Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
As I am very new to this site, I hope I am posting in the correct forum. My nine year old boxer Myla has had a hemangiopercytoma on her front leg for a number of years. I made the decision not to operate since this type of tumor doesn't typically spread and will often regrow once removed. It has never bothered her, but over the past year it has gotten a lot bigger. On a recent run in the woods, the tumor ruptured. I won't go into the details of getting her down off the mountain and to the vet, but she got there after losing a lot of blood. She was sent home with me that night with a pressure bandage on her leg and some antibiotics.
From what I understand, once this type of tumor ruptures, it will never really heal and the chances of it happening again are very likely. If this were to happen and the bleeding couldn't be controlled, she would have to be put down. I have spoken to two vets about amputation, but when the first one mentioned it to me, I just thought that it would be such a huge risk and since she is an older dog I didn't think it was really an option.
I guess what I'm looking for here are opinions or stories about older dogs or boxers in particular that have gone through amputations. She would have to have her lungs x-rayed first to make sure there are no other tumors, but are there any other tests she should go through? Is it true that older dogs are at a higher risk of dying on the surgery table because of the anesthetic? I have been reading mixed opinions about this.
Myla is so full of life and energy and I have no doubt that she could adapt to having three legs. She isn't suffering right now, but she can't do the things she wants to do. She can't run or play because she could hit her leg and start the bleeding again. I think if her leg was gone, she could at least be able to do the things that make her happy and live out the rest of her life the way that she should.
I just want to do what's best for her and am trying to learn as much as I can before making any decisions. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Neala
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boxergirl said:
... are there any other tests she should go through? Is it true that older dogs are at a higher risk of dying on the surgery table because of the anesthetic?
We'll let Dr. Pam Wiltzius (aka: tazziedog) address these questions here. Please feel free to start a new topic to share Myla's story or seek other advice from community members.
We're not vets but we can tell you that Myla's age is of no concern if she is otherwise fit and healthy. Just ask (17 yr. old) James the Poodle.
You'll find lots of recovery tips and links to more medical advice in Jerry's Required Reading List, and even more tips and fast answers to the most common amputation questions in the new Tripawds e-book, Three Legs and a Spare.
Thanks for joining and best wishes for Myla!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Neala, oH that must have been an awful situtation, we're so sorry.
I pawsonally don't know anything about this type of tumor, but what I can tell you is that 9 is not really all that young considering the ages of older pups we've seen here. Whether or not a dog does well during and after surgery all depends on their pre-existing condition, physical shape they're in, etc. Then of course, there is the competency of the vet who's doing the surgery and after-care that has a lot to do with their success.
You're doing right by your girl for doing your research first, thank dog you have a little bit of time it sounds like. While amputation isn't the "right" decision for all dogs, just remember that dogs are more resilient than humans give us credit for, and we adapt much quicker than anyone ever imagines. Only you know Myla well enough to know if she'll thrive as a Tripawd.
Good luck, please let us know how we can help in this painful decision OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Trouble had her surgery at age 10. She had osteosarcoma, and statistics gave her about 12 months after surgery. Well, this month will mark 2 years. She has done well adjusting. She is a much calmer dog now, she isn't too interested in playing anymore, and she is visably more cautious. I think her age makes her more cautious than a younger dog, she is aware she cannot do some things as well as before. I've never regretted for a day that we made the decision to amputate.
Good luck to you and Myla.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi Neala,
My pug Maggie was 7.5 years old when she had her amp (mast cell cancer). Mag was a long time survivor, passing last June at 11 years old. She did fine on three legs for a long time- I did have her on joint supplements, and as she aged I was a little more careful with letting her jump off things, or go down stairs. I let her set the pace on walks, and I had a stroller for her when she go too tired, which allowed me to get my other pug exercise.
You know Myla best, if she is otherwise healthy she might be a good candidate.
I'm not sure about older dogs having anesthetic problems, I know that I have to worry about it in general with pugs because they are a short faced breed. I'm not sure how many tests you need to do either. If that type of cancer does not generally met anywhere then doing more tests might not tell you anything. For Maggie, with mast cell cancer, we did ultra sound of organs, and checked lymph nodes before surgery because that is where mast cell tends to met.
Here is a link to ROXY's Blog. She is a boxer with a front amp due to mast cell cancer. Roxy is pretty young I think, she was found and adopted by her family. There are some pics and I think some links to videos of Roxy getting around on three.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Like Jerry said, life after amp depends on depends on their pre-existing condition, physical shape they're in, the competency of the vet who's doing the surgery and after-care that has a lot to do with their success.
Chloe is 9 years old and she had a soft tissue sarcoma (cancerous tumor) and amputation cured her of it (slow spread etc…). I assume that this will be your case so long as the x rays come back negative and you undergo amputation. With Chloe, it was the best decision I ever made. She is a left rear amp and she can just go, go, go!!! I call her queen of the beach since she can go up/down a treacherous flight of 30 stairs, run in the soft sand, play in the soft sand, and climb all over the rocks! Here is a link to my blog post about her accomplishments at the beach about 2.5 months post amp. Queen of the Beach.
Here is a video of her playing with other dogs (about 3 months post amp). I promise that if the surgery goes well, Myla's cancer hasn't spread, and you give her lots of positive energy and encourage rest during recovery that she will be just fine!!!
