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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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Member Since:
28 May 2008
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16
7 August 2009 - 8:10 am
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He does EVERYTHING he used to do except that his hour long walks are now about 15-20 minutes long in the cooler weather (sometimes even a half hour) and not so much in the heat/humidity though. He chases his tail (yes with 3 legs), beats up on his younger brother, chases the ball, chews his sticks and runs after deer. I can send you pictures if you would like so you can see...my email is hkourcklas@comcast.net. Let me know.

He used to jump in and out of the SUV, but we won't let him do that anymore...we don't want him snapping that front leg. He can climb the stairs, jump up for his favorite treat and jump up on the couch for a lazy afternoon nap. I hope this answers your question. Big Blink

YOU WILL BE AMAZED...Bailey will recover quickly, but we need to prepare you for the first couple weeks of recovery after amputation (if you go that route), because they are emotional and stressful and can be difficult...but almost like clockwork, once the 2 weeks were over and zeus got his stitches out and his bandage off - he was his old self...

Paws crossed today...please keep us posted.

Hugs,

Heather

Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together

Member Since:
5 August 2009
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7 August 2009 - 2:03 pm
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Hey everyone..well I need to get some help again. We had our specialist visit today and the vet said its cancer. Here is the thing, she siad that most bone cancer is in betwee the wrist and fore arm and baileys lump is higher up..she said that could mean it has spread from somewhere else. Did anyone else get that kinda diagnosis? Bailey had to stay overnight to get the bone testing done and I should know what kind of cancer etc by monday or tuesday..more waiting Cry I wish I knew what to do or how to help her unfortunetly i guess waiting is all you can do until you know what you are dealing with and how to treat it if there is a treatment at this point, if it has already spread I don;t know. I just wanted to see if anyone else had that same scenario or knows anything about that. Thanks again to everyones thoughts and prayers...

ashley shafferman

Northern CA
Member Since:
23 December 2008
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7 August 2009 - 3:03 pm
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HI Ahsley,

Wrigley's cancer was diagnosed in December2008.  Wrigley was a 60 pound German Shepherd mix. Her Osteosarcoma was located on her scapula. (She had been limping since November and we too went the route of pulled muscle, strain etc before the final diagnosis) . Our surgeon had done some sort of biopsy prior to amputation to determine it was cancer ( although I don't believe it was the painful bone biopspy that has been described and recommended doing after the amputation. After amputation the bone was sent in for a full biopsy ) . At that time her lungs were clear so we went ahead with the amputation. Her doctor was very supportive and felt she would be a great candidate for ampuation and most of all it would relieve her from her pain right away. By the time  he discovered this he could also feel the tumor slighty in the "shoulder" area just with his hands. She was a left front amputee on Dec. 22. After those 2 weeks of recovery from hell,  she was back to her same ole self again ( just a little slower sometimes) We started chemo about 3 weeks after the amputation. She had 2 rounds ( 1 carboplatin and 1 doxorubicin) and was due for her third when her xray showed the cancer had spread to the lungs. This was in Februrary 2009. At that point we tried some alternative medicine such as herbs and accupressure. By the end of March, it is suspected the cancer had spread to her brain/base of her spine because she developed a slight tlit to her head and she got to the point where she could not walk her balance was so bad and then she could not even support herself at all. At this time she never showed any outward signs of the cancer in her lungs.

So in answer to your question, yes we did experience the cancer in the bone higher up. Other than her lungs, I have no idea if it was somewhere else already in her body.

As I posted before though, even though she only lived 3 months after our diagnosis, it was the best three months of quality life for her. She was never in pain until the very end. She did everything she ever did before in that time. She lived a very happy happy life from Jan to March and we got to share that with her for that time. That for us was worth everything.

I know this is such a difficult time for you. Please keep asking all the questions you want- we are all here to help you through this.  Follow your heart and Bailey's lead and you will know what to do.

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Seanne and Angel Wrigley

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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7 August 2009 - 4:14 pm
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baileysmom said:

Heather and Zeus,

Since you have a golden I was curious, my vet told me because Bailey is a large breed dog and amputation isnt what he would recommend because it would be hard for her to get around. Has Zeus had a hard time moving around? Does he play or do any of the things he used to? I want to do what is best for her but I also want to make sure its the right choice for her. I am just praying that they tell me today there are some options and the vet said to be prepared for the fact that they may tell me there is nothing they can do, I guess it just depends howfar along everything is etc. I would really appreciate any feedback you can give. I am so glad I found this website, everyone has been so wonderful and supportive and I cant thank you enough. It has helped me feel less alone in this situation. Thanks to all.

Ashley and BAILEY


Ashley, we too were told that with Trouble's size and her being overweight, the amputation was not recommended.  That was the diagnosiing vet.  The very next evening we had a consult with the vet who became our friend, our rock, our sense of hope.  He also had concern about the weight but quickly pointed out that amputation was our only chance to stop the pain and possibly the cancer. 

After Trouble's surgery we began to take some weight off her so she could get around a little easier.  She's my baby, and I'll never regret making the choice that allowed her to be with us for this long.  It was an incredibly hard decision for me as was the decision to try the chemo.  You can do this, and only you will know what all the factors are in making those tough decisions.  Keep Bailey in your heart and decide based on him.  You'll do a fine job.

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.

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7 August 2009 - 7:38 pm
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Hi Ashley - i don't enough about the various types of bone cancer and where they are/what makes them aggressive, but logic tells me that unless they do a biopsy, the won't really be able to tell for certain. So I guess you'll know early next week? We didn't do a bone biopsy when we were diagnosing...we did an aspiration to confirm the cancer cells, but it wasn't until the biopsy results came back (post amputation biopsy) that we knew for certain that it was OS. Zeus' cancer was in this wrist.

