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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I'm joining the community because I need advice, opinions and support.
Our first family dog and beloved friend, Altaïr, has been diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma in her hip.
Altaïr is a 10-year old Entlebucher Mountain Dog, an energetic breed of Swiss cattle dogs. Entlebuchers' life expectancy is 11-15 years, so we thought she had a couple of years to go.
3 weeks ago, she started limping, and soon was keeping her back right leg off the ground. She's over-exercised and strained her back legs in the past, and had some episodes of arthritis, so at first we weren't overly concerned and just made sure she got plenty of rest. But things seemed to be getting worse over Christmas. Unfortunately we were visiting family at the time so couldn't react immediately, but we took her to the vet's upon our return and received the terrible news.
Her extended diagnosis came in today. She has cartilage chondrosarcoma in her back right hip. She's still in stage 1, and has no metastases in her lungs (we're waiting for another vet's second opinion on this) so amputation is one of the options we have been given. It's been such a shock we're still struggling, as a family, to decide what is best for her. It's so hard to realise she is in a critical place and we really want to make the right decision, to cause her the least suffering possible.
The three options we face are:
- to amputate her back leg and a part of the pelvis, which, in theory, would remove the cancer, and give her some more time (though how much? we don't know)
- to have her on pain meds as the cancer develops, and be with her for her last months waiting for the moment where it's just too tough for her and it's best to simply let her go
- to put her down soon to avoid a drugged, woozy and drawn out end
Welcome! Sorry to hear about Altaïr but glad you found us. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
You ask lots of good questions, and have many common concerns. Most of which can be answered by searching these forums and the blogs.
Forums Search results for 'chondrosarcoma' (11)
Search All Tripawds Blogs for Chondrosarcoma
Regarding the pelvis surgery...
Forums Search results for 'hemipelvectomy' (26)
Specifically:
Hemipelvectomy - any advice much appreciated
Regarding potential complications, watch this video:
Common Post-Amputation Complications
Regarding "dealing with the change"... most dogs cope much better than their people do. Our best recommendation is to Be More Dog. Every dog is different, and yes some do better than others, but the vast majority adapt quickly and manage well on three legs. You will find many more recovery and care tips, and detailed answers to the most common concerns in the Tripawds e-books .
Hope this helps! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Altaïr and family!!!
We're so glad you're here and "here" is a great place for support and resources. It's the next best thing to having us all there with you as you begin this journey.
Admin Guy pegged it perfectly, "Be More Dog ." That doesn't mean you have to start sniffing and licking and chasing squirrels, it just means live in the moment. That's what our fur-babies do. We spend so much time worrying about how they "feel" when really it's our own emotions that haunt us. Looking at the world through their eyes instead of looking at our reflection from the outside is really the key here.
As long as your decisions are made with love, there is no wrong answer and Altaïr will be fine with the results. So, sit back for a bit, relax, regroup, keep an open mind and read the resources available here along with any other research you can get your hands on to help put your mind and heart at ease. And remember to come here first before you panic.
In the meantime, we would love to know more about you and your pack. AND WE LOVE PICTURES!!!!
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, ditto the WELCOME!!! Sorry you have to be here, but no better pkace to be under the circumstances!
Altair sounds delightful! We would love hearing more about her.
I wasn't even aware of this tye of surgery and reviewed the links the Admin Guy gave you. I can only say continue to do your research and, if possible, see if the surgeon can give you the name kf someone to speak with who has been through this.
As you can see from the links, recovery sounds rough..rougher than the "normal rough". As you can also see, once the recovery is complete, the dog became a "normal, active tripawd" with no lingering issues from the pelvis removal.
EVERY dog is different, EVERY recovery is different and no one knows your Altair better than you!
I can try and address some of your concerns SEPARATE from the pelvis "issue"...I have no specific insight.
*We've had MANY seniors here with a wide range kf arthritis issues who have done very well on three legs...FRANKLIN, LEXIE, SAM...nust a couple who come to mind and they were all 13 or older at the time of amputation!
*Surgery risks DO happen...they are rare, but they do happen. We recently had two sad heartbreaking situations here where one sweet dog allarently had a reaction to anesthesia and another one who developed a blood clot several days sfter surgery...both passed away quickly and nothing coukd have indicated this may happen. Discuss these things with your vet. EVERY surgery has risks! For me, and everyone here, we proceeded with the amputation knowing these things could happen. One thing the surgery does do, is take the remove a very painful leg.
