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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Oh my dog what a face! He is soooo cute!
You can vent anytime, everyone who's had to make this call felt the way you do, so vent away. As far as anxiety on your part, just remember the worst case scenarios don't always happen. Just take things one step at a time, focusing on the pawsitive and know that you CAN get through this as well as he will.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He is so cute! The anxiety is totally understandable. Those first few days and weeks will be up and down, but then it gets so much better. Try to just take things one step at a time. As Jerry would say, Be More Dog . We are here for you.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
You gave yourself a good reason for proceeding: The opportunity to grow old and gray and be an old man. I think you've made up your mind. Try to be at peace with it. Sometimes we really don't have a choice, or at least we don't have very good ones. Then you just have to hold your breath and make that leap of faith.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Oh my, Barret can come visit here any time!
As I said, Maggie had a mast cell tumor in her knee. She had no limp and minimal if any pain. I couldn't believe that amputation was the recomended path- by three vets. It was really difficult to look at her living her happy pug life and think I was going to have a leg removed to prevent some things that might happen (although the chances were very high).
Doubts are part of the process. What helps me sometimes is writting down why I chose a certain path. Then when the doubts creap in I can remember all the reasons I made that decision.
Karen
He's so handsome and has a beautiful coat---even under that T-shirt! And see, he's already practicing being a tripawd by wearing the T-shirt. A lot of times a vet will recommend a dog wearing a T-shirt over the I vision site to keep it from getting irritated.
Okay now, I realize I will be a voice of one.....IF..and o lh IF, your vet says it's alright........could you schedule the surgery a week from Wednesday?? I know I'm going g against the grain here but, remember I said IF it was OK by vet!! I completely understand your need to process, prepare and research and IF it won't harm Barret you may want to consider that!!
Now keep in mind, probably. Most people here made the decision. swiftly and with co ficence!! I couldn't have been more opposite!!
I quivered, shivered with fear---cried--sobbed--xoulsn't eat (well, always able to eat tons of junk food though), cancelled and rescheduled surgery twice:-) 
Not advocating being stuck in fear like I was----just letting you know you are. Of alone:-)
Just wanted. Ore time to research, prepare, etc,....at least that's what I told yself:-)
Happy Hannah is twelve weeks out from amp. and is living a glorious life of job and love:-) Everyday is magical and a true gift:-)
This computer freezing up again...have to go for now
Surrounding you with strength and courage and t-shirts full of serenity:-)
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!
Hi guys, just a quick update. I had my consultation with my vet tonight and had a good, honest conversation with him. It looks like we will be doing an amputation soon, but he's not comfortable performing it himself. He hasn't done many and the ones he has done have left the scapula(sp?), which to be effective that needs to go too in this case, along with some of the tissue in his chest.
I've been referred to a certified surgeon in our area for a consultation. I'm so glad he was honest with me. It takes a lot of my anxiety away knowing he'll be in more experienced hands.
So I guess I have a little more time to get used to this and to finish reading all the books!
Thanks for being a great source of knowledge and support! I'll let you know how it goes
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Heather, it is great that your vet was open and honest with you about his. Dakota's family vet was the same way and sent us off to Colorado State's teaching hospital. Barret's surgery will be more complex with the chest tissue involvement, so it is great for Barret that he get the right person for the job.
Let us know how things end up and when this is scheduled.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
I've been referred to a certified surgeon
Excellent news. Don't miss this post and video interview:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Funny how that old Universe works..........you were "forced" into a little more time delay ...as it turns out, in the best interest of you both!
Yeah, my "family physician" vet referred me to an orthopedic surgeon because Hannah's such a big girl and, as he put it, that's a whole lotta' leg to take off:-)
Rest up, study up, take tons of pictures and spoil and love and spoil and love some more!!
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!
Sending you and Barrett happy thoughts. You will both do fine. We too had to go out of area as my vet wanted Shooter to have the up to date technology for surgery that a small rural clinic couldn't provide. Give Barrett a big hug!
