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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Hello everyone. I am brand new to this site - our veterinary oncologist recommended we check it out. Here is our story - it's a long one, but one I feel I need to tell...
Maizy is our 11 year old yellow lab. We got her as a pup and she was our only child until we became foster parents, then adopted last year. About 2 years ago, we noticed a small lump on Maizy's right rear ankle. She's always been a bit clumsy and loved jumping off the last couple of feet of a retaining wall we have in our back yard. We just assumed she'd twisted her ankle. The lump didn't go away, but didn't get worse. At our next vet visit, he looked at it and wasn't worried. Then in started growing. Very slowly at first, but by the beginning of this year, it took off. The vet did an asperate of it and all he got was blood, so we assumed it was a fatty growth (we've always heard "labs get lumpy" as they get older). By February 2013, it was about the size of a large egg and started to affect her walking, so the vet recommended surgery to remove it. He scheduled a quick, 30 minute surgery but it ended up taking 4 1/2 hours. Once he opened up her leg, he found a nerve sheath tumor. He did the best he could to remove as much of it as possible. She lost a lot of blood and he was barely able to close the skin since he had to remove so much. She, as always, bounced back quickly (actually had a "jail break" moment when they first checked on her after she came out of anesthesia - she bounded out of her kennel and they had to catch her!). The would took a long time to heal though since there was so little skin - her foot swelled, she lost skin on her toes and a lump still sticks out of the skin to this day. The vet explained that the likelihood of recurrence was high, given the type of tumor and how risky it was to try and remove all of the tissue. We discussed other alternatives including radiation and even when to know if it was time to let her go.
So in August, two more lumps started forming a couple of inches above the old site. They grew very quickly and our vet said there really wasn't much he could do. We briefly discussed amputation, but I was worried since she is older and has some arthritis and bone spurs in another elbow. He also suggested seeing an oncologist just for his expertise. We scheduled an appointment with an oncologist - 2 1/2 weeks out was as early as we could get in. In the meantime, one of the new tumors (both about the size of golf balls) ulcerated. We went back into our post-surgery routine of regular cleanings and bandaging. Such a strong dog - this whole time, she has been her usual chipper, crazy self - no issues with eating or pain.
Our consultation with the oncologist was this Monday. We explained that we were trying to find the best thing to do for her, not for us. He unwrapped the bandage and with one look said we essentially had two options since there is so much dead tissue - no radiation or surgery was recommended. It was either let her go and try to manage, knowing it could spread or a blood infection could make things worse, eventually having to euthanize, or, amputation. We discussed our concerns with that and were pleasantly surprised when he said that managing the arthritis should be pretty easy. They did chest x-rays that came back clean. He said that she would likely bounce back quickly, manage fine and probably feel a million times better.
Today, we heard from the scheduler and will be having her amputation done Monday. I think with all we've been through with her, I am taking it very well. Partially because we had prepared ourselves for the worst. Partially because I don't want to break down in front of our 2 1/2 year old son. So far, our friends and family have been very supportive too. We really hope we've made the right decision and that she will be back on her feet soon.
Does anyone have any recommendations for immediate post-surgery preparation? What should we have handy at home in case she needs it? How should we prepare our home for her recovery and her learning about life on 3 legs? We already have raised food bowls and a couple of nice ortho pillows... Thank you all in advance - it'll mean a lot for me to have support from others who have been where we are!
Welcome Maizy and mom, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry cancer has brought you here, but this is the best place to be when you are dealing with cancer and amputation!
First- you should look through Jerry's Required Reading List or down load one or more of the eBooks found Here. Many new members have found Three Legs and a Spare particularly helpful.
Traction!! Very important for tripawds, especially new tripawds. If you have wood or tile floors you should get some throw rugs or yoga mats to give Maizy traction and help build her confidence.
You are on the right track staying strong in front of your son- be sure you you are a good strong pack leader in front of Maizy too- she will take her cues from you. I would also suggest you look as some post op pictures so you are prepared for what she will look like. It is pretty startling- but she will be so happy to see you! You can see pictures in our Gallery, scroll down to the post op section.
I'm sure you will hear from many other members with hints and suggestions. My pug Maggie was stubborn and not at all adaptable. She was quite a stinker after her surgery to the point that I was sure I had made the wrong decision! Many members go through a doubt stage after surgery. If it happens just stay strong and soon Maizy will be amazing you.
