Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 9 year old yellow Labrador Jersey Girl was just diagnosed with bone cancer in her front leg. We are considering amputation but I'm worried about putting her through all that pain and rehab if she's only going to last a short time. Her lungs and blood work are clear so far. The vet says 4-8 months is typical but you never know, some go sooner and some last longer. Has anyone learned any way of really gauging how long? Thank you!
First off, what a precious girl that you have and I'm sorry about the bad news you have received. We all understand what you are going through and wanting to know how long. All dogs are different and there is no way to tell how long they will make it. You don't ask this question with a healthy dog do you? We assume that they will live a long healthy life, but we don't know what tomorrow holds. The only thing our doctors can give us are averages, which mean some go longer than that number, and some shorter. I was told that 1 year is the average with amputation and chemo, but some have gone less, and some MUCH longer. There is one dog here that's going on year 5. You will learn with this new journey to take each day at a time and to "Be More Dog ." I'm sure Sally will elaborate on this for me!
As far as amputation goes, you will find on this site that the vast majority who have gone through the surgery have NO REGRETS about it. Our pets are so much happier because they are pain free. The whole point is for better QUALITY of life. We hope for Quantity, but the most important thing is for our pets to live the rest of their days happy and pain free. My buddy, Chance, is 3 months post amputation and coming up on his 5th round of chemo. He is virtually unphased by his front leg being gone. The chemo makes him tired and not hungry for 2 days after the treatment then he's back to outrunning is four legged sister. He still does everything he did before and has as much energy. Dog's adapt incredibly well to an amputation. Most people who meet him for this first time don't even notice his leg being gone because he runs so fast! We wish you the best of luck with making your decision. It's not an easy one, I know. We will be here for you to help answer any questions and concerns that you may have.
Taylor and Chance
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
Taylor said it right its about quality not quantity. My Sassy had Osteoscaroma diagnosed possible in Oct 2012 in November 14,2012 we did her amputation & it came back definite with that pathology report. We did 4 doses of Chemo therapy and were scheduled for the 5th on March of 2013 when she was diagnosed with lung mets. Do I regret anything NO I don't. Sassy survived (and I used the term a survivor because she was that & a fighter) until August 20th 9 3/4 months after her amputation. She could have had the Osteo before we knew it so who knows.
It's a personal decision on what you do if you amputate or not but the amputation takes the pain away. There is no cure. With that said there are a lot of long term survivors out there, Queen Nova the Great Dane, Charley (lab), TJ (who just recently passed but survived 3 years from Osteo), those are just a few off the top of my head. Some of our 1 year survivors of Osteoscaroma Jill the kitty, Jackson, Happy Hannah is coming up on a year, Murphy, Libby is celebrating 11 months today. So it can be done. There is no time stamp on any dog. Stats are just what they are stats. Vets have to give you those so you know. Many treatments too there is chemo & chemo isn't what it is to humans as dogs or kitties get a lower dose. Sassy had one reaction a little nausea & they gave us Cerenia for it. She did get a little tired as the effects are cumulative too.
Don't hesitate to ask questions.
Best Wishes
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Like everyone has said, the stats are just the stats. There is no expiration stamp on your pup's paw! The vets have to give you these stats unfortunately, but there are so many dogs (and kitties in my case!) who have defied these stats, both on the good side, and unfortunately, on the bad side. It's not something you may WANT to hear, but unfortunately, what your vet said was absolutely right - some go sooner and some last longer. That's the unfortunate truth with this stupid stupid disease. We often call it a dice roll around here.
In my case, Jill is a cat, and with cats we get "better odds"....oftentimes, amputation alone is "curative" (we did chemo, but it's a long story why...)....but like I said before, there are other kitties I am aware of with osteosarcoma that didn't even make it a year after amputation. Again, a stupid stupid dice roll. BUT...
There are dogs on this website that have made it 3, 4, FIVE years! Unfortunately, there is just no certain way to tell 
My advice to you is to relieve your pup of the pain of the tumor and then discuss chemotherapy options with your vet and/or oncologist. If you can afford it and feel it's the right step for you and your family, then do it. If not, then dont. There are dogs who have lived long lives with amputation and chemo and there are some that have lived long lives with amputation and no chemo....the stats do show the ones that do chemo live longer, but if it's not for you and your family, then don't do it it's a completely personal decision.
So, I'm sorry you have to find yourself here - I know how scary the diagnosis is, but you've come to the right place. We're all here to help you with support and we've all been in your shoes before and can relate. Let us know whatever questions you may have!
All the best,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty 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
Hi there, we're glad you joined us and are very sorry about your pup's diagnosis. You've come to a good place though, as you can see we have a wonderful community of folks who understand what you're going through.
Now, to answer your question: boy, if only we could tell how much time we would get after amputation! that would be amazing. But the reality is that your vet is correct, you just don't know how much time will be left after recovery. Some dogs do really well and last YEARS after an osteo diagnosis and amputation, while others don't. It's a roll of the dice unfortunately but the good that comes out of it is, it really teaches you how to live life one day at a time and make the most of every day.
We got the same prognosis, but boy that vet looked silly when we made it two years past diagnosis, and without chemo either. I know, crazy eh? But it's true, and I'm not the only one.
