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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Hello. I am new here. My dog, Jake is a rescue, with an estimated age of 13-14. For months he has not been using his front leg. It atrophied..
We have taken him to tons of specialists who thought it was arthritis and we tried injections, pain meds, nerve meds and acupuncture. Today, after an EMG was positive, we were told it is likely a nerve sheath tumor of the shoulder.
They need to know whether to do an MRI to confirm. If confirmed, they may or may not amputate depending upon how invasive the tumor is and whether it is in the spine. They can't really answer for us whether we should or should not operate given his age. He is otherwise in good health.
I don't know what to do. He is already at an advanced age...do I put him thru all this? After the tests today, he could barely walk. He was exhausted. It is not about expenses, just what is right by him. Can anyone tell me what to expect if I do OR do not do surgery. Please help. They want me to decide ASAP. He is a sweet, sweet, loving boy. Thank you.
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not require moderation.
I'm sorry I don't have time to properly welcome you- I have to get back to work. But I wanted to approve your post so other members have a chance to help.
I'll check back later.
Karen
Bless your heart and Jake's too! You are clearly a wonderful advocate for him!
Do they have him on pain meds yet as that could certainly help with his quality?
Thisis an extremely difficult situation to be in because of his age.....which, by the way, deserves a round of applause! We love seniors around here!
I'm gonna throw this one to others who have more experience with this type of situation. cop out? Yeah, maybe a little! This is a tough one!
And we do have seniors who have adapted very well on three legs and have had wonderful quality time.
How much does he weigh?
Please know you are not alone. We are here every step of the way. Jake sounds like a wonderfully loved and spoiled pup? Keep on doing that....that's all he cares about right now!
Sending you love and hugs,
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Welcome to Tripawds, we are sorry you're going through such a ruff time. It's never easy to make this decision but it's especially tough to confront it when an older dog is the one being affected.
You can see here that nearly all dogs will do great after surgery no matter their age (check out our "Size and Age Matters" discussion for some excellent examples). But in the end, every dog is different and you'll need to decide if your pup has the spunk and personality to have a good recovery. What was his activity level like before the pain set in? How has he handled previous injuries, surgeries etc., in his life (if he's had any at all)? Many dogs, even much older ones, will do great after that bum leg is gone, but unfortunately there are no guarantees. If you want to see how one dog has done, check out Bailey's story.
I wish I could make this decision easier for you but only you know your dog better than anyone else. If you truly believe he has the spark left to make a comeback after surgery, then follow your heart. Keep in mind that dogs handle life on three legs MUCH better than any human ever adapts to amputation.
For more thoughts be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and our ebook, Three Legs & a Spare. We'll be here to support you whatever you decide so keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, Jake is on 6 tramadol a day and meloxicam. He is a wonderful, good natured Golden. We are so sad and confused. Thank you for your help to anyone with thought on what to do with a 13+ year old Golden.
Oh boy. That's a tough one! First off - I'm so sorry Jake and you are dealing with this. Bad news! What do you know about the tumor? Or will the MRI tell you everything? I mean, do you know if it's well contained? Do these things spread? Where in the limb? If amputated, will it get it all, or is it high enough in the shoulder that it's potentially spreading into the spine? I highly encourage you to get all the details AND then get in touch with an onco ASAP. Colo State U's vet school has a fantastic consultation program. I wrote them and by the end of the day, I got an answer.
To amp or not, like Jerry said, depends so much on him. Is he a fighter? Does he have zip? Does he still want to live a wonderful life with you? Amping could take 2-3 weeks for an older pup to bounce back, but THEY DO! It's amazing! Seeing as how he's been bothered with this for so long, once it's gone, you may see new life in him that you've not seen for a while. If he's got will, if the cancer can be fully removed, and so many other factors are right, amp'ing could give him the life he's not had for a while. He could live out his senior years pain free, but with a hop.
If the cancer has spread or will spread or is pretty invasive, this surgery and recovery may be too much for him.
On the upside, since he's on meds that are usually given during recovery, you already know how he handles them and side effects, etc. That's HUGE as so many of us here struggle with that! Jake won't have that battle (or better, you won't) during recovery, if that's to be.
Get that MRI. Get results. Get info. Get an onco. And then talk it over with Jake. He'll tell you if he wants to do this.