What you are taking away from Maizy is pain, you are giving her a pain free life and a chance at more quality time with your family!
Keep us posted on her progress.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Maizy!! All ready mastering the "escape from jail" routine, huh? Good for you girl!
Spunk and fiesty attitude are important on this crazy journey! Sounds like you've got plenty of both! AND good looks on top of that! You are a very pretty girl!
You've already gotten some great advice and great links. Can't remember if elevated food bowls were mentioned or not....that's one of Luanne's favorite things!
Recovery for larger "older" dogs can sometimes...not always.....be a little slower and a little rougher than others. Every dog is different so try not to compare one way or the other. Sounds like you're fairly comfortable with your decision (albeit "forced choice"!) and that's good! It knocked the windout of me and I cancelled surgery at least once, if ot more! I didn't join this site until a few days after the surgery and voy was it a life saver! Still is!
So, you hold o to us and know that you are ot alne! We are here to support you anyway we can!
My Happy Hannah, a118 lb., now nine years young, Bull Mastiff just celebrated her eight month ampiversary and moving forward (kocking on wood)! Yes, for me, recovery was tough, especialy if it's just you and your dogs! That reminds me, make sure you have someone go with you to ride home with you. ALSO, when you dopick her up, dn't even glance at her surgery site! Just look into her napy drugged eyes and hug her and kis
s her and tell her what a good girl sheis!
Anyway, she whined and cried and stayed up for ni eteen hours straight. She was pretty darn miserable for avout two -three weeks. But boy oh boy! When her sparkle started coming back and recovery was full steam ahead.....it was the best decision ever!!
We live in the moment, knowing that every second is a vlissful gift of joh and happiness beyond anything you could ever imagine!! You think you love and spoil her now? OMD! It multiplies infnitelt!! She's so hapy just "being"...just being loved...it's just the most magical of times!!
Now, I have to say this, as you already kow, major surgery has it's risks. Almost all dogs recover and get wnderful extended quality time...a very, very few do ot. Vut your surgeon and vet have assessed Maizy and it sounds like she's a good candidate! You will be amazed at how quickkymthey do adapt to walking. Now, front leggers do have a little more trouble at first so etimes, so just know that's "normal",.
And we love celebrations here, so let us know as soon as she's out of surgery.....and other important things like first poop and first pee!
We're here by your side! Now go eat some chocolate (yes, load up on chocolate... it's a necessary med. for you) and give Maizy a hug and watch her tail wag! remember, she doesn't care about any ole' stupid diagnosis, she's just living in the moment being dog!
Love and hugs!
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 Maizy's Mom,
Maizy's story sounds amazingly similar to my dog, Tuck's! Tuck is a nine-year old lumpy choclolate lab. Prior to the appearance of the growth on his right front leg, Tuck had two large lipomas removed from his chest.
In April of this year, Tuck has a "different" sort of lump removed from his right front leg and during our first post surgical appointment we were informed that it was a localized high-grade invasive sarcoma. Tuck healed well and we hoped that we would beat the odds and it would not reappear.
However, by the end of July it was back and the conversations started with his vet about treatment options.
On September 18th, Tuck has his right front leg (including the scapula) amputated and, after two nights at the vet's office, he returned home.
Tuck has done incredibly well......I have had a few anxious moments about meds......and one really scarey moment when I thought he was having trouble with this hind legs (a quick post here and I had lots of support and answers) but his recovery has been beautiful!
I "second" the suggestions about rugs for traction (Tuck will now look for them when he stands up on slippery floors), raised bowls (which I see you already have) and also recommend a sling/towel to help her out for bathroom breaks for at least the first few days.
Maizy may seem a "bit out of sorts" initially.....it is a combination of meds (which they really need) and adjusting to her new reality. Tuck's mood was really enhanced when he got the "cone of shame " removed and his stitches taken out at the two week mark.
I'm with Sally (and the beautiful Miss Hannah) on the next point - don't look at her incision - just look into her beautiful eyes and give her lots of pets and she will know that everything is alright.
Tuck is six weeks post amp today.......and the only differences I see now between the four legged Tuck and my handsome tripawd are - shorter walks (we are slowly building up - two five minute walks per day now) and he is struggling with stairs......oh well......he goes up but going down I put his ruffmaster harness (with the handle) on him.
