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,
Just looking for a little support as we embark on this journey tomorrow. It's all happening so fast and discovering this place and reading all the information has been so helpful. This past March we noticed a smooth bulge under our girl Raleigh's left armpit area. Our vet advised a wait and see approach as he thought it may be a lipoma although it was more rigid and "attached" than a lipoma should be. Fast forward to May when we come home from vacation and pick her up from boarding and we notice the growth has gotten way bigger! Her surgery wasn't scheduled until the end of July. I let the vet know and they put us on a waiting list for an earlier surgery. A few weeks later, the growth changes shape and we go see the vet this time. He recommends removal asap...even advises going elsewhere for removal as they're all booked up. They have a cancellation and she has surgery on June 25th. He said it was a very aggressive tumor that had gone down her leg and across her body cavity. He was worried she may lose her leg from nerve damage because he had to dig so deep and remove so much muscle. She recovers beautifully from this and the vet and staff are so happy to see her walking. Histopath comes back intermediate grade fibrosarcoma. So next is oncology consult on July 13th. She gives us 3 options--radiation (gold standard but no local facilities), electrochemotheraphy (ECT), and metronomic chemo. Logistically we couldn't do radiation so we chose ECT. This past Monday, July 27th was her first ECT appointment. Between the consult and this appointment, she developed a limp and started panting a lot more. I also felt like the area around her incision felt odd. On Monday, they palpate the surgical area and tell me it's the tumor already grown back! During our initial consult, she did feel a nodule that concerned her, but after talking with my local vet, she thought it may be just something related the muscle reconstruction. After a CT scan to confirm the tumor was back, they recommend amputation (since it looks like it's going down her tricep) and radiation immediately after because how fast it came back.
So sorry for the long story. In just a few short days, we've had to decided on amputation and radiation in a town over 3 hours away, not to mention the sticker shock! I feel like she still has so much life in her. She still her same old self besides the limp and being in obvious pain. She still wants to play and greets everyone like nothing is wrong with her at all. I can't imagine giving up on her now and just doing palliative care. Thanks for listening!
Hi Raleigh and family, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join. Yeah definitely, a whirlwind! I know you must have whiplash after all you've been through.
Well, it does sound like your vets are AWESOME. Can I ask who/where your oncology team is located? The reason I ask is that we have another member who just recently brought electrochemotherapy to our attention. Not sure if you're aware but it isn't something widely offered in this country, we had never heard of it until Neka's Mom brought it to our attention. In fact she just blogged about it, did you see her post?
http://nekasjou.....1-post-op/
also, here's where she brought it up in the Forums:
http://tripawds.....motherapy/
But it sounds like Raleigh didn't do the ECT procedure then and is now going straight to amputation? Try not to worry. She sounds like a real superstar who will kick this treatment's butt! Tell us more about her. What kind of dog is she? Age? Let us know how we can help you with her recovery.
Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-book Library if you haven't already, lots of helpful tips there. And stay tuned for feedback from others, this is a great community of supportive folks so you have nothing to fear, you're not alone.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WOW!!! All I can think of right off the bat is. B R E A T H E.........B R E A T H E.......DEEP SLOW BREATHS IN....SLOWLY EXHALE.....B R E A T H E!!
Goodness gracious! You have really been through a very long nightmare!! At least....at least you now know what you are dealing with! Not much consolation, but you jave a plan and can nkw move forward!
Amputation will remove that painful leg and that is a victory right there!! You've been through so much! TRY and keep it chunked down for now. Get through the surgery and the recovery for now! You'll have time to figure out your next step after you get through this part. The great thing is Raleigh is blissfully unaware of any ole diagnosis and could care less about what's next!! She's just living in the moment enjoying being loved and spoiled!
You are stronger than you know! You ARE moving forward!
STAY CONNECTED! You are DEFINITELY not alone! We are all here with you every step of the way!! We understand the intensity of this journey like know others. We alao understand the unbreakable bond and depth of love we have for our dogs and cats. And we understand how happy you will be when recovery is over and Raleigh's sparkle comes back bigger and brighter than ever!!! She will be walking like she never even had a fourth leg!
Just a quick suggestion...if you have hardwood floors, get some non slip scatter rugs for traction . Also, if Raleigh is a "big" dog, raised food bowls help prevent strain.
Oh! One more thing! Eat CHOCOLATE, lots and lots of CHOCOLATE!!!
