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
Hi everyone--
I have to first say how incredibly glad I am I found this site, because I was surrounded by so much negativity and hopelessness until I landed here. I mean I seriously can't believe the stuff people say! And I feel mostly better after reading a lot of the posts here--except that I'm still worried about how much time has passed and how much more time will pass before I can afford the amputation that will help ease the pain of my beloved "best dog ever in the universe--in ANY universe!" (as I have told her every night since she came to live with me 6 years ago. LOL. I also have always sung this to her every night "She's so sweet, and she's very, very neat. And I tell her not at all confidentially, she's so sweet. She's so sweet, with her big ol' doggy feets, and I love her oh so monumentally, she's so sweet.").
Little did I know that 6 years down the road, "big ol' doggy feets" would be so literal. 🙁
In reading through the forums, I've been struck by the amazing advice given over and over to live in the now and to remember that our dogs don't know about prognosis or odds, but they do know pain. It helped me make my decision, and is something I want to repeat to many people who've offered their unsolicited opinions to me.
Unfortunately, after being in an emotionally abusive relationship for 14 years, during which time I tragically lost 3 of the most beloved pets I've ever owned too young--all Mammoth Jackstock Donkeys--as well as both parents, I have had a really rough go of it financially, and live literally hand to mouth much of the time these days.
But my Blackjack girl (yes, even though it's a boy name) is a huge part of how I crawled back from the edge after that relationship ended. She has helped me survive years of self doubt and depression manifesting as physical symptoms, during which times she would literally drape her wonderfully soft enormous head over the body part that hurt me, as if she knew. She has also given me the gift of laughter often when I most needed it, and has been my constant companion when I finally found work as a freelance editor and proofreader working from home.
And then one night when she went out to go potty, she yelped and when she was limping, I thought she'd pulled a muscle or torn a tendon in one of the many holes in my yard. I treated her at home and she improved, then a couple of weeks later, she slipped on the pergo flooring in my place and landed on that leg. She looked me directly in the eye before she started crying, with a look of confusion. My heart felt like it was literally breaking in two as I followed her limping quickly back to the bedroom to get back up on the safety of the bed. After that, when the "swelling" in her right rear leg didn't get better, but got worse, I found a vet in this area where I moved to fairly recently, and got the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. We went to see an oncologist an hour's drive south of us, in Austin (where I used to live, but where my ex forced me to move away from, sadly), and got the devastating news that it's metastasized to her lungs--to the point of being visible in x-rays.
I very, very much liked the oncologist. She was so kind and gentle with both Blackjack and me. But I was in a fog and didn't even know what to do. I vaguely remember her giving me figures, and if I'm remembering correctly, the amputation would run about $2,500--which is just a smidgen less than I actually bring in each month. I'd already spent over $1,000 on just getting the diagnosis and initial pain meds (which we've now upped--and doubled the cost). I'm not as fond of my local vet--nor of ANY local vets. 🙁
Anyway, we went home after the bad news about the mets and Blackjack was so exhausted, she couldn't even get back up on the bed that night or the next. I wound up making a pseudo-bed on the floor (out of cushions off my sofa) so I could sleep with her in my office, and when the oncologist called the next day to say the radiologist confirmed the mets in the lungs and ask me what I wanted to do, I said I just wanted to make her comfortable for whatever time she had left, and was reluctant to drive her back and forth for appointments after that one had taken so much out of her.
In the 2 weeks since, I've mostly been working nonstop for 16 plus hours per day, because as a freelancer, I have to take the work when it's available--especially this time of year, because there's usually NO work in December, meaning if I don't overwork in September/October time frame, I'll be in big trouble in January and unable to pay rent and bills. I did set up a makeshift office in the bedroom where I can do about half of my work, so I could be at least in the same room with Blackjack.
Over that time, I had a few minutes here and there to mull--as well as communicate with a vet friend I made online who lives 1500 miles away to pick her brain. And I had pretty much decided I really need to amputate that leg. Part of the reason for the decision is something I learned when I earned an animal welfare science certificate from eCambridge several years ago--to make decisions based on what the animal would choose for him or herself, were they able to make that decision. But most importantly, to make it based on THEIR perspective. Which is why I'm so impressed with what I've read on here.
