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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Our sweet Layla was diagnosed through a biopsy with a fibrosarcoma in her right rear leg. Of our options, it seems that amputation is the best choice, most likely to prolong her life, however, we are having difficulty because at this time she does not seem to be in any pain. Fortunately, her lungs are clear, and her other leg/hip looks good, so the vets involved feel that she will adapt well. From things I have read, most of the stories seem to be of dogs in pain or with legs that are not functioning properly. That is not the case for us, which is making the decision to amputate so much harder. Has anyone else out there had this diagnosis? Advice for us?
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
My little pug Maggie had a mast cell tumor in her left knee, she did not have any pain from her tumor either. Mag was always quite the drama queen so she would have let me know if she was even uncomfortable. For us it was not about pain, but the probability that the cancer would spread if the leg was not removed, or that the tumor would continue to grow until it ulcerated and created a painful wound that would never heal.
What were the other options you were offered?
What I would look at is if the tumor (and leg) is not removed is there a chance of the cancer spreading? How fast do they think the tumor will grow and how old is Layla? If she is an older dog and the tumor grows slowly (and doesn't spread) then maybe you don't do the amp. If the leg comes off is it considered curative? If there is a chance the cancer could spread then I would say the leg should go.
Many dogs conceal pain instinctively, it is only after the pain is quite bad that they show outward signs.
No matter what you decide to do this community is here to help and guide you on your journey with Layla.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Thanks for your response. She is around 10 years old, although she was a rescue so we are not exactly sure. Other options given to us were to attempt to remove tumor with very large margins probably needing skin grafting and with the hope of getting it all, or to remove just the tumor followed with weeks of radiation (not available in our city) which might work, or amputation which, since this type does not usually metastasize, should remove it completely. Although it is described as a slower growing type, we were told it puts out long "fingers" that can interrupt muscle, etc. and can also ulcerate. As I type this, I can see that having her lose her leg is the only thing that really makes sense....
Hi there!
I have no experience with fibrosarcoma, but our 11 yr old golden retriever, Mac, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in April 2015. He is doing great on 3 legs, just about a month and a half post op. Hopefully others with fibrosarcoma experience will chime in, but I just hoped I might be able to give you some relief since we both have senior rescue goldens! I know this is a tough time and certainly a very tough decision. I have been told that rear amps are slightly easier to adapt to than front amps, if that offers any relief. I can show you pics/videos of our senior frolicking around on 3 legs just a couple weeks after surgery, if you would like to see!
In any case, you've come to the right place and all these wonderful people have lots of great advice and we are all here for you!
- Jamie and Mac
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
I'll echo what Jamie said - this is the best place for support and stories of others' experiences. Molly is our 7 year old golden who has osteosarcoma (like Mac) and actually just had her amputation procedure today. She's at the cancer center overnight and I'm so antsy to pick her up tomorrow morning! Obviously I am a huge newbie to this group but one thing we realized this week was that once we got over the idea of amputation ("oh my goodness, we're cutting off her leg!!!") and focused solely on the purpose and results (stop the pain that we KNOW it's causing her, even if she's good at hiding it), it was a no-brainer. Molly's x-rays already show signs of metastasis so we know what the end game will likely be, but we still wanted to give her quality of life and a fighting shot at more time with us.
But - that said - you know what's best for your pup! That's the other thing we've been taught through this process. Every dog is different and Molly is our baby, part of our unique family. You will know the decision to make and your Layla will trust and support you in that decision! Keep visiting this page -- "Jerry's Required Reading," the forums, and the blogs all help so much. You are not alone and we support you!
HUGS!
Molly's mom,
Kirby
Hi Layla and family. My cat Mona got a fibrosarcoma from a vaccine injection and had her leg amputated a year ago. The tumour was aggressive and grew from nothing to golf ball size in 2 days. She did not show any pain either except she bunny hopped down the stairs.
From what I understand fibrosarcomas send out tendrils so the margins must be very wide. If in the right location, for cats, amputation is the best course of action. Many times cats who can only have the lump removed will also require radiation or chemo (I've yet to find research that proves chemo helps cats with fibrosarcomas but it may be different for dogs). Lump removal tends to only extend the time until another tumour appears.
Cats with vaccine associated sarcomas have a better chance of survival if the leg is amputated. That is why the new vet guidelines are to vaccinate in legs rather than in between the shoulder blades.
Amputation was the only option for Mona. I believe it saved her life and she is still a very happy cat. Nothing has changed other than me. I now realize that Mona is very resilient and creative in the ways she has adapted to life on three legs.
I'm sure you'll make the best decision for your dog and family. The dogs folks here are wonderful and are open to sharing their tripawd experiences.
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
Thanks so much to all of you. It is very comforting to hear others who have gone or are going through this. Layla's surgery is scheduled for June 17th, so I will be interested in hearing from you, Kirby, after you pick Molly up. Now that we have made the decision, I am trying to mentally move on to how best to support her after the surgery. Thanks again for being there!
Welcome Layla! Just catching up. You've gotten great advice, you've done your research and you've made a decision. There is some relief in having a plan and nkw moving forward.