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Hi Neala,
Roxy's mom here. First, I wanted to tell you Myla is a beauty! I just love boxers!! I saw Karen posted a link to Roxy's blog. In the first three entries you'll see a link to the slide show that Cometdog put together, some of her action shots, and another link to a video of her out running around, playing fetch. Also, on the left side, under her picture is a button that says "Pictures". There's more pics there. I have to tell you, Roxy is tiny for a boxer. She's only about 45 lbs. I have no idea why, she's just small. But I'm sure you've seen the large and giant breeds on here that do just fine, so that shouldn't really deter you. Also, we don't know exactly how old Roxy is because she was a stray, but the vet estimate is 6-8 years. She just passed her 8 months ampuversary (2 days ago!) and let me tell you, she is still all boxer. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate that she still has her boxer energy, she still does that terrific kidney bean dance when she's happy, she still hops up on her hind legs to greet (I know, not a good behavior to encourage, but she's fighting one hell of a fight, so she gets to jump up to greet), every adorable behavior that makes a boxer what it is. And somehow it seems so much more adorable because you know what they have been through and how they're fighting, yet they still act so wonderfully DOG.
So, to sum it up, if you find that amputation is right for Myla in all other ways, fears of how she will be afterward shouldn't stop you from making that decision. I hope you have time to look at Roxy's videos and pics, and hopefully they will help ease your fears, that's why they're there!
I wish you the best in whatever decision you make!
Leslie
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.
Dear Neala and Myla,
Welcome to tripawds! I'm so sorry. But try to not fret. We know it's scary, but really in the big scheme of things, it's not!
We may not be vets, but we sure have a lot of experience in the 3-legged world! And Myla sounds like a dog that would do very well in our world (since you are looking for advice)!
If removing the leg with can cure her, then – I say, go to the vet, get the lung xray and schedule the amp surgery. The sooner it's over and she's healed, the sooner you can move on and start living again! And Myla will be just the same but better since she isn't restricted! Plus, who knows if that darned tumor is causing pain?!
(sorry, I'm not known for mincing words!)
Comet is 12 now and has a deformed front leg from birth and she had a major knee surgery at 7 years and again on the other knee at 9 years old. Since she was already 3-legged, the knee surgeries rendered her 2-legged and she had to be carried for almost 3 months for healing. She did fine. Amputation is (in my opinion) easier since they can walk right after surgery. The recovery can be trying but it usually is only 2 weeks.
But whatever you decide, just know – we are here and will support you all the way.
Best wishes!
Comet's mom
I didn't know there was such a thing as hemangiopericytoma! We've heard of hemangiosarcoma. I wonder if it's a contained blood cancer? I'll have to look it up.
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.
Me again…
It looks like you are home free if you get the leg removed! http://www.marv.....ytoma.html
The hemangiopericytoma does not spread through the body in the way one normally thinks of cancer. It does however tend to recur at the site of its original removal. When it recurs, it tends to grow back more deeply rooted and more difficult to remove than it was in its original form. If left alone it will continue to grow inexorably over usually years until it invades a part of the body that does not have extra space to allow a tumor (usually the chest cavity is the closest such area.)
…The hemangiopericytoma does not spread distantly in the body so amputation of the limb achieves cure…
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.
The main thing I worry about with Boxers is undiagnosed cardiomyopathy (a disease of heart muscle). A 2-view chest xray will show your dog's heart size as well as check for lung mets. Any dog should also have a complete blood workup prior to anesthesia (CBC, chemistry screen, and thyroid test for middle-aged to older dogs). If your dog is overweight or you are concerned with her ability to lose a leg then hip rads would determine if your dog has arthritis or dysplasia although many dogs with these conditions do just fine as tripawds.
Was the tumor biopsied as a hemangiopericytoma? If so then amputation would indeed be curative. Spindle cell sarcoma can look similar but can sometimes metastasize so if needed I would do a biopsy post-amputation.
Pam
Thank you so much to everyone that has replied to my post. I am really glad that I have found such an informative site, and more importantly a support network.
Pam, would the chest x-ray showing the heart size provide the information necessary to diagnose cardiomyopathy? My vet did mention something about this, but I feel like I have been bombarded with so much information (in terminology I don't understand!) Myla is in great shape physically and is not overweight. The first few days after her tumor ruptured she was hopping around on three legs no problem, so I'm sure she'd adapt quickly. The more I read on this site, the more seriously I am considering this option for Myla. My biggest fear is complications during the surgery, so hopefully the x-rays will be able to determine if she is a good candidate.
Leslie, what a great story Roxy has. Thank you for sharing it with me...I wish people could be more like dogs and not have the fears and worries that most people carry around with them. I am going to book the appointment for x-rays tomorrow and will keep you posted on the results. Neala & Myla
Also...yes the tumor was biopsied as a hemangiopericytoma. After reading about all of the different type of cancer, I guess we can be glad that this is all we are dealing with. Thanks again,
Neala & Myla
Neala,
Pam IS actually a vet!
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.
The chest xrays are a good screening tool for cardiomyopathy since many dogs will have some heart enlargement. There is also a blood test that can indicate if your dog's heart muscle is healthy but it is not 100% reliable. The only way to know for sure is with a cardiac ultrasound which usually costs about $300.
Pam
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