We are praying extra hard for your sweet baby - I hope you get some rest tonight...I know it's hard, but I found out the hard way that the best way to get through this is to be as rested as possible.

We'll check in tomorrow...

xoxo

Heather and Zeus

Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together


Member Since:
22 August 2008
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7 August 2009 - 9:55 pm
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It is true that OSA usually affects certain bones more frequently but it can show up anywhere including rib bones and facial bones.  Based on your breed I would be slightly concerned with hemangiosarcoma. Treatment would still involve amputation but chemo may be different and other body sites could also be involved (spleen or heart).  The biopsy should give you an answer!

Pam and Tazzie

Livermore CA
Member Since:
24 January 2009
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7 August 2009 - 9:56 pm
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baileysmom said:

because Bailey is a large breed dog and amputation isnt what he would recommend because it would be hard for her to get around


Hi Ashley

Just on the subject of large breed dog...Cemil is an Anatolian Shepherd, 156# going into surgery, 148# afterward; he lost a little down to 142, and then gained a little back up to about 148...and he gets around fine.  He has to rest a lot--spends much of a day resting, but when it's time to play, he's right there.  I have 3 other dogs; 2 of them, Mujde age 5 and Radzi age 4, still act like puppies when they play (with Cemil).  Alle, the other one, is going to be 14 in a couple weeks.  She just watches and barks at them.

Look at some of the videos.  Large breed dogs do fine.

Mary

PS Our vet was 99% sure it was bone cancer from the x-ray, and the biopsy after surgery confirmed it.  His was closer to the shoulder, left front.

Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today

Cemil's blog

Winnipeg
Member Since:
13 July 2009
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7 August 2009 - 10:01 pm
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Hi Ashley and Bailey

I used to think my pyrenees x collie cross was large, until joining this website. My dog and your dog are probably among the smaller dogs in the tripawd pool. Certainly there are lots of giant breeds or very large ones. What did your specialist say about amputation and size? I can't imagine a young golden having any problem whatsoever and am surprised a vet would suggest that.

Lots of our dogs had tumors near the 'wrist', on the radius. But tumors on the next higher bone, the humerus also seem fairly common although Tazziedog better be the authority on this one! And haven't a few people mentioned primary tumors in the scapula.

Susan and Tazzie 2

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 August 2009 - 10:07 pm
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baileysmom said:

... if they have to amputate the leg-is there hope that she will live longer than they think?


Doctors gave Jerry about four months to live after his amputation. He lived nearly two years. Keep Bailey fit and eating healthy, and consider alternative therapies. But most of all, try to focus on quality of life not quantity.

Ask Bailey and she'll surely agree that all that matters is now.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Kirkland, WA
Member Since:
2 June 2009
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8 August 2009 - 7:13 am
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Jack's tumor was in his wrist, but it was in the ulna, not the radius where the OS tumor usually forms.  Even our oncologist thought it was probably a chondrosarcoma since it's really rare for the tumor to be in the ulna.  These darn cancers just keep us guessing 😛  I try to keep light of the whole deal  For example, this morning we were snuggling in bed with Jack and all of a sudden I said "Oh my gosh?!?!?" like I was worried about something.  By boyfriend was like,"what's wrong?!" and I said "Where is his leg???".  I got in trouble 🙂 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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8 August 2009 - 7:18 am
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ldillon81 said:

I said “Where is his leg???”.  I got in trouble :)  


Hahahaha! Now that's the kind of sense of humor that can get you through anything. Keep it up! Laughing

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
5 August 2009
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8 August 2009 - 11:05 am
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I picked Bailey up today from the bone biopsy, it sounds like most people get a bone biopsy after the amputation or after surgery instead of before, is there a reason for that? I should hear back by Monday or tuesday of the results which I know will be difficult to hear but I am trying to remain as hopeful as possible and hope that there will be options instead of there is nothign they can do. It terrifies me that it may have already spread but again trying to stay positive and not think that way. For me Bailey is my first dog and in the past 2 1/2 years she has become my best friend, confidante, and side kick. There is nothing I wouldn't do for her and the same goes for her to me. It is just a terrible thing to go through and this website has been a lifesaver this week. Just having other people to talk to and those who have gone through it, its really wonderful.

ashley shafferman

Kirkland, WA
Member Since:
2 June 2009
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8 August 2009 - 2:10 pm
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In our case, no matter what the tumor turned out to be, the first step to contain it would be amputation...it was amputation no matter what it was.  So just to speed things up, we did the surgery and our surgeon sent the tumor and lymph node to diagnostics for testing.  Because of the location of Jack's tumor, he was a candidate for limb-sparing surgery, but if we had gone that route, little spidery cancer cells would still be in his leg waiting to grow back into a tumor.  I just wanted the present cancer cells GONE asap.

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
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28 November 2008
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8 August 2009 - 2:48 pm
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Our decision for Trouble was much the same as the one for Jack.  They were 99.9% sure looking at the x-rays the dx would be osteosarcoma.  We saw no need to put her through the added pain of biopsy and still face an amputation.  For us it would have been prolonging the inevitable.

We were given one final chance when they had Trouble anesthesized to do a biopsy, we refused.  That is one decision that was not difficult for us to make.  It was the only thing that made sense in her situation.

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.

Livermore CA
Member Since:
24 January 2009
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8 August 2009 - 10:59 pm
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Same here.  The doctor said that she was 99% sure and showed me the x-ray and why she was so sure, and said it would be better to do the biopsy after the amputation, to spare pain and extra expense.  She was right in her diagnosis and Cemil only had one painful procedure.

Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today

Cemil's blog

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