Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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New to this forum, and I'm finding it very informative. Background, I have a 130 lb 8 year old English Mastiff thats just been diagnosed with cancer in a rear limb. Our vet is still consulting with specialists and no course of action has yet to be determined, but amputation is a possibility.
My dog loves her nightly walks around the block (.5 mile, flat, on asphalt) and a weekend walk in our town forest (about 45 minutes). So my question is, after their amputation, do you still take your pets walks like that, can they do it, do they want to do it, how did it go? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry you are dealing with cancer in your girl, what's her name?
My first Tripawd was a rear amp pug named Maggie. Before her surgery she could go two miles or so, but at 7.5 years old was slowing down a little. After surgery she worked back up to walking a mile on her own.Â
As it turns out, distance isn't the best thing for Tripawds. It's important to build core strength and strength in the remaining legs. That being said, every dog is different. We have had tripawds here who resume agility, or jogging with their pack. I know of a three legged cattle dog that helps my uncle herd cows on a ranch in Montana.
My current Tripawd is a smallish pug mix also missing a rear leg. Elly could easily walk a couple miles if I let her, but I don't think it is the best thing for her. I break up her walks with time in the park. We do exercises at home, mostly as play and she likes to run in the house with my other quad pug, so I try and balance all that out for her. She is only 14 months old and not facing cancer so I'm planning on the three legs lasting her a lifetime.
Assuming there are no other health issues I don't see why your girl couldn't walk at least part of the nightly walk, maybe all of hit as she gets stronger. The 45 min in the woods may be cut down, or it will just take longer to do the walk with more rest breaks for her.
Keep us posted on what you decide to do.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Â
        Maggie's Story          Amputation and Chemo
Oh,sorry you find yourself here. U der the circumstances, there is no better place to be for first ha d experience, information and support. Goodness knows we understand the emotions involved like no others can!!
Can't wait to see a picture of your English Mastiff...such sweet pups!!! So much to hug!!
My Happy Hannah, a somewhat fluffy Bull Mastiff at 125 lbs, walked around just fine on three legs! She was 8 1/2 at time of amputation. You'll find it's not about "distance", but about "enjoying the journey" and stopping and smelling the roses! You'll find that walking with a tripawd, watching them take breaks to stop and smell all of nature's scents, enjoying the sunshine, the coolness of a shade tree. I know one thing, nothing thrilled my Happy Hannah more than being on the sofa with me and getting tummy rubs!
Remeber, if a tripawd sits down to rest, they have almost overdone it already. Always allow for rest time.
You'll just be so happy to have your lovely Mastiff by your side...walking, sleeping, snuggling...all just a spectacular time of togetherness!!!
Looking forward to hearing more about your pup...and her name...and pictures!
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!
Hello and welcome! We are glad you found us and are finding lots of useful info. Did you know we have an entire discussion forum topic about large (and older) Tripawds? See:
http://tripawds.....e-matters/
To answer your question about walks....
To add to the pawesome insight you've already gotten...activity level all depends on the dog, their pre-surgery fitness level and how far after amputation surgery they are. Keeping your pup lean and fit will go very far and help her enjoy the things she always loved to do. For the most fit dog, rehab vets recommend shorter, more frequent walks of 10-20 minutes max, depending on the dog.
Oftentimes we do have to make modifications to our routine, it's for their benefit to avoid injury and joint stress. Consider a big dog stroller , they are SO helpful for those walkies! See:
http://gear.tri.....rollers-2/
And yep, they do make strollers for giant breed dogs too!
Let us know how else we can help OK? Best wishes to you and your pup, we're here no matter what you decide.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well today Meekka visited the New England Veterinary Oncology Group in Waltham Ma, they are still not 100% sure exactly what kind of bone cancer she has, but after the discussion regarding all the different options, possible treatments and her quality of life, it was determined that amputation was her best option for a pain free future.The vets there say she's still in good shape for 8 years old, and they believe she shouldn't have much of a problem recovering, and, she'll be pain free.
So for the short term they are changing her meds to make her more comfortable until the surgery, which may be sometime next week.
I'll keep everyone updated.
Thanks for the support.