Sending lots of 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!
Hi! I'm so happy that you reached out and that I can now add advice to this! We just had an amputation done on Tuesday and I can't tell you how different things are than I thought they would be. I have been a stressed, worried, crying mess for a MONTH. I pulled the trigger last wednesday and finally scheduled it for Tuesday, also at a hospital that is 3 hours away. I live in Clearwater, Florida and I waited 3 weeks to get my dog Zeus (10 year old Pit Bull) into the University of Florida because of their state of the art treatment options. I hoped that we would be a candidate for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (super precise radiation that can avoid killing healthy tissue - Cyberknife basically) however, we were not a candidate.
So, I proceeded with the amputation. This past monday night was absolutely horrible for me. I cried more than I've ever cried before. To the point of chest pain and unable to catch my breath. I was terrified of what I was about to put him through. However, once they took him back I knew that it was done, the decision was made, and I had to stand by my decision. The day of surgery, they let me see him 3 different times. I can tell you, it was horrible. He was so drugged, his eyes were droopy and didn't look right and I was really worried. We went in again yesterday morning (12 hours since our last visit) and he was HIMSELF! His eyes were normal, tail wagging, gave me a kiss and was ready to go pee outside. I was in tears of joy. I took a video of his very first walk and I'll do my best to attach it here - this is my first post. (How do I do that??) Otherwise - Email me and I'll send it to you! 🙂
He was discharged about 28 hours after surgery (late the next day) and has been absolutely fine. I was terrified and the fact that he has done so well has put me at ease. The day of surgery was very hard though. It wasn't until the next day when he was finally able to walk and be himself that all of the weight was lifted from me. Now it's onto recovery!
We're home now, we have a bed in the middle of the living room, and many modifications around the house. He doesn't want any help with a sling, although I try, and he can hop about 10 ft before he is tired.
I do not regret this decision one bit! I know it was the best for him and he is going to be a perfectly happy TriPawd! I know how scary tonight is for you, I was just there on monday night. Please feel free to contact me if I can put you at ease at all!
Heather
Pit Bull Mama to Zeus (10 year old Tripawd :-) & Pennie (5 year old)
Zeus became a Tripawd on 07-28-2015 and surgery was done at the University of Florida. He had a sarcoma in his left elbow joint and amputation was done of the entire arm and shoulder blade. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 08-12-2015. Secondary cancer - Adenocarcinoma - in anal gland diagnosed and removed in October 2015. Finished 6 rounds of Carboplatin on 12-21-2015!!! Woohoo!!!!
peacelovepitbulls said
Hi! I'm so happy that you reached out and that I can now add advice to this!
Welcome, and thank you for sharing your feedback! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
I took a video of his very first walk and I'll do my best to attach it here - this is my first post. (How do I do that??
Upload the video to Youtube and just paste the share link on a line by itself in your forum post. It will automatically embed here for all to watch!
Please consider starting a new topic or blog to share your pup's progress and let everyone know his his name.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Raleigh and Family
And
Zeus and Family!!!
The day of surgery is a very trying time for the parents of fur kids. You worry if your precious baby will be ok and then you worry whether you made the right decision. It is tough seeing your fur kid the first time after amputation but just look into those sweet eyes and give them tons of kisses and love. Your fur kid will need you to be a strong leader in their pack as they find their way on 3 legs. I can tell you that it will get better.
Anyway, welcome to you both and I look forward to following Raleigh and Zeus's story!
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
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!
Thank you everyone for your responses. I really appreciate the support. This place is so awesome. Jerry...we go to Charleston Referral Veterinary Center in Charleston, SC and yes you're right. They're one of the few places in the country that offer this. It's too bad we were to late to give it a go. My girl, Raleigh, is a 3 year old rambunctious boxer. She is so silly and loves to play and run around. Even through her pain now, she still wants to play! I love her so much for that. If you were to meet her, she would run up to you, jump around, get you to pet her, then eventually she would fall to the ground at your feet onto her back and expose her belly for belly rubs. She is so funny!
