Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hello, I'm new and not sure if I'm doing this right. Apologize if I'm not..
My beautiful 10 yr old boxer mix Hooch was just diagnosed with sts. Had him in last Tuesday for a biopsy, was confirmed yesterday. I am absolutely devastated. I've been on this site for 3 days, reading all the different stories. When the vet told me on Tuesday what she suspected and the treatment, I immediately had tears. She did however say she wasn't certain. So I was hopeful, until yesterday, when it became a reality. The thought of amputation at first scared the crap out of me, then I started to think about it. Discussed it with family, and everyone seems to be against it. Makes me uncertain again. My boy is energetic, happy and full of life. I am terrified to put him through any trauma, but on the other hand.. I'm not ready to let him go for a lump on his leg. All advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Lynn and Hooch :'(
Welcome Lynn and Hooch, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm so sorry cancer has brought you here, and it is quite a shock and a lot to take in.
Does your vet think Hooch is a good candidate for amputation? He is otherwise healthy? A front or back leg?
It is hard to imagine that the best treatment for a lump on his leg is amputation. My pug Maggie had a mast cell tumor in her knee- no pain, no limping. I was floored when the vet said amputation.
We don't like to sugar coat anything here- the recovery period can be bumpy. But considering the scope of the surgery it is amazing how well our pups do so quickly. My little pug was hopping the day of surgery. One of my quad pugs has had two knee surgeries and those recoveries were waaaaaaay longer than Maggie's amp recovery.
In all the years I've been here there have been only a couple of people who say they would not do the surgery again.
It is of course up to you, but know that most of us would chose amputation again if we had to. No matter what you decide we are here to help and support you.
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
I also should have given you these links:
Required Reading List Information on what to expect from amputation and recovery.
Tripawds Library eBooks you can download with amputation and recovery info.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Lynn ~
Sorry that this crappy disease has brought you here. Like many of us. I can relate to that feeling of devastation. Murphy was just 7 when he was diagnosed with cancer. Many people have also had family members who were opposed to their pets going through the surgery, and that's ok. You can refer them to here, or to youtube, where they can find many videos of tripawds showing off life on 3 legs. You know Hooch better than anyone else. This is a decision for you and your vet. From what you said, he is still an active, healthy dog. There are no guarantees, but surgery will take away the cancer. Like Karen said, recovery can be tough. Usually the first 2 weeks or so are the hardest, it's a roller coaster of emotions, trying to get them to eat, worrying if you did the right thing, keeping up on the pain medications ... and then one day they're doing better! And you realize that you did this FOR Hooch, not TO Hooch. We can't tell you the right thing to do. Check out the required reading list, talk to your vet and the surgeon, check out youtube yourself. And we'll be here for you.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
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
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Hi Lynn & Hooch, welcome. I'm so sorry for the diagnosis, it's never easy to hear those words and it fills your head with worry. But it sure sounds like your heart is speaking loud and clear: you know what Hooch wants and you're the best person to help him get there.
Yep, amputation recovery isn't always easy and there are risks, but it's just like life. That lump on his leg will only continue to get worse and more painful. As much as he'll try to hide the pain, there's only so much that pain medication can do. If he's not a candidate for limb sparing but is a good candidate for life on three legs (what does your vet think?), then there's no reason why he can't join the many dogs here who've thrived after amputation.
Here's a great Boxer story for you. Check out Roxie's story. She is an angel now, but don't be sad: she beat the odds like nobody's business and rocked it on 3 until just a few months ago. I hope it inspires you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Howdy and welcome!!
So very sorry you're here, but this is a great place and, at times, it will feel like a lifesaver.
When we got the dreaded news about our Harmony, we were dead-set against the surgery. And even though my extended family couldn't understand why we spent so much money "on a dog", they totally supported us in all our decisions. Both the hub-a-dub and myself go back-and-forth with our choices, but the bottom line was Harmony was in great pain and it was our duty to do something about it. There was only two choices; amputation or letting her go.
