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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Well report came back and not the nice clean, happy news I wanted. Mixed inflammation with Spindle cell proliferation and possible Epithelial cell proliferation. In short terms, it could be cancer, it could be inflammatory. The only way to know for sure is a biopsy. Not going there. It just is coming off. Unfortunately, it will have to be his whole toe because that is the only way to get clean margins. My regular vet is not comfortable performing the surgery, so we will be making 3 1 and 1/2 hour trips next week. They were wonderful about getting him in with me going for my bionic knee next Thursday. We can recover together. I am feeling ok right now. He is 13 so even if we get a year or two, that is more than likely his life span normally. I will not do Chemo. Not at his age. I had a bit of a meltdown earlier as it is January and we have to go to the same surgeon that did Ty's amp. Not sure how I will do when I get down there. So many bad memories from there.🙁 I have this irrational fear that because I spent a lot of $$$$$ trying to save Ty, that they will do things to make me spend more. I don't want my dog put through any more that necessary. I wasn't popular there when I stopped the chemo on Ty. He had MRSA for goodness sake, I wasn't going to compromise his immune system further. Sorry, not sure where that all came from. So consult Tuesday AM, surgery Wednesday and not sure if he will spend the night or go home surgery day. The one thing that makes me feel a bit better is that they are classifying this as a " minor surgery" I will keep you all updated. Thanks for listening, ❤️ Lori, Ty, Chan and the gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
That will be really hard, being back to the same surgeon. I remember having to take Gator to the same emergency vet where I took Tess when she transitioned a couple of months before. Yuck. But, hopefully removing the toe will give him the time you want, and I know you know this, but you are the decision maker on his treatment. The surgeons, oncos., and vets make educated recommendations, but you make the decision that you think best for your dog and your family. Good luck next week!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Good luck next week! Our Angel Max's dad had a toe amputated quite the a while back and he gets along no problem. Will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted. Good luck on your surgery too. You guys will be recoup buddies!
LOL! Maybe we can do Physical therapy together. 😂
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Maybe he can give them the middle toe up while you give the middle finger...wait...now that would not be nice...
l understand EXACTLY about going back to a vet or practice that, well, you know...
I'm not so certain I wouldn't say straight out: " Look, we did not have a pawsitive experience here last time ( because of this, this, and this...) I know we spent ( $, $, and $$$$$$$$$$). Having said that, what can you do to make this a better experience of for us this go round? I, for one, would like to see/hear/experience ( this, this, less $, $, and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.) Surely, yoû can understand our dilemma." And then give them a HUGE smile...
Or, as we do in the South, if it gets really bad, say, " How's your mama and them?" This accomplishes several things:
1) They look very confused because how the heck do you know their mama?!? Wait, DO you know their mama?!? Which leads to
2) Oh, you DON'T know their mama but NOW that their mama has been brought up....their mama would never want them to act the way they are acting, right?!?! Which leads to
3) Ooooohhhhhh. Their mama would kick their a$$ if she knew they were being such an a$$. You were really saying MIND YOUR MANNERS LIKE YOUR MAMA TAUGHT YOU and treat me like your family. Which leads to
4) Yes m'aam! Should have done that in the first place and now they have met the kick a$$ you.
But of course you already know all of this:) Best wishes for a speedy recovery for both of you!!!
Lori, I'm sorry you are going through this, I would be feeling nervous and anxious as well, especially if I was having surgery too! But I know you are so much stronger than you think you are, you learned that from Ty's experience. Be straight with the vets and if you feel you're not being treated the way you want to be, you can say exactly what you told us:
I don't want my dog put through any more that necessary.
As for the toe-putation...yeah, in the big picture it's a minor surgery. And if it's any consolation I know a dog who was about 12 when he had his toe removed for the same reason and he went on to continue doing all that he loved without skipping a beat.
Be proud of yourself for being such an awesome advocate for your animals, you're a rock star!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I had a rottie who had to have an amputation due to her foot getting stuck in the top of a dog house that cracked. they loved to climb on it. Anyway she never had any problems after the toe was amputated (tons of infection trying to get it healed before though).