Hope this helps!
Linda and Tucker 
Hi Maizy and family,
Welcome! We're glad you came here to share your story and seek input on the best ways to cope with amputation. We're here to help any way we can. Oh, please thank your referring vet for sending you over. Who is it? Just curious (there aren't that many oncologists in the world, we know many of them). It's the highest compliment when we're referred by a vet professional.
Karen gave you some of our best links to check out to prepare for next week's surgery, so I think you're set. You might also want to check out our "Size and Age Matters" forum to read about how other older dogs have coped. Keep in mind that all dogs recover at different rates and older dogs might take a bit longer, but many also defy expectations too. I hope that Maizy is one of them!
Stay strong like you are and keep thinking about how much less pain she will be in when this is all over. Believe it or not you'll all feel better in the end.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for your immediate responses and support. We've been through a lot as a family the last few years so this just seems to be par for the course. Another reason why maybe I'm taking it somewhat in stride. But I've always looked to forums like this to make sure I'm staying sane!
I will be downloading the e-books this weekend to read over and we'll be stopping to pick up some runners for our tile floors where we know she likes to walk/lay. Changing the bandage again last night was just another reminder why we know we're doing the right thing... She knows we're helping and even though she's not too fond of the whole process, her tail wags and she gives kisses all the same!
Our oncologist is Dr. Zachary Wright at the Animal Diagnostic Center in Dallas. We've only met him the one time during her consulatation, but he seems very intent on helping and doing what's best for Maizy, even if it means a job for the surgical staff and not him...
If there are any other suggestions for us, pre-op, please let us know. I will be sure to check back in and likely ask questions after we get through the surgery next week. Unfortunately, the day after she comes home, I have to go out of town for a few days, so hopefully my husband can handle everything okay by himself! I will likely give him my log-in info for this page so if he is freaking out about something, you guys can help!!! 
Glad the forums are back up and running - I was worried that I wouldn't have anyone to ask silly questions of during Maizy's recovery!
Her surgery was around mid-day on Monday and everything went well according to the surgeon. It took less time than she had anticipated and all went smoothly. Our update yesterday morning from Dr. Wright was that she had spiked a fever overnight, likely due to the IV pain meds. They started easing them back and the fever started to go down. We haven't heard any news since (and he said "no news is good news"). He also mentioned that he felt like she was having some anxiety - kind of wimpering, but he didn't think it was due to pain. So she also received some Xanax to calm her. That sounds about right for her - she sees all the people around but she can't be with them, so she's probably annoyed! When they did get her up yesterday morning, to try and get her moving around, she apparently dragged the nurse down the hall by her leash. That also sounds just like her.
So things should be on track to pick her up later today. Waiting for an update from the doctor this morning to verify. Then it'll be getting her home and hopefully comfortable. I think I bought out my local Anna's Linens of their inexpensive rug runners - we have a lot of tile floor that Maizy was used to walking around on and I don't want her to feel too trapped.
Any other last minute suggestions before we bring her home?
I am leaving my log-on information with my husband... Unfortunately, I have to head out of town for a few days and he'll have to manage on his own!
Thanks again for listening!
YAAAAAAY! Surgery isover and all when well!! Sounds li,e the fever was related to meds and not infection...that's good! And she's already handling walking...that's good too!!
Now, the first few days can be a little "woky" as she's coming off the hospital meds and gettng her daily at home meds balanced. She may be a little restless and ncomforatble...or may not!
You have to make sure your husband knows how topost because we love celebraring first poop and first pee!! Drinking, eaing, we celebrate anything!!
Should the site fo down again...thks time the chat room still worked. So just clixk on "chat"...scrll down til you see "chat loading"...make sure you're logged in....the chat room screen will come up shortly...we will all see that you are "joining" and you can just jump right in.
Should the whole site go down.....and I'm only saying this because I kowhow lost I was during recovery ntil I found this site...anyway, you can email me
salholladay55@gmail.com and, if it's something I can't help with, I can at least direct you to the right resource. Of course' your vet it THE best source, but as far as emotional support, calming fears, etc.
REALLY look forward to your update tonight! You'll be so happy she's home!! I think we've already mentio ed, don't look at her incision..just applaud her and praise her and love her and watch her little drugged eyes dance with joy at seeingyou!!
(((((((((hugs))))))))))
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!
