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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My dog Rocky is a 6 year old American Staffordshire Terrier {aka pitbull ) and he was recently diagnosed with cancer . At first our vet thought it was degenerative joint disease but after treatments and pills seemed to not be helping, he sent us to a specialist who diagnosed Rocky with what she thought might be osteosarcoma.. Needless to say I was in shock and a mess when the C word was brought up, never dreamed that could be the problem. And of course I googled it immediately and was shaken to my core. After a biopsy and MRI along with a CT-scan they are more confindent it is chondrosarcoma.. which I've been told is less agreesive and more treatable. But we won't know until after the amputation of his front leg. But I'm just a mess and he should be going into surgery anytime now (today between 12 and 1) .. So if anyone out there can give me some encourging words.. and or something to hang on too.. I would appreciate it so much.. I am so lost and have no clue what to expect .. I'm worried about what supplies and things he'll need when he comes home. Sorry for the rambling on, I'm just scared and not sure what all I'm suppose to say. 
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I moved your post here to it's own Topic so we can address your situation with Rocky.
I'm sorry you got the cancer diagnosis and had to make the amputation decision. We have been there and can help!
First I want to point out the Required Reading List, there you will find links to lots of information on what to expect with amputation and recovery.
While the recovery period can be bumpy most all pups I've seen here recover just fine and get on with their lives! The worst of recovery is 2 to 3 weeks where Rocky will be dealing with pain meds and the tiredness that affects all new Tripawds. Hopping on three takes a lot of energy and it takes a while to build up strength.
Right after surgery you will want a quiet place where Rocky can recover with good traction and no furniture or stairs he can try and get on unassisted. If he needs to do stairs he should be helped with a sling at least until the sutures come out. Traction is really important so if you have any slippery floors he has to navigate then you will want to cover them with throw rugs or yoga mats. Ask the vet if he will come home with the incision bandaged or not- it seems to be a vet preference as some do have a bandage and some don't. Find out what pain meds he will be on and understand the dosing and schedule. Have lots of extra tasty food on hand to get the pills into him and to tempt him if he doesn't want to eat...that's not uncommon.
Most important remember that he will look to you as the pack leader to let him know everything is OK. You have to be strong and positive around him. Come here when you need to vent!
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
Thank you so much for all the advice and I will go and check that reading list you told me about . Also thanks for moving my post, I wasn't quite sure where to go or where to start posting. Rocky is in surgery right now , so now I just worry and wait til I hear from someone at the vet .
Wow I'm sorry for missing your post. How is Rocky doing? We hope things are good!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh that's fine, it's been 11 days since the surgery and Rocky is doing so good almost too good, this dog is not a couch potato. 
Waiting for the results kind of makes me anxious but right now I'm just forcusing on my baby boy. I am still in awe at how well he managed so fast, everyone said they do but to actually witness it with my own eyes........ is amazing. Thanks for asking about him. 
Not sure how I missed this! So a belated YAY FOR ROCKY!!! Thrilled to hear how well he's doing this early on!
And remember, whatever the "results" are, all Rocky cares about his bum lev is gone and he can be Rocky again without pain!! Dogs live in the NOW. They don't count days on a calendar and don't have a timeframe stamped on their butt!
His avatar picture put a big grin on my face. Can wait to see more! Thanks for the update. Rocky is an example of why we do what we do.😎
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!
WOOOHOOO!! 
I'm so glad to hear Rocky is livin' large! We know that relief you feel when they start to get their sparkle back, sure sounds like your boy's got more than that, he's a little spitfire!
I hope you get the lab results back soon, that waiting must feel like furrrrever. When you do get the info let us know over in Treatment and Recovery if you get a chance OK? I'd also love to hear how you did as far as preparing your house and stuff. And of course we need a Rocky photo! Here's a post on adding images to the Forums, let me know if you'd like help.
Have a terrific weekend!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm going to try and answer you both since you took the time to answer me . Thank you for that advice, I will definitely remember that and I always smile when I see that picture. Ofc he hated having those on his head so they lasted as long as it took to snap the picture. As far as pictures of Rocky goes I will get some posted. His checkup went great today, the vet gave him a all clear and he is loving life again not having to be on a leash and able to go and sniff his favorites spots in the backyard without mom tagging along. As for what we have set up in our house we have a harness which we purchased from the store here , I love his name on the sides. We also put down carpet (runners ) in the kitchen because the tile floor. So for that's all we have gotten him. He doesn't seem to need steps. If anyone knows of anything else we should get , please let me know. this is all new to us.
Oh we can't wait to see photos. YAY for the A+ report card from the vet! There's nothing better than getting back to the New Normal. CONGRATS!
Sounds like you are set up for the Tripawd Life but if you haven't already check out the Tripawds Recovery Shopping List to see if you've missed anything. Thanks for buying a harness with us and supporting the community!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hearing Rocky got the the "all clear" made my day!! Amd I know he was happy as could be getting to go to his favorite spots all by his big boy self!😎
Thanks fot rhe pupdate!
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!
Thank you.. was a huge relief to us too. Yesterday was the first day Rocky and Willow played and I think for the whole time I didn't breath. Nervous mama here but Willow knew and she was very gentle with Rocky. Every day this dog amazes me with all he does and can do, he's my hero. 
Yay for playing! And welcome to the "worry wart" club, lol 😂😂😂 I swear you just get so protective over everything that used to be"the norm " I guess that's the new norm for us, lol!
So glad Rocky is doing well, looking forward to seeing a picture of your furbabies
Hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry❤
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Woot! Woot! 
He's our hero too. Great news! And give Willow extra smooches from us for being such a good girl.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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