But when I slowed down long enough to really look, I realized her leg has swollen to alarming proportions. And the guilt and horrible feelings set in. 🙁 There's a whole lot of awful dynamics around this, too, including from my landlady, who for the time being I'm really stuck with for financial reasons, but who is also pretty much a narcissist and who is of the firm opinion that I should NOT amputate and gets mad at me whenever I've said that's what I have to do (and then proceeds to take it out on me in passive aggressive ways that border on threatening eviction--and yes, she's just nutso enough to do that. I've seen her do it to at least 6 other tenants of hers in the last 1-1/2 years!).
Unlike a lot of people, I was pro amputation from the start, but then second guessed myself, partly for financial reasons and partly due to pressure from so many people--including my local vet's wife/receptionist (who sounds a lot like my landlady).
That option just doesn't sit well with me--and after reading posts here, and finally having time to do some research, I know it's because in my gut, I know that her leg is the ONLY source of Blackjack's misery right now. That's the source of her pain, and therefore, it has to go. Everyone keeps saying, "But she may only have a week or two left at her age and how advanced the cancer is." But my gut tells me that she deserves to have her remaining time--even if it's only two DAYS--be as pain free as possible. In my mind, that's, for her, the right thing for me to do.
And yet...there's the financial considerations. I did set up a Go Fund Me campaign finally, but as I suspected, only a handful of people have contributed so far (though I have to say I've been overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of those people--one of whom has known me for 30 years, one of whom I've only met in person twice and one who has never even met me in person!)
Anyway...this is turning into a novel, which is one of my faults! LOL. I'm just so grateful to have found a safe and, more importantly, hopeful, place that I realize all of this has been building up inside me!
So I guess I'm looking for reassurance that it'll be OK even though I've wasted so much time already to the point where her leg is so horribly swollen. And I'm also looking for any tips/advice on getting the surgery done ASAP with financial restrictions. FWIW, that relationship left my credit in utter shambles (a topic I've been mulling for a book one day, along with the urgent need to find ways for abused people to bring their pets--small AND large, as in horses--with them when they flee those relationships), so that's not an option--though I did try CareCredit anyway, just to be sure, and got immediately turned down. Mostly, I think I'm just so relieved to find someplace I can spill all these thoughts!
Hey there, welcome and {{{{hugs}}}. You are in the best place you can be right now. I'm going to make this short and sweet because we are driving, and I'm probably going to lose my connection, so....
About getting the procedure done. I'm sorry about the financial hardship, I knowi t packs a whallop. $2500 isn't bad for a specialty clinic doing it on a Dane, that's about right. Have you talked to them about payment arrangements? Many hospitals are willing to do that.You might also want to talk to them about allowing you to bring her home the same night, which isn't fun at all, but it can save you some $$ on the bill.
i'm going to hop away right now but will be back later. In the meantime if you haven't already check out Jerry's Required Reading List OK? It will help tons. And stay tuned, lots of great folks are here ready to chime in and be a pillar of support for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Are there any teaching hospitals nearby? Sometimes, they will do it for a reduced fee. Just a thought. I am sorry you are facing this decision. It sure sounds as though you have Blackjacks best interests at heart. It is hard when people are so opinionated. There is also a vet in Va. That does surgeries for reduced cost. Not sure if there are any in Tx or not. Maybe someone there can chime in. Just know you have listening ears and support here. Lori, Ty & Gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
4myty said
Are there any teaching hospitals nearby?
Great question!
FYI: Here is a pretty comprehensive list of veterinary teaching hospitals.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just checking in on you and Blackjack.
Howdy and welcome!
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
Yes, please update when can. I have tried to respond before but having comluter issues.
Just know we all understand like no others can! You are not alone here and there is definitely no judgement! We get that you love Blackjack and want to do whatever you can to give her quality.
Did the vet give you any pain meds for her?
Sending love and support.
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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 so much everyone for replying. It does feel so good to have a support group of people who understand!
There is a teaching hospital--Texas A&M--about 2 hours from me. But they couldn't get me in for initial appointment for 3 weeks. In the meantime, I went to this other place about 1-1/2 hours away where I got the initial definite diagnosis and estimate for surgery. Thanks to Jerry's suggestion to talk to them about payment arrangements, I'm awaiting final verdict on that possibility and should hear from them tomorrow. It amazes me that something so obvious slips my mind at times like this. Can't believe I never thought of that! Also, the oncologist there gave me the name of an animal hospital nearby them that does surgeries like that at reduced rates, and after researching the vets there, feel good about them as well. So if the original hospital can't do the payment arrangements, I'll call them tomorrow.