Thinking back on it I don't know why i had such a problem with Sassy's amputation (well because I didn't want to take her leg unless I had a definite diagnosis). Anyway I digress. I think you are doing the right thing. Toe off hopefully it cures whatever the problem is 🙂
Thoughts & prayers for your surgery & Chans
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Awww Lpri, I know this is tough, moreso for you than Chan!
I know it's hard not to relive all of the emotions you had before when you go to "that" clinic.
You're doing EXACTLY what needs to be done to fix Chan's paw so it won't hurt anymore. You know Chan and you are devoted to giving him quality. You know where you've drawn the line in the sand as far as any additional treatment, vet rrips, poking and prodding, etc
Off with that bum toe! Forward with the toe-putation (good word Jerry)!
AND, you take care of yourself Lori!! Hipe your bionic knee gets you back feeling 100% quickly!!
Lots of love!
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!
All the best for next week. We'll be thinking of you. I agree with the others, I think it's great that you know where the line is and what's in Chan's interests to do and what isn't. Hold onto that; it makes you strong, and frankly they can think what they like. What matters is Chan's well being and yours; you don't have to answer to anyone else.
Sending all warmest wishes your way,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 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 Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Thanks for the support. I did not sleep last night. So many emotions running around in my brain. I like the word " toe-putation. It will now replace my last moth's favorite word which was Furuncle😆 That was basically what we thought this thing was until antibiotics did nothing for it. I am way more nervous for his surgery that my own the following week. We both, however will be right as rain come Spring🌷 Plus, we have " Nurse Lucy " to take care of us. ❤️ Lori, Ty, Chan and gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Just keep staying connected, okay? We COMPLETELY understand your nervousness! None of us are going to tell you not to worry because we know better!
Write down any questions you have about the surgery, about the pre-op work-up, anesthesia, how long they expect him to be under.....ANYTHING you can think of and get them all answered by the Surgeon. I think it will make you feel better.
Aybe Chan will be awake enough to get him a Starbucks Puppy Latte on the way home. A d take to s of CHOCOLATE for you for the whole day!!!
Yes, you have Nurse Lucy, you have us AND you have Guardian Ty!! 🙂
Lots of love!
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!
Hello - is it an "middle" toe or an outside toe? 9 months before Pofi had a leg amp due to nerve sheath tumor in the brachial plexus, we were being fooled by red herrings and because he was self mutilating (obsessively licking and chewing on a toe) we thought that was the cause for his limp. There was a lump in the toe and some questionable cells and we rushed to remove the whole thing. As he had sighthound like feet,it was a very long toe - 6 cm - and he lost the deep webbing between those long toes. His was a middle toe. While this made the structure of the foot much less stable, he did recover from this surgery very well and though he continued to have intermittent lameness, it was not due to the toe or foot or any of the other red herring lumps. It was the well hidden nerve sheath tumor causing atrophy in the leg muscle and pain.
If it is an outer toe, it will be less impactful still.
If it is an inner toe, make sure they pack the space well when wrapped to prevent infection.
Much love and luck to your boy.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
It is a middle toe. The one next to it, his pinky toe and that nail look not right to me either. Red and nail looks kind of transparent looking, just sirt of strange. I think the redness is the constant chewing his foot. His attention to this toe has allowed his lick granuloma to heal. Lori, Ty , Chan and gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Pofi was still a quad when he had that middle toe amputated, but he got around very easily and we definitely using the wrapped foot right away in walking and getting up and down stairs. And he bore weight on the fool when bandages came off as well. Pardon me for not knowing, but this is Chandler and he is a quad, correct? A BC? The toe won't be as long as Pofi's was and really, most dogs do well without a toe. You can wrap the foot for longer walks if it seems like the foot stability is an issue.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Definitely will be thinking of you today!!!
I can only imagine how hard it is to back to the same place where Ty had his challenges and you had to fight like the dickens for him but know that you are still strong (if not stronger than ever) and you have all of us sending you strong and healing energy!!!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
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