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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Our 12+ year old dog just diagnosed with osteosarcoma. I have done some research and seems that life expectancy after amputation, even with chemo treatment is typically one year or less. Has anyone had experience different than that outcome for an older dog with osteosarcoma. I am concerned on the pain/recovery time of amputation and quality of life for elder dog. Heartbreaking situation and trying to figure out what to do.
Hi guys, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
We are sorry about the diagnosis, it's hard to hear that news. Yes, you are correct that the average life expectancy is a year or less with this cancer. However, what we say here is to keep in mind that ALL dogs are different. Those statistics are averages and many dogs will outlive the prognosis whle others may not. It's really a toss up how it plays out, even with chemo.
The most important thing to remember is that dogs don't know what day it is or how long time has passed since their amputation. They live in the moment and only want to feel good in that moment. Our own Jerry was given six months to live since we opted out of amputation surgery and he went on for two amazing years. Other dogs have done even better. No, not all will, but overall most people will tell you that the extra time they got with their dog was worth the amputation recovery time.
Most dogs will bounce back within two weeks or so after surgery. They do so much better than people! Older dogs may need more time and especially if they have other health conditions. But the vast majority will be back to enjoying life within a month or so.
Tell us more about your dog. What kind of breed? Does he have other conditions? And how does your vet feel about his candidacy as a Tripawd?
We will check back with you tomorrow but I'm guessing that a few others will reply before then. Hang tight and know that you have the support of this community behind you as you figure out what to do. Remember there are no 'right' or 'wrong' choices, all that matters is that you make the decision out of love for your pup.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and welcome, sorry you and your dog are dealing with this. The first thing I learned on this site, when I, too, questioned the survival time, was that it's QUALITY of life rather than QUANTITY. It was a hard concept to grasp at first, because of course we want the longest time possible with our fur-friends. We were one of the lucky ones, our Dobe, Nitro, beat all odds and lived an amazing life on 3 legs for over 3 years after his amp. He was 8 1/2 at the time of diagnosis/surgery, and to live to be 11 1/2 for a Dobe is incredible. In fact, it was old age that took him from us rather than cancer.
This is a very personal and individual decision; gather as much information as you can, from your vet, from here. And remember, numbers are just statistics. Good luck as you move forward.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Sorry you find yiurself hare. Under the circumstances though, there is no better place to ne! We understand like nomothers can. Hearing the news
You've already been given great advice from Jerry and Paula!
Does your Vet feel like your pup is a good candidate for surgery? What's your pup's attitude like? Other than that bum leg, is he a happy boy enjoying his life?
As we say around here, "Prognosis-scmognosis"!! Statistics and prognosis don't mean much around here!
Stubborn Pug Maggies was given avout six tomnine minths. She didn't listen. She had extended quality time fullmof spoiling and loving for anither four years!
Another hero here is Murphy. He also was given a "short term statistic" and kicked thisnpiece of crap disease to the curbe for several years!
And we've jad dogs older than yiur pup who did very well with amputation. Shooter was fourteen when it had his. Samson was I think close to fifteen.
And sadlynthere are those who get far less time. But as Paula pointed out it's about QUALITY and not quantity! There are no guarantees in kife for anynofnus.
Continue to do yiur research. Talk to your Surgeon. Ask any and sll questions here that you can thinkmof. Pretty sure wevew all jad the same questions! And chexk in with your pup!
Keep things chunked down for now, okay? You can decide avout chemo later. Right now just focus in if amputation is the route yiu need to go. Recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks. It IS major surgery. Vut once recocery is over and that bum leg is gone, dogs do amazing!! We can help you navigate through all that if youiu deciside to go that route.
Yiu are not alone! We are here ro help in anyway we can! Update us when yiu can, okay?
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Welcome and I'm so sorry you're going through this,
Zato is at least ten years old and is five months post op. He is also over one year post diagnosis (osteosarcoma). He is doing great as far as we know and of course we want many more months, but at this point we definitely feel his recovery period was worth it - for him and for us! He is back to his happy self and making the most of every day. It's so wonderful not to see him in pain!
Like others have said, there is no way to know what your outcome might be, but we would make the same decision again, as this time has been priceless.
We're wishing you the best! Please keep us posted!
Tracy & Zatoichi 💓
Tracy & Warrior Angel Zatoichi 💓
Zato was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2016. He triumphed through radiation and amputation with dignity and grace. After living a life of love and happiness, Zato earned his angel wings on February 19, 2018. Read his story here.
Hi there 🌺
Like others said it's all about quality of life, having wonderful days together and living each day to the full 💓
The most important thing is making sure our babies aren't in pain, once the leg is gone the pain is gone too!
Your baby will be happy and enjoy life with you, that's for sure!
Sending you a big hug and tons of cuddles 😘😘😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
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