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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My Otis was diagnosed with bone cancer Thursday. I didn't hear too much of what the vet said because my world just fell apart. He broke his leg two years ago, has pins and plates, and that is where it is. I want to amputate, but don't want to do chemo. I have heard amputation is pointless without chemo. I don't like feeling like I am sitting around watching him die. I have always protected him and him me, now I swear he is looking at me to help him. My vet wants 1700 to cut off his leg. I can pay that, barely, and my husband isn't happy about it. Vet says he has 2 months (I find her quite incompetent though). So for two months I am supposed to sit here and watch him die? I cry more than my 7 month old now. I want to cut off his leg to take his pain away, but I also want the 1700 to be worth more than 4 months without chemo. I mean if I spend the money and half that 4 months is spent getting him walking again, it's not worth it. He has had an amazing life, I don't want him in pain at all. If he left tomorrow I could handle that much better than him slowly deteriorating. How will I know when he is in pain? He seems perfect now, acts like he just bumped his leg. No pain meds, he still plays fine, jumps everywhere. He is quite a bit more clingy, that started when I found out, I think because I am having a hard time keeping my feelings from him. I want to put him down now so he suffers none, but he seems in amazing health. Letting him go now is okay by me because we have been everywhere done everything, outside of his leg break things have always been perfect. I can't handle thinking he is dying inside and me not knowing it. I don't want his last weeks, months, or years to be painful or sick. Any advice or thoughts on amputation, when to put to sleep, maybe how I tell when he is hurting I would be so grateful for it. No one in my life seems to understand how much I love him, so I have no one to talk to. Above everything I don't want his quality of life to drop at all, when it does, then it seems time to let him go, but how will I know?
I am so sorry to hear your news. My deepest sympathy. I too just recently found out my 9 year old Doberman has bone cancer. I made the decision to amputate her arm and not doing chemo. It is the best decision I have made for her. For all the struggles of learning to walk on 3 legs, she is doing wonderfully. She was up and walking the next day!! She is up and down the stairs, up on the couch, and over the weekend she decided to climb up on the bed - which she hasn't done in months! My vet said the average for a dog with bone cancer is 3-6 months. Sometimes less, sometimes more. Having the amputation will not get rid of the cancer, but will remove the painful tumor. I am also still devastated, but made the decision to amputate because I realized how much pain she was in and dealing with. I realized that the tumor will still grow and eventually will shatter her arm. She would have been in much pain and then I would have to figure out how to get her in the car, to emergency vet, then put down under so much pain and duress. I didn't want that for her. For me, the money was worth the few months (God willing) to have her happy again and for me to come to grips with what is happening. I truly believe I made the right decision but this decision is all yours. There is no right or wrong answer as all of them are horrible. You need to take a few days and do some soul searching. If your dog is healthy otherwise, he should have no problem transitioning to 3 legs. They do extremely well. Most here (and my vet) says the dogs should be "back to normal" within 3 weeks. My girl is doing extremely well in less than 2 weeks. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Just breathe. You don't have to make the decision today.
Hi and welcome to our little family....
Well first of all, you've found the right place for people who understand how much you love Otis and for people to talk to. Many of us can relate to what you're going through.
I'm so sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I know it comes as quite a shock and your mind is just swimming. When I first got Jill's diagnosis (also bone cancer) I didn't hear much after the vet said those words. Now that you've gotten through that though, try to keep calm and assess the situation (I know much easier said than done!). You've already taken a great first step by joining tripawds - we can really all relate!
No one here can tell you the right or wrong thing to do - we've all taken different paths on this journey. The vets tell you the odds - 2-4 months without amputation, 1 year with chemo, etc. but there are many cats and dogs on here who have beaten those odds and some who have unfortunately not met those odds. The vets have to give you those statistics, but really we call it kind of a crap shoot around here.
Many others will chime in here about the pain management , etc. I can't specifically talk to that as Jill's case presented as a mass, she did not have a limp or pain. I can however tell you that she does wonderful on three legs. She is coming up on her one year ampuversary next week.
Come on over to the chat room if you get a chance. It's a good way to get some questions answered in real time and a good way to chat with some people who understand what you're going through!
