Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
Join The Tripawds Community
Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!
Easy Photo Upload
Private Messaging
Subscribe to Topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!
Log In
Members
Offline
I have an almost 10 year old Australian Shepherd mix who has just recently been diagnosed with bone cancer in one of her back legs. The only treatment option at this point is amputation to keep it from spreading. As luck would have it, she was was playing in the backyard and tore her ACL in her other leg. My poor little girl is struggling now and has to be carried everywhere - I know she is in pain. We have her on Rimadyl and trying to keep her comfortable until our specialist appointment tomorrow. We do not know the extent of the torn ACL yet, but Kinzie tore the ACL in her cancerous leg a couple of years ago and the recommendation was to allow her to rest and hope that it would "heal." Well, it did!! At the moment, our regular vet has suggested we may have a few options: (1) amputate the cancerous leg and do nothing with the other leg and hope it heals in the same manner as the other (2) amputate the cancerous leg and have surgery for the torn ACL (3) have her put down. I'm NOT a fan of option 3. So, my question is, does anyone else have a dog who has faced a similar situation and have a good story to share?
Hello Kinzie's Mom! Welcome. Hope you don't mind I moved your post here but Kinzie deserves a topic all her own 
First, is Kinzie on good pain medication beside Rimadyl? That won't do much for the kind of pain she is experiencing. Please make sure she's on something stronger while you wait for the specialist.
Your vet's pretty much laid out the options for treatment as far as I can tell. The specialist (an orthopedic or an oncologist?) can give you more info on each path.
We've had some members undergo amputation and then cruciate repair surgery not long afterward. It's not an easy but it's also not impossible for a Tripawd to recovery from surgery on a remaining limb.
Remaining Limb Surgery Recovery for Tripawds
I hope this helps. Stay tuned for feedback from others OK? And let us know how tomorrow's appointment goes.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Kinzie's Mom,
That is a lot to happen at once. I'm sorry you are dealing with that. Not sure if this is helpful to you but it really was for us.
My then 11.5 year old lab mix had his right front leg amputated 3 months ago (to the day actually). Shortly after that he tore his right ACL. He also had bilateral knee surgery when he was about 3 years old and resulting arthritis from that as well. Surgery is not an option, I can't do that to him again but getting a brace was an option and really helpful as it gives them extra stability and puts the knee in correct alignment. Especially with her hind leg needing an amputation I would assume it's good for her to have extra support on it regardless. Schlomo is also waiting on his cart so he can go on longer walks and get additional support.
These two are great:
https://www.myp.....s-rear-leg
https://orthope.....nee-brace/
Warmly,
Mascha & Schlomo
