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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Hi! OK, so this is a shot in the dark here, but is there any talk at all that this could be a metastasis from the toe? My Jill's cancer was in her toe first, she had her toe amputated and 6 months later (I know that's a much shorter time span than you're dealing with) she developed a lump in that same leg, which turned out to be a metastasis. Not sure it really matters, but just thought I'd throw in my experience.
Anywhoo.....I really don't think you can base your dogs experience on your vets ONE dog's experience. I'm actually a little surprised he even does. Yes, there is a chance amputation followed by chemo might not produce results, but there are many dogs (and cat in our case) that it does get results for. Many of us have been around now for a bit and we've seen all sorts of results. There are some dogs on this website that are going on 3, 4, 5 years +.......however, there are some that did amputate and did chemo that did only make it a few months. We do often say around here it's a bit of a crap shoot. And yes, that SUCKS.
In our case, Jill did great after amputation and through chemo, but she is a 10 pound kitty, so not sure how much that helps you 
Come on over to the chat room if you get a chance, theres usually a few of us in there, particularly at night.
xoxo,
Erica & 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
Mike,
At a time like this, I recommend getting a second opinion from a board-certified specialist. Many dogs who are considered bad candidates by general practice vets get completely different assessments from specialists. An orthopedic surgeon sounds like the way to go at this point. It will put your mind at ease to have that extra opinion from an expert. Where are you located? Perhaps we can give you recommendations for your area.
Also, keep in mind that chemo is not mandatory. Taking one decision at a time will keep you sane right now.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you very much for all of the advice and help! This site is invaluable. After another discussion with my vet and examination (the tumor is growing on her leg).....she's still getting along okay, but without amputation, that leg will get weaker and could possible fracture. Sure don't want that, so we're going ahead with amputation in a week. Wish us luck!
Also, how can I add pictures to this site? I have some comparing her legs if any of you can tell me what you think or have seen in your own dogs. Thanks!
We're going to defer to Jerry on that one. Sally and I can both tell you of our struggles to finally figure it out. That said, we have finally figured out both Photobucket and YouTube as places where you can post from. I think if you look in the Technical Support forum, you will see directions for posting pictures.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Check out this thread for adding photos: http://tripawds.....-photos-1/
Sorry you find yourself here, but I am glad to hear you're giving amputation a shot. All the stories here were so inspiring. It can seem so daunting - you're taking a LEG, but really you can't compare it to human emotions at all. Barret went home a day and a half early (he is only 4 and a small breed) because he adapted so fast and was getting around just fine right after coming off anesthesia.
I wish you the best of luck!
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
Good luck with the amputation next week. Please check out Jerry's Required Reading List and then let us know what kind of questions you have. We will do our best to help you prepare and make this journey as easy as it can be.
P.S. Thanks for sharing the how to add photos link Heather (and your signature to vote for Barret is a great reminder!).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Congrats on making the plan! Having a plan is marvelous, and empowering. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Now that you've found us, keep in touch, and let us know how everyone is doing.
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Thank you again for the responses.......Maybe my Nellie knows she's down to just a few days with that leg. Yesterday, she chased a cat (I panicked.....worried that her tumor leg may snap or cause serious pain) and then she jumped out of the car before I could help her down. Definitely full of energy.....kind of made me think "Hmmmm, maybe I shouldn't amputate her leg" But the tumor is growing and I know it's the right thing to do.
I'll be sending good thoughts your way for Nellie's surgery. Shooter was 13-1/2 and although he was only with us for 6 months after, I couldn't believe how much better he felt after surgery compared to just before. We'll be watching for updates.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Hi Mike. I just wanted to give my two cents about Nellie and her age. Every dog is different and that's where you have to look at her eyes and tail. If she is happy and otherwise healthy (which you say she is), I would consider the amp. The cancer will be so painful and like Sampson says above it is the difference between living happily (no matter how short or long) and just waiting for the pain/cancer to take over. The picture of her implies she is one happy go lucky girl!
I can't say much for age - my Sambuca just turned seven. For an english mastiff, he's getting up there, but he's not 13. But I can offer this: I was concerned about how he would do with three legs and the toll it would take on his remaining front leg - not because of age, but because of his sheer size. After the initial recovery he did great. He went for walks, he played fetch and ran just like before. He looked a little awkward walking slow because he is so tall, but he was pain free and happy again. We are dealing with other issues right now, but it's been almost 8 months since his amp and the cancer has slowed him down, but the missing leg didn't one bit. You may have to start Nellie on supplements for her arthritis and such, but knowing what I know now, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Sam wasn't ready to go and I wanted to give him every chance he had to stay with us and to be happy. Nellie seems like she wants to hang around with her dad for a while 
Amy
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