Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all. New member here. My Wally (avatar pic) was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma this week after having biopsy on a tumor in his hind left leg 
. He saw the oncologist midweek as well with some good news as the scans on his abdomen and lungs were clear. Next up is a heart scan to verify no spread to his heart and make sure his heart is healthy enough for what's next to come. If everything's good with his heart then the recommendation is to amputate the leg (due to the size and location of the tumor the doc said that amputation was really the only way to surgically remove it) and a course of chemo to follow.
She said that dogs even at Wally's age typically adapt quickly and well, especially with the loss of a hind leg, and I'm leaning towards following her recommendations. Is this what most have experienced with their dog losing a hind leg? I read the 10 questions to ask posts, which were great. Any additional recommended reading and/or any advice would be great.
Thanks in Advance
Rich
Hi Rich and Wally, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I'm sorry you are facing this situation, it's a tough one but we are here to help make it easier so you and Wally can get on with life. It sounds like you are doing all your homework and taking the right steps to make an educated decision, yay you! To answer your question, yes, the vast majority of dogs adapt really, really well after losing a limb, even older ones. Did you see our Tripawds Quality of Life Survey Results? Check em out, they give a lot of insight on what people experienced after their dog lost a leg.
Recovery is no picnic but if you have an upbeat, pawsitive attitude, it makes things a lot easier for you both. Wally will follow your lead so the more good energy you put out there, the more he will reflect it back to you. Take recovery one day at a time and before you know it, it will be over and Wally will amaze you with his ability to adapt and get on with life!
So it sounds like you're pretty much set on proceeding? Any idea when?
Not sure if you also saw our Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books but we highly recommend checking them out too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for the warm welcome and for the quick response and information. I read through the survey results, and they are very encouraging. Forgot to mention in my original post, but I asked the question to the Facebook Boxer group I'm in as well as the HSA group I just joined. Didn't receive much feedback, but those that responded said from their experience that dogs adapt well. I'll definitely take a look at the reading list and e-books as well.
I don't have a set date for Wally's procedure yet. He saw the oncologist and had his abdomen and lung scans on Wed. The plan was to think over the options over Christmas and get with her early next week, so I'll be calling her Monday morning with a few more questions and try to get his heart scan asap. If his heart is clear then I'll probably have his amputation procedure scheduled for as soon as possible after that, since HSA isn't something you want to sit on.
Thanks Again for the help!
Welcome Rich and Wally.
I'm sorry you are dealing with HSA and having to make this decision, but glad you found us.
I've had two rear amp Tripawds, both small and both younger than Wally. My Pug Maggie lost her leg to mast cell cancer, she was 7.5 years old at the time. Maggie really took her time getting used to her new normal- I was convinced I had made a huge mistake! Mag had always been a stubborn Pug who hated any change to her routine so in hindsight it made sense that she took longer than most. It was about 6 weeks before Maggie started playing with me again- but then she hopped happily (and stubbornly) through life for almost 4 years. Most pups get their sparkle back in 2 or 3 weeks. My current Tripawd lost her rear leg at 7 months old to a car accident, I adopted her after surgery so didn't go though recovery with her.
We do sometimes see here that the more 'mature' pups take a bit longer to get their sea legs but they do get there. You might look through some of the posts in the Size and Age Matters forum to see some stories specifically about older pups.
Keep us posted as you move forward.
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
You've already gotten great input from Jerry and Karen, so I'll just add my welcome.
As you can already tell, this is the eight place to be for understanding, support and I formation. We all know this is a scary time, but gaining knowledge and planning g a path forward will give you reassurance. Also, we will all be right here by your side to help you navigate thru recovery.
Stay connected and update when you can. YOU ARE NOT ALONE
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!
Thanks Karen and Sally for the warm welcome and advice.
I talked to the oncologist today and informed her that I had decided to go ahead with the amputation and chemo after that, which was her best recommendation. Don't have a date yet, as the surgeon she wants to do the surgery was out today. The oncologist said she'd try to get ahold of him today, but if unable to then she would get with him tomorrow. I really hope it's soon for Wally's sake.
Thanks Again
Rich
You have a plan forward now and that can be a relief to have that decision made. You're doing a good job of research and getting all your ducks in a row.
Let is know when the surgery is scheduled so we can make sure we send massive amounts of tripawd healing energy your way! Give that sweet Wally an extra tummy rub for us!
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!
Thanks again Sally,
I spoke with Wally's oncologist today and tomorrow could be the day depending on how many emergency surgeries are brought in. I'll be dropping Wally off in the morning and they'll do his heart scan. If his heart checks out ok and the recommended surgeon doesn't get overbooked due to emergency surgeries then Wally will have his procedure. If the surgeon does get overbooked then Wally will have his first chemo treatment tomorrow and the amputation on the 12th. Wish us luck!!
Thanks Again
Rich and Wally
Oh my gosh you guys, we are sending all the good wishes and pawsitivity in the world to you for good news from the scan and the clinic. Interesting that they'll do the chemo first before amputation, that's something relatively new and a little uncommon but it makes sense and in my non-vet opinion seems like a good approach.
We will be thinking of you! Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I hope all goes well tomorrow!
I'll be looking for an update.
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
jerry said
Oh my gosh you guys, we are sending all the good wishes and pawsitivity in the world to you for good news from the scan and the clinic. Interesting that they'll do the chemo first before amputation, that's something relatively new and a little uncommon but it makes sense and in my non-vet opinion seems like a good approach.We will be thinking of you! Keep us posted!
I think it has more to do with the surgeon's availability and that we most likely have a very limited window to act before the HSA starts spreading (as long as it hasn't spread to his heart). If we can't get the amputation until the 12th then better to treat it with a dose of chemo to (hopefully) keep it from spreading rather than give it another 2 weeks unchecked.
Thanks for the pawsitive vibes and support!
Oh yeah that makes total sense, especially for this disease you're dealing with.
And you've got it, more pawsitivity coming your way!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sending pawsitive energy to sweet Wally. Hopefully the amputation can be done tomorrow. But if not, I really like their appro of getting the first dose of chemo ahead start.
Of course Walkh is completely unaware of the stress you are dealing with. Ahhhh....the bliss of Being Dog!!
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!
Thanks again all. Dropped Wally off this morning and back home now.
I agree Sally. I like the approach our oncologist is taking to move fwd as quick as possible. I'm already nervous about how long it's been since I first noticed the lump (~week before Thanksgiving), so while it does feel rushed it's definitely for the best. Also, agree on the blissfulness of a dog. I was choking up on the drive over and in the parking lot, and he just goes right with the vet tech into the building with no hesitation.
Stay strong! Wally is going to amaze you at how well he does. He'll walk out with same great attitude and you'll cry happy tears when you see him!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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