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. my name is Jennifer and I am new here. The oncologist reccomended I check it out for more information and support in dealing with my baby's diagnosis of osteosarcoma. I'm sure everyone has experienced the same overwhelming emotions, self doubt, and overload of information just as I am at this moment.
A couple months ago, my 18 month old german shepherd/malamute mix was diagnosed with a mild torn ACL after developing a limp that wouldn't go away. My normally sweet, friendly, loves everybody puppy was aggressive when they tried to examine her leg so they didn't do an xray but was confident in the diagnosis based on her symptoms and how she would toe touch on the floor. We were told that since it was not severe, we could try crate rest and pain meds to see if it would heal before attempting surgery. Over the next month, she fell a few times on our stupid slippery laminate floors while going potty and after hearing the heart wrenching cries and screams that I didn't know a dog could make, we called to schedule a surgery. Upon calling to schedule it, I was informed that they could do the surgery but that they did not have a lot of experience in orthopedic surgery and couldn't guarantee the success and was provided numbers to other surgeons if I wished to take her somewhere else. This is when I found Dr. Story who had almost 20 years experience in orthopedics. I scheduled the surgery, came in for the consultation and exam and left her there to wait on her update after surgery. I was told her ACL was fine and that the xrays revealed a possible tumor. After taking more xrays and chest xrays to rule out a fungal infection, her xrays were sent to a radiologist to confirm and it came back 99% sure it was osteosarcoma, 1% chance it could still be fungal. Next came the referral to the oncologist who diminished any hope that I had that she would be ok, that this was not cancer. He said we caught it early, her chest xrays are clear, her blood work is normal aside from low grade anemia and that she is an excellent candidate for amputation and chemo.
Phoenix will be going in for an amputation of her back left leg to her hip in the next couple days and should be starting her chemo around 3 weeks after. I have changed her diet to a holistic diet, in order to improve her chances of cancer cells not multiplying and to boost her immune system during all of this. But I wonder if this is not enough. Am I making the right decisions for her? Am I being selfish in trying to keep her around? The only thing getting me through the decision to amputate is that she will no longer be in pain and can have a good quality of life again. But for how long? 6 months? A year? There is so much to think about. Although I was told this was unavoidable and there was nothing we did that could have caused this, and nothing we could have done to change it, I feel like I am failing her. I have been told it is kinder to keep her comfortable and let her go when she starts to show signs of complications, I have been told she would probably die within a week of amputation, I have been told she could get 6 months with just amputation, a year to 2 years with amputation in combination with chemo and that she could possibly even fall into the 5% that gets cured permanently. This has all come from the professionals too. I am on information overload, pressure to make a decision and start treatments quickly, and I am grieving over the possibility of losing her, my baby, the child I never had.
Hi Jennifer, welcome. I'm sorry youare dealing with this diagnosis, rest assured many of here also have and totally understand your situation. I have lots of tips for you as everyone else here but I will share when I am at my desk in the morning and not on my phone, Im really slow typing on it!
If you see this first please check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books for info Ok?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Jennifer and I'm sorry your diagnosis has brought you here! It's like someone kicked you in the stomach isn't it? Your head is swimming with all the info you've had to force feed yourself the last few days. Your emotions are shot and you cry all the time. You're having to make a decision you never asked for and don't want to have to make. These are all things every one of us have gone through and you are now here among friends that know we know how you feel. First and foremost there is not one of us that did not do the amputation to get our dogs out of pain and to eliminate the possibility of fracture in the leg. That is the primary goal. Early on someone posted to me the reason we do this journey is to get our dogs out of the pain of walking on a cancer rotting leg. I've never forgotten that and when I looked at it that way I knew this was what I needed to do for Max because I loved him so much. I looked into his eyes and knew he wasn't done living yet. He still relished eating, still loved being outside and still loved just being with my son and the rest of our pack. When we first started this journey I too stressed about whether or not the cancer would spread. How much time would we have? As I got further along I found myself not so stressed about those things. I learned to enjoy each day we had and keep that worry back on the back burner. Max is now 10 weeks post surgery with 3 chemos under his belt and living life large. When he runs you can't even tell he's missing a leg. Sure he has a new normal and he can't do everything he used to do in exactly the same way but he's happy in his new normal. He's out of pain and no matter how many tomorrow's he has I've had all his today's that he's had since the surgery that nothing not even cancer can take away from me. I learned to live life like a dog and relish today. Phoenix isn't worried about tomorrow either he's busy living today so you have to do that too. This is an emotional journey like no other. We've got your back! Lean on us for all the love and support you need we'll be here for you. I could not have done this journey without all my friends here. They supported me and taught me invaluable life lessons. Stay close and keep us posted on your beautiful Phoenix. You're one of "us" now. Hugs!
