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. I am so glad I found this site. Our 13 year old female Chihuahua was diagnosed with a synovial sarcoma in her front leg. It is quite intertwined with the tendons and can not be fully removed. This is a low grade cancer, but will keep coming back. The oncologist gave us three options - amputation, radiation and chemo. Radiation and chemo are not fully effective and/or if they are may only be effective for 6-12 months. The vet realizes people are scared of amputation, but feels this is the best option for our dog. She told us that small dogs (she is 6.5 pounds) do very well and adapt Though our dog is 13, she is very active and feisty. Her grandparents lived to be 17 and 18. She is very active and energetic and after her initial surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, she was zipping around, even with a leg cast. Our goal is like everyone else - for our dog to have as long a quality life, without pain or suffering, as possible.
We are going to ask both our surgeon and regular vet to assess her - meaning can she adapt to an amputation, but if anyone here has any experience, advice or information of any type, I would really appreciate it!
P.S. Though this seems silly, we found ourselves wondering if friends, family or neighbors would think we were being selfish or cruel, but like all of you here know, there is a lot to consider and it isn't a simple thing to understand.
Hi and welcome! I saw you in the chat room earlier, be sure to scroll down and wait for the box to load so you can talk with others who happen to be there. You'll usually find members in there during the evening so be sure to hop on over.
Your vet is absolutely right; small Tripawds do GREAT! And since you're dealing with a very "mild" type of cancer (all cancer sucks but some kinds are definitely easier than others to deal with), you should have her around for a long, long time. Those little Chi dogs are like the Energizer Bunny!!
What is your pup's name? She's a lucky dog to have such great pawrents. Kudos to you for being wonderful advocates and getting different opinions.
Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books library for more tips and pointers, and stay tuned, the rest of this great community will chime in too.
Long haired Chis are so pretty, be sure to post some photos when you can. Here's how.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What's your girl's name?? Her avatar pic is just adorable!!
Well, I'm sorry to hear your precious little one is dealing with cancer but this is a wonderful community full of people willing to lend advice and support. I personally don't have experience with a small dog...my Leland was a 108lb Dobie boy. I can say that my Leland got things figured out on how to best maneuver his large body so I have no doubt your little Chi could do the same and probably a lot faster.
The thought of amputation is scary for the humans but it seems to not be that big of a deal for our fur babies. They're just happy to be pain free and living life to the fullest. Dogs and cats do seem to adapt quickly to their new circumstance which is tough for us human's to wrap our brains around but they do it.
I hope that you do give amputation some serious thought. Even though your little girl is 13 you mentioned her ancestors lived to 17 and 18...I'm sure she's got some good genetics in there so if you can successfully remove the cancer then she has a good chance to live a long time as well.
Please keep us posted on your girls progress through this journey.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
longhairchi said
Hello. I am so glad I found this site. Our 13 year old female Chihuahua was diagnosed with a synovial sarcoma in her front leg. It is quite intertwined with the tendons and can not be fully removed. This is a low grade cancer, but will keep coming back. The oncologist gave us three options - amputation, radiation and chemo. Radiation and chemo are not fully effective and/or if they are may only be effective for 6-12 months. The vet realizes people are scared of amputation, but feels this is the best option for our dog. She told us that small dogs (she is 6.5 pounds) do very well and adapt Though our dog is 13, she is very active and feisty. Her grandparents lived to be 17 and 18. She is very active and energetic and after her initial surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, she was zipping around, even with a leg cast. Our goal is like everyone else - for our dog to have as long a quality life, without pain or suffering, as possible.We are going to ask both our surgeon and regular vet to assess her - meaning can she adapt to an amputation, but if anyone here has any experience, advice or information of any type, I would really appreciate it!
P.S. Though this seems silly, we found ourselves wondering if friends, family or neighbors would think we were being selfish or cruel, but like all of you here know, there is a lot to consider and it isn't a simple thing to understand.
My husband and I just made this same exact decision with Fibrosarcoma in our little sheltie Adam. He's getting around beautifully and we have to rein him in to keep him from doing too much. He's getting his stitches out Thursday. We do not regret it at all.
Hi Everyone!
Thanks for all the nice, thoughtful and informative replies!!!
Our dog's name is Olive. When we got her at 12 weeks she was about 1 pound - small, mostly black... led to naming her "Olive." Funny story. We had new neighbors who were planning to name their human baby girl Olive, but changed their mind because of our dog! Can you believe that? Funny stuff. Oh, the avatar pic is from when she was 12 weeks old.
