Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 15 month old Pittie, Birdie, is going Tuesday to have her left front leg amputated. She presented with an enlarged joint about a month ago and was slightly limping. Vet took x-rays and recommended seeing an oncology specialist. Oncologist took a biopsy a few weeks ago, but it was inconclusive so she recommended amputation. I’m really scared because the biopsy was inconclusive so we don’t know what kind of cancer it is yet. They are sure it’s cancer and not an infection. They are going to send the amputated limb off for more complete biopsy testing. Does anyone have any tips or advice for a worrying dog mom?
Hi Sarah and Birdie, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away!
I'm sorry that you are facing this situation. Birdie is so young! I would be a little hesitant to amputate too, based on her age and the inconclusive biopsy report.
Did the oncologist happen to mention anything about the extent of damage to her leg? Is the leg beyond saving even if it's not cancer? That's the big question to ask: can her leg be repaired or saved in some way even if this is not a cancerous growth?
We have had some members here go through with amputation despite getting an inconclusive biopsy. Only a few times, maybe less than half a dozen since we started Tripawds in 2006, has the biopsy report come back and it wasn't cancer and the dog was now a Tripawd. Almost every time the leg was beyond saving, or irreparably damaged, so that was the consolation.
But yeah, that's what I would want to know for sure: how damaged is that leg? If you are at all in doubt, it will help your peace of mind to have another oncologist look at her case, and maybe send that path report out for a second opinion at a university teaching hospital, where they tend to be very, very skilled at pinpointing uncertain diagnoses.
Sarah, you have my sympathy that you need to be here, especially with inconclusive results. As for oncology, I got nothin', but our rescue foster, Reece, is currently in the recovery phase after amputation and, in her case, being young has really moved things along well for her.
That's Reece in the avatar, but I live with Shibas. I'm guessing that explains quite a bit.
I think what worries me most is that every bone cancer I have read up on says that if the pup is young, the cancer will be more aggressive and survival chances are lower. That doesn’t really make much sense to me as I would think a younger dog would be able to fight the cancer better than an older dog. Not knowing what kind of cancer is driving me crazy with worry. I know that Birdie will bounce back quickly from the amputation, I’m more worried about the following treatment for cancer. Did Reece have his leg amputated due to cancer?
The oncologist says that the bone is deteriorating and will only continue to do so. This can mean the bone will be weaker and more susceptible to breakage down the road.
Ok so if that's the case, then yes, amputation is very likely the best option at this point. Inconclusive path report might also mean it's another type of bone cancer that behaves similarly, like chondrosarcoma.
You might also want to ask the oncologist about the new cementoplasty limb salvage treatment:
https://tripawd.....coma-dogs/
There is only one vet in the US doing the therapy right now (in North Carolina), but the dog who just had the procedure is doing great seven months later. I will be sharing his mom's tripawd talk interview really soon.
Meanwhile, if amputation is the route you are headed (we will support you no matter what you decide), check out our What to Expect articles and the Tripawds e-books library if you'd like. Jerry's Required Reading List is also helpful.
And yes, for osteosarcoma, statistically younger dogs (younger than 5) do have a lower survival rate. But remember, statistics do not take into account YOUR dog. These are averages, not based on your dog's existing health, genetics, etc. Every situation is different and nobody has a crystal ball. We've seen many younger dogs outlive the prognosis and do great, so try not to get too hung up on numbers. I know it's hard not to, but your dog needs you to be pawsitive more than anything else right now.
Thank you so much for that info. It puts my mind at ease. I’m very glad I stumbled upon this site. I’ve been reading through some older posts and the replies and I’m glad there are people who have gone or are going through the same thing as me and my Birdie. I just lost my father to a sudden unknown illness earlier this month and Birdie’s leg started swelling the week he went into the hospital. I feel like I have been hit with double whammies at the same time. I can’t lose Birdie so soon after losing my father so unexpectedly. I’m hoping and praying that this is a benign tumor and not something that will continue to cause her pain and suffering.
Hi Sarah, I'm so sorry you and Birdie are going through this. my Ellie is 6 weeks post op for amputation, so I get it. If it means anything I went through with the surgery without us even testing for cancer- the vets were sure it was a cancer and she was at a high risk of fracture so in the small chance it wasn't cancer it still would have been a very involved (and probably more lengthy and painful) process to try to save the limb. With that said, the science gets better and better. Also Ellie is a giant breed who is 7 years old not a baby like Birdie, so I would be struggling with that decision as well.
I wanted to share Whiskey's blog because she's a very young dog who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at just over 1 year old-
https://tripawd.....s-surgery/
I wish you and Birdie well and hope you keep us posted on how things go!
Sarah I am soooooo sorry for your loss. And now Birdie's situation. Ugh! I always wonder why the universe does this kind of thing to people. Please know we are here for you OK? You are not alone in this. We are glad you found us too. Keep us posted.
Welcome Sarah and Birdie.
I'm sorry you had to find us but glad you did. Yes, OSA seems to be more aggressive in young dogs sometimes, but not always.
My Pug Maggie lost her leg to a different cancer, her prognosis after surgery with chemo was 6 to 9 months. And honestly I believed it and assumed she would vanish once we hit those dates. But she didn't, she beat that prognosis living almost 4 more years. She actually passed from a different cancer. I know some dogs with the same cancer weren't so lucky but it does happen.
What I learned was that you have to assume you are the one who is going to beat the prognosis, you have to be optimistic until your dog tells you there is reason not to be.
I know this is all overwhelming- and on top of losing your Dad. It's really hard when someone we think will always be there is gone.
We are here to help any way we can.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Birdie had her leg amputated earlier today. They are keeping her overnight for observation so I won’t get to bring her home until tomorrow.
Oh yay Birdie! You did it! You are on the road to healing little one.
Sarah, take a deep breath. You can do this! When you see her tomorrow try not to cry or melt down (it's so hard not to!). She needs you to be strong. And be glad she's not coming home until tomorrow, it's sooo hard to see your dog right after surgery.
Be sure to get a good grasp on her pain management . Know the medications, dosages, and timing. Ask how far apart and close together you can give the pain control, to make sure you stay ahead of the pain.
Try to relax, we are here for you!
I just picked Birdie up from the vet specialist. She is doing great so far. I took her out and she peed. As soon as she squared, she face planted, the poor thing. I have her in her crate now. She was able to drink and eat a few soft treats. I’m going to try and get her to eat a little before giving her a sedative.
YAY for Birdie! Glad she is home now. Wasn't that reunion the best?!
I know those face plants are sad and scary. I cried a ton when Jerry fell, which wasn't good for his confidence. Try not to panic when it happens. They eventually learn better balance and the face plants go away. If she's already got thirst and hunger that is a GREAT sign!
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