Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have a 5 years old Dobermann girl, Ella. A month ago a tumor appeared in her left rear foot, near the inner to. It grew rapidly in a week / week and half, but it doesn't seem to have grown more since then.
A biopsy taken 2 weeks ago says he has a soft tissue tumor stage 1, do not know which are the originating tissue.
Ella has no signs of metastasis in her body -checked two days ago with RX and eco.
Here in Denmark, vets suggest a complete amputation of the leg, they refuse to cut just two toes because they think it will not be enough support for your weight.
She did not limp or have pain. She is just always, happy, loving, asking for food, playing with her partner.
Vets can not guarantee that the amputation will heal her totally but is the only way to go from their point of view, if we are going to do something.
I find it very shocking to think on such drastic amputation. If I decide for this, I must do it soon. I do not know what to do.
What quality of life will Ella has with only three legs? She is very active, loves to run, jump and play with your partner. My husband prefers Ella living her days to the end as she always did rather than watching her suffering amputation.
But the final decision is mine. Please, I need some advice.
Silvia
Hello Ella and family and welcome!
Stage 1, soft tissue sounds like she has a long good life ahead of her once the leg comes off!
I had a 3 legged dog for 12 years from a deformed front leg from birth. Her quality of life was excellent! Take a look around here and see how wonderful life is for dogs without the 4th leg. Most dogs do great!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hi Sylvia and Ella, welcome to the site no one wants to join. It is quite shocking at first to think of taking your dog's leg, but they really do quite well. Our dog, Abby, (almost 2 years old and 50 lbs) gets around amazingly well. Sometimes it takes people a while to notice she has only three legs, she is so fast and agile. Granted, it is harder to walk her on a leash now, because it is easier for her to move faster rather than slower, so we do best at the off leash park, but she is no longer in pain and is loving life.
Not sure this will work, but here is video of her on YouTube:
feature=youtube_gdata_player
As Comet's mom said, look around the site and you will find many instances of dogs doing really well on three legs, evn much bigger breeds than Abby, and even bigger breeds than your Doberman.
The first couple of weeks post surgery are tough, but then it gets a lot better! Whatever you decide to do for your dog is the right decision, but you have come to the right place for answers and support.
Good luck,
Jackie, 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!
Here in Denmark, vets suggest a complete amputation of the leg, they refuse to cut just two toes because they think it will not be enough support for your weight.
I dont Understand why they think having no leg at all for support would be better ?
if there is no risk of the cancer spreading Wouldnt it be better to try it and if it does not work they can do the full amputation.
Hi Silvia,
Welcome to Tripawds! We are sorry you are going through this tough decision with Ella.
What kind of cancer does she have? This would be important to know to offer any kind of advice. If it is the type of cancer that will most likely spread to other parts of her body, then I can see why they veterinarian would want to remove her leg completely. The wider area ("Margins") around the original tumor they can get, the better off Ella will be.
We have had many dogs here get around fine with a missing toe. I'm not sure about missing 2 toes though. Some people who originally tried to save the leg by taking a toe often have to go back and do a second surgery to remove the leg. Have you asked your vet about the chances of the tumor spreading? This happens a lot.
Have you gotten a second opinion? If you are at all unsure about your vet's recommendation then by all means get another vet to look at her case.
As for her size, as long as she is not overweight she should do just fine. We have had dogs as large as 175 pounds get around fine on 3 legs and have a good quality of life.
I hope this is helpful. Let us know how you decide to proceed.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
welcome Silvia and Ella! Sorry we had to meet in this group, it generally means exactly what you have already told us, but it is hands down just about the best support group you will ever find. As far as why they think that she would have more support on 3 legs, it may be that without those two toes and her relying on that leg that she might be prone to stumble and hurt herself in another way. If you have any concerns about her ability on 3 legs, if she has the grace, speed and strength of most dobermans I doubt she would hardly miss the leg. At first I was afraid that Cooper would seem like some kind of monster with 3 legs, but you know , when I saw my boy the first time after surgery, all I wanted to do was hug him. And he has only been more precious to us ever since. If they feel that the full amp is necessary for isolation of the cancer , although I would never try to tell or anyone else what to do, if it was my girl I would definitely opt for being as safe on the cancer as possible. Good luck to you! I had a beautiful male doberman for 14 years and know just how you feel about your Ella.
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
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