This is the key, the secret if you will: Caring for those we love is a labor of love. With that said, no decision you make, through the eyes of love, is EVER wrong.
Everyone's circumstances are different, but this community collectively presents a great wealth of scenarios and "what-if's" to help you through this no matter what you encounter. Once you make your decision, you'll find a little bit of peace as you "ingest" one bite of the elephant. There's not a thought or emotion you've had that someone here hasn't had first.
Keep us in your back pocket as a reminder that you and your pack are not alone.
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Please also remember that this decision is about you and Hooch. Friends and family may not understand, but at the end of the day, they don't have to because it is not their decision and not their dog. Sometimes, it helps to explain that dogs do not think about amputation the way people do. They know something is different, but they are not obsessing about not having an arm or a leg or thinking that they are disabled. They just find a different way to do whatever they want to do. My three legged Otis is fully capable of stealing cat food off of the kitchen counter. He is not bemoaning the lack of his leg, he is just going for the cat food and is quite happy when he gets it. One of the technicians at the animal hospital we are using said that you can tell in their eyes when it is their time. Doesn't sound like you feel that way about Hooch - if you have the ability and the resources, follow your heart. People will come around in a couple of weeks when they see Hooch just being Hooch again. And I suspect that a lot of people who start sentences with "I would never. . ." have actually never been in the situation that they are criticizing, and might, in fact, do something very different if it was their dog.
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.
Wherever they are, they are together.
I couldn't have said it better than OtisandTess! Yes, Yes, Yes to everything she said.
Amputation is drastic but sometimes it is our only choice if we want to give our pups the best chance of good quality life. I don't think you're traumatizing him or putting him through something that is cruel. You're giving him a chance to keep on being "energetic happy and full of life". I think the humans usually have more of a feeling being traumatized by the whole thing. The pups, they just get on w/ living.
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
As you can see, you are NOT alone!! You have gotten excellent insight from everyone who replied. The emotional roller coaster you are riding is one we all know far too well.
You are doing yoir research. You are talking to the surgeon. You are gathering as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision. Others don't have the insight you have gained.
I was absolutely against amputation for my be@oved Happy Hannah for osteosarcoma (a Bull Mastiff). I had not found this site. I was, ALONE and uninformed and scared and panicked and hysterical.,
Even though she was limping some, I thought the low dose of pain meds were "working"....until the morning she held her leg up and started hopping three legs. I knew I would have ro let my vibrant, happy, full of life dog "go" fairly quickly if I didn't amputate. Recovery was no picnic. I joined this community on day six of recovery fearing I jad made a HORRIBLE mistake. This community threw me a lifeline of support and information and I held on tightly. It was about three weeks before I coukd finally say I did this FOR my Happy Hannah and not TO her!
Est decision ever! We got extended bonus time chock full of loving and spoiling and treats and tummy rubs and sunbathing.and drive thru burgers! We had the most gloriously spectacular extended quality time anyone could ever imagine!!
Stay connected and let us know how we can help. Whatever your decision, we are right here by your side!
Sending hugs and clarity
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 for all the kind, positive words! I have been reading and reading and reading.. All of your stories are truly inspiring.. I think Hooch senses something is up, I just can't stop the tears (a little better today).
In answer to the questions.. It is his right front leg, and the vet/specialist does think he is a good candidate for amputation. Although we have not gotten any further testing to see if it has spread or is anywhere else in his body. I think I just needed a day or two to soak it all in.
We are currently trying to recover from the biopsy from last week. It doesn't seem to be healing very well and the lump has almost doubled in size because of it. Had him to our local vet since then and he is now on anti-inflammatories and anti-biodics. I kind of wish I hadn't gotten it done, and went with the needle aspirate instead. The vet/specialist said the biopsy would be better for diagnosis. I think Hooch is feeling depressed that he can't be outside, running and playing. Makes me feel so sad. Not sure how irritated it would've got with the needle, but at least he'd be happy while we try to figure all of this out.
