Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone, Zorro is a 9 yr old Great Dane who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his left front leg. The vet took scans of his lungs, and they were clear of any visible metastasis. His blood work came back good, and his heart sounds strong.
I am torn between amputating or not. He is very active for a ‘senior’ Dane. Vet says he’s the best looking 9 year old Dane she’s ever seen. He still runs, jumps, and plays. He does have a little trouble getting up after he’s been sleeping. He’s a well-muscled 120 lbs (smaller sized Dane). I’m afraid if I amputate he won’t have a good quality life, and everyone in my family thinks I’d be cruel for taking his leg. And what if we amputate his leg and he get it in another a month later? Or it metastasizes in his lungs and I put him through that for nothing? But then what if we’ve caught it early enough and amputation can give him another year. I’ve read all the success stories, but I’ve also read the stories of those who weren’t so lucky. I guess I’m just looking for advice on how to know what’s right for him. I wish he could talk and tell me what he wants, but until that happens - can anyone tell me how I’ll know what the right decision is?
Hi Zorro and family, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I'm so sorry you are faced with this tough decision. It's not easy and it's especially tough when you're talking about an older dog. So I think the thing to do is to only look at Zorro, and his specific personality and capabilities.
For starters it sounds like your vet is good with him being a Tripawd? If so that's awesome. He sounds really fit. And no mets? Or other health conditions? All good things to have on his side.
I'll try to tackle your concerns:
I’m afraid if I amputate he won’t have a good quality life,
Everyone is afraid of that. But of the Tripawd parents surveyed, only about 1% felt that it was a bad idea for their dog or cat.
everyone in my family thinks I’d be cruel for taking his leg.
What does their opinion matter when you're talking about your dog? People who don't get it have never been in your situation. If they can't say anything nice and support you without being opinionated, they should keep out of your decision.
And what if we amputate his leg and he get it in another a month later? Or it metastasizes in his lungs and I put him through that for nothing?
That is a valid concern. And everyone worries about that. Honestly, you don't know how much time anyone has, with or without cancer. But the vast majority of parents surveyed, even those who lost their dog even a few weeks out of surgery, say that even though they didn't get as much time as they had hoped for, they were glad that the time they were able to spend with their dog was pain-free.
I’ve read all the success stories, but I’ve also read the stories of those who weren’t so lucky.
What do you mean by not lucky, as far as succumbing to cancer really soon? Or mobility-wise? Yes, those situations do happen, but rarely. Most dogs will go on to get back to their full mobility, no matter what that looks like.
can anyone tell me how I’ll know what the right decision is?
We cannot. Because there are no "right" or "wrong" decisions. Every dog is different, every situation is different. For some, palliative care (see Hazel's story) is the idea that works best for the whole pack. For others, amputation. Every story is different and the only way you will know for sure that you made the best one for you and Zorro, is by having a heart to heart with him. Because the truth is, dogs do "speak" to us, just in their own language. Ask him what he wants and he will show you. Watch him for a day. Think carefully about his personality. That will tell you.
And know that no matter what you decide, we will be here to support you either way OK?
Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can not thank you enough, Jerry, for your kind, supportive words of encouragement. It was exactly what I needed to hear to be able to make a decision. I decided to have Zorro’s leg amputated. The vet is going to X-ray his lungs one more time and if all is clear, his surgery is scheduled for 1 pm this afternoon. So fingers-crossed everything goes well. I dropped him off this morning so the house feels empty without him. Luckily I work from home so I’ll be able to keep a close eye on him during his recovery. Now I guess I need to hurry up and learn how to care for a three legged dog as he will be my first. I’ll keep you posted. Please keep Zorro in your thoughts and prayers.
Hi Zorro & Fam
We are facing the exact same decision with our almost 6 year old Neapolitan Mastiff. She also has OSA In her front left leg and goes for amputation tomorrow.
I completely understand your trepidation and I am exactly like you. What if she can't walk, what if she hates me, what if it's the wrong decision!?
The one thing I've learned and that my oncologist confirmed is that OSA is extremely painful and removing the leg removes that pain. It will also give them a fighting chance that the cancer doesn't spread (by some miracle).
My thoughts are with you and your beautiful boy and just know that everyone in this forum is facing a very similar story and is EXTREMELY supportive. I've found talking about it here to be so incredibly helpful.
Please keep us updated on Zorro and how mum is doing too.
Jamie & Lyla
Just want to add to the chorus cheering for Zorro.
You've gotten great input from Jerry and Jamie. You've do e your research andnyoi've spoken with the professionals. As humans, we can do no more than that. Other than make a decision out of love(whatever that decision may be) and that is always a right decision.
As far as friends and family expressing their "opinion s, no matter how well intended, they are uninformed. YOU have done the research. YOU have spoken to the professionals. YOU have the connecti0 with Zorro and know he still jas a zest for life and wants this chance.
Another Great Dane comes to mind named JESSE Se just celebrated her 11 month ampuversary and is living large (literally) on three!
Also, a large Great Dane named Eurydice had many delightful adventures with her hooman. She traveled and became quite a beloved Goodwill Ambassador for Tripawds everywhere.
No one know how much earth time our dogs have. All we know is they want each moment to be full of love and joy and spoiling and snuggles and treats and pain free! Zorro doesn't count days on the calendar nor does he have a timeframe stamped on his butt.
The biggest lesson from our dogs; the biggest gift, is teaching us to follow their lead of living in the moment, in the present. They just flow effortless from one tail wag to another with no worries about their tomorrows.
As far as house prep, you'll want nonslip scatter rugs for traction if you have hardwoods. Raised food and drink bowls are helpful in preventing strain. A firm bed is more beneficial in helping to support Zorro's joints during healing.
When you go to pick Zorro up, don't even bother looking at his incision or draw attention to it. He just wants to see your smiling face telling him what a good boy he is and he's going home! Stay strong and confident and Zorro will pick up on your energy.
Some dogs come home quite loopy and lethargic. Some come home almost with a little bit of feeling too good because of the good drugs. Some come home and whine and are restless and uncomfortable for the first couple of nights. Every dog is different. Every reco is different. No right or wrong.
Just stay connected and we will help you navigate thru recovery. Rem, it doesn't last furever and soon all Zorro's pain will be gone and his sparkle will come back
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!
Aww I love what Sally and Jamie shared with you, they reflect my own feelings on the tough decision to amputate. It's so hard for us humans to accept that we cannot predict the future, or have answers for everything. It's a tough lesson to learn, cancer has a way of forcing us to do it though. And our dogs are masters at showing us the way through the lessons.
I hope with all my 
that surgery went well today. Zorro is in my thoughts as I call my day done here in Colorado. Please let us know how he's doing as soon as you are able OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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