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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Hello, and welcome! My last dog (before Daisy) was a beagle (Molly) who lived to the ripe old age of 17, so Boomer might have lots of time to experience how wonderful life can be as a tripawd. Browsing the web during those first two weeks when I rarely left Daisy's side is when I found this website. It's great to feel the support from this community, and although friends and family are supportive, it's different coming from those who've been there.
Daisy was very low in the energy dept for the first couple weeks or so, and when thoughts of "Is this how it's going to be from now on?" would enter my mind, I would remind myself of two things: (1) Daisy is 12, and (2) It's only been a couple weeks; give her time. Actually, there's a third thing: Having her slow but pain-free is better than not having her at all. 
Sure enough, this past Wed. was her 6-week ampuversary, and she played fetch in the water a lot and walked/hopped a half mile the next day.
Keep in touch!
Sending comfort and healing to you and Boomer.
Daisy, 12 years young, had left forelimb amp on 5/19/2010 due to osteosarcoma. She left her body behind and joined the other spirit tripawds on 7/16/2010.
So grateful for each day with her!
Lexi (Daisy's momma)
You've already been through the ringer Boomer, so we know you can handle this! Have your pawrents let us know how you're doing!
Pat & Spirit Ruthie
Hi Boomer and Ruben's Dad,
Welcome to our tripawds family! I'm sorry to hear about Boomer's diagnosis… but you have definitely come to the right place for information and awesome support!! When is her surgery scheduled for?
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Hi Boomer's Dad,
We are looking at amputation soon for our 7 year old German Shepherd female as well. I have been doing a lot of research on the amputation and post surgery recovery. I have posted under Abby dog. We are also in Canada and I have met with the people from a Canadian company that is doing research on a product that helps with amputation surgery and recovery. It was designed specifically for human phantom limb pain which can be a problem in dogs and humans. It seems to be a very interesting and promising product that seems to help with the recovery from the surgery. (It is not a cure for cancer). It is called Farabloc and is made and sold in British Columbia. It is very inexpensive and it used to cover the bandage and dressing area after surgery. It is being tested in several major hospitals in the USA and Canada. If you Google it you will find lots of information about it. The company is interested in doing some research on animal surgery to compliment its studies on humans. I think I am going to try it, and you may be interested. You can contact the company on their website. They are not charging me anything if I want to try it, as long as you and your vet surgeon will give them feedback. I only mention it because I saw you were in Canada and may be close to the company. I am only interested in exploring as many options as possible that may help our pets and I am not intending to promote or sell any products. Who knows if this will work or not. But it is not invasive and it only a post surgical wrap that may or may not help with the cell membrane structure of nerves and tissue that are sensitive to electromagnetic fields. They have had some success with reduction of inflammation and pain for post surgery. Not always, but it does seem to work in some cases.
What is MTC tumor? It seems that it is slow to metastasize and not that aggressive. We are looking at this possibility for our dogs fibrosarcoma grade level 1, which is why we are not rushing immediately to amputate, but it will have to be done, probably sooner rather than later. Fibrosarcoma is Mesenchymal tumor Cancer. I was wondering if that is what MTC stands for. Fiibrosarcoma is also slow to mets.
Abby dog
Welcome Boomer and Dad from another fellow Canadian in Alberta
Sorry to hear about Boomer's diagnosis but I know you'll be happy you found this amazing site for support and information.
In January our 6-year-old Golden Catie had her right front leg and shoulder amputated. It was a tough time from the absorption of the diagnosis (osteosarcoma) to the decision-making to the surgery to the post-op period, but wow, it seems like a lifetime ago, really. Five months since surgery and five chemo treatments later, Catie continues to thrive and love.
She has simply amazed us.
Sending Boomer many many healing thoughts and wishes and lots of strength to you to continue to help on her journey!
Carmen
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
I'm not sure if you saw - but I posted some pictures of Denali's rear left amputation and a small update - Day of surgery - hopping along like a tripawd should, Day after - needed quite a bit of help getting around, next day home - hopping around the house, still unsteady, I'm helping her while she's outside.
~~~~ Denali ~~~~
June 9, 2010 OSA suspected
June 17, 2010, July 14, 2010 Clear X-rays – no mets
July 1, 2010 Amputation
July 9, 2010 OSA Confirmed
November 23, 2010 Cancer took you from me - Never forgotten, Always Loved - Forever
Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken, And never, ever giving up Hope
abbydog said:
What is MTC tumor? It seems that it is slow to metastasize and not that aggressive. We are looking at this possibility for our dogs fibrosarcoma grade level 1, which is why we are not rushing immediately to amputate, but it will have to be done, probably sooner rather than later. Fibrosarcoma is Mesenchymal tumor Cancer. I was wondering if that is what MTC stands for. Fiibrosarcoma is also slow to mets.
Hi Abby Dog,
MCT is mast cell tumor. My pug Maggie had mast cell cancer resulting in many tumors. See my post on the first page of this thread. While MCTs in the skin, or cutaneous tumors, may not be too aggressive, our experience with a MCT deeper in the tissues, like the tumor in Maggie's knee can, and did lead to mets in the lymph system.
Karen and the pug girls
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