All the best,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I'm so sorry about otis. That diagnosis is always tough to here, and the decisions following are enough to drive anyone crazy. Everyone here will tell you that dogs don't have time stamps on their paws. My vet told me the exact same things and while I don't regret any decisions I made, each person has to choose what's right for their dog. Many dogs live well beyond the suggested time frame given. And some do not even if they do everything physically possible. Mine lived beyond what the vets told us. He's since passed but I needed that time with him. It's always so so hard ...especially in the beginning. .Try to take each day one at a time. One decision at a time. Get a second opinion. Talk to an oncologist. If they think he's a great candidate for amp, recovery is generally only a few weeks long, and in the long run the pain is gone. As for after care, if chemo isn't possible, there are other options that can help that aren't as expensive. And even if you do nothing, it doesn't mean times up in 4 months. Try to take a deep breath and try to find the route that is best for your whole family. .This site is fantastic for supporting you and giving advice when needed. (I couldn't amp, and everyone supported me the whole way throughout our journey) hang in there!
Lori and Angel St chuck
WE UNDERSTAMD!!! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
Your love for Otis and his love for you will get you through th is! Now, fist of all, take a deep breath......B R E A T H E...........B R E A T H E!!!
NO dlg has a time frame stamped on his butt, okay!? Every dog is different!! We have dogs here to have lived a very long time WITH And WITHOUT chemo! Catch your breath, get centered, and research this site to help educate yorself so you can make the best decision for Otis.
Any decision out of love will be the right decision.
Look at Otis. Vibrant? Healthy? Full of life? He will tell you what he wants by how he's acting (minus the pain of the leg)!
HUNKIT DOWN! Priority number one...get rid of the pain and give him QUALITY !! If your vet has done the proper testing and feels he's a good candidate for amputation, that is a guaranteed way to get rid of the pain! Yeah, the first two weeks of recoveris no picnic, vutyou will be amazed at how quickly they adapt!! Look on this site at the videos...walking is no problem!!
There are organizations that may be able to help with fundng. Possibly your vet will work on a payment plan. Actualy, that sounds like a very reasonable estimate...not sure what it entails though.
Your husband is probavly reacting out of fear...and not iformed yet! Ig he was in the same situation, I think he would say "heck yeah, amputate...dn't euthanize me!".
Remember, in a dog's life, one yeat of being loved and spoiled and pain free equals SEVEN YEARS! And six months equals THREE YEARS!! For now thoush' try and focus on one step at a time. Are you talki g to a specialist? You can make a decision on chemo or other treatment plans later. I can tell you almost all dogs and cats sail through chemo.....it has alost no side effects and is much easier on dogs than humans!
Otis knows you love him. Otis is not worried about any ole' stupid diagnosis and certainly not any statistics!!
My stupid tablet is freezing up again...will write more later!
Now do the B R E A T H I N G thing...go hug Otis...BIG HUG...watch his tail wag and KNOW that all is well in the world of Otis!!
WE UDERSTAND, okay? We are walking right by your side and zapping you with tns of stren!! You are a STRONG advocate for Otis!!
Hugs to all! Oh yeah, after the breathing, huggng thing...eat chocoalate!
Sallyand Happy Hannah
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 to Tripawds.
I'm sorry cancer has brought you here, but this is a great place to find help and support.
First off- remember that statistics are just that, statistics. They are not talking about Otis. The truth is that we have no idea how long we get on this cancer journey, no matter what path we follow. All we can do is choose what is best for our situation, and face the future with optimism until there is a REAL reason not to. Diagnosis is overwhelming, but it does not mean you are at the end. I would encourage you to get a second opinion, and see an Oncologist if that is possible. You need to understand all your options before you make your decision.
If Otis is a good candidate for amputation then you could consider amp without chemo. My local pal Cemil is coming up on 5 years post amp for OSA and he did not have chemo! He is an extreme case, most don't get nearly that long, but it does happen. When you choose amputation for OSA you are giving your pup a chance at pain free, quality time with you.
Look at Otis- he is happy, playing, living life one day at a time like dogs do. Dogs don't care about stats or calendars, they care about today.
This cancer journey is tough, no matter what you decide to do we will support and help you all we can.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I agree with all the posts here... It is really hard to know what to do..amputate and chemo or no chemo. There is not good answer or decision either way on the chemo. But in terms of pain and quality of life, amputation is the way to go. Tiffany had chemo, and she is coming up on one year, but on the other hand our friends lab who had amputation only and no chemo are coming up on over 2 years. So it really is a crap shoot and I share in your difficult situation.
