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 8yr old rough coated collie (your basic Lassie dog). She's had an intermittent limp (left front) for a year which was attributed to arthritic changes. Got much worse a month ago, but radiographs did not reveal anything so she was out on arthritic pain relief meds. She became much better until Friday. Went to vet on Monday where X-rays revealed changes due most likely to osteosarcoma. Radiographs showed clear lungs (although vet warned and I've read that it may be there microscopically).
Went to the oncologist yesterday who confirmed diagnosis and gave me all information on treatments. I left my dog there for the pamidronate infusion as pain relief is my top priority.
In addition to the treatment she received yesterday, she's also on tramadol, deramaxx and gabapentin. In spite of all efforts, no change in her pain.
We've decided to have amputation performed on Friday, which is not even a week post diagnosis.
She's a large, slightly overweight collie, at 72 pounds.
I'm scared. I want the pain relief for her and am very apprehensive that I'm putting her through too much.
I'm doing everything I can to prepare in advance for the repercussions from her surgery.
I'm so glad I found this forum.
Her name is Zoey, such a very sweet collie.
I would appreciate any and all advice of things I can do right now, before her surgery, to help her once she's back home.
Hi Zoey and family, welcome to the club nobody wants to join. I'm really sorry to hear about the osteosarcoma diagnosis, many of us here have dealt with the decision like you are, in the span of just a few days.
I can tell by your tone and the steps you've taken so far that you are a very logical, methodical person. You'll do fine, although not as fine as you see how Zoey does. She will amaze you with her resiliency and ability to get on with life (t's always the humans who have the issues!).
To start, we recommend checking out:
Jerry's Required Reading List , which will answer many of your questions about amputation and living with cancer
Three Legs and a Spare and Loving Life on Three Legs, two books we've put together that walk you through diagnosis to recovery to life on three legs. We even discuss weight loss and helping your Tripawd stay slim, which is critical for a dog on three legs.
My best advice is to take things one step at a time. Try not to get overwhelmed by doing too much all at once. Remember that a prognosis is just an educated guess, it doesn't mean your Zoey has an expiration date, but it does remind us to live life for the moment, which is one of those unexpected gifts that cancer brings.
We are here for you. Thanks for joining, your future posts won't require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You will be amazed at how well Zoey will do on three legs. When we first got the diagnosis of Osteo , I ran to the computer to read up on everything that I could. That is when I found this wonderful site. I immediately downloaded Three Legs and a Spare . If you haven't done so already, its a great place to start. So many of the questions that were racing in my mind, were answered. I also read other people's posts. The vast knowledge and experience here will help you get through it all. The first 2 weeks at times can be challenging. It can be filled with some ups and downs. But you have a support system here and everyone is always willing to give advice.
The hardest thing for me was to not break down in front of Cadence. I quickly learned that if I was going to have a melt down, I would do it away from her. Dogs can pick up on our anxiety. When I was around her, I tried to be as upbeat as I could so she wouldn't get all stressed out.
Zoey will do great and so will you. Keep us posted and know that you have family here that will be by your side.
michele
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
Thank you both so much. I've read the first link in Jerry's post already. I'll download the "Three legs and a spare" tonight.
Two weeks, wow. I realize it's a major surgery, but that is a long time for a dog to be in pain, especially because we can't explain to them the reason why they're suffering. I keep struggling with the question of whether it is fair to Zoey to put her through that. They live in the moment, all they know is right now. What a struggle this is.
Come on over to the chat room
if you can! There's usually some of us in there and theres nothing like being able to ask questions in real time 
and welcome! (sorry you have to join us though 
)
Erica & Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I'm sorry you are dealing with this. For us, amputation was the easiest decision and the one that came with zero regrets.
The pain after amputation is much easier to control than the pain of bone cancer. With the right pain meds Zoey shouldn't be in undue pain in those first 2 weeks. She should be comfortable and the vet is always only a phone call away. We were a bit different to others here. The hospital was a 24hr hospital and they kept Magnum for 4 nights. It cost us more but I'm glad it was that way because she got to have all the best pain killers 
. That's not to say there won't be challenges. The main thing we noticed with Magnum was a dullness in her eyes, a dampening of her usual enthusiasm that didn't go away until she was off the Tramadol (it knocked her around).
And then.... well, she got a total of 8 months post amputation and for 6 of those months she lived and loved life to the full. And even the month after amp and the month before we let her go she still had a quality of life that was worth it.
