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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Good Morning to you all. I stumbled upon this website while researching my options as we received Gladys’ diagnosis yesterday and are still in utter shock. My vet, whom is amazing, said that she is not a candidate for amputation because of her size and age, it is in her front right shoulder. Has anyone one opted for holistic/diet related treatments? Along with perhaps radiation for pain? I also have found in my research that there is a compound given by infusion called Pamidronate that is good for the bone and helps strengthen it to avoid fractures, has anyone tried this? Any information that I can get will be greatly appreciated. We are still in the stages of trying to process, I am absolutely devastated as she is my everything, but I will not leave any stone unturned as far as doing what I can for her.
heatherhillman said
My vet, whom is amazing, said that she is not a candidate for amputation because of her size and age
Welcome and best wishes for Gladys! What is her size and age?
Search the Size and Age Matters forum and you will find many success stories of giant breed Tripawds and senior amputee dogs. You will also find many articles and videos about bisphosphonates , holistic treatment options, radiation treatment and more in the Tripawds News blog and Nutrition blog . Or you can search all blogs here .
Of course, all dogs are different. But there is a lot you can do with proper rehab and conditioning If in doubt, please seek a second opinion from a board certified orthopedic surgeon.
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation. Meanwhile, start here for help finding all the helpful Tripawds resources and assistance programs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Gladys and family 🐾🌸
I am really sorry you had to join us but please rest assure we truly understand and have been through similar experiences to yours.
Sadly, some vets still point out your dog is too large or too old for surgery but the truth is that should not be a consideration in itself.
My baby Eurydice was a huge Great Dane who lost her right front leg (and shoulder) to Osteosarcoma and weighed 77kg/170lb pre amputation.
That never, ever stopped her from being incredibly active and deliriously happy!
I am on my mobile and cannot copy links from it but will do it when I’m at my computer, me and her did lots of trips after surgery and between chemo treatments and we documented it here so others like your lovely self could see how well giant breeds can do on three.
We did follow the holistic route but that only happened at the very end of our journey.
I did not go for radiation because it requires general abesthetic each time and Danes should keep anestesia to a bare minimum.
Also, there is the risk of a phatologicak fracture (one that never heals) by which time amputation is the only option, and at that point it could have been too late for my girl to have it done.
We followed the amputation and chemo route because I felt it was the one which showed higher success rates, for whatever is worth.
But others here, like Luke, have opted for stereotactic radiation and bisphosphonates instead of amputation and also lots of supplements and cbd oil.
His dog, Simon, is going really well and nearing the first Ampuversary if my memory is not failing me.
I am sure he will share his experience with you.
What is important when fighting cancer is to opt for the route we feel is best for our babies, follow our heart to some extent.
Please do get a second opinion on the size/age versus amputation as frankly that should not be a reason not to go ahead with surgery if that will be your decision.
Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon and an oncologist is really important, so you understand your options and circumstances fully.
We are here to help you and guide you through your journey so you are definitely not alone, sweetie!
Please come back to us with any questions, big or small, anytime.
Hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
I would just like to add generally older dogs are more successful at fighting cancer and stay with us for longer than younger dogs.
Being 10 can be a good thing 😉
Hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Simon had cyberknife radiation.. 3consec days of radiation... aprox 1 hr treatment time each visit.. my cost was 10k.. others might pay a bit less.. very satisfied with this.. the zolendronate is the latest phosphate.. along with the cyberknife tht kills the cancer and weakens the bone.. zolendronate gives some bone bulk back.. aprox 12% total... Just yesterday..my onco vet said simon will do best with continual zolendronate therapy to combat I bone loss.. etc.. I also use thc.. i LIVE in CA.. and some say thc kills cancer.. some chinese herbs like 4 marvels.. dha. K9's armor up.. etc. and artemissin/artemix. I also cook keto like.. they say carbs feed cancer so low carb is the way.. I feed 1 cup ketona low carb kibble and add 80/20 ground beef. sardines.. chicken livers.. also metcam... meloxicam was not tolerated.. some say osteo is bad .. so throw everything at it.. that is what I do.. Simon was diagnosed 2/1/18 and though his ct shows clear lungs.. over 90% of dogs will have lung mets show by year 2 post diagnosis.. all the best to you.. be sure to get a biospsy.. you can enroll in the osteo vaccine for extra comfort... ( my vet didnt do a biopsy.. so I couldnt get simon into the vaccine for osteo)
I'm already in love with Gladys! And her name is perfect for that beautiful gal!!
Here's a little blurb from Luke, Simon's Dad, on another post he made. This was who Eurydice was mentioning.
".....have used cyber knife radiation instead of amputation, I’m using THC marijuana, I’m using Chinese herbs, armor up, from k9 pharmaceuticals, turkey tail, there is plenty you can do".
As you can see from Great Dane Eurydice, size was not an issue! I believe she weighed in arpund 170 loveable pounds.
And yes, ten is "mature" for a Newfie, but we have ,any seniors who do just fine if amputation is necessary.
Certainly it's not a decision to be taken lightly. We understand like no others can.
So as already mentioned, definitely have the gorgeous Gladys evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon as a first step. It may, indeed, be determined she's a strong .candidate. Then you can continue to move forward with your research and asking is ANY QUESTIONS that arise as a result!
STAY CONNECTED and feel free to ask us anything! You clearly love your Gladys and will do whatever is best for her💖
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
And I was typing my responsd, LUKE was posting all the great information we were referencing
Thanks Luke! Great input!
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!
admin said
heatherhillman said
My vet, whom is amazing, said that she is not a candidate for amputation because of her size and ageWelcome and best wishes for Gladys! What is her size and age?