Jerry, I was confused about the chat (and realized too late scrolling down is the answer for that and the forum!). Third, I will read all your required and other materials - thanks so much for providing it.
Sahana, Leland looks very smart and so pretty and regal and ellenspn your dog is beautiful, regal and smart looking too.
Sahana, I think you are 100% right. At first this seems so scary and bizarre, but we need to think like dogs and not humans. Maybe the dogs are smarter than us. Humans get all hung up and afraid of other people who are amputees while dogs just get on with having a nice life.
I will keep you updated. As Jerry mentioned, it is not a super serious cancer so, thankfully, we have a little time to think about it and get different opinions, even though we are, at this point, almost certain amputation is the right decision for Olive and us.
OLIVE!!! PERFECT NAME FOR AN ADORABLE GIRL!!!
Gosh, you've had her since puppyhood...what a team!
So much has already been addressed so well, jist want to add a couple of things.
You are not alone, okay? We ALL understand far too well the panic, fear, uncertainty and the gut wrenching decisions we all need to make onnthis crazy journey! Yes, it is major surgery and n it doesnjave risks. And altough rare, sometimes things go completely downhill for unknown reasons and recovery never even gets to happen. HOWEVER, in most cases, dogs handle surgery just fine and, after usually about two weeks, are pretty much back to normal. In fact, even with the pain of surgery, feel better than they felt before the surgery because their pain is gone!!!
OLIVE sounds like a little spit fire of a dog with great genetics and I bet she'll do jist fine!!
Now, as far as discussing this with friends and family.....don t!
I say that because when my vet first mentioned to me as an option for Happy Hannah (a 125 lb. Bull Mastiff), I said ABSOLUTELY NOT...NO WAY!!! He suggested I do my research and talk to a surgeon, etc. I can tell yoi, for me, it was the BEST DECISION EVER!
I did the research and became as well nformed asI could possibly be. I remember the first dog lover friend I mentioned it too...."Oh no! I would never do that to my dog!" From that point forward, for the most part,I just said that Happy Hannah and I were proceeding with verious treatments and felt very positive about it! They don't have the information we do and I can uderstand their reaction.
Just remember, you aredoing this FOR Olive..not TO her!!!! And in doggy hears... one year of pain free spoiling and loving is equal to seven years for dogs!!!
Stay connected...eat chocolate...talk things over with Olive! She'll give you the answer!!
((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Thanks benny55! I think you are super wise about not discussing this with too many people.
Oh, I forgot to add one thing. Olive's tumor and cancer is not at all painful to her. We caught this early and noticed a very small lump on her "wrist" but it grew quickly. They took most of it off, could not get it all, and the one thing that is certain is it will come back and fast. I am in no way comparing our situation to those whose dogs have painful and very serious bone cancers, but even though this is not causing pain it needs to be addressed. I feel so bad for the dogs that have pain and their people too.
Welcome Olive...and Pawrent. We have all been in your position. This site was/is the best resource available. Although my Jake is now an Angel, I would have done it all over again. Forget about the people that do not get it. As Sally say's you are not doing it to Olive, you are doing it for Olive. Keep us updated and let us help you along the journey!
Laurie
Hi and welcome. Our Zeus was a husky mix who was 11 years old and 45 lbs at the time of amputation. He was otherwise very healthy and he did fabulous with the amputation. We never regretted it for one moment. It's all about quality of life. One thing we always preach on this site is that YOU know your dog better than anyone else and you have to be their advocate since they cannot make these decisions for themselves. This is a very personal decision for each family depending on ability to care for the dog during recovery (help with lifting, if needed, etc.), finances, etc. If you think the surgery is the best thing for your girl and your vet agrees, then she will likely do fabulous. There is a tripawd dog in our neighborhood that I didn't realize was an amputee for the longest time. It is a smaller dog, so there is not as much of a "hopping" motion when it walks and I swear it's almost impossible to tell!
As for discussing it with others, just do what feels comfortable for you. I really believe that people pick up on your emotions - if you are unsure of your decision, then they will sense that and play into it. But, it's really no one's business but your family. I have a very decisive personality and always seemed comfortable/confident with our decision so really no one who knew us questioned or criticized. A few times while out in public we got the "oh poor baby" pity comments from strangers. The first couple of times bothered me a bit, but then I realized that they just didn't know better and never would if I didn't educate them. I, without sadness, would explain "Oh, no, he does GREAT" and "Tripawds get along just fine!" with a smile and it usually changed the tone immediately. They would start asking questions and petting him and realize just how normal he still was. Some people react with comedy (there's a few threads on the site with some great comebacks!)