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.
had my consultation with my vet tonight and had a good, honest conversation with him. It looks like we will be doing an amputation soon, but he's not comfortable performing it himself.
Now that is one awesome vet! Bravo! It doesn't get any better than a vet being willing to admit there are others who have more experience in certain areas of veterinary medicine. Far too many won't do that, and drag out diagnoses (ours did) and cause unnecessary problems for pets and people. Please let him know the Tripawds Nations sends our applawse.
Good luck with the next appointment!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone,
I'm feeling a little jerked around this morning. My vet had expected this "consultation" to happen within a week. He expressed that waiting too long (even a few weeks) for surgery is only going to exacerbate the problem and make it a more complex surgery because they'll have to take additional tissue from his chest wall.
I called the surgeon and they can't see him until June 11th... and they want to do the surgery on the same day. That's not a consultation, thats scheduling the surgery! I want to meet the surgeon and I have questions about their overnight care and pain management before I commit.
I feel like I am on some kind awful roller coaster of emotions and the ride just won't end
! I want more time, then I don't want more time... I'm a MESS!
I think a small part of me was hoping that the surgeon would recommend against amputation. Not logical, I know that, but since when are emotions logical?
So now I am waiting on my 'family vet' to get back to me to see if he can call in a favor to speed the process up or if there is another surgeon in the area that may be available.
Hurry up and wait, hurry up and wait... Sheesh!
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Hopefully your vet will be able to get you an appointment sooner, I know that this often happens with the referral center in my area.
Just remember, they cannot take your dog away and do the surgery. It is your dog and you have all the power. If they are insisting on scheduling the surgery the same day as the consultation, go ahead and go, write down all the questions you have and get the answers from the surgeon. If you aren't happy or ready to proceed with amputation, then you have the right to thank them and then leave.
One thing to keep in mind too, is that if the specialist already has your doctor's notes and xrays, they may have already been able to see that amputation is the best option.
Thanks Heather,
I wish that the specialist already had his information. I only spoke to her assistant and my vet didn't send anything over yet. He was going to call her tomorrow and explain the case over the phone.
And thanks for reminding me that I have power. I think that a lot of people don't stand up for themselves (or their pets) enough because of the intimidation factor involved with medical professionals.
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Oh yeah...you feel like you are on a roller coaster ride because...in the world of tripawds...that just kinda' comes along with the territory:-)
You have every right to feel frustrated, scared, decisive, indecisive optimistic, pessimistic.... all at the same time:-)
What hhacket said is EXACTLY spot on!! Remember, you re in charge here---you are your dog's best advocate!! Some here ad much better experiences with their surgeon than I.......mine had NO "doggie bedside manner" whatsoever!! It felt like we were just another "to do" task to fit in to her busy import ant's self schedule.....Happy Hannah recovered from the surgery so I can't complain:-)
I'm sure your vet can speed up the process....it's one thing to wait a week...but several? Nah......
N my case, I found far more support ad information here than I ever got from the "specialist". So just please know WE ARE HERE AND EVERYONE HERE HAS HANDS ON EXPEIENCE WITH JUST AVOUT ANYTHINGYOU COULD EVER IMAGINE AS A RESULT OF THE AMPUTATION:-) Sounds like you have a great ally with your regular vet too.
Heather, we can all relate and we all understand your emotions all to well!!
You are doing the very best for Barrett and any decision made out of love is the right decision
You will hear us say this a lot.......but it's wonderful advice........B R E A T H E............B R E A T H E.........SLOWLY INHALE.....SLOWLY EXHALE....
Now o look at Barrett......is he worried?? ABSOLUTELY NOT:-) He must wants you here...present with him...projecting a calm loving energy and giving him treats!! Barret says MORE COOKIES MOM:-)
You are not alone....we are here......this is just part of the process to a WONDERFUL recovery and the most amazing quality time you could ever imagine.....go ahead and start your quality now:-)
Surrounding you with strength and calm,
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!
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