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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See..thats the thing... He doesnt wag his tail and his face looks so sad. Maybe I should consider amputation instead. I just keep going back and forth and cant decide! Guess am not as strong as I thought I am..........
Oh you're strong alright! Being indecisive is NOT a sign kf weakness at all! You love Diesr more than anything in the world! Making this type of decision is gut wrenching and takes us all to our knees!!
Unfortunately, no one can make the decision for you. My concern for you right now is that you are so conflicted, whi h is PERFECTLY understandable!! We ALL get it!!
I'm going to throw this out there. You know the risks of amputation with his background. Could you be a little more at peace knowing you tried that, even if it didn't turn out well? Woukd it ease some of your second guessing if you tried that?
Amputation is something you can try and try asap. I'm sorry, but otherwise, it will only get worse.
I'm also throwing this out. Ia there a y sign at all that Diesel could show you that would make you feel a little bit more at peace. What woukd that look like that for you?
Wpuld another cet evaluation help you ?
My heart breaks for you. I soooo understand.
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 feel your pain soooooo much and wish I could help you more !!!! But he is definitely one handsome fella~ WOW.... purely majestic!!!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
I have to run to work..
Again our helpline # 1 844 TRIPAWD.
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!
Oh I wish I could see the photo, it's not showing up for me but I'm sure it's a wonderful pic.
Did you talk about all of this with your vet? What is her/his thoughts about Diesel's situation? I'm just curious. When it comes down to it only you know your dog best and can make that choice.
Have you seen this quality of life scale? It may help pinpoint where he is at:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Would it help you to outline all of your concerns about the amputation here? I think one was whether he could recover from anesthesia based on your prior experience. With my Tess, her situation was so dire, and although the emergency surgeon was willing to operate and try to stop the bleeding/remove the tumor, she had other tumors around her heart. Even if the surgery was a success, it was just a band aid, and I felt it better that she transition with me instead of die in surgery.
You might be concerned about his ability to get around on 3 legs. You might want to talk to a surgeon (or two or three) about that - any reasons that he is not a good candidate? (Some dogs are not - just a fact).
Perhaps you are concerned that amputation is not curative, and that his life span is not long. This is true - some dogs live a couple of months, some longer, but there is no way to know. Or perhaps finances, which is a very real concern and not something that can be taken lightly - this is not inexpensive and many people do not have the resources to consider it.
Perhaps it is the pain you are seeing now? Bone cancer is painful - the reactions you are seeing could be due to pain, which amputation could remove.
Not sure if this helps - only you know Diesel and only you can make the best decision out of your love. This is really hard. I was fortunate with both Otis and Tess in that the medical facts were such that my decision was obvious. (Otis lived almost 7 months after his amputation, then mets caused tears in his lungs which allowed air to accumulate in a way that it should not. Again, risky surgery was possible, but no idea whether it would solve the problem or for how long). Keep asking your questions, and keep thinking it through. We are here to help in any way that we can.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
These are great suggestions to consider, thank you Christine.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to check in and see how you are doing.
You are in our thoughts 
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Hey friends, thanks for checking on me. I appreciate all of your help and support.
As I mentioned before, I planned on putting Diesel down on Saturday. The morning of, not even half an hour before the scheduled time, I changed my mind. I just couldnt do it. I decided Ill go forward with an amputation. So yesterday, I took him to the clinic. After the surgeon reviewed his xrays he said it wont be worth it because he believes the cancer has spread. Right then and there I made the decision, I was gonna end his suffering. So I did... in a blink of an eye my dog was gone. If only love could have saved him...
Rest in paradise my sweet boy. Ill miss you till the end of time
I'm so sorry to hear this. I know how hard this must be for you. We are all with you in your grief.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
I am so terribly sorry. Diesel was the most magnificent warrior and I know you loved him so very much. This is just heartbreaking.
Sending love,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
I am so sorry. Not what you want to have to do. Big hug! Deb and Angel Bandit
Oh I am so sorry... but know in your heart you made the right decision based on love and compassion. Hugs and love to you!!!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
I know this was so hard for you tompost and you were crying as you typed every word. And I really mean this, we grieve with you and we understand like no others can.
You really left no stone unturned and I hope you will find comfort in that. And I also hope you find comfort in giving Diesel the gift of release at exactly the "right" time. It became apparent with the additional information that it had spread, NOTHING else could be done, and things could only get worse. This piece of crap disease is brutal and unpredictable and brutal. You stopped it from doing anymore damage.
As hard as these past days have been, try and focus on the thousands and thousands of happy memories you and thst great big Teddy Bear shared! He left you so many treasured times to recall...And I'm sure there will be slobber streaks that will remain on the walls as a beautiful tribute!
You and Diesel are family! We KNOW this part is sooo hard and seemingly unbearable and never ending. Don't hesitate to reach out, especially during those moments when it seems like you can't get through the next moment. Just keep it simple...one minute at a time. Literally, just get through sixty seconds at a time. The void and break in routine will be so painful for awhile. The waves of grief will hit you out of the blue for a long time. .any of us here can tell you it can still happen years later.
Know that Diesel is pain free now and is still with you in energy form, no longer surrounded by a body that hurts. He WILL make his presence known!! I so hope you will share those signs with us when you can.
Diesel wants you to focus on the happy times. He does not want you to be sad. Diesel PICKED YOU! You showed Diesel what love and joy felt like! He loved being loved by you!! And he loved loving you! That kind of connection can never be broken! Your love transcends all space and time.
When you can, please share more photos and more of the happy times you and Diesel shared. I can only imagine the snuggle time you two shared. Did he come into your life as a puppy? What was his favorite food? Did he snore?
Surrounding you with Diesel's eternal love and magnificent slobber and drool
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
Oh my gosh that is such sad news, I'm really sorry. You made a very difficult choice none of us ever want to make, but you did it with all the love and compassion for Diesel. He couldn't have asked for more from a great parent like you.
Hang on to all the good times you shared. Those memories will never fade away, just like Diesel's love.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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