Please keep up all posted we do care..
Tiffany's Mom
I, too, agree with all of the above. "Crap shoot" is a good description. I suggest you keep reading and researching. These forums literally contain oodles and oodles of information to help you make a decision.
I come down on the side of "I would do it all over again if I had to" group! Libby (10 year old chocolate lab) just had her 10 month ampuversary yesterday and is doing awesome. All dogs recover at different paces so what may take a couple weeks for one dog may take a bit longer for another. They all do adapt amazingly well to life on 3 legs. We decided against IV chemo and went the route of metronomic therapy (oral chemo) and supplements.
Good luck to you and Otis. We are here for you.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Dear Otis and mom,
It is hard to add much to the great feedback and suggestions so far. Like most of us on Tripawds, receiving word your buddy has cancer is overwhelming, and then trying to come to grips with suggested amputation, is very tough. Get a second opinion, do your research, and in the end do what is right for Otis. No one should judge you for whatever decision you make.
My decision was very difficult, as I waited almost a month after to receiving the word of the big "C", till we amputated and much of that time was getting other opinions, doing my research and coming to peace with my decision. It was not too long after Tahoe came out of surgery that I knew I made the best decision for him, and now we are almost 9 months post-amp and going strong. Each day is a blessing, he is happy and not in pain. As other have said, there are options (western and alternative treatments) to chemo which you can research.
Best of luck in your decision, but know that Otis and you will get through this.
Stirling and Tahoe
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
Welcome Otis and Mom-
Everyone has already said everything, but just wanted to add some support and to let you know we are here for you. You love Otis and will make the decision that works best for both of you. This is a difficult journey, but it all comes down to that love between you. Sending hugs your way.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
I'm so glad you found your way over here to post. First, read Jerry's Required Reading List , then take a deep breath and really read what others have already chimed in here. This is a lot to cope with and first you should know that you're not alone in this journey. Most of us here have walked along the same path and in the end were glad with the decision to proceed with amputation, no matter what kind of time we were able to buy with our Tripawd.
Now, it sounds like you're not confident with your vet. My first thought is that you need to find one who you do feel good about. Are you able to choose from other vets in your town? If so, the preferred vet to see in this kind of situation is a board-certified veterinary oncologist.
Amputation without chemo is not pointless. We've seen many dogs here live a long time without chemo, and just as many dogs not live up to those expectations that chemo gives. It's a crapshoot like others have said. Now, as far as the time estimates: keep in mind that at best they are educated guesses. MANY dogs here have lived far beyond the worst case scenario, some as long as five years after an osteosarcoma diagnosis. There is always hope. And the other thing to consider: it's not about quantity, it's about quality. In all likelyhood Otis will be up and walking within a day or two, then back to his usual life after a few weeks. You will be amazed at how quickly he adapts. After that, every day is icing on the cake.
I hope this helps. Take a deep breath and make decisions one step at a time. It sounds like he's a good candidate for amputation? What does your vet think?
First, deal with the horrible pain (clinginess is one sign of bad pain in dogs), then decide on chemotherapy later.
Many hugs to you, we know how tough this is.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So sorry you had to find your way here, but so glad you have all this great information and support in front of you now 
I just had to echo what Jerry said about your vet...if you aren't comfortable with her, get a new one! Make phone calls, ask friends, Google local vets for reviews. But, with a cancer diagnosis and possible amputation, you will spend more time than you ever thought at your vet's office, and for your sake and Otis', you need to be comfortable there.
I got "lucky", if you can call it that, and my Grady had fibrosarcoma, not osteosarcoma. But, even though his xrays didn't show osteo, we were still not 100% convinced that it wasn't hiding. So, we opted for amputation to relieve the pain, and bypass extensive and expensive testing. It had gotten to the point that we were spending so much trying to diagnose Grady, and he was still in pain, and the surgery was a sure thing, for both pain relief and vet bill relief. We would not have done chemo (I say that now...I may change that answer if the question arises again!). I met a dog (well, his person, actually!) a few weeks ago that had been diagnosed with bone cancer at 4, had an amputation, no chemo...and is still cancer-free 3 years later, so it truly is a crap shoot. Either way, it can be extremely useful for immediately ending pain. We never noticed how pain there had been until after the leg was gone.