And then, come back and let us know! Is there a pic of dear Jake you can share? I'd love to meet him!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Much good advice already, especially about getting all the info you can and asking and getting answers to as many questions as you can. I don't have experience with this type of tumor; my girl Roxie had a rear-leg amp due to osteosarcoma, but I just wanted to send good pawsitive thoughts to you and to Jake. These are tough decisions but there is much help to be found here.
-Liz and Angel Princess Roxie
Welcome Jake and family-
So sorry you have to deal with this diagnosis, but I'm glad you have found this site.
Shooter was 13-1/2 years old at the time of his amputation. He adapted very well and his recovery was fairly rapid. I think this was due to being in great shape prior to everything happening. Shooter is a smaller breed, but if Jake is active and healthy otherwise I would think he would do fine. There are some Golden people on here that may be able to help more, but whatever you decide will be best for all of you. The most important thing is that Jake not be in pain so once you get more information you will be able to make a plan.
Keep us updated and take care.
Luanne & Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Well, Jakes stomach ultrasound and blood work look great. Next up, an MRI. We have already consulted an oncologist, neurologist and multiple orthos. They need the MRI to offer more advice, so we are getting that in a week. Treatment is at NC State Vet School. Without surgery, best guess is 3 to 6 months. He is on a diet and down to about 70 pounds. He is in good spirits. Of course, he is a Golden and truly they are the sweetest, gentlest dogs. While I love my rescue corgi and rescue beagle mix , there really is no better breed than a Golden for being sweet and gentle and just kind towards people and other dogs.
Any further advice appreciated. Thank you SO MUCH for all the support.
Sounds like he's getting the best care possible right now. Congrats on excellent ultrasounds and blood work! That's WONDERFUL!!!! Boy, I bet you can't wait to get that MRI?! It'll help. Hearing that he's on a diet, at 70lbs (which can still be heavy for some Goldens, or lean!), and in good spirits are all excellent signs that if the surgery can help a lot, it may do a lot of good. Keep us posted!
HUGS
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Glad to hear there is some good news among the bad. Since Jake seems to be healthy otherwise I would probably take a chance on the surgery just to let him have some quality time. That being said, only you can make that decision in the end and, no matter what, it will be the right decision.
Hugs to Jake-
Luanne & Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Well Jake, you've apparently been studying very hard because you'repassing all yor tests! Gold job!
Ys, Goldens are just bundlesof sweetness nd forever hapy! ai kniw this is such a tough decision because of his age. Just co tinue to talk to the specialists, c tinue to stay grou ded and centered and you'll be guided to do what's best for yor Make.
Let us ere from you next week, if not before!!
((((((((lots of hugs to you and Jake)))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Well, it is with a heavy heart to report that we decided against surgery. Jake has been struggling with just recovering from tests, much less surgery. Our vet, that we have used for Jake's entire life, told us that Jake is just too old to spend so much time in the vets office. The surgeon agreed especially because he has arthritis in his back legs and a hard time sitting down and getting up. We just all agree it is not fair to put a 14 year old Golden through surgery.
So, we will manage his pain until it is time. He is comfortable now and still has moments of joy, though sleeps most of the time. We are so sad about the thought of losing him, but we don't want to prolong his life in pain just because we can't bear to lose him. It seems kinder to let him have a peaceful last few months. Every pet loving family has to make these hard decisions. Thanks for being a supportive community and a place for those facing hard decisions.
I'm so very sorry that your news wasn't better. With all the advances in vet care these days, it's hard sometimes to make the decision that "more" isn't going to be "better". And having all parties in agreement and choosing palliative care IS a plan and an option, chosen with Jake's best interests at heart.
We were lucky with Roxie that the surgery and chemo were relatively easy. But when the lung mets turned out to be so aggressive so quickly we tried oral chemo with unacceptable side effects. And we made the same decision you have made and then set out to make her time as fun and joy-filled as we could. We celebrated her 12th barkday on 9/1 and let her go just a week ago when her breathing became labored. As much as she is missed, I feel good about the choices we made, and most of those were influenced by our friends here at Tripawds.
Know that our hearts are with you.
Sending you peace and love, Liz and Angel Roxie
Oh I'm so sorry, what a heartbreaking decision, but obviously one made with love and compassion for Jake. Liz said it very well, you made that decision with his best interests in mind and that's what counts. You know him better than anyone else and what's right for one 14 year old dog isn't always right for another.
Please know that we are still here for you as you go on this journey together. Whether someone chooses amputation or palliative care, we are a support community so come here anytime and let us know how things are going and if we can help OK? And please give Jake a big hug from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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