Terry
Today is Otis' 1 month ampuversary. Â We started walking 3 days ago - started with 7 houses, today moved to 9. Â He sat down to rest midway through today, we just sat on the neighbors grass together for 5 minutes or so. Â We used to walk in excess of a mile each morning and I know he won't get back to that, but I am just delighted that we are outside again! Â
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.  Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma. Â
Wherever they are, they are together.
By the way, does he want to walk - absolutely! Â It is hard to turn him around rather than go on our normal route! Â Your guy will enjoy it again too.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.  Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma. Â
Wherever they are, they are together.
Oh gosh, yes. We had trouble turning Ellie also. She'd plant all three paws and just refuse to budge if we didn't walk far enough. She never got long walks the same as before (1.5-2miles) but she got walks everyday. And she still tore out the back door to chase the squirrels and cats who dared enter her yard.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Love Meekka's avatat picture and can't wait to see more!
You now jave a plan of action to relieve Meekka's pain.
You can start preparing your house for a "tripawd house". If you have hardwoods, use non slip scatter rugs for traction . You probably already have raised food bowls to prevent strain.
Recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks. It IS major surgery, as well as dogs adjusting to life in three legs. Sometimes, not always, but sometimes larger dogs take several days to be able to get up in their own. You may need to use a towel sling to help.
We are all right here by your side. Feel free to ask us anything! Nothing like first-hand experience! Goodness knows we have plenty of that here!!
.ake the .ost of eaxh day and, remember, Meekka isn't worried about a single thing! Not one single thing!! She certainly doesn't jave a timeframe on jer butt and she coukd care less about any "prognosis"! She's ready to get on with more loving and spoiling. And it's I IMPOSSIBLE not to spoil a trialawd, especially a large cuddly tripawd like Meekka!
STAY CONNECTED! We understand like no others can!
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!
I'd love to add some photos, but I can't figure out how... there's an insert/edit image button on the menu bar that asks for a "source, description and dimensions, but I don't know what to enter for the source....
But for some followup, Meekka is doing ok. Surgery is scheduled for next week with a NH surgeon, but she's getting around ok, just not putting much weight down on that leg. But she still gets up on the couch, bed, and the backseat of the truck with ease. She's on several meds to keep her comfortable.
And the vet (New England Veterinary Oncology Group) just to say that they've been in touch with Tufts University Veterinary Hospital regarding Meekka, and they may be willing to do the surgery. Its a much longer drive for me than the NH based surgeon, but I think I'll go for it.
Terry
tknuuttune said
I'd love to add some photos, but I can't figure out how..
Here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts . If you don't already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog any time and upload them there.
Need further help? Post in the Tech Support forum
! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well time for an update on Meekka, she had her rear leg amputated exactly 2 weeks ago, and so far so good. Its healing nicely, and she's getting around very well! We go for short walks, and she's pretty quick! She started going upstairs, its a little tough, but she goes down them with ease. Overall I think she's a pretty happy dog right now!
But today we got the results of the biopsy, it is osteosarcoma. Tomorrow I'll talk with the oncologist about chemo and what it may or may not do for her.... She's 8, which is old for her breed, but she's in great shape otherwise..... Shes happy, I'm not..... just venting I guess, cause I'm not ready to lose her..... damm this is so hard....
Sshhh... Meeka doesn't know she has cancer. Follow her lead and Be More Dog .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sounds like Meeka is doing great! Go Meeka! 
She's happy, which is what counts! Some people choose not to do chemo, it's up to you. Our oncologist did tell us to put Murphy on a grain-free
diet. She said that grain turns into sugar and cancer feeds off sugar, so grain-free
is better. So, you're off to a great start!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & MurphyÂ
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17 Â
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Sorry about the final diagnosis. Take a little time to absorb the news and feel sad- then you need to shake it off and be strong for Meeka.
Chocolate helps- for you of course!
As Admin guy said- Meeka has no idea. We two leggers always have to carry the burden- try and take your cues from Meeka- look in those eyes, see how happy she is, enjoy each and every second you have with her.
There are many here who have hopped down this path- we can help!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Â
        Maggie's Story          Amputation and Chemo
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