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.
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Hi everyone,
First, Radar is under the care of his vet and an oncologist. He will get a full workup Tuesday to determine if he's a candidate for amputation.
My question for the group... Radar is 12. Am I crazy to consider amputation? He's a 45 pound Vizsla and healthy. He's not overweight and was a sports dog (flyball mostly) most of his life. No arthritis and no other chronic conditions (other than hypothyroidism). His mom lived to almost 17.
When we initially saw the bone tumor (unsure of the type yet, but atypical for osteo) on his back leg, I thought no way I'd amputate a 12 year old... but now I am considering it. He enjoys life and i don't feel like he's ready to leave us yet.
Has anyone amputated an older dog? Did you regret it?
Thanks,
Krista
Hi Krista and Radar.
Your post has been approved and we look forward to sharing radar on as he navigates through recovery and on to living a pain-free life without that bum leg!
Radar is 12. Am I crazy to consider amputation? He's a 45 pound Vizsla and healthy
Nope, not crazy at all!! We've absolutely seen dogs older than Radar live life to the fullest on three. Vets have told us age is not really a factor. It's all about the dog's fitness and overall health. It sounds like Radar is definitely fit and has a zest for life. Love that his Mom lived to 17!! 👏
I thought no way I'd amputate a 12 year old... but now I am considering it.
I sure can relate, as many of us can! I remember when my vet first mentioned the possibility of an amputation I said absolutely, no way! I even did set up an appointment for amputation surgery.....then cancelled because I was so scared how she would do! Happy Hannah was almost nine at the time and a bit "fluffy". Nine is considered "mature" for a large breed dog ( Bull Mastiff).
I finally went ahead with the amputation and absolutely have zero regrets! It was the best decision I could have made for her. What she was through recovery, and it was no picnic for about two or three weeks, she returned to enjoying life and soaking up all the loving and spoiling she could handle 24/7!
One particular Vizsla that comes to mind. His name is Bart. He excelled in field trial events and was quite well known as a champion prior to his amputation and then after his amputation! If I recall he was even on the cover of a particular magazine, maybe field and stream, can't remember the name. Anyway he thoroughly enjoyed continuing the sport.
Continue to scroll through the "size and age...." forums and you'll find stories of many dogs older than Radar
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Sorry for the quick post. Just wanted to connect quickly before heading to work.
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!
Krista, we are sorry you are joining our club, and totally understand your worries!
We've seen lots of senior dog recoveries over the years, and rest assured that the vast majority go on to do what they enjoy best. See our Senior Dogs stories, and Size and Age Matters for some inspawration.
Oh here is Bart's blog. Bart was younger, but I can put you in touch with his mom Darcy if you'd like, she is very well connected in the Vizsla community and more than likely knows folks with senior Vizsla Tripawds that you can talk to.
https://bart.tr.....pawds.com/
Also check out our Tripawds Quality of Life Surveys for additional insight. Keep us posted OK?
Hi,
My dog is not a vizsla but a 10 year old yellow lab. When I first got the news the only treatment was amputation of the back right hind leg I said there is no way I will do that to a dog whose life expectancy is 10-12. My dog is very fit and about 52-55 lbs before the amputation. Well I could just see my dog had more life left in him. So now I have an almost 10.5 year old lab with three legs who is as happy as ever. So if the vet thinks Radar is a good candidate for the amputation it isn’t crazy at all.
Good luck to you and Radar.
Amy
Thank you everyone! Radar is scheduled for amputation surgery on Monday. I will keep everyone posted.
Krista
Alrighty Radar, you've got this!!!
Will Radar be staying in an overnight clinic? When you go to pick Radar up after surgery, come in upbeat, pawsitive.
Don't even bother to look at his incision or draw attention to it. He just wants to see your happy smiling face and hear you tell him he's a good boy and he's going home!
Stay connected and let us know if you have any questions. We'll be sending positive energy for good surgery and homecoming for Radar.
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!
Good luck Radar. Wishing you the best for your surgery.
I agree with Sally. When I picked my dog up I was happy to see him and he was happy to see me but I didn’t make a big deal about him. I got him home and he was so relieved to be home. I let him know I was happy he was there but I just let him do his own thing and made sure I was right there available if he needed anything at all. I didn’t over hover but when I could tell he needed his food or water brought to him or help getting up that is what I did. If not I just let him rest and he knew I was there for him.
I hope you provide updates after the surgery. Just remain strong and you have got this!
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