Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My boy Hooke is now 12 years old (roughly) - he's a smaller dog, just 18lbs. I adopted him at 4 years old, immediately after his right rear leg was entirely amputated due to a bad break. Until now, he has been very healthy (aside from allergies), but a month ago I noticed a lump just behind his tarsal paw pad on the remaining rear leg. Yesterday, the vet said it must come off, but she won't do it because of the location and his already-tripod status - she referred me to a surgeon. I have some calls out for that.
Right now though I'm trying to plan ahead. I am assuming that for some length of time (a few weeks?) he will need to be 100% non-weight-bearing in the rear. Worst case, the surgeon will recommend a second amputation. Has anybody faced anything like this? What practical strategies did you use for the day-to-day, like pooping, being home without a human present, getting around the house, etc? I am looking at wheelchairs but unsure how helpful it would be for in-the-house, although it would force him not to put weight on the recovering limb.
Suggestions and advice much appreciated!
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Hi Adrienne and Hooke, welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I'm sorry for the paw situation, that's tough. Try not to jump too far ahead though until you talk to a specialist. I'm wondering if this is cancer (I'm not clear on that), why your vet would refer you to a surgeon and not an oncologist? Or is it a surgical oncologist? That level of specialty is who you'd probably want to review his case.
I know you want to plan ahead, but not all situations like this lead to an amputation. Yes, we have had a couple of members do a second amputation but we didn't hear much afterward. I suspect their dogs struggled and things didn't end well. I'm only guessing. So don't jump to any conclusions yet until you get a specialist to review Hooke's case.
Biut when you do meet, if this is cancer, ask about the possibility of electrochemotherapy . It's a good option for dogs who aren't good candidates for amputation surgery. Not too many vets in the US offer this therapy but it's common in people and pets overseas.
Please keep us posted OK? I hope you get some good news back from the vet.
Bummer you are faced with is "challenge". As Jerry said though, try not to jump ahead. You need to get some more information and feedback from the Specialist once a determination is made on a path forward.
We'll be here for you, okay? Once you get some more answers things will become more clear for the next steps.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you guys so much! I'm feeling a little more confident now. I don't know if it's cancer (probably won't until the mass is removed and examined), but we'll cross that bridge when (if) we get to it. Jerry, I did look into electrochemotherapy a bit, and there are definitely clinics in my area who offer it, so that's encouraging!
I'll be sure to keep this thread updated when we get new information!
Adrienne and Hooke
So happy to give this update! The mass is a plasma cell tumor and BENIGN. Our surgery consult is next month, but honestly right now I'm leaning toward not removing it - unless the tumor grows, it doesn't seem to bother him and so the surgery seems like far more pain and risk than its worth.
There is a separate issue we are trying to diagnose - either hip dysplasia or pinched nerves in his spine - and we have x-rays in a few weeks for that.
I'll update again after we talk with the surgeon.
Great news!! One hurdle down and you can deal with whatever is going on with hips, spine Etc when you have more clarity.
I know you are so relieved, and we are happy and relieved too!!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
WOOHOO!!! 
What a total relief!!!! Thank you for letting us know. I hope you get more good news from the other diagnostics. 
Update!
X-rays show Hooke has spondylosis throughout his lumbar, which is not good but not shocking either. His hips look great, remaining knee looks pretty good.
Had the surgery consult today; I had already decided not to remove the tumor on his foot for now but wanted to know what a surgeon thinks for the future. The surgeon said that unless the tumor bursts open or prevents Hooke from walking, he would definitely not operate, but he did say that if it were necessary Hooke would be able to walk post-surgery (he would just be in a healing boot). He also recommended looking into an oncology consult and electrochemotherapy if I want some other options.
For now, I think we'll just hold as is. The tumor has not grown, and there is no indication that it hurts him to walk. Eventually I know things will change but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Well it sure sounds like Hooke is holding steady so that's good! Thank you for letting us know this latest update. It's so good for folks to see what it's like to manage situations like this for long-term older Tripawds.
I love that you had such a good talk with the surgeon, they sound awesome. Did they prescribe any pain control for his osteoarthritis/spondylosis? Giving you options to consider, as well as his own opinion, sounds like it was helpful for you in making a decision. Yeah, as long as things are steady with his mobility and you're watching him very closely for pain signals , I say heck why not go enjoy life and have fun together?!
Keep up that great attitude of yours and give Hooke a smooch from all of us 
.
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