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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I am so glad to have come across this message board. I took Bailey (7 year Sheppard, Retriever - Chow mix) in Saturday after noticing her leg was swollen and she was occasionally limping. I figured she just stepped on something and had an infection. I was not prepared for what I heard. They did x-rays and the lungs are clear, but now I have read that probably doesn't mean as much as I thought. 
We are going through with having her front right leg amputated tomorrow. The vet said she has a week to two weeks left in her current condition. I haven't stopped crying since Saturday. I see her in pain and hope that tomorrow isn't too far away for her. My husband is out of town (for a funeral ) and I had to break the news to him. He is devastated that he left her not knowing when he came back she would have to have a leg amputated. I just wanted to post and say that I am happy to have found this board and read all the stories. It's nice to find a place where people don't think I am crazy for considering amputation. ~Anita
Anita,
I am sorry for what you are going through. This is a fantastic site we came across several weeks ago after going through the same devastating situation. It is great knowing there is so much support.
Our pup Cassie is 4 weeks post amputation today. It is absolutely amazing how quickly she figured things out, most recently going up and down the stairs. It has been harder on us than her. The first few nights for us were the hardest-she was moving around a lot trying to get comfy, and we were on high alert for every noise we heard. As we were able to get back to some of our normal habits it got easier.
Good luck-thoughts and prayers to you and Bailey.
Hi Anita,
I'm sorry to hear about Bailey - I know the diagnosis can come as quite a shock. Yes "clean lung" x-rays MAY not mean much, as there could be some spots that aren't picked up on xrays, but that isn't ALWAYS the case. It is indeed a positive sign. I know it's hard to get past the initial shock of the diagnosis, but you've come to the right place and you now have a plan in place!
I know, for myself, once I found this website and moved forward with a plan (my kitty had bone cancer as well) I began to feel much better. She is now 11 months (tomorrow!) post amputation, followed by four rounds of chemo and is doing terrific.
Stop by the chat room if you get a chance. There are usually a few of us in there, particularlly in the evenings. When you click on chat, make sure to scroll down, the chat room is at the bottom of the page.
Wishing you all the best,
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
Sorry you find yourself here, but we're here to help. Almost all of us know the devastation that a cancer diagnosis rains down. Do you have any questions, concerns about surgery or recovery we can help answer?
The most important thing is to remember to breathe, try to be calm around your dog (they can pick up on your anxiety and nervousness) and enjoy every moment you have with her.
Good luck tomorrow,
Heather & Barret
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
Hi Anita and Bailey, welcome. We're sorry you had to find us and feel badly you are going through this but rest assured you are not alone as you can see here.
As tough as it is you are doing the right thing by getting the surgery over with quickly, and of course doing your research. You are most definitely not crazy, you are SMART!
If you haven't already, do check out Jerry's Required Reading List and our Tripawds e-books which will answer a lot of your questions. And of course we're here too. Visit the Chat Room too if you want to talk, members are there throughout the day and most evenings.
We're here to help, just let us know how OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The vet told me they are 99.9% the lungs are clear but they are still waiting for the radiologist report. Since it's Veteran's day they aren't even sure they are open. I scheduled the surgery for tomorrow since I was told she only has 1-2 weeks as is. I am hoping to get the results back from the radiologist tonight. Am I doing the right thing? My husband thinks they should take another x-ray of her lungs tomorrow and her other front leg to be sure that one is okay (no physical signs). The vet didn't think that was necessary. I feel like moving forward. I am not trying to rush into it, but I don't want to wait and prolong her pain.
Hi Amita and Handsome, Adorable Bailey!
Ohhh we know all to well the nightmarish roller coaster you feel like you are on right now! Itis NOT a fun time!
Remember tht Bailey doesn't care avout a "diagnosis' or prognosis or statistics". Bailey is livi gin the moment and not worried avout a thing, okay?
As long as you have conficence in your vet and he's a skilled surgeon and knowledgeable avout bone cancer, xrays, etc. you can rely n his expertise.
I was at the opposite end of the spectrum...I prolonged my nightmare for a couple of weeks before I fi ally decided to amputate! It was just my self making the decision and I did not have the benefit of this site initially! I finally fou d the site, and, because of the site, The Dog Cancer Survival Guide ..AND... the pain increased rapidly and I was having to increase her pain meds dramatically. That was it! Either proceed and take may chances...or notproceed and know she would not be in my life in a mstter of weeks probavly.
