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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Hello I am a new member. My baby girl hailey who is a black lab was just diagnosed with cancer a sarcoma in her hind leg. The vet said she is a good candidate for amputation.. she will be 10 in dec is this a good decision please help
Hi Hailey and family, welcome. Sorry for the diagnosis but we are glad you found us.
If your vet thinks she will do fine on three, that’s great! Tell us more about your concerns. What worries you the most?
We cannot tell you if amputation is right for Hailey but we can tell you that most dogs do very well on three, even dogs older than Hailey.
Dod you schedule the amputation yet? How is she doing right now? Is her pain under control?
I’m on my phone now so I’m gonna make this short, but stay turned for more feedback from others OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello Samantha.
First, I am sorry that you and Hailey are going through this. When my Max was diagnosed, I went numb. He is 9, almost 10 and weighs well over 100 lbs.
I agreed to the amputation because my analytical nurse brain kicked in and I knew it was the only good option for quality of life for my best friend. Things went very fast after that.
I won't pretend it wasn't tough, especially the first 4 or 5 days after the surgery. I would have done much better if I had found this site before the amputation instead of in a desperate search for help on day 2 post op.
It's been almost 2 months since Max joined the Tripawd club. He began doing just fine after 6 days. Now, he does everything he used to do before the surgery. If anything, and I didn't think it was possible, we are closer. He just knows that I will always do my very best for him and in our case, amputation was the best thing.
Max is pain free and enjoying his life.
Once again, you are going to have some tough moments. Come to this site and talk to us. We have been there and are more than happy to share our experiences because we love our dogs.
Hugs.
Only you know your dog - each dog is different. There are a lot of things to take into consideration besides just age - are there any other things going on such as arthritis or joint issues? There will probably need to be many visits to the vet, especially if you choose to follow surgery with chemo - how does Hailey do with the car ride? with vet visits? with taking medications?
Like Rene said, most dogs do very well after surgery. You are relieving their pain, pain that they've probably had longer than you realize because they're good at hiding it. The first couple of weeks are the hardest, but most dogs do well after 2-3 weeks.
Who will be doing the surgery? Your regular vet or an orthopedic specialist? Will she be able to stay a night or two? Make sure to discuss their plans for pain control - some are not sent home with the right medications and their dog is in pain, then they feel guilty.
If you go to youtube and search for tripawds, you'll find many videos on different dogs, maybe that can be of some help.
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
Just to chime in, my choc lab is 12 and I was also nervous due to his age . He had amputation of front left leg in March, cancer, and is doing great. He inspires me every day!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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