Search the Size and Age Matters forum and you will find many success stories of giant breed Tripawds and senior amputee dogs. You will also find many articles and videos about bisphosphonates , holistic treatment options, radiation treatment and more in the Tripawds News blog and Nutrition blog . Or you can search all blogs here .
Of course, all dogs are different. But there is a lot you can do with proper rehab and conditioning If in doubt, please seek a second opinion from a board certified orthopedic surgeon.
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation. Meanwhile, start here for help finding all the helpful Tripawds resources and assistance programs.
Hello Everyone!! I must say, I am totally overwhelmed by all of your kindness and have been brought to tears. I so appreciate everything that you have all suggested. I am taking notes and am going to make sure that I am armed with everything when we meet with the oncologist. I have always fed Gladys a combination of a raw diet along with home cooked meals with organic, free range meats, organic veggies, eggs, Dr. Pitcairn’s Healthy Powder, she has always taken Carlson Fish Oil supplements her entire life along with a super concentrated spirulina/kelp supplement called Bio Preparation. I feel so blind sided by this as I have always done the right thing as far as her diet goes and have always been on top of her health. Since her diagnosis yesterday I ordered the Apocaps and a Osteosarcoma system from a company called McDowell Herbs out of Australia. We live in Denver so I have CBD oil as well and have been giving that to her three times a day. I will try the Turkey Tail, as I did see that online last night and will look into Armor Up as well!!
Gladys is the last of three Newfoundland’s that we once had, it has been a very painful last couple of years losing our male Olaf and Opal, Glady’s sister. She has weathered so much and has done so well, I was really hoping that she would be my 13 or 14 year old Newfie as she has also been with us the longest. She has always had sound joints and is a big girl at 170 pounds. She is not overweight she has always been muscular. In any case, I do hate the thought of putting her through an amputation and am trying to look at all options. I want as much time as possible with her, but I do not want it at her expense, I want to do what is best for her.
Thank you again, any and all suggestions that you have will be taken into major consideration as I am new to this and am overwhelmed along with being extremely distraught. Take care and have a lovely evening.
Oh, so Gladys is the same weight as my Eurydice, two beautiful muscular girls 💪🏽
I love the way you always looked after your girl so well and having three Newfies sounds like such great fun ... paradise !!!
I am sure Angel Eurydice has already spotted Angels Olaf and Opal and they are having great fun flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away.
It’s great to hear how Gladys is in such great shape, from what you say I would have thought she will be a fantastic candidate for surgery if that will be your decision.
Well, you’ve got a lot to take on board and seeing the oncologist will be a very pawsitive move.
I think you’ll find (like most of us) the hardest time is when you are considering options, once a firm decision is taken there is a sense of relief as you are then following a specific route to tackle this 💩 disease.
Hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Gladys sure sounds like she has every chance in the world for kicking cancer's butt! You are such a conscientious parent, she's a lucky gal. Just so sorry that the cancer diagnosis came along. We've seen soooo many people who tried to make sure their dog avoided it through exceptional nutritional support, and somehow that stupid disease creeps in. I'm so sorry!
By the way, if you'd like another opinion why not head over to CSU to meet with their oncologists? They are amazing, so smart and on the leading edge of treatments. Can't say enough good things about them.
Please keep us posted on how things are going. No matter what you decide we will support you in Gladys' journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Gladys and family 🐾🌸
I'm back to my computer so here's the link to Eurydice's travels during her cancer journey.
I hope that will inspire you and your cutie pie if you decide on surgery.
Hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
So sorry for all you are going through. I don't have much advice to offer but I am sending you lots of hugs, ❤️ I can tell by reading your posts just how much you love Gladys. These decisions are always difficult but I can tell you are doing the very best for her. She has a great mom!!
Hello Everyone! I took a few days to digest all of this and to read up on options...am still in the middle of that but thought I would check in. Thank you again, for all of the kindness and encouraging words, I am feeling a little better, not so hopeless I guess. Am focusing on making this the absolute best Thanksgiving that Gladys has had and am planning an extra special Christmas and New Years as she will turn 10 on New Years Eve. She deserves her mamma to be her usual self, not a wreck, which when I have those moments I will have them in private. We were not able to get an appointment at Colorado State University Canine Cancer Center until the 6th of December. My vet says that it okay to wait until then, so I am arming myself with every question that I can think of. We are also giving her an array of holistic/homeopathic remedies, doing acupuncture, CBD Oil, THC Oil, her diet has always been organic and raw based I am just increasing veggies, whole grains and eggs. I have to have faith and hope and strength to fight this side by side with her.
Again, thank you for everything. Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving.
heatherhillman said
Hello Everyone! I took a few days to digest all of this and to read up on options...am still in the middle of that but thought I would check in. Thank you again, for all of the kindness and encouraging words, I am feeling a little better, not so hopeless I guess. Am focusing on making this the absolute best Thanksgiving that Gladys has had and am planning an extra special Christmas and New Years as she will turn 10 on New Years Eve. She deserves her mamma to be her usual self, not a wreck, which when I have those moments I will have them in private. We were not able to get an appointment at Colorado State University Canine Cancer Center until the 6th of December. My vet says that it okay to wait until then, so I am arming myself with every question that I can think of. We are also giving her an array of holistic/homeopathic remedies, doing acupuncture, CBD Oil, THC Oil, her diet has always been organic and raw based I am just increasing veggies, whole grains and eggs. I have to have faith and hope and strength to fight this side by side with her.Again, thank you for everything. Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving.
Hello Everyone, I am reaching out as I am getting more and more nervous as we get closer to Gladys’ appointment on Thursday, at CSU. I am just so worried about what lies ahead. I am trying to keep the faith, but my heart is broken, watching her limp, worrying about how much pain she is in even though I am doing all that I can to keep her comfortable right now.
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