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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Last month my sweet, big black lab Vivian was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma
in her right back leg. She's had multiple surgeries on her paw after an injury
she suffered prior to my adopting her. The growth that later developed on her paw
turned out to be a cancerous tumor that doesn't seem to have spread yet. Three
veterinarians recommended amputation as her best bet for no further spread
of the cancer.
Her surgery is tomorrow and I feel so nervous about whether or not it's the
right choice. I lost my big black lab boy to cancer in May last year and I worry that I'm
making a drastic decision because I love Vivian so much I can't lose her, too.
My concern is that she won't have a happy life, she won't be mobile and run and
swim like she absolutely loves all because of my decision. All the posts I've read on the
forums so far are incredibly inspiring and reassuring. I guess I just need to.hear other
people tell me they were nervous and guilt stricken over it as well. Will she be happy?
Thanks,
Amanda
Hi Amanda and Vivian, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so don't be shy!
Yes, there isn't a single person here who had to make that decision and didn't feel conflicted, sad, angry, guilty, upset---you name it. Even for us, Jerry's people, amputation wasn't an automatic decision and even during the first day or two after recovery we wondered if we had done the right thing. But after seeing how happy he was to get rid of that bum leg, and how well he could get around without letting life get him down, we were so inspired and knew it was the best decision for him.
Amputation isn't right for everyone and no matter what it can be somewhat of a crapshoot, especially when dogs have pre-existing conditions. It does sound like your pup is young and full of life and with the vets recommending it, and the type of cancer you're dealing with, you can't go into this under better circumstances, nobody could ask for more.
What I will say is that it's the human's attitude that has much to do with how the dog reacts to recovery. While a good attitude still won't prevent some things like the surgery risk itself, post-op infections, lack of appetite, etc., what it does do is show your dog that you truly believe things are under control and life is good. When your dog sees you feeling confident, she will be too.
Have you seen Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books yet? If not, do check them out, they will help you feel better as you go into this. And stay tuned, our pawesome community will be here to chime in too. Thanks again for joining.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Amanda!
Welcome to the most pawesome group EVER! However, I'm sorry you came to us under your current circumstances.
As long as you're by Vivan's side, she will always be happy. That's how it is with our beloved fur-babies, especially Labs. They just want to please, many times putting aside their own misery just to sit at your feet to be in your company.
She will be fine, and so will you. There'll just be a few adjustments and you'll be right back to a different kind of normal.
This time next year you'll be telling us all about how Vivian opened her presents and ran around making everyone crazy!
Don't think too much, just "Be More Dog ."
You're gonna do great!
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Hi Amanda, and sweet Vivian,
So sorry you are dealing with the "ugly c" in your girl, but like Pam said, you found the best place ever, in Tripawds......I am also sorry you lost your sweet black Lab guy not too long ago, to this awful disease. I also lost 2 Labs within a short amount of time, including my angel Tripawd Polly, but mine was a little over 2 years apart, and both from the same ugly c, hemangiosarcoma.
One huge thing I want to say, is our fur kids that lose a leg, do SO much better than what we think they will.....once they get past all the healing process, they do amazingly well. And if you have the added possibility of getting rid of the cancer with amp, that is absolutely the best outcome ever. Another thing is, she WILL have a happy life, and she WILL become mobile and able to run around and play, and she absolutely WILL be able to get in the water to swim.
Like Jerry said, there isn't one member here that did not have major doubts about doing amp surgery with our pets, but once we realize the benefits, mostly the medical benefits, we chose amp to give quality of life to our fur loves. This is still very much a personal decision, and one not entered into lightly.....your vet can help with this decision, as well as following your heart.
Please keep us updated on Vivian, and also keeping you and her in my thoughts....
{{{Hugs}}}
Bonnie & Angel Polly
jerry said
Yes, there isn't a single person here who had to make that decision and didn't feel conflicted, sad, angry, guilty, upset---you name it. Even for us, Jerry's people, amputation wasn't an automatic decision and even during the first day or two after recovery we wondered if we had done the right thing. But after seeing how happy he was to get rid of that bum leg, and how well he could get around without letting life get him down, we were so inspired and knew it was the best decision for him.
I must echo this. For sure we have all been there, had the same feelings, and the same conflict. Listen to your heart. You will make the decision that is right for you and for Vivian and this group will support whatever decision you make. We all know it is a personal decision.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I was also conflicted and had no regrets once that dreadful leg was off. Shelby was much happier! I am sorry about your diagnosis but glad you found us. This site is a wonderful group of resourceful, kind and loving people ... truly the only place that saved me after my Shelby passed.
Stay close to us and ask us anything ... we are all here for you!
Hugs,
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Hi Amanda,
The night before is the WORST! I swear it's so easy for me to just remember so quickly how I felt that night and it was two years ago. I'm not really sure how I slept that night....but take comfort in the fact that there are SO MANY doggies and kitties that have to go through this and we're all here to back you up. Tomorrow will be a nerve wracking day for sure, but just know you are helping your girl and doing whats best for her.
The best advice someone gave me that I like to pass on...I was nervous that when Jill woke up from surgery she would be wondering where I was. So I slept in an old tshirt I didn't care about the night before her surgery and I gave that shirt to the vet tech the next day when I brought her in for her surgery. The shirt was fresh with my smell and they put it with her in recovery so as soon as she woke up she would have me as near to her as I possibly could be at that time. I have zero idea if she had any idea that that was my smell at the time as she was all drugged up, but when I went to visit her that night in the hospital she was all curled up on that shirt. It was SO comforting.