Anyways, I just got home from dropping Raleigh off. Even the car ride home was a bit of roller coaster. Not even 15 minutes on the road and the surgeon called me. She said she and the oncologist noticed the tumor has grown already since Tuesday. I thought the same thing. They are just so concerned about wound healing and getting started on radiation right away because of how aggressive the tumor is. Also they are concerned if we should be putting her through all this for the tumor to likely grow back right away. My heart sunk. The surgeon would ideally like 1 to 3 weeks postop rest before starting radiation, as the radiation may slow down the wound healing. We obviously don't have that much time. I asked her if she could find out when we could get started on radiation, which would be at a facility 3.5 hours away, and that would help us make our decision to continue as planned or not. She called back a few minutes later and said we could get a consult this Monday and they could start radiation that same day! The radiation oncologist said they would monitor the wound and stop radiation for a few days if they feel there are issues with the wound. My first question was how she felt about that and being so fresh off the surgery. She deferred to the radiation oncologist, since he might have more experience with radiation postop. So that's where we are at. Once again, so much in such little time. As my husband said, "we're basically back to what we were planning to do." He's right, it's just that one phone call on the way home kind of shook me up.
Peacelovepitbulls...thank you so much for sharing your experience! It really helps to know that others are going through this with you. May I ask why Zeus had to go through amputation? How has he been doing? What exactly is the sling you spoke about? Trying to think what I might need to prepare for her here at home. Keep us posted on his recovery!
You are doing everything m ppssible for Raleigh and you need to remine yourself of that! This disease is just plain cruel and it makes up tis own rules. Our medical knowledge still has a long way we to. All we can do is trust their professional opinion AND our gut snd heart.
So they're suggesting the amputation surgery...have her stay st the vet's, then drive her Monday for radiation. She'll be staying at that hospital for how long? Goodness knows your concerns are certainly valid about doing the radiation on the surgery site before it heals. So the first surgeron and oncologist IDEALLY wanted to wait, but because it's growing so fast, the second oncologist and radiologist want to proceed right away. Man oh man! You really are on a roller coaster ride!!
The painful leg will be gone and, hopefully so will that vicious tumor!
I know your head must be spinning! I just wish we all had a crystal ball. All we can ever do is make the best decision we possibly can out of love and know that is the right decision.
Thank you for sharing a little bit of Raleigh's person withnus! She sounds absolutely delightful!! I know she'll have all the hospital staff in love with her and pampering her like crazy!!
We are all sending you strength, and love and encouragement...AND and smooth recovery for Raleigh with quick and successful healing!!! Yeah, we're sending you all that!!
Huge hugs too!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
PS...As far as a sling, you can also use a folded towel at first. You don't want anything touchi g her surgery site til it heals. Also, some dogs just freeze at first if you try to help them! Silly dogs!
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!
Raleigh and family, I can't imagine how you must feel right now. Oh my gosh, not all situations are as complicated and I do feel for you. Stay strong, you have a GREAT team and awesome support, they won't lead you astray. Take things day by day and know that every moment you can provide a good quality of life is icing on the cake.
It's really cool you have access to the ECT at Charleston Vet Center!
While you're waiting, be sucheck out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books , lots of good tips for preparing her arrival.
Peacelovepitbulls, I love your attitude! Do start a new topic so we can follow along. If you're doing chemo, are you working with Dr. Sarah Boston and her team? We interviewed her here on Tripawd Talk Radio.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement! I'll keep you guys updated.
peacelovepitbulls...I'd love to see the video you mentioned of Zeus' first steps. I tried to email you with the email button at the bottom of your post, but no luck. Haha. I'm new that this thing too. Is there a way to private message here? I can forward you my email address. Hope all is well with you and Zeus!
Today will be hard for you and Raleigh, but each day really does get better. It still seems surreal that we made it through it and that it's already been 72 hours. I'm still shocked!
Zeus had a sarcoma in his left elbow joint. They said it was either synovial cell (praying for that) or hystiocytic sarcoma. We are supposed to know in a few days exactly which after the pathology results. His joint was pretty much destroyed from it and it was also above and below the joint, which is why they ruled out osteo. We have some spots in his right arm that we are watching and they have said its a 90% chance it's osteoarthritis. Praying for that too!
Contact me! 🙂
Heather
Pit Bull Mama to Zeus (10 year old Tripawd :-) & Pennie (5 year old)
Zeus became a Tripawd on 07-28-2015 and surgery was done at the University of Florida. He had a sarcoma in his left elbow joint and amputation was done of the entire arm and shoulder blade. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 08-12-2015. Secondary cancer - Adenocarcinoma - in anal gland diagnosed and removed in October 2015. Finished 6 rounds of Carboplatin on 12-21-2015!!! Woohoo!!!!
raleighgirl said
Is there a way to private message here? I can forward you my email address. Hope all is well with you and Zeus!