Ohhh I'm so sorry you had to go through the pre-surgery jitters all alone! But YAY that she's doing well, it really does sound like the team you have at the clinic is good. You know we also have other members in Dallas, like Jake! He just had his surgery too!
Anyhow, sounds like you're doing great with getting the home prepared. You might also want to look for areas you can block off, like stairwells and places where she's just better off not going right now. Remember, confinement is key to a good recovery. Even if you just try to keep her within the den for week or so that will help.
If you can raise her food bowls, that will be good too. As a temporary measure just prop them on a box against a wall, that helps.
Keep extra first aid supplies like gauze and lots of easy to wash towels, just in case she gets a seroma .
Get emergency contact info from your vet, hopefully you won't need it though.
And don't forget to give your hubby lots of encouragement! It's not as scary as it seems, he'll do great.
Keep us posted and tell hubby we are here, and often in the chat room , especially at night, if he has any questions at all. Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all again for your support! Sally - we had our first pee right when she got home this afternoon and her first poop a few hours later. 
She has eaten a couple of small Milkbones (not food though), drank a bit a couple of times, and ate a wedge of bread with peanut butter with her meds. We have a reusable grocery bag we cut the sides out of to use as a lift for her - just to help her feel more confident getting around. She walked a couple of laps with me around the living room, then later went outside to go to the bathroom. She's trying to get her "sea legs" (or so it kind of looks like). She seems to be resting comfortably... We have antibiotics (because the tumor was infected before it was removed - we knew that and had been on antibiotics for a few days before), anti-inflammatories and pain meds. Scheduled to remove the sutures 11/16.
She seems happy to just be home - like she can totally relax and just rest. Our 2 1/2 year old son has been good so far too - bringing her a bunch of his toys, one at a time to see if she wants to "sniff them". 
Hopefully she continues to catch up on rest these next few days. We have detailed instructions on what to do and what not to do. The surgeon wants us to do a warm compress 2-3 times a day, if she tolerates it. One day at a time!!!
Yippppeee! Maizy is home!
Sounds like your vet is providing excellent care and is also a good communicator. That takes so much of the stress away for all of you.
She already pooped, peed and ate something? INCREDIBLE!!!
Maizy is going to be fine, I have a feeling about this. The recovery may have some bumps but she's going to get through it. Hang in there, we'll be here if you need anything at all. Enjoy your snuggle time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
CELEBRATING MAIZY'S FIRST PEE AND FIRST POOP OVER HERE!!
I know she's appy to be home and you are too! I love the visual of yor son taking herr toys for her to "sniff"! That's a big AWWWWW!
A realy good update! Thanks for sharing the good news! And after the recoveryperiod passes, she will have her sparkle back better than before! She won't just be sniffing those toys, she'll be playing catch with them!!
look forward to more updates AND photos! We love hotos here!
Hugs to all! Good job everyne!!
Sall 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!
Maizy is a star!! First pee and poop on the same day- woot woot!!
I LOVE that your son is bringing her toys. Be sure he knows he is helping her get better .
You probably have your hands full, but I second the request for pictures- it would be great to see Maizy and your son together.
Karen
After the weekend update.
My husband survived a few days without me. I felt bad about the timing of my trip, but at the same time, I think the quieter house may have been good for Maizy. She seems to be doing well so far - even took off at a good run one night in the back yard when she heard the rustling of some trash bags we'd put over small plants to protect from our first frost here. She still isn't eating much... Since we were worried about that over the weekend, my husband cooked up some hamburger, chicken and rice for her. She'll pick some of that out of her food dish, but not all. At least she's eating something though. I brought her a little treat from my trip, which she downed without any problems! Other basic treats, like Milkbones, go over well. She seems to be moving around better, just gets tired quickly so we're trying to get her to realize that. Kind of hard when she feels like being up!
I'm catching up on my snuggle time with her though - if I sit on the floor, she'll come over and lay right against me. Love it when she does that!
Meantime, I'm trying to figure out how to load a picture! 
Aww sounds like a pretty good recovery so far! The appetite thing is pretty normal especially if she's on pain medication. As long as she's eating something (and who wouldn't turn down kibble for homemade yummy food?!), she's on track.
Glad your husband survived! Give that man a medal, he did great!
As for photos, these uploading instructions can help. If you still want some assistance just PM me and I'll be happy to see what I can do.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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