Layla is clearly loved and that, in itself, is a powerful healing tool!!
Recovery can be a little rought for about two weeks and full of lots of ups and downs. Stay connected, okay? We're all here ro help and we understa d like no others can!
Remember, NOTHING has changed in Layla's life! Diagnosis, surgery date, etc. doesn't mean squat ro her!. She is living in the now, jn the present, in the moment. Be just loke Layal! She is a great teacher a d role model!
Take lots of pictures...we love pictures around nere!
Sending lots of hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Hello and welcome. I'm so glad to see that your vets are giving sweet Layla such fantastic care. By presenting all of your options to you, that's the mark of a great vet practice. Amputation isn't an easy decision, that's for sure, especially when there are no visible pain signals . In the coming weeks, you'll learn a lot about pain management , an education that is invaluable as you care for Layla and your other pets over a lifetime. Here are some links to help you prepare for the big day:
The Tripawds e-books Library
Best Pain Relief Tips for Cats and Dogs
We'd love to hear more about Layla and see some photos! Here's how to add pictures to the Forums.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello ! I'm also mom to a Golden Retriever, front-leg amp from Osteosarcoma. You will find other Golden Retriever stories. From what I recall in this one year that I am a member of Tripawds, Goldens recover very well, be it front or rear amps. Be sure to prepare your house for her return and have the necessary gear on hand for helping her around after she heals. Johnnie's Webmaster Harness has proved to be a very sturdy harness - has been on daily use for one year. Your vet will tell you to watch her weight. Tripawds must be as light as possible.
Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Hi everyone. Layla's surgery was yesterday and all went well. We are going to visit her in a little while since the doctor wants her to stay another night. We have been told that the incision looks good, but that she is very groggy from the meds, and has not yet eaten anything or stood up. They started a slow weaning of the IV meds this morning and said maybe by the time we got there she would be a little less groggy and we could see if we could get her to eat something.
I am thankful for the pictures on this sight, so the first time I see her incision, I will be a little more prepared.
We should be able to bring her home tomorrow, and I am a little nervous about that, but the house sure is empty without her!
Any specific advice for the first days home?
Thanks, Lynn
Hi Lynn,
Yay! She made it! Fantastic news!
The docs are keeping a great eye on her. Usually the sign that they're ready to go home is peeing and eating, so it sounds like some R&R at the clinic will be helpful. I know how much you want to see her and that may perk up her appetite too. It's going to be hard to leave her though. Most vets don't recommend visiting while they're at the clinic because it tends to stress the dog when they can't go home, but it sounds like yours wants you there to maybe get her appetite perked up? I know when Wyatt was in the hospital they had us visit to hand feed him because he wouldn't eat a thing.
As for picking her up, just look into her eyes and tell her how strong and beautiful she is, because you will believe that with all your heart once you see her! The incision is nothing compared to the ability to have her with you and back at home, it will seem so insignificant you'll be surprised. Sure, it's not pretty, but it's not as bad as you might think.
At home, just make sure you have a quiet place for recovery. Carpet runners and good safe traction is a must. Keep her calm, keep yourself calm, and stay pawsitive. Remember that she will absorb your energy so do your best to truly believe that she will be back to her old self in no time, and she will!
Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR LAYLA!! Good job sweet girl!
Ditto everything Jerry said! I didn't even look at my Happy Hannah's site...I just couldn't take my eyes off her happy, druggy face! Kiss that mug non stop!
She may whine and be restless at first. Hopefully shell just sleep a lot. Rest a d potty...that's all she should be doing.
She may nkt poop for a few days...That's normal
Update us when you cisit and when you get home with her. We can help with mlre specific wuestions at that time. Try and rest, okay? You may have a few sleepless nights...or not. Every dog's recovery is different.
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
PS...bet she'll eat a drive thru burger with cheese from you!
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!
Didn't think of the drive thru!
We did take some of her regular food and she did eat a little from my hand. She still seemed pretty drugged, but she wagged her tail a little when she saw us. It made me really sad to leave her, as she was trying to lay in my lap while I was there. I hope it didn't stress her too much when we left. They want to wean her IV meds slowly, and she still has not attempted to get up, though she is peeing while laying there. They assured me this was because of the medication...the wagging was encouraging, the rest, not so much...I do realize it was less than 24 hours after surgery when I saw her.
Lynn
Awww, glad you got to see her. Yes, druggy and loopy and seeingnpink elephants. Not uusual to not be up and walking yet or feel like pawtying!
YAY FOR PEEING!!
Believe it or not, that is good news! Sometimes delayed peeing can be an issue.
Once they reduce some of the meds you'll see a dofference. Again, not wa ting to lawty yet, but soon Layla will be able to go to potty and she'll feel more like eating.
Itsw almost IMPOSSIBLE to be.patient right now. Oh how we all know! Some dogs even need help with a harness or a towel sling for several days after surgery to help get up and walk. Again, every dog is different.
I love the visual of her wanting to get in your lap, even drugged up she knew her humans were there!
Update us when you can. She's in good hands..and still pretty oblivious to everything!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
2 Guest(s)