*As far as whether she will continue to enjoy life....YES! First of all, you think she gets spoiled and loved now? You "ain't seen nuttin' yet"!! Treats, straks, tummy rubs, getting on a sofa that used to be off limits.....yeah, she'll be happy!! The walks and running free can definitely continue! She will monitor herself and take lots of rest stops and that will must give her more "special time" with you by her side giving her ear scratches! Ball chasing, frisbee chasing, squirrel chasing...no lroblem! It does take a lot of energy on three legs and they do tend to tire more easily...but it's a good tired!! Yeah, there are trade offs sometimes...it really just depends on the dog. Certainly in the beginning, you will want to monitor her activity and only to very short wlks for potty and a little air sniffing. There are sooooo many dog toys now that are made specifically to entertain them so they won't get bored. Check out links here...maybe starting with Kong brand. Some of the computer savvy people can post links.
I know you feel like you are stuck in a nightmare and feel scared! Once you make a decision of how you will move forward, some of the stress will subside. There are no right or wrong decisions on this crazy journey! You are committed to doing whatsq best for Altair...and you will! Talk it over with Altair....she'll let you know what SHE wants! Her stubbornness is a plus!!!
You are not alone, okay? We are eight by your side. I ffind that eating CHOCOLATE and ICE CREAM works wonders to release stress! I think some here pour wine over their ice cream...each to their own!!
Give Altair a big smooch for us!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((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!
Altair and family, welcome. You've obviously done a lot of research and care deeply about what's best for Altair. What I can add to the tips that other have given is that when it comes to recovery, so much of it has to do with the human's attitude. Stay strong, pawsitive and firm and Altair will too. Baby him, treat him as different and feel sorry for him and he will respond accordingly. While Being More Dog won't prevent any risks like wound infection or eliminate the risk of surgery itself, what it will do is help you with any challenges that do arise, which hopefully won't.
We've had quite a few dogs undergo hemipelvectomies. It sounds drastic but it's not as bad as you imagine. They get along just as well as any other Tripawd. Keep Altair's weight down, focus on fitness and watch his activity and you should be just fine.
Keep us posted and please do post some pics, we'd love to see what he looks like.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Altair and family!!!! You've gotten a lot of good insight and advice from others in this link so I really don't have anything to add. I just wanted to let you know that this is a WONDERFUL community full of folks willing to lend support and advice for new parents just starting out on this journey with their furkid!!
Just hang in there and as long as your decision for Altair is being made out of love then there is no wrong decision.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Welcome ! Haven't been a member of Tripawds that long, but from what I see is all dogs adapt really well, even heavy and senior dogs. My boy is a Golden, had just turned 6 when started limping. The pain was a deterrent for his physical activity, but after amputation he's been doing just fine. Of course, he doesn't go for the long walks and runs, but we have kept the "walking time" unaltered. He still goes out with me for 45 minutes in the morning. What we used to do in 15 minutes now takes 45, because I let him go at his own pace, laying down to rest every block or so. He continues to enjoy life just as he did before he started limping in October 2013. Johnnie is now almost 8-months past his surgery and doing fine.
Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Also, if you have not already done so, you may want to watch our informative video interview with board certified oncologist, Dr. Johnny Chretin...
Canine Chondrosarcoma and Chemotherapy
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Altair and family. Sorry that you are here, but it is a great place to bounce questions, yell, vent, cry. We feel your pain and coming to the RIGHT decision is torturous (for you). Altair does not know what her diagnosis is, she just knows that her leg hurts. You need to weigh the pro's and con's after completing your research. What ever the decision we support you! Either way it is an emotional roller-coaster. Keep in mind that you are NOT DOING IT TO HER...you are DOING IT FOR HER. Keep the questions coming. Try to Be More Dog and remain pawsative for her.
Thank you all so much for your kind words. You have really helped us come to terms with the idea, and reach a decision with Altaïr.
After some more research (thanks for all the links!) and another talk with our vet, we have decided to go for the hemipelvectomy. The operation is scheduled for Thursday 22 January. A big factor in our decision was that even though she's in pain, she's still enjoying her walks, eating, and is more cuddly than ever. It doesn't feel like she's given up, and we're certainly not ready to see her go yet...
Regarding the points you brought up: luckily she's already a lean, athletic dog, we always have been careful about our dogs' weights so that won't be an issue. We'll do our best to monitor her post-amputation; our eldest daughter is a vet student and will be home at that time, which is great. Considering Altaïr's not young and this is a really rough surgery, we're expecting her recovery period to last a while, we hope we're up to it.
Today was Altaïr's 10th birthday. We're so very happy to have her with us, and hope to enjoy her company for as long as possible.
Here are some pictures of Altaïr. The one in Entlebuch, Switzerland is a couple of years old already...
And the last picture is our 2nd dog, Friska. She's a 4 year old Shetland Sheepdog, and gets on so well with Altaïr it's just lovely to watch.
They are beautiful!! I love these dogs!! Altair and Friska know how to pose!!
You've done your research, now you can move forward! This stupid disease makes us have to make decisions no one should have to. We do the best we can with the circumstances we've been given.