The first couple of weeks were very rough! EVERY dog is different and recovers differenty...some much quicker...some take awhile longer. The first couple of weeks I thought I had made an awful decisin. Let me tell you, over eight months now past amputation and still mocing forward (knocking on wood), IT WAS THE BEST DECISION I COULD HAVE EVER MADE for her, for me, for bothofus!! Her pain is gne! She is enjoying being immersed in love and massive spoiling every secondof every day and night! She has to be one of the happiest most joyful dogs on the planet! And she's a big girl too! 118 lbs. after amp. and now nine years old....."big" as in chunky!
enerally...not always...but generally clear xrays 3 panel) and good blood work are pluses. Now, some dogs have had good tests, but didn't have as much quailit time as others. However, even in cases where lu g xrays re NOT clear, it's my understanding that many oncos. are suggesting amputatin anyway as they STILL get quality pain free time!!
We are here foryou! You are NOT alne! Stay connected to us, okah?
Oh, make sure if you have hardwoods you put down scatter rugs for traction . You will get a ton of info. from the links Jerry gave you. Prepare as best you can. Once recovery is complete, the sparkle will come back bigger and brighter than ever!
I know this prelimi ary ti e is hard. I didn't think I would ever stop crying at first. Now I can't stop laughing at how vlissfully hapy Hapy Hannah and I re for this sacred time together!
You are strong Anita! You are making a decision out of love and that is always the right decisin!!
As far as preparing yourself for tomorrow while you are waiting for Bailey to be out of surgery.....EAT CHOCOLATE..LOTS SND LOTS OF CHOCOLATE...amounts so massive you get a tummy ache!! It helps, REALLY!
Deep breaths then eat chocolate......deeep breaths...eat chocolate!
Surroundingnyou with support, strength and calm...and lots of 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 Anita
I can "echo" all of the great advice that you had gotten so far on this site.
Tucker is seven weeks post amp (front right leg) and is doing great. No one on this site thinks you are "crazy" for considering amputation....in my case I was delighted that it was an option as one of Tuck's hips is arthritic.
As Sally said....the first few weeks can be rough but Tuck and I had more good days than bad (and for that I will always be grateful) and the worst part was making sure the meds were right to manage his initial pain.
Tuck had his surgery the morning after his preliminary bloodwork and xrays and I have never regretted this decision.
Life may be a bit different for Bailey and you.....Tuck's walks are now much shorter but he is always happy to go for one! I have scatter rugs everywhere on my hardwood floors but c'est la vie.....that is what is necessary to ensure Tuck's safety and traction on the floors - especially when he first gets up.
Keep us updated on how things are going....and if you are having any stress and/or need support.....the chat room is a great place to go
Linda and Tucker
Well, Bailey is just the cutest thing!
I can only speak for myself, but we did films on the leg...knew right away what it was. Did lung films--they were clear (but, yes, a lot of films that APPEAR clear have micro-mets...but another set of films won't show them, and regardless, it could be weeks, months, YEARS before they matter). Scheduled the amp for the next day.
I don't think you're crazy for thinking amp <3 If he's got clear lungs, and no contraindications (or you've discussed them with your vet), then it sounds totally reasonable.
I am curious, though...if the lungs were clear, and there are no noticeable lesions elsewhere, why they said a week? MST for amp alone hovers around 4-6 months, depending on which study you read. And most palliative med-only (so, no amp, no radiation, no chemo) measure MST at lower than that, but def. higher than a week, assuming no visible mets.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
I am not sure why either, but I can feel the mass and it has grown very fast. I received final confirmation that nothing was seen in the lungs. I have it scheduled for tomorrow. Now I will start praying and preparing the house for her return. Thanks again and again!!!
good luck tomorrow! come chat if you want now, theres a bunch of us in there!
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
Welcome Anita. I'm so glad you found us. Everyone here is so supportive and helpful. It has truly been a sanity saver for me.
I will be thinking of you and Bailey today and wish her a speedy recovery. Like someone else said, our pups handle it much better than we do! 
I too was surprised your vet said 2 weeks even though lungs are clear to the naked eye. Libby (10 1/2 yr old chocolate/chessy lab) is 9 months post amp and her lungs are still clear. Just keep reading and researching this site. It's a wealth of information and you can make good decisions that are right for you and your family.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Thinking of you and your sweet Bailey today and sending lots of love and healing wishes. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thinking of you guys today - keep us posted!!!
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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