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/
The key to the no pain is making sure Zoey is getting the right amount of pain medicine. The vet will be able to work with you on that one. The pain medication can make them a bit loopy but it works in managing the pain. In our experience Cadence was not in a lot of pain. She was on tramadol and that really worked for her. When we picked her up from the vets office she ran to us. I was shocked to see her up and adjusting so well. Cadence was almost 8 years old and she was about 95 lbs. Zoey is going to do just fine, watch and see.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
Bless your heart......I know your head is spinning and your heart is pounding with fear......Benn there...done that!!
Every experience is different and every recovery is different......but one thing that's all most always the same for everyone is, once the recovery grabs hold and Zoey's sparkle comes back, you, like all of us will be thrilled with your decision:-) It will o longer be about "time frames" as it is about how much love and joy and spoiling can you cram into every single second of everday:-)
For me, although I could "prepare" for the physical things.....building a ramp...scatter rugs for traction
....a good firm bed....squishy pillows/blankets....I personally was NOT prepared for her somewhat challenging recovery from the surgery.....it seemed like she would never feel good...never get out of pain....surgery site would never get better.....now keep in mind, she was hearing great, walking pretty darn good, of crazy about drinking water though....and I felt like I screwed up big time:-)
I clung to this site like it was my only source of oxygen--and if I let go I could not breathe....everyone here PROMISED me it would get better.....and I ad to trust them because they had all been through it------------and guess what------once recovery started really kicking in and I got her pain meds right------BAM:-) SPARKLE CAME BACK EVEN BIGGER AND BRIGHTER THAN I COULD HAVE EVER HOPED FOR:-)
What I learned is that some dogs take a little longer to recover thanothers------some need to be o. Pain meds a little longer......do NOT compare your dog's recovery to another if it's of quite as speedy. If it's just you and our dogs, do not try and bring Zoey home without someone e else driving:-) My Happy Hannah was high as a kite ondrugs and was a 120lb. tank rolling all around in the car trying to sit on mmy lap and drive while screaming in my ear:-)
When you pick Zoey up, don't look at her surgery site.......look in her eyes and praise her and love her for such a great job:-) I PROMISE YOU.ONCE RECOVERY KICKS IN.....AND IT MAY HAPPEN IN JUST A FEW DAYS....OR NOT.....YOU AND ZOEY WILL EXPERIENCE MORE JOY AND HAPPINESS THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE:-) YOUR BOND WILL DEEPEN BEYOND ANYTHING YOU COULD IMAGINE:-) Zoey will teach our to live in the moment just as she's been doing all her life. You will be in awe at how quickly she adapts to three legs and both of you will forget there was ever an "extra" fourth:-)
We are all here for you and want to support you anyway possible. You are STRONG and BRAVE and doing a great, loving act for your Zoey.
Surrounding you with calm and peace and extra handfuls of courage to add to the immense amount you already have within you:-)
Sally and Happy Hannah
I offer all this as my 2 cents worth and to let you know how we
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!
It's obvious I have no computer/typing skills but this "thing" cuts off any darn time it wants!
Just wanted to add to my 2 cents worth, that Happy Hannah is TWELVE WEEKS from her rear leg amp. And is enjoying life to the fullest.....to the absolute fullest. And I'm so happy...due in HUGE part to this site....that I was able to make a GREAT decision for her:-) Every second her heartbeats is a miraculous gift and I am eternally grateful forevery second we have together. Without the surgery, I probably would have been grieving now for about twelvw months instead of estaticly celebrating everyday for the last twelve weeks and still celebrating
The very best to you, Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Hi Zoey and family - It's a blessing you found this site even though we all hope we never have to see a new member. Everyone has given you great advice. Each dog handles the situation differently. Shooter was up and going just a couple days after surgery and we had to make sure he didn't overdo things. Sally and Happy Hannah took a little longer, but are doing great now!! We all had those second thoughts after surgery. It's just what dog parents do! Now I am so glad I made the decision and mine was much like yours in that there wasn't a lot of time between diagnosis and amp. Shooter is twice as active now than before so he must feel so much better. Give Zoey time and each day you will see a little bit of the old Zoey returning and even better than before. Take care of yourself too!
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Thank you so very, very much. The support here is incredible and I appreciate each and every word that you took the time to post. Thanks to what I've read here, I'm cutting up my son's older twin size temperpedic topper and making it into a flat, large bed for zoey as I put away her more fluffy beds.
Edited: I just downloaded and have begun reading the first of the two e-books. All I can say is "wow"!!!!!! I'm blown away by the detailed and helpful information and advice.
I do have one question for anyone reading this. Zoey is having her surgery tomorrow, which is a Friday. She will be coming home late that afternoon since no one will be at the practice during the weekend. This same vet has performed surgery on another one of my pets and did take him home with her for the night. Should she be taking care of zoey that first night?