I do have a question... From what I understand it takes time to recover, some longer than others.. But how long before your able to leave them alone or not under constant supervision? We have been lucky with Hooch, in being able to leave him for the day while we are at work. (With his couple pee breaks when grandma comes).
Thank you for listening, you all have already given me great comfort.
Lynn and Hooch
First of all, don't waste any energy beating yourself up over the biopsy. The vet is the one who guided you to do that and he is the "professional". It was only from being on here that many of us learned that biopsies can, ot only be painful, but can become infected. The things a vet doesn't tell us...UGH! Also, for whatever it's worth, biopsies can sometimes be inconclusive, but so can aspirations!
Okay....deep breaths....no more energy to that, okay? Deep breaths....B R E A T H E....now give yourself a big hug!! You deserve it! You are stronger than you are giving yourself credit for!
It's important to stay upbeat and confident in front of Hooch. He will mirror yiur energy a d follow your lead.
As far as recovery, it is good if someone can be home with him the first couple of days. Hypothetically, if he had surgery on a Thursday, they would keep him overnight and he would come home Friday. That would st least give you the weekend. You'll want to set up a comy recovery area where he can't roam arou d too much. It sounds like Grand a can come and check on him a couple of times a day at first. That would be good. It really is true that every dog is different and every recovery is different! In the case of my Happy Hannah, she was very whiny and restless for the first several days and nights. Some dogs are very lethargic and barely want to move st all! It's must hard ro say.
Keep the questions coming. We understand how difficult this is. We also understand the relief you will feel when you commit to a plan of action.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS...Ask the vet about giving Hooch a pain med like Tramadol. That may help in feel better.
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!
lynn_1 said
I do have a question... From what I understand it takes time to recover, some longer than others.. But how long before your able to leave them alone or not under constant supervision? We have been lucky with Hooch, in being able to leave him for the day while we are at work. (With his couple pee breaks when grandma comes).
We were told by our surgeon, the quicker we get back to our regular routine, the better for Harmony as was used to the routine and would adjust better. Plus, leaving her alone, sequestered in a room, allowed her some time to heal and not have to put up with worry-warts (us).
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Finally a decision... My Hoochs surgery is scheduled for this Wednesday April 13. I am very anxious and worried, nervous and scared.. Can we do this? Or better yet, can I be strong enough for him? Blood work and X-rays the Tuesday before. I forgot to ask the surgeon (there's so many questions!) but can they have results back that quick before? Maybe I'll call again tomorrow for the 50th time! Just hang up the phone and another question pops in my head.
The biopsy he had still isn't healing. Have to keep a bandage on it now, to keep it from bleeding everywhere. Is there anything I could put on it to keep it from sticking to the bandage? He's uncomfortable, but still in good spirits. Still wants to be outside chasing his friendly squirrels. (They keep teasing him through the living room window). Feeling so bad for him. The next time he can chase them it'll be so much harder. Still having a very hard time, and still can't believe this to be true. Thank you for listening, and wish us luck..
Lynn and Hooch
Lynn, we can totally relate to how your mind races around at a time like this, it's crazy all the things you can think of right?! Just keep a journal and jot down all of your questions, it will keep you sane. And never feel badly for calling your vet, that's why you pay them.
And speaking of calling the vet, I would ask about the biopsy wound. Not sure what's safe to put on it, so they're the best one to ask.
Hang in there. YES you can do this and remember, he will be stronger than you think. Squirrels? No problem! Just wait.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh yes, Murphy loves to chase squirrels! He can even dig under the wood pile for mice with just one leg! There's not much these guys can't do 
We get it! All of the uncertainty, the emotions, the fear, we understand. The first 2 weeks are going to be difficult. You need to make sure that you stay on top of the pain medications - that is always the hardest thing. Murphy came home on Tramadol, Gabapentin and Rimadyl. Some come home with antibiotics, too or with a fentanyl patch.
Please stay in touch -we'll be here for you.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
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
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
1 Guest(s)