Absolutely. The red arrow in the photo below is pointing to the "PM" feature. You really don't want to share your private contact info in the forums, never know what kind of lulus are out there and it also helps reduce your spam when you don't post your email publicly.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Raleighgirl, how is she doing? i've been thinking of you guys. Tomorrow is one week post amputation for us. I still can't believe that we survived! I don't know if you've taken the bandage off yet, but that was hard for me to see. I was back to crying all over again. I'm used to it now though.
Update us!
Heather
Heather
Pit Bull Mama to Zeus (10 year old Tripawd :-) & Pennie (5 year old)
Zeus became a Tripawd on 07-28-2015 and surgery was done at the University of Florida. He had a sarcoma in his left elbow joint and amputation was done of the entire arm and shoulder blade. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 08-12-2015. Secondary cancer - Adenocarcinoma - in anal gland diagnosed and removed in October 2015. Finished 6 rounds of Carboplatin on 12-21-2015!!! Woohoo!!!!
Jerry, I actually don't have that option in the top right corner to click, only the symbol to quote the post and reply. Sorry peacelovepitbulls, would really love to see your video and keep in ccontact, but I'm feeling very technologically unadvanced! Hope Zeus is doing well!
Just thought I'd update you guys on our girl. We've been so busy this weekend preparing the house and reading up on tripawds. Raleigh's first nigth was good, except she did have a bit of pain. They had to bump up her IV pains meds and she settled right down, so they knew it was pain vs reaction to all the heavy pain meds. Because of that, they decided to keep her a 3rd night to monitor her pain. She's been eating well and going to the the bathroom, except number 2, but that's to be expected. She stood up on her own Saturday! That's my girl! Love her so much. Sunday they weaned her off IV meds to oral and put on the Fentanyl patch. Also, she developed a little swelling that they've been massaging.
This afternoon I will go pick her up! I'm so excited and anxious to see her! I will do my best to put my big girl pants on and be brave when I see her for the first time. Thanks for all the support and listening. I love having this place to vent and pour my heart out. Speaking of...my parents do no agree with everything we are doing. As my sister put it, they are more "practical" and would rather not spend the money. I understand where they are coming from, but I just can't be practical in this situation. Next up is radiation treatment 3.5 hours away and they are worried about all the driving and because we have a young son also. Anyways, we'll see the radiation oncologist on Wednesday. I'll let you guys know how it goes!
That's so great to hear! I'm glad she's doing well 🙂 The first time you see her will be hard, but it will get easier each time. My parents did not support my decision either and were a lot of added stress on the day before the surgery. I did what I knew was best and once we got home, they have come to see Zeus and are amazed by him. They kept saying they were so proud of me. So, just know that a lot of people will disagree with your choices (as with anything in life) and a lot of people don't see animals as "worth it" with these expensive treatments - however, we know everyone on this website disagrees! 🙂
Don't worry about her not going to the bathroom, it's likely due to the pain meds. Zeus' surgery was tuesday morning, he was on IV pain meds, and then was getting 100mg of Tramadol every 8 hours since he went home on wednesday night. I could not get him to go, so they suggested to decrease the pain meds. I reduced them to every 12 hours, added 2 tbsp of canned pumpkin to his food starting on Friday night, flax oil (which he was already getting) and organic refried black beans (saturday night) - I was desperate! He finally went on Sunday morning and then again last night. So, he did not go from Tuesday to Sunday, but was fine. I was worried though!
Keep us updated and stay strong for your girl. Easier said than done, but it will help her. I'm going to try to upload that video of his first walk, he's doing a lot better now though.
Heather
Heather
Pit Bull Mama to Zeus (10 year old Tripawd :-) & Pennie (5 year old)
Zeus became a Tripawd on 07-28-2015 and surgery was done at the University of Florida. He had a sarcoma in his left elbow joint and amputation was done of the entire arm and shoulder blade. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 08-12-2015. Secondary cancer - Adenocarcinoma - in anal gland diagnosed and removed in October 2015. Finished 6 rounds of Carboplatin on 12-21-2015!!! Woohoo!!!!
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