Welcome to Tripawds- I read your posts last night but didn't have time to welcome you.
If your vet would take Zoey home I would push for that. Some have brought their pups home the same day- it can be done. But dealing with a pup coming off the anesthetic drugs and working to adjust pain meds are best left to a professional in my opinion. But- if there is no one to look after Zoey then by all means bring her home. If you do that have a plan or a way to get a hold of your vet or know where the nearest emergency vet is. Most likely you wouldn't need them, but it would give you peace of mind to have a back up plan. My little pug Maggie stayed over-night at the vet- it was staffed 24 hours.
I was thinking about your post last night- the one where you said you were worried about what you were putting her through with the surgery and recovery. The pain from surgery can be managed and is temporary- the pain from bone cancer can not be managed with pain meds and will only get worse. So you are not taking anything away from Zoey but constant pain. You are giving her quality time with you!
And now I have to ask... since you are cutting up your son's bed where is he sleeping? 
Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.
Karen
Glad you are feeling stronger today and at more peace! Good job mom:-)
Agree with what Karen said. Would STRONGLY push for maybe a vet tech to stay with her over night. See if your vet would allow you to pay for that.
I know some on the site have taken their dog home on first night for mostly the same reason most dogs do spend st least the first night.....the techs know what to monitor....how to first help them stand, etc. Maybe they would even be willing to transport him to an all night clinic?? That maybe a little too much stress though.
If you do have to bring him home...we're all ere just a click away and I'm sure he'll give you all his phone numbers and I'm sure your baby will be fine if you have to bring I'm home.......definitely investigate other options first though
Lots of love to you:-) Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
I've left a message for her (the vet) to call me as I want to ask her about zoey's care that night after surgery. I hope she can take her to her home for monitoring.
I'm facing a lot of criticism and judgement from family, friends and my horse trainer who all think that it's horrible what I'm doing. Heck, I was just talking with my trainer/barn owner last week about people who put their pets through unnecessary pain just to selfishly prolong their lives. I'm always preaching that animals live only in the moment. All they know is "am I happy right now? Do I feel good?". They have no concept of tomorrow or impending death.
Do I put Zoey through a month (or so) of pain, confusion, etc. just to get a bit more time with her? Is that fair, especially if she doesn't adjust/recover from the surgery? It sounds horrible, but I'm torn between releasing her now instead of putting her through major surgery and pain.
Sorry, I know through reading the posts here that every one of you has faced the same questions.
Oh, and haha, Karen! It was left over when my son was in the dorms at college - it's twin size as the dorms only have twin size beds.. Now he's off campus in an apartment and every one has queen beds. What ever happened to roughing it in college?!
So glad I checked one more time before going to work.....
This sounds all topology familiar.
I,ill recount my experience on this and my solution.....and this is for whatever it's worth!!
I remember when my vet,who is very conservative...especially as dogs age...said' well you could maybe amputate!! OH GOSH KNOW...I WOULD NEVER DO THAT....I WOULDN'T PUT HER THROUGH THAT. Why would you suggest that....what do you know that I don't?? Now keep in mind, at the time, Hannah was 8.5 yrs. young...although that's considered "senior" for Bull Mastiff....and overweight too!! He set up an appt. With surgeon (he felt the surgery was to extensive form him to do) and then appointment with oncologist. Now, as much as I was against amputation, I was twice as much against chemo!!!
I was very uniformed....as is every single well meaning person you are speaking with. After mentioning it to one or two _dog lover" friends and being on the reviving end of their wrath......that was it.....I had done the research, I had spoken with the experts and I was NOT going to invest any energy into educating them.
From that pint forward, I have merely said we are pursing a wonderful treatment and it's working great!!. Had to tell my brother because he needed to build her ramp:-) He's big dog lover.....this is the response of a wonderful brother....."I don't think I would do it, but I know you've done the research and I certainly support whatever you decide. There are a few others who I had to tell because I needed help getting in car, etc. THEY ARE IN ABSOLUTE DISBELIEF AT HOW HAPPY AND FULL OF LIFE AND JOY SHE IS.......JUST LIKE ZOEY WILL BE:-) :-
Even IF Sort has a several week recovery.....it's up and down....some days she feels like her old self....some days she just wants to lay around and get hug:-)
You will find....and it's hard to believe....time frames become less and less important....you just don't know where the journey will take you. I don't know ow to translate the math......but six months in a dog's life is like a year and a half in a human??? Who wouldn't! Wat that??
Hope this helps, I really want to help because I KNOW YOU WILL BE SO HAPPY WITH THE DECISION
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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