It's wonderful that your daughter can help! You are strong, Altair is strong. Recovery won't be easy but you are giving her a chance at pain free life loaded with tons of loving and spoiling and extra treats!!!
We are al@ cheering for you ha d have all laws crossed in tripawd land!! Keep these adorable pictures coming!!!
Sending 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!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALTAIR!!
Gorgeous, gorgeous doggies! Thank you for sharing the photos, we look forward to more.
It's a huge decision you just made but it's clear that Altair is a great candidate, she has all the best care in the world and a fantastic family who will be there to support her through recovery and beyond. You sound strong, your belief in her capabilities shines through and I have no doubt that Altair and all of you can do this.
I will be especially interested in following along with your journey, we haven't had too many members from France through the years and it's always fascinating to learn how vets in other countries treat and care for amputation patients.
Keep us posted and give Altair and Friska extra hugs from us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello everyone,
I'm afraid I have bad news. Since my last post, Altaïr's condition degraded very quickly. She started showing signs of extreme pain (moaning and crying) so we took her to the vet for painkillers. The painkillers helped a bit at first, but we could tell it wasn't enough. She couldn't seem to get comfortable when she was resting, she could hardly walk, and by the end of the week she was reluctant to eat, though she still did. We increased the painkiller dosage, to no avail.
Altaïr died on Saturday afternoon. We had realised things had gone bad very fast, since she was no longer her active bright self, and we had started to consider euthanasia as the pain seemed to be getting extreme, but never did we think that things were that bad. The vet was also surprised. Even when we took her in for painkillers, the vet still seemed to think she'd be able to go through with the operation.
It was a great shock for us all, and we're heartbroken to have lost her like this. It all went so fast, it's difficult for us to tell if we did things right but we hardly had time to realise and make decisions. It seems the cancer was much more aggressive than we thought. She lost a lot of weight over the last month and a half. It's been a month since she started limping, and she died 12 days after her initial diagnosis.
I'm sorry it took me a few days to get around to writing this. We miss her terribly, the house seems so empty without her. It was hard for me to put it into words and be the bearer of sad news. Thank you all for your support as we went through this experience.
Despite all the pain we're going through now, I'm so grateful we shared 10 years of our life with such a wonderful companion. I have so many wonderful memories of our lovely Taïr, and even though it's very, very painful to have lost her, I'm so glad she was our pet. She was a real part of the family. There could not have been a better dog for us.
There are just no words to convey my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.
I think back to when we lost Harmony and I tried to remember what I wanted to hear when I revealed her passing.
All I wanted to hear was, "We're always here for you. You are not alone. We grieve with you as our hearts break with yours. The Rainbow Bridge received another resident. How joyous she must be to run and jump without pain, without worry, without care. She waits for you. A lifetime here on earth is but a Frisbee throw at the Bridge. And she has plenty of angel company. She's happy."
xoxo
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
Ohhhh nooo!!! I am sooooo sorry, so very, very sorry. This *#&$#*# didease is so brutal and so cruel. It does what it wants without warnings! I'm just so shocked and so saddened by this heartbreaking news. We a r e all crying with you and our hearts hurt with you.
The ONLY thing you can take away from this is clearly the surgery was not meant to be and she never would have recovered. That would have been one more layer of agony to your already wounded heart.
Andyes, as Pam (Harmony's mom) said...we ARE here for you! We do understand like no others can! And it hurts so badly you can't even breathe. The void...the break your routine...the emptiness...the waves of grief...the non stop sobbing...we ha v e to go through it...no way around it. When you love this deeply and hard it hurts equally deeply and as hard.
One thing Jerry reminds us.....this las part of the earthly journey is but a blink of the eye compared tonthe THIUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DAYS of beautiful fun memories! Nothing can take that away! Nothing coukd ever touch the Spirit and loving heart of your glorious Altair!!
When you can, PLEASE, PLEASE tell us more about this lovely wise Soul who is so beautiful inside and out. We would love to hear more. We already know she was inenof the most loved dogs on the planet!! And we know that, just as privileged as you felt to have her in your lives, she felt equally as privileged to have you in hers! And NOTHING can EVER break that connection...NOTHING EVER!!!!!
Altair's life mattered to us and she will never be forgotten here!!
Clearly Altair made the decision to head to the Bridge and be free and whole again! Oh yeah, that Bridge is an splendid Paradise! Perhaps CHRISTINE will see this..she can paint the best picture of the Bridge...I'm pretty sure she's already been there in a previous life!!
The days ahead are not easy....please stay connected...let us be here for you as best we can. For now though, close your eyes and take a deep breath...with your eyes closed, think of ine thing that Altair did that made you laugh out loud...something really silly that made you laugh out loud! GOOD! Altair is wagging her tail right now watching you bring that memory back to life!
Sending you all the love in thr world and surrounding you with Altair's eternal loving light.....
Sally and My Guiding Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
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