Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi. My amazing and until recently very athletic 14-year-old lab has had an ulcer on her back paw that hasn't been healing despite multiple courses of antibiotics. We just received a diagnosis of sweat-gland cancer and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The vet has mentioned amputation as pretty much the only option for treatment. Does it make sense to consider it in a dog of this age? She's had some other health problems this year, and I'm worried that I'll put her through the wringer with surgery and its aftermath without gaining her much time. Right now, she's limping but we're managing the pain with Gapapentin, and she's happy and walking in the park every day. Anyone have experience with a mid/large-sized dog of this age going through it? Thanks!
Hi Sadie & furmily, welcome. I'm sorry you are dealing with this diagnosis. It's a tough decision with any dog but especially an older one. However it sounds like Sadie is a great candidate for amputation if it has to happen. Being healthy and athletic is a huge plus and it sounds like your vet is on-board too.
But, have you gotten a second opinion just in case? I'm guessing you need to move quickly on this because of the infection, but it might help to ease your mind if you had an orthopedic surgeon evaluate her too.
As for other dogs who've done well at an advanced age? Yep, there are many! Our Size and Age Matters forum topic has lots of examples and our senior dog news spotlights do too. Check 'em out!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Jerry. Really helpful to see the posts from others with senior dogs. She's seen a surgeon who works in a group of specialists. At first he said he wouldn't recommend amputation given her age, but then changed his mind after the cancer diagnosis. So hard to decide to what to do!
You are so welcome. That's really great that you're working with a specialty center, maybe you can talk to another vet there just to get their take?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You are doing such a good job of checking with the professionals and doing your research.
The decision is never easy. When we know our dogs are moving into their "sunset years" it always adds another layer to consider in our decision.
Yes, we do have seniors who fare very well as a tripawd. And some older than your sweet pup. I wanted to add a link on Angel, a 14 yr young Lab mix recently recovering from amputation.
https://tripawd.....s-is-hard/
It's clear you love your girl and know her better than anyone could.
Coming back, but just wanted to add this link and to send uou a cyber hug. You'll make a decision out of love and that will always be the right decision.
(((((((((((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!
Thanks Sally and dawgs! I'm taking her in for the surgery in the morning. With fingers crossed that it goes as well as it seems to have for many of the dogs here.
Okay, we'll be sending all sorts of pawsitive energy your way. FWIW, for all of us here, even if things did go "well", we HAD to try. We HAD to give our dogs and cats a chance bec that is what THEY would want. To not nave tried would always leave the unanswered questions and constantly second guessing what "could" have been had you tried.
ALWAYS remeber this and it is so evident to us, Sadie knows you love her and she knows you are always focused on her well being above all else. And yes, age is just a number around here. Sadie is proof of that.
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!
We are sending Tripawd Power to you and Sadie! Best wishes for an uneventful surgery and recovery. And remember, senior dogs typically do need longer to recuperate so whatever you do, don't get sad if you feel she is not making the progress you thought she would. All dogs are on their own healing timeline and Sadie is her own dog too. Give her the space and time she needs, don't compare her recovery to others, and she will show you she's even stronger and more pawesome than you ever knew!
Keep us posted in Treatment and Recovery when you can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you both so much for the well wishes!!!! Dropped her off for surgery a few hours ago, and hoping it all goes well. I'm much more anxious about the whole thing than she is 🙂
Aww we get it! Amputation for our pets is always harder on us than it is on them.
Hang in there and let us know how things go!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just letting you know we are holding you in our thoughts......
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!
Thanks so much for checking in! Day four post-op, and this is hard. The forums were helpful for what to expect, but still pretty overwhelmed. The good news is, the surgery went well, she's eating (some, mostly chicken and treats) and starting to move about inside. I woke up at 5am to lots of noise and she'd managed to walk/hop/stumble from the living room to the bedroom where she usually sleeps. She's very, very determined to walk! The bad is, she's crying a lot (which seems to be mostly frustration) and doesn't have the strength yet to go outside even with the sling, which she hates (so she's peeing and pooping indoors). I think we'll both feel much better once she can start getting outside again!
YAY..SADIE IS HOME AND IN THE ROAD TO RECOVERY!!!!
Thanks soooo much for the update. Such a relief to hear surgery is done and, all things considered, she's doing well!
I love that she's already tried to reclaim her nor al sleeping p,ace. When a dog is determined to get back to their nor al routines, that's a great sign!
Yes, my Happy Hannah would freeze up if I tried to use a sling.
If you haven't already, get some puppy pads to help til she gets back to pottying outside. Even though she's going inside, the fact that she is going is good! It's not unusual for dogs to potty inside at first. She'll get there.
And YAY FOR EATING! Just give her any yummy food she'll eat for now. Drinking is important. Probably being repetitive, but of you jave hardwood floors you'll need nonslip scatter rugs for traction .
What pain meds is Sadie on, dose and frequency and how much does she weigh? She may need to have her pain meds tweet a little bit. The Strong Hospital meds are now out of her system and this is when pain management at home kicks in.
Remember recovery doesn't last forever. It just seems like it. We know it's hard to get some rest but getting to this point has been exhausting for you mentally and physically. Be sure and take care of yourself. And stay strong and confident in front of Sadie. She will feed off of your energy. We are here for you to help you navigate through this, so let us know as questions arise, okay?
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!
That's terrific she's home! You are being such a good nurse to her. It's exhausting but when you see that sparkle come back you'll know it was all worthwhile!
I agree she's showing all the right signs for a full recovery. I'm a little concerned about the crying. While yeah it could be frustration, oftentimes it can also indicate she needs her pain management adjusted. What meds did she come home with, dosages, and timing?
If you have any baby gates to cordon her off in her favorite part of the house, it would help prevent her from overdoing things.
Now that she's graduated from the diagnosis phase be sure to start a new topic in Treatment and Recovery, or Size and Age Matters so we can monitor her recovery progress 🙂 Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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