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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I have an active doberman named Detour that was diagnosed with a spindle cell sarcoma in his right front leg between the elbow and the wrist. He had surgery on March 9,2012, and 20 sessions of radiation that ended on April 20. The cancer has come back. I am considering amputation as an alternative to additional surgery and radiation/chemo. The amputation would be either just below the elbow (~1") or above the elbow. In either case, does anyone have any knowledge of prosthetic devices that might work with an above the elbow amputation? I've contacted several organizations, and have heard from one so far, but they say he would need at least 40% of his radius and ulna to be able to fit a prosthetic device.
Harvey & Detour
"Outside of a dog, a book is Man's best friend.
Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." -- Groucho Marx
Harvey & Detour, welcome, we're glad you found us. Thanks for registering (your future posts won't require moderation). I hope you don't mind that I moved your topic here, but since you haven't proceeded with amputation yet I thought it might be best in this discussion topic.
Many people ask about a prosthetic device, and what you learned is correct, that most of the limb will need to remain in order to fit a prosthetic. We have some articles about prosthetics here (scroll through to find the most relevant results), I hope they help you decide.
Be sure to check out our videos and Tripawds members' blog posts. I know it's hard to believe that Detour can get along fine without a limb, most pawrents can't see their dogs as amputees at first. But rest assured, many extremely active dogs, from hunting dogs to agility champs, get along just great and continue doing the activities they love most. Keep in mind that no matter if Detour has a prosthetic or not, his activity will likely need to be curtailed because most Tripawds just don't have the stamina to go as far or as long as they used to. We call it "a new normal." It doesn't mean that life is any less fun, we just make adjustments to keep our Tripawds injury and arthritis free (as much as possible).
Let us know what you decide. We are always curious to see how prosthetics work out for dogs, so keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, Welcome to the site. My Doberman lost his front leg due to Osteosarcoma. I don't know much about Prosthetics. But, our dog did amazing on three legs. He would jog off leash with me for up to 5 miles after the amputation. We really struggled with the decision but were amazed and very happy with the results! Please keep us updated
Levi was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-7-11
Ampuversary 10-14-11
Lung Mets Discovered 1-4-12. Chemo seemed to not be working so we switched to Artemisinin and other supplements. In May, Levi developed a sinus infection and started having seizures. The cancer had moved to his brain. We let him go 6-26-12.
Hi, welcome to the site. I can't help you on the prosethetics but just wanted to add my 2 cents worth on amputation. Magnum had her back left leg amputated due to osteosarcoma. She was having a very active life of swimming and walking (albeit shorter walks) until the cancer spread to her hip. She was amazing on 3 legs.
Good luck with your decision.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Hello Harvey and Detour:
The decision to amputate is a hard one. But for us, the alternative, was something we could not fathom. After reading, and watching videos available to us on Youtube, and especially on tripawds, we opted to do amputation. And I am so glad we did.
My dog Fenway, had his right, front leg amputated on Sept. 4, 2012. Day 3 and he is doing really well. Fenway is a big boy (110#) and 8.5 years old. He is amazing me everyday with his progress. He has stood and hopped/walked several times on his own, and even hopped/walked up to the front yard (with a few breaks in between) .
Its only been 3 days, so its still early for us, but many dogs have done the amputation surgery, and have thrived!!! We are expecting the same outcome. 
I was terrified, and I still have bouts of fear, but when I step back, Fenway does really well. Its an adjustment, but he is adjusting!! 
I hope the info helps.
Keep us informed.
xoxo Fenway (and Mommy Sue)
Sue- thanks for finding your way to the forums and posting here. Your future posts will not require moderation.
Harvey and Detour- welcome to Tripawds. I don't have any experience with prosthetics for pups- Maggie's tumor was in her knee so the surgeon took most of her leg.
All the pups I've met here do fine on three legs- even the very active ones. I haven't met any pups in person with a prosthetic but I am curious to see how they work.
Good luck with your research- let us know what you decide to do.
Karen and the pugapalooza
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