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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Thank you for letting me join the group! What a special bunch of people you all are and even special bunch of 3 legged kids!
My Franklin is a liver and white english springer spaniel. We rescued him from the SPCA on November 25, 2005. They said that he was 6 at the time, but I am not sure if they are right, and my vet has always thought he was younger than he is now. If he really was 6, he would be 13 obviously, but if he was only 4.. then he’d be 11 of course.
Franklin has bone cancer in this front left knee. The Terry Fox kind. He has a lump about the size of a clementine on the inner side and it is working itself around the back of his leg. 2 months ago we took him to the vet and had an xray done as the lump, although smaller at that time, was bothering me and I wanted to know if it was a fatty cycst.
The xray of course told us otherwise.. the vet suggested radiation, chemo or amputation that time time but I immediately thought no. I’m not going to put my pup through that at his age. Well.. 2 months have gone by.. and Franklin is still the freaking happiest dog in the world. his tail never stops wagging and although I know that day is coming, I dread it. He will be missed terribly by many people, especially my other Springer, Maggie, who is 10.
I took Franklin the Flatulent back to the vet this week to see if the lump can be removed, and of course it cannot. He suggested amputation again. We chatted more about it and Franklin is scheduled to go for a chest xray tomorrow to see if there are cysts, etc in his torso cavity., Of course, if there are, then amputation is out of the question because the cancer has gone through his body then.
But… if it’s clear, then I guess the question we ask our self is…. do we go ahead and amputate? I guess I am trying to justify that this is not for my own selfishness. He’s a pretty active guy still, eating, drinking, playing, and farting! lol He is not using the leg 100% due to the discomfort and usually stands on 3 legs anyhow. He is a tripawd in training! He did tear his ligament in his rear right knee about 4 years ago and has been on glycosamine since then (hence.. the flatulent nickname!!LOL) Gawd, such a hard deecision.
Has anyone else had a furbaby this age go through an amputation?
Of course, I will know more tomorrow after the xray.
Thanks for listening.. I am sure I will be here more often. Not only venting, but reading your incredible stories that have given me some hope and strength to get through this…
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not require moderation.
I just saw your blog post, I was going to suggest you post here. I'm glad you made your way to the forums.
I don't think it is so much about age, as overall health. How is Franklin's health other than the cancer? Does your vet think he is a good candidate?
We have had many 'mature' pups here go through amputation and do just fine, I'm sure you will hear from some of them. We recently got an update from Buck's pack, he is now 16 years old and more than a year past his amp for OSA: http://tripawds.....s-journey/
Let us know how the vet appointment goes tomorrow.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Karen is right. Age is not a big player compare to age. I'm aiming to have my 7 pyrenees amputated. The surgeon was amazed at how young her looked.
Let us know how the vet appointment goes.
I keep you in my thoughts.
Dogs: Friends for life, faithful and true.
Courage is being scared to death... but saddling up anyways.- John Wayne
bikeintime.wordpress.com (will soon have Hank story)
Hi Christine,
Welcome. Yep, this news really stinks. But rest assured, many senior pups have done just great on three legs. Although amputation will not cure the cancer, and it will come back eventually, most people get extra excellent quality time with their pups.
No doubt you wonder if you're being selfish by considering it, and many people will tell you that you are. Oh boy just wait till you hear some reactions! But these are people who don't get it, who don't understand that Franklin still has a lot of lovin' and livin' to do. While amputation isn't right for every dog, for many it ends up being a good decision (out of six years of being online, I can only think of one or two people who say they regret the decision, and they had very, very large dogs with lots of pre-existing conditions).
For some inspawration, be sure to check our "Size and Age Matters" forum, where you'll find lots of great information and hope.
You are in good paws here and we will support you no matter what you decide. Thanks for being here, I can't wait to check out your blog.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My Chili Dawg was 9 when we did his amputation. I know that's a couple years younger than your dog, but he did really well as an amputee. The first 2 weeks post-amp were tough, but after that, you would have never known he was missing a leg. Here's a video of him 2 months post-amp rolling and then running at the end:
Hope that helps!
Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg's pack
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
Hi Christine!
Welcome to Tripawds. It sounds like Franklin has a young state of mind and like you said he's already practicing being a Tripawds since he's not using that leg much anyway. My Charley was 31 months when he was dx with OSA and we just celebrated his 2 year ampuversary on October 28, 2012 and he is doing great. Charley is 4.5 now and this will be his 3rd Christmas as a Tripawd! (He only celebrated 2 with all 4 legs).
There's a link in my signature to watch a video of Charley at 12 week post amp playing in the snow! You'd think he was born a Tripawd!
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Franklin!
Hugs and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen & Charley
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
My greyhound girl Marlie is 11-- and despite all my worry about her being a senior, she has bounced back to her normal self post-surgery. Its been 2 1/2 weeks since surgery and every day is a little better. I honestly think its harder on their people than it is on the dog!
