Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all,
My almost 10 year old dog, Madden was officially diagnosed with cancer yesterday. His biopsy results show hemangiosarcoma or a sub form of osteosarcoma, they weren't able to determine the exact type. His tumor is in his front right shoulder and is causing pain.
I understand the amputation will help with pain relief (and of course I want him to be pain free), but I'm afraid we're making a mistake. I still have unanswered questions, like has it spread anywhere else and what's the average life expectancy? Also, what if we put him through this life-altering surgery and he only makes it a month or two?
We lost our other dog to hemangiosarcoma in August. She was 11 and the tumor was on her heart. We decided not to put her through open heart surgery and chemo, but we kept her happy and comfortable for the remainder of her time. I'm still heartbroken from her death and I can't believe we're going through this again.
Hi Madden & family,
I'm in the Tripawds Chat room right now if you want to talk. Hop on over! I'll be there for a few minutes. Back here in just a sec...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi I'm back! Glad you made it to the chat.
What a terrible thing to have to deal with cancer twice in just a few months, I'm really sorry. My condolences for your doggie who passed away, what a ruff time you've all had.
I'm afraid we're making a mistake. I still have unanswered questions, like has it spread anywhere else and what's the average life expectancy? Also, what if we put him through this life-altering surgery and he only makes it a month or two?
Why exactly do you feel like it's a mistake? Is it just that things are moving fast?
Your oncologist should do a pre-surgery diagnostic to make sure the cancer isn't in other organs or bones. Have they mentioned that? Be sure to jot down all your questions so you have them ready when you meet with your vet team.
As for average life expectancy... one thing to remember is that statistics are just numbers. They don't take into account Madden or his health history. Those stats also don't take into consideration that dogs don't keep track of time. They don't watch the clock, or cross days off calendars. All they want is for every day to be the Best Day Ever with their favorite people. Whether they survive a month or a year or more after surgery, as long as each of those days were filled with love and happiness, that's all they care about.
Most members here have been glad they proceeded with amputation surgery, even if their dog or cat didn't live up to the expected prognosis. Only a few have not been happy with the choice to remove the affected leg. Overall people say that they were glad to get extra pain-free, quality time together.
Whatever you do remember that this situation is a bit different from your other dog's cancer situation, since that cancer didn't require amputation surgery to alleviate pain. It's likely that Madden is in a lot of pain (even though dogs don't show it until it's terrible), and the #1 thing right now is to get rid of that terrible ache in his bad leg. After that, every day is a bonus, a pain-free gift that will allow you both to spend happy days together without the interference of the pain that comes from a limb cancer.
I hope this helps. Stay tuned for more feedback from others, and we wish Madden a speedy recovery from the surgery. Please keep us posteed OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It does feel like things are moving too quickly. We got his biopsy results back much faster than we expected and I'm thankful for that, but we thought we'd have more time to figure things out.
There hasn't been any mention about a pre-surgery diagnostic. We were told Madden will see an Oncologist after he has his stitches removed.
Good point about the statistics - I've never thought about it like that.
Hi and welcome.
I'm so sorry you are facing the cancer battle again, condolences on losing your pup in August.
You do have some control of the speed of things- if you are not comfortable with surgery so fast then maybe you should consider re-scheduling until you have your questions answered. I'm not talking waiting a long time of course.
Did they at least x-ray the lungs to look for mets? That is pretty standard when dealing with osteosarcoma. Amputation is still sometimes done when there are lung mets but that should be known before scheduling surgery in my mind.
I hope the surgery goes well- it's tomorrow?
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
Just want to DITTO everye Jerry and Karen said.
Madden is her own unique self and she sure doesn't pay any attention to statistics or days on a calendar. She has NO timeframe stamped anywhere in that cute butt of hers!
Update more when you can and let us know where you are in yiur thought lrocess. We are are for you, okY?
Higs
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!
Hi all,
Thank you so much for the support! We did go through with the procedure and he did really well. He stayed the night and we are picking him up in a few hours.
krun15 - They did do a lung X-ray about 2 or 3 weeks ago and they were clear.
Liz
Good to hear that surgery is done and he will be home today!
I hope you have read here that the first couple weeks after surgery can be full of ups and downs so don't get discouraged! You might want to look through the Reading List which has lots of information on what to expect with amputation recovery.
Be sure you have all the meds you need and understand the dosing schedule- especially since we are coming up on a long weekend.
Let us know when he is home and what questions you have.
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
YAAAAAAAAAY!!! SURGERY IS DONE AND MADDEN IS CO.ING HOME!! 🙂
Now, more than ever, stay connected and let us know how things are going!
GOOD JOB MADDEN!
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!
Welcome Home Madden!!!
That's fantastic news that he did so well. I know how overwhelming it can feel to be suddenly having to deal with this, and especially when you lost your other dog so recently. That's incredibly hard. But the surgery is done. The break is behind you and Madden is on the road to recovery. These first days can be tough with lots of ups and downs but stay connected. We're here for you and Madden will be feeling MUCH better soon.
Big hug,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Great news! So glad he did well and is now home 
I know it is scary, and even tougher when you just lost one of your babies. This may be a bit of a roller-coaster ride for a little bit but stay in touch. You have a lot of people that have been down this road and are ready to help!
Hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
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