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 tripawd community,
Firstly, thank you so much for creating this site for pet parents and pets in need of advice after being diagnosed with bone cancer. This is devistating and this community gives me some hope.
My Cane Corso, Dante, has endured so much: cruciate surgeries on both hind legs, and bloat surgery. Even after all that he sill has a great spirit and is full of puppy-like energy. Last week he has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma on his right carpus. The vet said that the only option to save him would be to have the leg amputated but that he is a bad candidate because of the past surguries. Her avice is to euthanize him. I don't agree as he is wagging is tail and eager to go for walks. He cannot use all four legs due to the bone cancer but get around quickly on the three he's able to use. I'm only taking him out in the yard for now but he always heads for the car becuse he wants to go fr rides to the beach or parks that I'd take him to.
Has anybody else here had the same experience? If so did you go ahead with the amputation and how is your dog faring as a tripawd? Also, are there any good prosthetics available to help him get around easier?
Thank you in adavance for your invaluable advice and feedback!
Kind regards,
Nick and Dante
Nick and Dante, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
I'm sorry you're dealing with the diagnosis, it's a ruff time for sure. But it's awesome you came here and joined in, we hope we can give you the confidence you need to decide which route to take. Either way we will support you whether you choose to amputate or go the palliateve route.
My first thought here is, has Dante seen an orthopedic specialist? A second opinion from a board certified specialist can be a huge game changer, we've seen it over and over here. One vet says the dog is not a candidate, then another one does and things work out. I'm on my mobile now but search for "Cane Corso" and you'll find lots of examples of giant breed dogs who did well on three and got extra quality of life their people never thought they would have. There are no guarantees of course but for most it works out.
Stay tuned, more will chime in and in the meantime check out Jerry's Required Reading List to get your questions answered. We are here to help so don't be shy OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My English Mastiff Tazzie never had bloat but she did have ACL rupture and surgery on both of her rear legs and had her RF leg amputated due to OSA in her carpus. She weighed 180 pounds (post-amputation) and she did well. She was only 6 at the time but her knees held up and she tolerated chemo and survived 14 months until the cancer returned in her spine. She was able to hop around the yard and play with the other dogs but she no longer wanted to go for walks or go to the dog park.
If your dog is not overweight or very arthritic then there is a good chance he will do well! I would definitely seek another opinion.
Pam
Hi and welcome
i haven't had an experience with the breed or in cancer BUT I am a firm believer in you know the right decision for your dog!
Seek more opinions that may make whichever decision the best for u and of course him.
We know when we look in our dogs eyes what they are telling us! Kind of ironic when my Leo was to young to have his eyes open...
But if u feel ur dog is happy, and strong and has a lot of fight left him in him then I would definitely seek another opinion as I know dogs have a way of telling us when it's time to say good bye and when they are willing to fight with you to!
Proud Mummy to Leo the Trio
Thank you, everyone, for your responses. We are going to the oncologist tomorrow to confirm if Dante is a good candidate for amputation, other options, and estimates. My biggest concern is that they will want a full payment up front because most animal hospitals don't do payment plans. If that is the case it would be impossible for me to afford. I've literally been sick to my stomach over this for the past week. I'm praying that I will be able to save him. Thank you again, all. I will keep you posted if you'd like.
Best regards,
Nick
dante1214 said
My biggest concern is that they will want a full payment up front...
Don't miss these various veterinary financial help resources in the Tripawds Downloads blog .
Best wishes, please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, please keep us posted! You and Dante are family!
In Virginia, there's a vet clinic called"Helping Hands" and they do surgeries ike this for a third of what specialty hospitals charge. Check in yoir area, check with local rescue groups, there may be options available.
Also,as unheard of as it is, should Dante be a good candidate for amputation, sometimes they DO work with you on a payment plan. I know firsthand it is possible. You have to do a lot of face to face and endure a lot of "we never do that", but it can happen.
Stay strong and stay confident that things will work out for you and Dante. If you're like most of us, you feel like you are stuck in a.nightmare. yYou can't eat, can't sleep and stay nauseous. Did I mention crying a lot too? Yep, pretty much sobbing non-stop. The uncertainty, the fear, we all understand all too well!
You are doing everything possible for you Dante. And remember, no matter what, Dante does NOT have a timeframe stamped on his butt! Soukd he not be a candidate for surgery regardless of the reason, there are still options and other forms of treatment to help Dante.
Stay connected to us. You are not alone. We understand like no others can.
Keeping all.paws crossed dor a positive outcome for Dante, whatever that may be.
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!
One more thing. I know you are going to see an Oncologist, but how about an Orthopedic specialist to help evaluate if he is a good candidate as far as his "remaining" legs?
Hugs to all
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!
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