I'm so very fortunate to have met a lot of great people online. Not just here, but also another group I met through shared fandom of a couple of musicians, who have been quite generous in donating to help with the costs, including one of the musicians helping to spread the word as well.
Thankfully, she's still getting around to go outside once a day or so, and snarfing up her medicine treats and dinner. And loving to be loved on. I'm feeling better with having options to get this surgery done. And I felt much better after talking to her oncologist, too, who agreed that recovering from surgery will be easy compared to the pain of this leg--and even if she only has weeks after that before the lung mets make breathing difficult, it'll be worth it for her comfort. And then the oncologist went on to say what I've read here--basically agreeing that she doesn't have a date stamped on her butt. 🙂 Without amputating, it's obvious she'd succumb to the pain sooner rather than later and I just can't make her go through that.
I'll update as events unfold. I'm quite sure I'll need to come on here for support when the surgery is scheduled!
Glad you're feeling more optimistic and are getting the support you need on this journey.
Can't wait to see .ore poctures when you get a chance. Blackjack's avatar photo is just lovely...so sweet.
As far as mzking payments.....make sure you get to the "right" person. I was just hit with a completely unexpected ER bill for my tripawd Frankie. The initial deposit required, let alone the "estimate" for what ended up being a four day stay (a successful one...knocking on wood), pretty much knocked the wind out of me and was way out of the realm of possibility for me! Not treating Frankie was NEVER an option. When told by the "up front staff" their policy did not allow for making payments, I asked who else may I speak with...and on and on....until I got to the right person. As it turned out, the Doctor working on Frankie upon arrival was one of the owners. He was definitely the right person. He KNEW my heartfelt commitment to doing whatever I could to save Frankie and felt my bone deep sincerity that I would figure out a way...I just needed to do it on a payment basis. I offered to bring letters of references, specifically when I have had ro make payments before to vets.
Just trying to say if you believe in your heart of hearts you can figure out a way, that energy of since conviction will be felt by the vet and they will work with you. Now, I jave been to this clinic before when my finances were more "stable", and my referring vet is friends with them. So I'm sure all that helped.
As far as recovery, although the painful leg will be gone, the surgery itself is major and it is painful! Recovery for vigger dogs can be a little slower than others. I merely point this out so it won't be as scary those first weeks. In fact, for the first three weeks of recovery for my Happy Hannah (a Bullmatiff), I questioned what in the world had I done TO my dog!! Well, once her sparkle came back so brilliantly, I knew I had done it FOR my dog!!
Just make each day be the best day ever! Stay in the moment and let nothing interfere with yiur time together! Remember, Blackjack isn't worrying about a thing and certainly doesn't let any ole diagnosis tell her how she should feel!!! She's loving all the lovi g a d spoiling and that makes everything perfect in Blackjack's world!!
Sending love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Thanks for the update! Best wishes, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Sally and all--
Sally, I'm glad you posted about your post-amputation experience, because I tend to second guess and beat up on myself just normally, so if she should have a rough recovery, I'll know to be patient!
Unfortunately, the vet hospital can't split up the payments (they said, but I may have to keep asking--so thanks for that bit of advice, too, Sally). And I called Texas A&M today, but their estimate was even more expensive. Though they allow a 1/2 payment up front, that 1/2 payment is only $750 less than the entire surgery cost at the original hospital--and still far more than I can come up with as quickly as I feel like I need to.
So I called a low-income charity vet hospital also in Austin that the oncologist suggested checking. But it was late this afternoon by then, so I didn't hear back yet. So I'm feeling a bit discouraged again tonight, especially because she had a rough night last night after kind of half putting weight on that leg when she went to change positions. I just loved on her for a while and she's sleeping again. By the way, I wanted to also thank everyone here for the advice about being more dog and my emotions around her.
Right from the start, I instinctively kept my crying to times I was away from home--and her. And I've tried to be happy and calm when I'm around her, doing all my usual things like singing to her. Only doing them more often and for longer.
And now I have to go do some more work. So glad I work from home, but I have been pushing myself, working when she's sleeping and not getting much sleep myself.
Thanks again, everyone--SO much.
Hang in there. Discouragement is "normal" too on this crazy journey. Conversely, optimism takes over just as frequently and that becomes "normal" too.