Dogs hide pain so, so, so well! I've only recently figured out how to tell when Grady is in pain. He's not a whiner, he has always been clingy (he just gets bored!!), but I see NOW that his "tell" is panting. It's a pretty bad "tell" actually...you think he's panting cause he's been running around like a lunatic, then realize that he's panting cause all that running around HURTS 
My husband was a pretty tough sell on the amputation,too, until I think he realized that Grady was really, truly hurting, and we couldn't watch him like that anymore. But his eyes told us that he wasn't ready to quit being our dog just yet; he had WAY too much gas in his tank to go any time soon. Only Otis can tell you that; he'll tell you what to do, and he'll love you no matter what you all decide.
I will add in my two cents, with the caveats, of course, that everyone's journey will be somewhat different, and that there are no wrong answers or choices if you go into them informed and you make them with love and care.
We did not do chemo, for a variety of reasons, the main one being given that Sam was already at the pointy end of the age scale for a large breed dog, the possible benefits of chemo did not outweigh the extra expense and stress. Instead, we spent our time and money on acupuncture, PT, hydrotherapy, etc. It was good for his body--AND for his mind and attitude, as he loved getting out and about and hitting up all the ladies at the clinics (Sam was a dirty old man, right up to the day he died ).
From the moment of his diagnosis all the way to the end, ours was always a question of quality of life. And while it wasn't always sunshine and roses and easy days, I can say without a doubt I would do it again and I don't second guess a single one of our decisions. FOR US it was the right choice.
I don't know if you have read any of the blogs, but I found those to be helpful--or at least informative. They aren't rulebooks, but they are a nice way to see how others worked their way through difficult decisions.
As for the when you know it's time for euthanasia...that is something, really, truly only YOU know the answer to. You are welcome to read our blog if you want to know my thoughts on what decsioins we made.
Good luck to you, and feel free to ask any and all questions...everyone here is very helpful <3
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Quick hijack of yourpost Otis!! Sam was indeed a dirtyold man, stubborn and cantankerous and a killer of bunnies.....all according tohis mom. But we all fell in love with Sam and he beat the odds big tme! Sam made up his own rules on how he would live his life.....sniffig out vunnies right up to the end!
He's a good role model for us all and he's still remembered everyday by eveeyone here on the site!
Love you Megan and Sammer!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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 have never experienced a journey that has been so confusnig as the journey with a furkid with cancer... what to do.. when to do.. how should I do.. what if I don't do?
There are so many options, so many different choices, so many answers.. both right and wrong... I can only say that my Franklin was 14 when he had his leg amputated. and for the first two months prior to amputation we were just under the focus of being a dawg.. just let him be a dawg and let nature take its course After all.. when our grandparents had dogs that got old and couldnot walk anymore or got sick, they took them out behind the barn.. didn't they?
So.. the option of thought of amputation crossed my mind and I said.. Nah.. no way...
But.. I was uneducated.. ignorant and had not found Tripawds yet. and in those 3 weeks prior to amputation..I learned ALOT!! We did the amputation.. and we chose not to do chemo. He is 14 years old! I know that chemo affects them differently than us humans but I didn't want to chance what little time he had left if he was going to be sick or sleep alot from the chemo. Now.. I will never know how he would have reacted... but.. that's ok.
I never focused on the "expiry date" with osteosarcoma... I took every day I could.. every snugle.. every belly rub.. every chance curled up on the couch with him beside me...
I had 5 1/2 months. I guess you could say they were right with their "average" life span after amputation with osteosarcoma.. but that was 5 1/2 months that I didn't know I would get.. some get more.. alot more.. and unfortunately, some get less.. alot less.. but the end result is.. that we tried.. and we took away the pain.. even for a little while.. and the spark came back in his eye.. and lit up my heart...
It was our choice.. and it is yours.. we all know what you are going through.. we understand.. and we all know what WE would do... but only you know yours dawg.. and if he is still spunky, loving life and being a dawg... then.. I know what I would do... but I have been there.. and done that...
good luck.. and keep up posted...
Christine..... with Franklin in her heart♥
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!
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