Keep us posted - good luck for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!
Erica
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
It's such a heartbreaking decision but you'll make the best choice for Vivian. I hated having to make it for Lily but I'm so glad I did as it it stopped the pain that was diminishing her quality of life. Lily adapted so quickly and pretty soon she was hopping around like she'd always had three! There wasn't anything she couldn't do post-op that she could do before...we were just a little more restrictive in letting our silly Dane try to climb trees to catch squirrels 
When Lily ran you would have sworn she had all four legs.
It's not the right decision for every dog but it was the right one for Lily and we have absolutely no regrets.
If you do decide to go through with the surgery pay close attention to the recommendations for prepping your home for a tripawd (e.g. rugs, raised bowls). This will really help make the transition smoother for both you and Vivian. And just know that the first few days and weeks can be a little rocky but you will find all the support you need right here from the tripawd community!
-Kerry
Lily the Great Dane (she was actually a lot more than just "Great") joined our family as an ornery puppy on December 20, 2005 and changed our lives forever. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in early May of 2014 and her right rear leg was amputated on May 8, 2014. She sailed through 5 rounds of Carboplatin and 15 weeks of Pallladia. She hopped on 3 legs like she was born to it and continued to fight cancer with grace, valor and an abundant sense of humor...and always a *giant* smile on her face. Lily had two small nodules on her lungs but was brought short by a brain tumor in late December, 2014. Lily earned her wings on December 28, 2014 and we miss her terribly every day. http://lilyt.tripawds.com
Greetings, Amanda and Vivian. Sending you positive vibes tonight. You've already done one of the hardest parts of this whole experience: deciding to amputate in order to help your pup. Sure, you may have 2nd thoughts while you go through the recovery process. But, let me share my Molly's recovery with you. In the 6 months since my girl had her rear leg removed due to cancer, she has regained her love of running through the house with her headless duck in her mouth , rediscovered creek swimtime, turned 13 years old, dug several impressive holes in the yard, and taken her first tripawd 2-mile hike in the woods. She's so much more playful than she had been with that mean tumor in her leg, and she's so happy to hop about. She still runs circles around her 4year old pup sister. No regrets here! Here's wishing you feel the same in a few months.
I was just thinking how funny/strange it is that I have 3 tripawds but have never actually had to make the decision to amputate--they all came into my life as amputees. My dogs are all crazy, happy dogs on three legs. I have been around here awhile and can't think of one story where a dog ended up unhappy due to an amputation. Sure, there will be some down time after the amp and some dogs seem depressed for awhile but I think dogs are far more resilient than we humans are. They don't worry about what they can't do anymore or about about "limitations". They just keep on living life to the fullest, just as always.
Wishing you and Vivian the best tomorrow and sending Vivian lots of tripawd strength!
xoxox,
Martha and the Oaktown Pack
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
My circumstances were very different than most people here - my cat Mona needed to have her leg amputated due to an aggressive, rapidly growing tumour. I had no time to have doubts or feel guilty because it was clear to me that the leg needed to be removed to save her life. I cried the night before the surgery because her sweet little paw and leg would be gone the next day.
The vet told me that cats are resilient. And Mona has proven that and so much more. She has become a little athlete with a six-pack. She sits up on her hind legs (she never did that before) and she dismounts beds like a gymnast. And this is a cat who is a bit of a couch potato. I'm truly amazed a how she has adapted.
I suspect dogs are also resilient. They just get on with life.
Good luck is your dog's recovery and know you are doing the right thing because you're doing it out of love for Vivian.
Kerren and Mona
Thank you everyone for the supportive words and experienced advice. I took Vivian on a last hike on four legs
yesterday and she had a great time. I just dropped her off at the vet and now the real waiting and worrying begin!
It really means a lot to me to know that there are people who understand what this is like and that you would take the time
to help me I will update as soon as she's ready to go home!
Amanda .
Hi Amanda!
Vivian is going to surprise you by her endurance and resilience. Although I know it's only natural for you to worry, don't let those negative emotions get too much of you. That's cancer's MO. She's going to do beautifully.
Under your avatar it states "Tennessee". Where abouts? I am here as well.
Stay strong my friend,
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Amanda,
The waiting during the procedure is one of the hardest parts. Just know that this community is here for you and I will definitely be keeping sweet Vivian in my thoughts that she comes through the procedure today with flying colors. Will she be staying overnight at the vet's? If so try to get some rest today so you can be strong when Vivian comes home. The first couple weeks of recovery is the most tiring for us humans.
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Hi Amanda, welcome to you and your pack.
I hope the surgery goes well, please update us as soon as you know something.
You asked if Vivian will be happy again? The answer is yes! Most pups get back to themselves in two or three weeks, a few even sooner. Then there are pups like my pug Maggie who was a slug for 6 weeks after her surgery. I thought I had made a terrible mistake. But Maggie came around and hopped happily through life for almost 4 years.
The next couple weeks might be tough, so stay positive an don't get discouraged if Vivian seems to have setbacks. Lean on the experience and support you find here and in no time your girl will be amazing you.
Remember what you are taking away from Vivian is a painful leg and a life full of surgeries. You are giving her a chance to beat cancer and have quality, pain free time with you.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
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