Sorry your girl jad a rough night. I know it's so hard to watch our pups hurt. I think I asked before, is she on any pain meds?
TRY and get some rest yourself. For some reason, everything seems a little better after a good night's sleep.
Let us knkw what the charity vet place says. Maybe trying to meet with someone in person could help??
Sending you a bucket os zzzzzz's ...and hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I was offline for a bit and just now catching up. I'm sorry you're having the discouraging convos with the vets...
When you talked to A&M, did they mention anything about their medical assistance fund? If not, call them back and ask to speak with someone who can tell you how to apply for it. I know they have at least this one, but I think there's two.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Blackjack's mom.
My Buddy just had his right hind leg amputated a week ago for Osteosarcoma (Likely, pathology pending).
I went through all the emotions you are feeling about the amputation.
I too had a hard breakup this year. My husband of 10 years and I split and my dog has been my anchor.
I'm not a super religious person but i'm spiritual and praying has helped. I wish I could give you better advice, it sounds like you have been through so much but please know that your story resonated with me and i'll be putting you and blackjack in our puppy prayers tonight.
Keep us posted
Julie and Buddy
Hi again all. Julie and Buddy, thanks so much for the puppy prayers. Jerry, A&M didn't mention the funds, but I knew about them. Biggest problem now with them is they can't even get me in for surgical consult (let alone surgery!) until next Tuesday. I'm really beginning to feel the downside of living so far from major cities. Traveling to and from these appointments wears on me and Blackjack both. And worse is that with the exception of the oncologist and a vet tech we met today (more on that later), everyone at all vets I've talked with have been so negative, at best, and downright snotty and dismissive, at worst. I'm just about at wit's end and I'm super distraught, because her leg is now horribly swollen and looking like the skin could split. There's also a little pus coming from it. Yet no one except me seems to feel like it deserves urgent attention! She's getting so uncomfortable, too, and it's making me feel like I'm almost being backed into a corner of euthanasia simply because with the passage of time, her pain from a leg that *could* be amputated is getting unbearable (but I'm still sure that without that leg, she'd be her normal happy self). And it's happening thanks to a combination of uncooperative vets around here and ridiculous wait times for simple consultation appointments! And THAT makes me downright furious (not to mention overwhelmingly sad).
I'm also mad at myself, I think, to be honest. The timing of this is just so awful because I really need to be working 16+ hours a day to stockpile funds for the upcoming two months of NO work. Being freelance, as I've said, I have to work when the work is available, and right now, it's available in spades. But when I'm working, I can't also be calling vets and researching this online. So I guess part of why I am getting so angry with vets in this area is because I have such limited time, and I feel like I've been spinning my wheels for a month now, at Blackjack's expense. And since I'm single and live alone with no family or close friends nearby, I've got no help with anything. I haven't even done a proper grocery shop since the dx. Part of my anxiety and frustration is I really, really, really want to be spending quality time with Blackjack, but I'm feeling pressured from all sides...I just got put on official 30 day notice of potentially losing my editing gig, which would be very, very bad, since it accounts for half of my best month income, and the only steady source of income. And in trying to keep those people happy, I've been neglecting my prime freelance gig proofreading, though that's the work that's really only quarterly (but each quarter, it's lucrative, with as much work as I can take...and sadly, right now is peak season, and I've been unable to take my normal amount which affects my ratings, which in turn affects my earnings. 🙁 I also just really, really like those people and want to keep working with them for eons if I can).
As you can tell, I'm feeling more than a little overwhelmed right now...and every time Blackjack hobbles into my office because I've been away from her for hours, sits down, and looks me in the eye (or is just excessively licking her leg, like right now), my heart breaks a lot. It doesn't help that in trying to deal with just regular life during a time that I would already be spread thin, I have this on top of it all--and this feels like way higher priority to me--I'm getting nowhere near enough sleep. Maybe 4 hours a night. 🙁
On the up side...
Yes, I see an up side, so I guess I'm really an optimist in a huge way, which is how I've kept going all these years, I realize. LOL.
We DO have a surgery scheduled, but not until a week from today. It's the earliest this place I went to Monday could get me in. But the cost is a tiny fraction of the other places--I was shocked (in a good way) when they handed me the estimate of $700!!
But the down side is a week seems to be making a gigantic difference in how awful her leg is doing. Like it seems to be getting exponentially worse. Every day is another downhill slide with that.
