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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Yesterday was one of the worst day of my life. My great pyrenees Hank was diagnosed with bone cancer. Now I have to make a quick decision as what to do. Let him be with pain killers or amputate. Hard decision.
Dogs: Friends for life, faithful and true.
Courage is being scared to death... but saddling up anyways.- John Wayne
bikeintime.wordpress.com (will soon have Hank story)
Hi Hank & Family,
I'm so sorry you got that bad news. As we discussed in the chat, osteosarcoma diagnosis is heartbreaking but it doesn't have to be the end of things. Since your Pyr is only 90 pounds, that's still not too big compared to many dogs who have been members of Tripawds. Amputation isn't the answer for every dog, but if your current vet isn't keen on doing the surgery only because of his size, get a second opinion to help cover all of your bases.
Most importantly, go with your instinct; from what you've told me it sounds like he has a lot of fight in him even though he's 8. With that, and your great attitude about doing your homework, you can both cope with whatever lies ahead.
As I mentioned during our chat, check out these resources:
Costs of Amputation and Chemotherapy: What Did You Pay?
We are here to help however we can OK? Let us know what questions you have and how we can assist you in making the best decision for you and Hank.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to tripawds. You will find extreme comfort in the advise of these wonderful people as I did only a short time ago. I was in your place on August 28th, when my Golden Retriever Jake was diagnosed with bone cancer. My Vet recommended amputation the next day! How would my 85 pound, 8 year old dog adjust? Was I making the right decision?
Well... the proof is in the results: My dog is even more amazing than I ever thought! It was a rough road to recovery. Jake had two surgeries and one nasty infection. But, now he is a miracle!
Check this out (a photo is worth a million words, a face book page even more): jakethetripawd.
Hank will amaze and inspire you. More than that, Hank will still be Hank. Four legs does not define your beautiful dog.
Best to you and Hank. I look forward to hearing more of his journey!
Lori and Jake.
Welcome to you and Hank. This is the group no one wants to have to find, but the best place in the world for those of us who need to make that hard decision and learn to live life on three legs.
Jerry's reading list is a great place to start. There are tons of stories here that can help you decide. For us, amputation was the right choice and it gave us an additional 27 1/2 months - way beyond the 'statistical' average. Not everyone is so lucky.
Our second opinion vet, told us osteosarcoma is extremely painful and the only way to stop the pain was to amputate. It was a dreaded decision, but one we never regretted once it was made.
Good luck to you as you make your decision.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Sorry you had to find us here. What does your vet think? Lots of big dogs do well on three legs.
The amp will take away the pain, but I understand it's not an option for everyone. You might want to also join the artemisinin_and_cancer Yahoo Group. It's for dogs with cancer. I'm not saying artemisinin is a miracle drug, but there are dogs on there that just went with a serious routine of supplements and managed to do okay without the amp. Might be worth exploring.
Keep us posted,
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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