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,
My cat 3YO named mazey was diagnosed with a type of soft tissue cancer. The tumor on her right, front leg cannot be removed due to the location of it being where she bends her leg and it is imbedded into to the tissue. I cannot afford to see an oncologist, and as my vet strongly agrees the tumor or all of the tumor cannot be removed, i was advised amputate. My vet is going to do an x ray to gauge if the cancer has spread before the amputation. Am I doing the right thing? I don’t want to wait any longer as I don’t know how long the tumor has been there. It is not visible to the eye, and not in a place I normally pet on her. I’m am so unbelievably scared, worried if it will spread even after the amputation. I just would like to hear people’s stories who have been in this situation and how their pets are doing after an amputation because of cancer.
Hi there to you to and Mazey. I'm so sorry about the diagnosis.
Can you join us today for our Zoom call today at 6 eastern so we can offer some live feedback?
https://us02web.....gistration
As a young cat, Mazey should do just fine on three. Cats handle it so much better than dogs! The important thing is to act sooner rather than later, before you can actually see that tumor. It's a good thing your vet caught it early. which gives Mazey a better shot at a longer healthier life. Even if you aren't doing further treatment that is totally OK. There are no right or wrong choices here. Just take the step to make sure her leg won't be causing her any pain and the rest is icing on the cake.
I hope we can see you later today. Thanks for registering as a member here. Stay tuned for feedback from others.
Hi Jerry,
Thank you for the uplifting words! Unfortunately, I can’t join the zoom as I work until 6pm. Her amputation is scheduled for Monday, December 16. She is having scans same day to find out if the cancer has spread. If all is clear, she will be having the surgery. 🙂 I just can’t help but feel terrified. I pray we found it early enough
Just catching up on Mazey's journey and offer my support.
We know how scary it is to get the diagnosis that amputation is an option.... and in this case, actually a good option. Not saying that recovery is easy for a couple of weeks, but you will be amazed at how well she does once the recovery phrases over and she adapts to three legs.
Will be sending extra healing energy to you on Monday for a successful surgery. Will she be staying overnight or are you bringing her home the same day of surgery? Regardless, stay connected and let us know when surgery is done. We are all here to support you and help you navigate through recovery and on to Macey getting to be Mazry without that bum leg.
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!
Aww sorry we missed you! Yes it is a scary time. We get it! Did you see our What to Expect articles ? Also don't forget the Tripawds Helpline is always available, 844-TRIPAWD. A volunteer will return your call asap.
I am truly more scared of the cancer diagnosis than the amputation itself. My biggest fear is it spreading even after the amputation. The tumor is about an inch above where her front arm bends. I don’t know the exact soft tissue cancer or the aggressiveness of it. She is my baby. 😢
Yes it's scary not knowing what the future will bring. Even if you knew exactly what you were dealing with through oncology diagnostics and such, there are still no guarantees about how things will unfold.
Cancer sucks but what it does is remind us that every day is precious no matter what, and that with or without cancer life doesn't hand us guarantees. So we must move forward doing the best that we can, enjoying every minute without fear, and loving our critters like the beautiful souls that they are.
I'm glad that you sound OK with the amputation itself. As I mentioned, cats do really well on three, even better than dogs!
How is your home? Are you ready with non-slip floors and safe places for Mazey to recover?
Yes, I bought stairs and ramps that she’s been using now to get her used to them, low entry litter box, a custom surgical suit, hydra care (as she didn’t drink water after her biopsy surgery), and thankfully I’ve had her on Cosequin for a year now. Any advice or tips are welcome! We are currently just enjoying running around on four legs while she can. She’s so active, rambunctious and playful now. I hope she stays that way after recovery 🤞
You are doing an excellent job of getting things prepared for Mazey's New Journey on three.
One thing we've learned around here is no cat or dog has a time frame step stamped anywhere on their butt. They don't count days on the calendar and they don't worry about the tomorrows. They live in the present and enjoy every moment of being with their humans. It's so important not to waste time worrying about the tomorrows because that takes away from the joy of the today. Yes, we can assure you Mazey will continue to be her rambunctious lively self once she gets through the recovery.
Hang in there! You've got this!
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!
Thank you, I’m feeling much more optimistic after finding this group and reading other people’s stories, they have truly brought me comfort. I will update with a photo of mazey after surgery on Monday. ♥️
I wish more owners were like you. You are doing everything you should be doing. I know it's scary but try to focus on enjoying your girl. I worked in veterinary oncology for the last 1.5 years. I've watched the ups and downs of cancer. Even if you get a really bad diagnosis your cat might be one of those fighters who surprises everyone. Sending lots of good thoughts your way.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
I just brought her home from her amputation. Lungs were clear of any metastasis. They want me to go back in for more X rays in 3-4 months to check again. I pray I caught it early. I also cannot believe how much she wants to move right now. She’s gonna cause me to have a heart attack at 28 LOL.
WELCOME HOME MAZEY!!! Surgery is done and now is the time to let out a big exhale!!!
Sometimes bringing them home the first night of surgery can get a little whacky as they start shaking off the anesthesia and the strong hospital pain meds get out of their system. Sounds like she's handling things really well!
What pain meds did they send her home with, dose and frquenc?
Keep us posted, okay?
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!
Woohoo!! So happy that's she's home and the X-rays were clear!! 👏
I hope you're able to get some nice cuddle time and rest together. Things can be a little wild at first but Mazey will even out.
We are having one more zoom call tomorrow so hope to see you there!
That is wonderful news. I hope Mazy doesn't give you a heartattack. I know that feeling. Watching your baby recover can be so hard and wonderful. Please keep us updated.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
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