Whatever your decision, good luck!!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Hi Olive's family ...
My girl, Shelby, was 12 1/2 when she had her amp. She had a different kind of cancer but scary regardless. She was a fiesty 25# Jack Russell Mix. She did amazing! It was her rear leg and she was already battling cancer and getting treated w/chemo. She bounced back great (after the rough recovery period which was due to the surgery not her age or size).
It is indeed a personal decision but a young spirited dog usually does really well. And smaller dogs do great too.
Sending you healing energy! Feel free to ask us anything you want! We're here!
Hugs,
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
My pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a mast cell tumor. She was a smallish pug, but almost 3 times Olive's size at 17.5 pounds!
Once Mag got used to the idea she did fine and hopped happily though life for almost 4 years. She was a stubborn girl who didn't adapt to change well. Most pups are back to themselves in two or three weeks.
Maggie couldn't go up too many stairs on her own after the surgery, but she could go down anything. She pretty much figured out how to do anything else she wanted.
One of the hard things about small Tripawds is figuring out how to help them get around at first without carrying them everywhere. Luckily for me Maggie was hopping on her own the day of surgery and never really needed any help. Of course she spent most of the first 6 weeks in bed...she didn't need much help with that 
.
I have a 14 year old quad pug who is having some mobility issues. I made a sling to help her out of the shoulder strap from a laptop bag. I put the shoulder pad part under her belly and hold the other end in my hand. That might work for you if Olive needs help. The bigger dogs can use a reusable shopping bag cut down the sides, but I think that would be a touch big for Olive.
Don't worry about what other people say or think. There will always be people who think dog people do crazy things for their pups, but it's their loss. We may be crazy, but we know true puppy love!
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
Thanks everyone! This place has such a different vibe than other web forums or even people related health forums. I've only been here one day and it the absolute best! So pleasant and truly supportive. Thank you all so much for so many kind, thoughtful and informative posts.
We just emailed our surgeon to ask what she thinks about Olive being a candidate for amputation. I'll keep everyone updated. I hope I can learn more and help others like you have all helped me today.
P.S. I'll deal with this, but I realized today the paw she always "shakes hands" with is the one that would be amputated. She also does this cute thing when you pet her - she sticks one leg up in the air and... again, it is the same leg. I know this is being sentimental and not productive toward a decision that will help her live longer, but am I nuts or did any of you find yourself thinking these kinds of things?
Oh yeah! Maggie used to jump into my arms- I knew she wouldn't be able to do that anymore. While I was sitting on the floor she would run at me and somersault into me and end up on her back. I spent time being sad and missing things she couldn't do anymore.
One day I realized that Mag didn't miss anything-she was too busy figuring out how to do what she wanted!
It's a normal human thing to do- but Olive will get over it pretty quickly, if she has to get over it at all. Maggie was not at all adaptable- and she kind of sulked for a few weeks after her surgery. But once she got used to things she never looked back.
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
Oh yeah... it was tough. Shelby did 'circus dog' and would sit on her hind legs and when she lost one, she couldn't do that anymore. There were many things that were different but there were many, many things that were the same - mainly our bond and our love - if it could have gotten stronger, it did through our journey! Shelby was indeed my 'heart' soul dog and while I did mourn the loss of some of that stuff, Shelby didn't. She just felt better and she helped me learn to Be More Dog .
I know what you mean about this site - it's remarkable - the love and compassion I have gotten here. Even though my girl is an angel, I still come back and post and chat and try and help others. It's Shelby's legacy!
Much love and keep us posted!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
OLIVE! What a great name....OK, here's what I can tell you from my experience:
-My tripawd Jill is a cat, so also small - but not as small as Olive! She was 11 pounds at the time of surgery and does AMAZING on three legs. Dont tell the bigger doggies I said this, but the little ones do just great on three legs. She runs, jumps, plays, happy as can be.
-Jill did have osteosarcoma, but it's a long story and when I was given the option to amputate she was not in ANY pain either, she just had a small metastasis in her leg in the soft tissue. So amputation was a very hard decision, why would I take her leg off if she wasn't in pain??? Oh! but I wanted that cancer OUT of her body! And out we did. She is now 22 months cancer free.
-My parents have a 3.5 pound poodle that stays with me 12 weeks a year, so I'm very familiar with the little dogs and how awesome they are. So I already love Olive 
So I don't have much experience with tiny three legged dogs or synovial sarcoma, but that's what I can add!
Hope it helps some!!! Keep us posted!
xoxo,
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
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