Linda & Max
That avatar picture of Phoenix makes me want to jump through the screen and smooch that handsome boy!! Can't wait to see more photos!
As you can tell from Linda and Jerry, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We understand like no others can! It does, I deed, feel like you are stuck in a nightmare. But now you can move forward knowing you will be eliminating that painful leg from Phoenix so he can get on with living!. That pain was his nightmare!
Okay, time to takes some deep breaths! Seriously, inhale slowly, exhale slowly......B R E A T H E....B R E A T H E....B R E A T H E...
Now, here are some FACTS. Phoenix does not have a timeframe stamped on his butt! Take a look. Do you see any timeframe stamped anywhere in the preciius butt? NO!
Phoenix does not count days on a calendar! He is living in the moment, in tbe now! He has NO worries and doesn't give a rip about any ole' stupid "diagnosis" or "statistics"! Nothing has changed in Phoenix's world. All he cares about is being pain free!
You are givi g him a chance to be pain free, to soak up more loving and spoiling than you could ever imagine, to get more tummy rubs, to get more treats, to eat aome steak and ice cream, to go though drive thrus for cheeseburgers, more time to lay in the sun, play in the snow and snuggle with his mom! This is not "failing" Phoenix, this is being his hero!
And you known what? In doggy years, one year is equal to seven years of playing full out and living life to the fullest! Your up has a lot going for him and thatall works in his favor! We've had a couple of young dogs...Bart is one who comes to mind, who beat this stupid piece of crap disease for five years!!
Now, recovery can be a little rough, especially on a bigger dog. Then again,younger dogs usually handle it better. You'll see all the necessary tips in the links Jerry gave you. Stay connected. We all have first hand experience with this "amputation journey", so let us help you navigate through this.
One more thing!!! You are NOT being selfish by removing Phoenix's painful leg and giving him a chance to enjoy life!! To NOT so that would be selfish! To NOT do that would mean you would snuff out the life of a dog who has a lot of living to do!! I guarantee yoi, Phoenix is very, very pleased you are giving him this chance!
Now go hug Phoenix and know that all is well in his world! B R E A T H E.....B R E A T H E..
Lots of love to you voth
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!
Hi Jennifer, I'm sorry to hear about your dog's diagnosis. Although I came here after my cat had her leg amputated due to a tumour from a vaccine injection, I've read many postings about dogs and osteosarcoma. There are a variety of experiences and recently there was a posting of a dog who's still thriving 4 years after the OSA diagnosis and amputation.
I wanted to say it's not selfish to want your dog free from pain and to enjoy life with her for at least a few more months and perhaps for many more years. We all have pets for various reasons and life is to be enjoyed.
Talk to your dog, check out her energy level and spirit. Is she happy (may be hard to tell if she's in pain)? I believe our pets give us messages, we just need to pay attention and listen. The oncologist said she's an excellent candidate for amputation. That is great news!
Every pet is different and every diagnosis is different but every dog and cat is resilient. They, unlike many of us, just get on with life. If I had time to research my cat's cancer diagnosis (no test done, just a vet's gut instinct) or thought about my cat's personality and ability on 3 legs I would have been consumed by indecision and waited to long to do the amputation. The vet told me what he thought the lump was and her leg was amputated the next day. And now she lives life on 3 legs just like she has 4 and she's with me 17 months later.
