of life I believe quality counts, not quantity and I have to do what is best for Milly, regardless of how awful that is for me 
Oh Milly, we are so sorry to hear this. Please take care of your Mommy and show her that quality of life is all that matters. We know she will do what feels right for both of you.
LiveStrong, my friend, we're here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dear Milly's mom,
I am so sorry to hear the horrible news. I know your heart is breaking. I know there is not much strangers can say to ease the pain but I would offer up this advice...take lots of pics and videos - good or bad. You will be surprised how much this will help down the road.
My 3-legged cutie, Comet has become my world for 11 years. Everything has been 'all about Comet'. Losing her 8-year old soul mate, Rugby to cancer recently has almost devasted us. The loss hurts like nothing I had imagined.
However, I am starting to see a little light at the end of a dark tunnel. And I think Comet is too. Her smile is coming back.
Try to keep Milly and yourself happy during these dark days--no matter what. Fun and laughter is what is suppose to be about with our furry family.
Wishing you and Milly only the best.
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.
I am sorry you lost Rugby. Thanks to everyone for all the advice, it's appreciated.
Milly is doing really well. Two days ago she played for the first time since the op. She's been out for a few walks and although she tires easily, she can still run around with her 'brothers' (I have four other dogs).
I found another small lump on her back leg, but thankfully the vet thinks it's a cyst.
She has her first hydrotherapy session at the vets today, so I am hoping she enjoys that.
We are waiting for a referral to Liverpool University Teaching Hospital. I had another dog referred there last year when his bone marrow stopped working and they are absolutely brilliant. I am just hoping they can tell me whether it's spread or not and if so, how far.
I have been reading through some of the threads and stories and it really has given me a sense of perspective and helped me to know what to expect.
Milly is doing fabulously well. She is running around playing ball and has been swimming in the canal with her new lifejacket. I am amazed at how quickly she has improved. She will need to go back in for another minor op soon to have the cyst removed, but hopefully she will recover quickly.
I took some pics of her in the garden just now - as you can see she still loves her ball 
Here's one of her trying on her new lifejacket...
Milly looks so happy! Well, perhaps a bit embarrassed in her pink life jacket, but happy nonetheless. 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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