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 11.5 yr old rott/lab mix named Noah. He is the love of my life and we have done everything together. He means the world to me. I do everything I can to make him happy and healthy. About 1 month ago he started limping on his left front leg and I thought maybe he tweeked his arthritic elbow or something. Just a few days ago he was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma of his left scapula, CT done. It consumes about 80% of his scapula and the surgical oncologist said amputation is the only treatment, and curative. The kind of sarcoma it is is resistant to chemo and radiation. The issue is Noah has experienced the typical arthritic changes any aging large breed dog does. He had knee surgery about 6 years ago also. He has arthritis in his knees, his elbows, his carpal joints, and some areas on his spine. His right carpal joint has a rotation to it that hes always had since a pup but as hes aged arthritis has set in there too. He doesn't limp on it but he licks it sometimes so I know it bothers him sometimes. Hes on NSAIDS, tramadol, gabapentin, he gets acupuncture and massages. He eats homemade wholesome foods. He is a very happy active dog but his leg does hold him back now. I'm worried if I do the surgery the rest of his body wont be able to handle all the extra work. But if I dont do anything, then its just a matter of weeks before the pain is too much and I have to say good bye. I want to give him every chance in the world but I dont want to make him miserable and depressed. I'm worried the extra weight and the hoping action on his right front leg might be too much for him. The surgical oncologist seems to think he is in good spirits and will do well. I agree he is in good spirits but i also know he is a surgeon and surgery is what he does. How do I decide? If I do nothing he will decline. If I do surgery he could do well, or he could decline also. I feel either way he may decline but with surgery it will alleviate his pain and give him a chance. But is it too much for him? Should I just keep him happy and comfy until I can't anymore and say goodbye? This is the worst feeling of my life.
Welcome, and best wishes for Noah! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
amsittaro said
I'm worried if I do the surgery the rest of his body wont be able to handle all the extra work...
How is Noah's health otherwise? Is he fit and trim?
The vast majority of dogs recover quickly and adapt well to life on three legs. If you have not already done so, we strongly encourage consulting with a certified orthopedic surgeon and rehab specialist to determine if he is a good candidate for amputation.
There are many success stories here in the forums and the Tripawds blogs of large senior dogs doing well, evn those who have required addition surgeries before or after losing a leg. Max was a Rottie that had both hips replaced prior to becoming a tripawd due to osteosarcoma. Use the advanced search above to find related forum topics addressing specific concerns, or search all blogs here .
Others will chime in shortly for sure, please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I too think having him evaluated by an orthopedic Dr is your best move. They will let you honestly know if they feel Noah is a good candidate. Our Max did have some issues with arthritis in his remaining back leg. They still recommended doing the amp and we are now over 3 months post op and Max continues to do well. We do watch that remaining back leg closely and we focus on core strengthening exercises rather than walking. We do also continue to treat the arthritis with rimadyl on a daily basis along with the joint suppliments. Most of us do the amp to get our animals out of pain. I can tell you the recovery from amp surgery was not as painful as walking on that leg was for Max. There are some tools we can use after amp surgery too to help them. You might consider rehab therapy, chiro visits, and acupuncture to help Noah too. But for now I would focus on having Noah evaluated by an orthopedic specialist and see what they say. Once you have that information you can deal with the rest. Good luck we're here for you and we will help you get through this whenever you need us to. I'm so happy to hear Noah has a cancer where amputation is curative. Keep us posted on how your journey progresses.
Linda & Max
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