No matter what you decide it will be the best decision for you and your sweet pup.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Welcome Jennifer and Phoenix.
Our situation was a bit different- my pug Maggie had a mast cell tumor in her knee, not painful for her but left untreated the cancer would spread internally and the tumor would most likely rupture. I couldn't believe that amputation was the best solution, but that is what we did.
I was devastated post surgery when her prognosis was downgraded to 6 to 9 months, the details are in her blog but not that important. I thought I had made a huge mistake, put her through a surgery for 'only' 6 to 9 months. And while I watched the calendar like it was a ticking time bomb Maggie just got on with her life. There were a few things she couldn't do anymore, but she made up for them by figuring out ways to do what she wanted. I was so fortunate that we were given enough time so that I finally found myself in the place Linda so eloquently described- enjoying each day with Maggie, no matter how many we would get.
Maggie beat the odds big time on the mast cell cancer, not all are so lucky. But if I had not done the amputation she would not have had as much time, I gave her a chance.
This is a lot to deal with, and Phoenix is so young! We are here to help you and support you no matter what decisions you make for your beautiful girl.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
OK I've got my caffeine and I'm ready to roll....
As you can see, this community is amazing right?!
I never get over the shock of hearing about a dog as young as Phoenix getting diagnosed with osteo. It sucks, big time. I'm sorry. Here's the thing though: she has youth and energy on her side and that is HUGE! We've had many younger members here who thrived after amputation and diagnosis. Take for instance Bart the Vizsla, who was also diagnosed very young and went on to have a fantastic life well into adulthood. Please do check out his blog.
The advice you've been given is perfect so make sure you remember that you are not alone and your experiences have been shared by us here. We get it.
Yes, you will hear negativity from well-intentioned friends & family who do not get it. Ignore them. They mean well but they are clueless. I was too once. Until it happens to you . . . so if you get any flack, come here, we'll help you get through it.
Meanwhile, you are giving your pup GREAT care! That is stellar and such a bonus. What clinic is Dr. Story with? We would like to thank him by sending his practice some Tripawds Foundation Outreach Brochures. He sounds very familiar. Maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet! 🙂
How are you feeling now? I hope much better, or even a little. We're here for you and Phoenix!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jennifer,
You've gotten some really good feedback here so I hope you're feeling a bit better now about amputation for Phoenix. Amputation is of course no picnic, but if your goal is good, quality, pain free time (whether that is 2 months or 2 years) then I do believe amputation is the only thing that really offers that. Of course amputation will hurt, but it gets better over time. The pain of OSA would just get worse and worse until nothing could have relieved your pup of that pain. So this is where we all find ourselves, taking off the leg of a dog we love---a drastic thing no doubt----but the only choice when faced with the alternative.
Our story was so similar to yours (adding on about 9 years to the dog's age)---a suspected ACL tear only to turn up OSA instead. I know our first reaction when we heard amputation was 'how could we do that to her'? But we knew she was not done living and she was otherwise healthy. How could we not give her a chance to live out whatever time she had due her w/o pain?
We got 10 months post-amp. Was it enough? Well, no amount of time is really enough, is it? And the vast majority those 10 months was of good, quality time. She lived just as she always did, a bit slower and a bit less intense but still happy and still the center of our little universe.
Whatever time you get after amputation (and I hope it is lots and lots) try to remember Phoenix doesn't worry about her tomorrow---she's too focused on living today!
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Welcome Jennifer and Phoenix!
I'm Alice and my 10.5 year old Rottie is Gus. We are new here too!
Gus was diagnosed 2 weeks ago today and we did amputation on his right front leg 1 week ago.
ALL the emotions you are feeling are very real and we went thru them all!
My family...and some friends...think I'm nuts for doing this. But, not their dog! Not their life! Not their money!
I'm happy to report that Gus has sailed thru everything so far. Don't get me wrong...we've cried a lot - or at least I have!!