Good luck and paws crossed!
Alison and Marlie
Hi Christine and Franklin
I had a springer spaniel for almost 18 years 
So with Springer's age is almost impossible to gauge as they continue to be ageless for as long as you have them !!
This in mind you know Franklin better than anyone and you have really already answered your question he's still active his lump is making him hurt and he barely uses the leg .......
I think that you are doing the most Unselfish act you are trying to find out all the information possible and you have found this incredible site I wish I had found this site before my Fizzly passed as they are amazing and the help everyone gives is wonderful.
You would be more selfish if you did nothing, and your love for your lil Farty Box shines the page totally
My Fizzly had problems with her leg before she contracted OSA and like Franklin she hadn't used the leg properly for ages and she was a completely different dog once she had the offending leg removed
We did lose her but she went when she was ready and not before and I think this is what we would all wish for with our beloved pets
Take care and lots of love
zena and Fizzly in Spirit xoxox
Thank you everyone for your kind, supportive, loving words!! I'm not sure whether I should start a new post with this but I will eventually start a new post for Franklin since he is scheduled to have his left leg amputated on December 4th!!
His xrays at the vet's on Friday came back clean and clear to go! No cancer up in his chest cavity or abdomen area!
Had a very long discussion with the vet and we have decided to give Franklin a shot at a few more years of life! He is still full of live and the happiest dawg on this planet! After all.. even if we are blessed with him for another year.. well. that's 3 years in doggie time!!
My sweetie asked Franklin on the weekend.. "hey buddy.. what to YOU want to do? Do you want to get rid of this ugly thing called cancer and be pain free?" Franklin's reply was a big lick up his chin and nose.. so.. I guess we got our answer!
What was really odd yesterday was, Franklin got a treat of a pig ear. Pig ears are like crack cocaine for Franklin and Maggie. If he could do backflips, he would. They don't get them alot, and they have to eat them where we can see them so that we make sure all is well. My sweetie let him pick his own and he said to him.. enjoy it buddy.. this may be the last time you can hold it with both your paws!! And you know what? he never ate it.. he kept walking around with it in his mouth. Kinda weird. I ended up putting it up for him for another time.
Now.. I am off to read many more of the wonderful stories on here to help me understand what to expect, what to do, and how to make sure that Frankie will have a good recovery!!
Christine & Franklin
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Thanks forthe update! Be sure to search the blogs too, and if you have not already done so, book mark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of links to great blog posts, forum topics and videos about what to expect.
Also consider updating your Forums profile too using the profile button at top. Add Franklin's blog address as your website and/or add a signature with a link.
Best wishes for a perfect procedure and speedy recovery. Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and welcome to you and Franklin. Sorry you had to find us here.
It's nice to have a decision made, isn't it? The Dx is so overwhelming at first, but once you have a plan of action it gets a little better. And once he gets through the surgery and the recovery, well, then you'll see how awesome it is to be a Tripawd pawrent.
Keep us posted on the day of his surgery. That can be a long day. We'll be sending pawsitive thoughts his way!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
In less than 24 hours.. my puppers will become a tripawd.... scary.. I know I know.. we are getting rid of the pain, not the leg.. and I know he will still be a happy go lucky dawg!! I think the worst is preparing yourself.. I have talked to many, many people since we decided to make this decision and am amazed at how many people know a tripawd or have even had one!!
Frank'n'farter had a doggie spa day today.. he looks so gosh darn handsome! I will post a picture later under the blog to show you all! When he is on his pain meds, he walks on that leg no problem. Almost makes you question whether or not you should be going through with the amputation. But I know that eventually this knee will blow out and there are only two choices then of course, euthanize.. or amputate. I know that it's the meds covering his pain.. but when he taps dances, and walked around or even rides all the way home with his head out the car window... well.. he looks like the same old regular Frankie.. before we got that terrible news!!
I'm still learning how to use this site.. I would love to post the link for Franklin's blog here.. but not to sure how to do that..
I will keep you posted on how it goes.. how he does.. and of course.. how we do!!
bark atcha later!
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
What a perfect way to spend the day before, at the spaw! I love it. That's super smart too since you won't be able to bathe him for a while.
Yeah, it's nervewracking, but you can do this. When you see how well he does, it will only inspire you more to be strong.
I added his blog URL to your signature so everyone can see it, hope that was alright.
Good luck tomorrow! We send all our best for a super easy, fast surgery and recovery. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good luck tomorrow. Keep us posted.
Remember that it's normal to have doubts during the recovery, especially if you are low on sleep. Sometimes people come here during the recovery, having a hard time and having regrets - but in all the time I've been on the site, I've only seen 1 person say they still regretted the amp after it was all said and done. Once he is off the pain meds and the staples are out, you'll see his personality return and you'll be amazed and inspired by him.
There are still lots of good times ahead for you and your pup. Try to focus on that!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
(P.S. I used to live in So-W-ish Ontario - London, to be exact.)
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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