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 just wanted to give an update on our baby boy Dutch. We posted a few days ago about how we came home to find our dog limping and how a lump formed over the joint above his paw. We took him to the vet where they took some x-rays and announced the possibility of cancer. We did not want to accept this answer so we took to the internet to look for alternatives. After filling our hearts with hope for a possible infection of the joint, we went to another vet who came to the same conclusion. This vet at least did some blood labs at our request but they came up with nothing. He informed us of the difficulty of performing a biopsy as the process could break the fragile bone, and many times result in an inconclusive answer. Therefore, many vets would rather forego the biopsy and opt for an amputation directly.
Hearing the news from yet another vet broke our hearts. It was like living the nightmare once again. Our dog more than likely has cancer. And the best solution is to amputate the leg. We never questioned whether or not we would agree to such a procedure. That decision was easy. If it meant a better quality of life for our loved one, then so be it. Take the leg. It will hurt to see him suffer in the beginning but we believe it will get better. We have hope that things will improve and he will return to being that happy, go lucky pup that we fell in love with so many years ago.
We are here with you by your side to help you navigate thru recovery. You ARE making the best decision to give Dutch a chance at a quality pain free life. And yes, biopsies are very often inconclusive, usually painful and increase the risk for fracture.
So when is the amputation scheduled? We will be here to cheer Dutch through the recovery and onto a life that let's Dutch be Dutch again!!
larissalaura said
It will hurt to see him suffer in the beginning but we believe it will get better. We have hope that things will improve and he will return to being that happy, go lucky pup that we fell in love with so many years ago.
Dutch will, indeed, be the happy pup he's always been. And you think you spoil him now, you just wait! Tripawds can become the most spoiled dogs on the Planet because they are so darn cute!!
Sure recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks, but proper pain management helps to make it doable and helps to speed up the recovery.
And remember, NOTHING has changed in Dutch's world. He did hear a word that Vet said and does not have a timeframe stan anywhere in his butt. He just is happy to live in the NOW with no worries about anything!
You have a good and confident attitude about this and that type of energy is exactly what Dutch needs.
Let us know as questions arise, okay. And check out the e-books Three Legs and a Spare .
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!
You did the smartest thing by getting another opinion! Yes, the vet is correct, a bone biopsy has a lot of risks in situations like this so if the leg is already too far gone to save, waiting until it's off to biopsy it is best.
I'm sorry you guys are headed down the amputation road, but we are here to lean on! Whatever questions you have, just ask. Be sure to catch Jerry's Required Reading List for some great articles to read, as well as our e-books library.
Right now is a good time to regroup, breathe, and stay pawsitive. You and Dutch can do this! You will be amazed at his resiliency and great attitude. Just remember: set a good tone and he will follow along.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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