Let me also tell you that Gus is a diabetic and also blind and also deaf.....
He doesn't regret a single day.......and neither do I.
Hang in there....it gets better every day...it's just a new way of life.
xoxox
alice and gus
First of all, Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouragement so far. It really helps to hear others stories to help guide us through this difficult situation that has been thrown at us so suddenly. I have been reading every bit of information I can on this cancer as well as the information thrown at me from the doctors, but there has been no one who can give me much encouragement or hope, no one who has already gone through it or in the process and can share their experiences. It helps a lot to know that the decisions I am making for her are the right ones. Also from the replies I have received, I have posted her blog as a get to know Phoenix with pictures if anyone is interested and Dr. Story of Companion Animal Hospital is the primary who caught the cancer, Dr. Vancil, her oncologist of Nashville Veterinary Specialists is who sent me here. They have both been wonderful so far and very informative and as usual, Phoenix has managed to weasel her way into their hearts as she does with most everyone she meets. Thank you! I'm so grateful to be here!
Murphy was 7 when he had his surgery and he was perfectly healthy other than that painful leg. By the time he had his surgery, he had been limping for about 5 months due to being misdiagnosed initially, which is not uncommon. That really scared me since it really increased the odds of metastasis. I remember feeling like the floor had dropped out from under me. His final diagnoses was not osa, but histiocytic sarcoma, which is highly aggressive. We were told that we might get 12-18 months if we were lucky, but it's been 2 1/2 years & Murphy's still hopping around! We treasure every day we have with him. Recovery was not easy, it was such a roller coaster of emotions, and I really questioned our decision several times. But I wouldn't change it now. Murphy can still chase squirrels, dig with 1 leg, jump on the furniture and cuddle just like before. 
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Hi Jennifer! Welcome to the community!
I had the exact same thoughts with my pooch Iris. Is this the right thing to do? How can someone "play god" and amputate a limb to keep their pet around? How will they do?
These are all legitimate thoughts. Unfortunately you will never know the true answer until you bring your pooch home from surgery. Nothing you will read on here will truly prepare you for the moment you bring your pooch home from surgery. All of us read threads on here and were still unsure. They brought their pet home from surgery, "slept" by their side on a wood floor for a few days and developed an unbreakable bond.
Iris had a horrible break in her right rear femur that fused and was just a mess. So I didn't have to consider the cancer and chemo. But I knew the moment she came home, and jumped onto the couch, all of 18 hrs post op, I knew I made the right decision.
They only way I would deter someone from having an amputation done on their pet, is if they were pinching pennies and not going with the right vet. I was fortunate enough to have U.C. Davis Vet School do the surgery for $975, vs $1350 through the VCA, and they did an excellent job. The VCA does excellent work too! But I've seen horror stories from pawrents trying to save a few bucks and the surgeon's work looked more like a butchers work. Infections etc are of more concern than recurring cancer. DO NOT use a surgeon that is not highly experienced in amputations.
You're dealing with a very difficult decision right now, but rest assured the advice you're receiving is from folks who have actually walked the path, vs many other "help forums" on the net. The biggest mistake I made, and I see from new pawrents here, is not actually reading the advice for post op care. From making a recovery room that is pooch proof, to elevated feeding bowls and developing a schedule where you can take some time off during recovery.
I know this is long winded and I hope my words help you. I'll finish by saying go to youtube and search "one armed monkey" If you have any doubts that your pooch won't do well with three legs, you can see a monkey get by on one arm. Humans are the only animals that feel sorry for themselves and your pooch will be an inspiration!
Good Luck,
Keep us posted!
phoenix0213 said
Dr. Story of Companion Animal Hospital is the primary who caught the cancer, Dr. Vancil, her oncologist of Nashville Veterinary Specialists is who sent me here.
Thank you for letting us know. Did Dr. Vancil actually give you our brochure? They're on our mailing list.
And thanks for starting a blog, it's so helpful not just for your own processing of the whole ordeal but for others who are looking for hope and comfort in their own journeys. I can't wait to hop over and check it out.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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