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 all! So glad I found this site. As the topic says we have our amazing 10.5 year old lab/border collie mix. He went in for a lumpectomy on his right front elbow that was supposed to be a lipoma, turns out it was a Grade III sarcoma. They were not able to determine what type it was. Today we had xrays done and it has not metastasized to his lungs/liver. It is growing back on the elbow already 3 weeks later. We were given the option of amputation and of course I am very nervous. Otherwise he is in perfect health, and acts still like a puppy. We were told that if we amputate there is a 1/3 chance it can come back to the rest of the organs, otherwise it will definitely become metastatic and we will be looking at palliative care. Any advice on recovery, personal experiences would be really helpful! Thanks in advance from some stressed parents!
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
What is your boy's name?
I'm sorry you are dealing with cancer and amputation but glad you found us.
You might want to look at the Required Reading List- lots of info there on what to expect with amputation and recovery.
What we often see here is that the worst of the recovery is the first couple weeks. It can be full of ups and downs but not always, every dog recovers according to their own schedule. As long as you have the pain management dialed in things tend to go pretty well. Your boy may be tired and drugged and not himself but that actually is OK. Lots of rest those first couple of weeks really helps the healing process.
Traction is important, especially for new Tripawds so if you have slippery floors you should think about adding throw rugs or yoga mats.
Know what pain meds and the dosing schedule he will come home with.
Lots of positive experiences to be found if you browse the forums and blogs!
Be positive around him while he recovers so he knows everything will be OK.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi and welcome! What's your doggie's name? We are glad you found us and hope we can help make this situation easier, whatever path you decide to take.
It sounds like your vet has cleared your dog for amputation, so I'm guessing he's overall a good candidate? If so that's awesome! There should be no reason why he wouldn't do well on three legs. At his age, which isn't exactly "old" but definitely senior, it may take a bit longer to recuperate than a younger dog, but he'll get there with his great puppy spunk and your awesome attitude. In this situation, the pet parent's pawsitivity is everything and makes for a better recovery. Your dog will follow your lead so what you put out into the world, he will give right back.
We always encourage people to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and our e-books library for fast answers. Our what to expect series of articles is also helpful. And of course ask any questions you'd like, we are here to help!
I am in the Tripawds Chat for a bit today so feel free to swing by. It's nice to meet you 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks! I was so excited finding this forum and writing my post I forgot his name! His name is Jules 🙂 Short for Julius Caesar as he was born by C-Section. Right now he is on gabapentin which he tolerates quite well. His incision site where he had the mass removed 3 weeks ago is not healing due to the cancer trying to heal the cancer. All he wants to do is play and be normal and I want to give him the best life possible. He is our everything. I know that amputation is the best option I am just so scared.
Nice to meet you Julius & family! Cute name 😉
He sounds like such a great dog. And your fears are totally normal! Anyone who has been through this knows what it's like to worry about such a big unknown future. But based on what we've seen here and the feedback parents provide, people are generally happy that they went ahead with amputation and felt their Tripawd enjoyed a good quality of life afterward.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As you can see, you've come to the right place for support, information and understanding. And we sure do understand all the uncertainty, the fear, the mental exhaustion!
You've already gotten great advice. Just wanted to add my name to the growing list of fans cheering for Julius! We're here for you to help ypu navigatheough recovery and onto celebrating the fun adventures Juluis will have as a spoiled tripawd! It is impossible not to spoil a tripawd!! They are so darn cute!
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!
Thanks everyone! This place is already helping me so much 🙂 Jules is already spoiled rotten and I know that will not stop. We discussed it last night and I called to make the appointment this morning, just waiting on a date. I know he can't make the decision for himself and this is his best option for a better life and that is what we need to do. I will update once we get a confirmed date. Thanks again!!!
We got the date, Friday at 0730 we drop him off. Now the real anxiety is starting to kick in. What did you folks do with your pups the night before? We are a bit limited as he has an open wound from the mass removal and is still in a cone but I want him to be able to do something. Thanks!
A decision out of love is always the right decision.. And clearly Jules is a very loved boy!❤❤
Just treat Jules like you always do the night before. Routines are important for dogs. You can always give him extra treats of course!!!
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!
My dog Lana is now 6 days out from her amputation - hang in there! That anxiety overload is still fresh in my mind and I know how crazy this time seems. Julius has got this and so do you!
For us the night before Lana wasn't able to have any food after a certain time, so pampering with snacks was out for us. However, we did put on Homeward Bound the movie and snuggled up and watched it together. It was just a nice, relaxing hang out with her! I then slept close to her the night before, too.
Low key activities Lana also enjoys is sitting on the porch with us and helping me water flowers. So even just something like that - maybe you have him sit somewhere with you in a place that you both love together? Otherwise, definitely agree that routines are super helpful in helping them feel normal!
The Human: Sierra (human, author)
Tripawd Doggo: Lana (doggo, boxer mix, 9 years)
The Pack:
- Anthony (human, husband))
- Hektor (doggo, herding mix, 12 years)
- Arlo (doggo, cattle dog mix, 3 years
- Mojo (feline, 9 years)
I'm so glad you found support here! But I'm sorry we keep missing you in the Tripawds Chat . You'll usually find us in there during business hours in Pacific time zone, so stop by later in the day and you're likely to run into us.
When it comes to the last night on four legs, I know it feels like a big deal. I also think that for Jules, that routine of whatever it is that he always did before, is exactly what he would want. Sally and Sierra's ideas are spot-on. Something low-key, snuggly and sweet (with treats before the cut-off time for food) will be perfect for him.
Holler with any other questions OK? We are here to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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