And pretty much every freakin' vet I talk to, again with the exception of the oncologist (who I adore more than ever now), hedges and seems to not want to do the amputation. I SO don't get that. This is really kind of the flip of everything I've read because I, the owner, WANT the amputation and have been stymied by dragging feet, packed schedules, and financial concerns. But really, it's now been a week and a half since I've had enough support and ideas to cover the financial situation, and I feel like I've made no progress. It's infuriating. Of course, I still have a list of about 20 local vets I could call, but for heaven's sake, I can't lose my paying work in the process of tackling what's turning into a full time job of just finding vet care!
I say that...YET...my conscience won't let me do anything less than everything possible for Blackjack. As mentioned above, the only other veterinary personnel I've felt good about other than the oncologist was a tech at this hospital I went to today for the surgical consult. He was so sweet in lifting her out of the truck and then stayed with me throughout the appointment, holding her leash, my purse, my drink. LOL. At one point, he commented on how sweet she is and how sweet our bond is. I just wish the surgeon would've seen it, too!
On a little bit of an aside, my vet friend I met online and I have had many, many lengthy chats about how seriously lacking too many vets are in bedside manner (i.e., sensitivity to owner emotions). A part of me gets it--kind of--I know everyone is overworked and there's compassion fatigue, but much like my other bit of good news, they need to just suck it up and grow a heart or find another profession. (and yes, I'm planning on blogging about this during my 2 months of no work.)
So finally, the ending of tonight's novella (sorry again!! LOL) is the other bit of good news. I'm pretty proud of myself for controlling my emotions and staying positive and loving around Blackjack. In fact, I've sung her special song to her several times a day every day, and made sure to go way outside (like to the other side of the property) for any outbursts of frustration or anger, and drive away to cry. We had to wait for the surgical consult on Monday afternoon, and because we had to wait for the tech to help get her out of my truck, we were outside in the parking lot. She was very needy of affection, so I climbed up next to her (sitting in a very awkward position that I almost couldn't untangle myself from with my old sleep-deprived bones. Haha!) and commented on everything that drew her attention, from the shoppers next door to the birds flying overhead. And definitely commented on the pit mix who popped his head around the corner to say hi at one point. 🙂
OK, confession time...there's one area where I'm not doing well at controlling my emotions, and that's my angst every time she moves around. I'm SO worried about that leg fracturing that I think my most often repeated phrase these days is "Be careful, sweetie!" *sigh*
Oh, wait, one last bit of kind of positive news: in all this time it's taken, I've gotten more contributions from wonderful friends and family. So that combined with some of the proofing work I've managed to jam in getting paid by the end of this week, I'm planning on calling the original oncologist office back to see if they'll be happier with an offer to pay close to 2/3 of the surgical costs by end of this week, with remainder at the beginning of next month. Hoping they will say yes and can get her in before next Tuesday. And while I wait for them to call me back, I've got another couple of vets to cross of my list of local ones, too. Ugh. I have to move, seriously.
Again, I'm SO incredibly grateful to have found this place of hope and all of you. (My favorite singer/songwriter, who is also my other wellspring of support via mutual fans on Twitter (and thru his own accounts and his "posse," who have been wonderful fans of Blackjack!), has a song with the lines "Hope, hope will put the color in the sky. Hope, hope will turn this world of wrong to right." I couldn't agree more!)
I can understand your frustration right now, nobody can blame you for that. Just know that you ARE doing everything for her and you have a plan in place. YAY! No need to call around if you've already pinpointed at least two options, that just makes things more chaotic. So now, focus on getting through the week and hanging in there. I know it seems like forever and a day before the surgery but it'll happen before you know it.
Remember, a big part of treating cancer is getting your emotions in check so that your dog can enjoy a good quality of life. By trying to be as normal as possible, that's going to make her less stressed. If you always work a lot of hours (how lucky she is to have you at home!), then do that because it's normal, it's what she's used to. You are spending time with her because you're doing everything as normally as you always would, get it? If you suddenly stopped working and just focused on her and the lump, sat there worrying all day, well she wouldn't like that right? So Be Normal and she will be calm and happy.
You will get there. Focus on the here and now, not the what ifs. Take things one day at a time and remember we don't have control over what happens to us but we do have control over the way we react. By reacting with calmness and positivity, you are ensuring a great quality of life with your pup. Hang in there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