We also thought that amputation recovery would mean months and months of rehab and care but it only took a few weeks from surgery to recovery before I felt good enough to do my favorite things again. Yes, my walks were shorter and long hikes were out of the question but we found other cool stuff to do and life was very, very good.
It sounds like your pup is a great candidate for surgery and apparently your vet thinks so too. If that's the case, you've got a great team on your side if you decide to proceed. If you don't, there's always palliative care with pain meds but you will not get the same quality of life that you will once that nasty tumor is gone. Amputation isn't right for every dog or cat but for the majority it's a much easier recovery than their humans imagined.
I hope this helps. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
First, your Jersey Girl is a very pretty girl! She has oneof those "sweet" faces that just makes you want to jumpr through the screen andhug her.
You have gotten some GREAT insight from Chance, Sassy and Jill. Ditto every thing they said!
Another little saying around here from Jerry, so ething along the lines of, "statistically speaking...nine out of ten statistics are wrong"!
I'm sorry you're having to go through this, but I want you to kow, we ALL understand how horrific it feels to be put n this roller coaster ride. We are here withyou every ste of the way, okay? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
I'll share a couple of "deciding factors" for me to proceed with amputation on my nine yr. old (8 1/2 at the time) "plus siz model" Bull Mastiff.
And I started with absolutley NOT.....worried sick about "time frames"...would it be worth it to do this TO her for just a "short time", etc. etc. I can tell you it was THE best decision to do this FOR her!! Happy Hannah just celebrated her ten month ampuversary and is moving forward (knocking on wood over here)! And EACH seco d of EACH day has been THE most glorious oppotunity to love and spoil and give tummy rubs and way too many treats, and hugs and kisses!!
Deciding factor nipumber one: Soooo, at first, after diagnosis, the low dose pain meds seemed to be workng.....and then almost overnight I was having to bump them up more and more. It would be just a matter of weeks...before..........
Deciding factor number two: I really "studied" her and tried to guage what she would want me to do. This girl was NOT ready to give up on life uet! She's vibrant, happy, greets each day with non-stop wagging...and begging for food! Other than this piece of crap disease, she was in great shape! She wanted a chance at a pain free life and she wasn't worried about time frames at all!!
Deciding factor number three: In "dog years", six months is three and a half years!!!!! HUGE for me!
Deciding factor number four: For me, I would be "regretting" that I didn't "try". I would be second guessing myself for eternity. That's just part of myown persnal make-up.
I just want to stress sgain, there is no right or wrong decision here. It's a crap shoot either way. Every now and then, a dog only makes it a few weeks after surgery (rare, but it has happened) and there was nothing pror to surgery to indicate this tragedy.....every now and then a dog makes it only a few months, but as already mentioned, almost everyone was glad they eleiminated their dog's pain and had that incredible gift of quality time.....and every now and then dogs, and kitties, make it one, two, three ..five years snd longer!!! JACKSON just celebrated his one year ampuversary!
Jersey Girel does not care about any ole' stupid statistic or diagnosis
She onl cares about being by your side getting all the loving and spoiling she can get! And I have a feeling she's getting plenty!
This is where being more like your dog comes i to the picture
...or kitty...! One thing we ALL learn is to let our dogs be our role models for living in the NOW, being fully present in the moment! Yeah, Jersey Girl wants her leg pain to go away, but she's not "worrying" about it, she's just making the most of her "now".
I know this sounds impossible right now, but all of the sudden a "switch" will go off in your brain...all of the sudden you'll "get it".....all of the sudden statistics and time frames dn't matter.....it's all about living in the mo ent with your Jersey Girl and savoring every tail wag, every snuggle, every slobbery kiss and know that it's about the bliss of being together in those sacred moments. We've all learned to let NOTHING rob us of our time together. Worrying about the toorrows does just that and we won't allow it!!
Just try and chunk it down for now... ake a decision on if Jersey Girl wants you to proceed with amputation and, if so, just focus on getting through recovery...you can decide about chemo later. Recovery is NO picnic!! Every dog is different...some recover faster than others...my Happy Hannah was on the "slower" side. I first posted here six days after amputation thinking I had made a horrible decision. This community threw me a life line and I haven't let go since! Finalky, at about three weeks, I was, "Oh yeah, this was a really good decision"!
Again, just kow we are all here for you and want to offer any support we can. Research the site, download Three Legs and a Spare , look at all the videos of dogs on three legs...those will blow your mind!
Okay, one last suggestion.....infuse yourself with chocolate! And since it's New Year's Eve, you may want to pour champagne on it first and top it off with ice cream! You'll definitely be more like a dog then...not a care in the world!
Clarity will come. You will kow what to do. Any decision made out of love is the right decision.
Sally and Happh Hannah
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!
cb I see you went to the chat but left. Hop on over there and bark in the text box, I'm in there for the next hour or so. Hope to see you there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone for the kind and supportive words and thorough replies. My girl definitely has spunk and zest for life and she's definitely strong. She came out of TPLO surgery with flying colors last November (running and jumping like a puppy) and she also survived tail amputation although that one was tough because she cried a lot (retractable leash accident). Anyway, in spite of her current leg pain she is still devouring food, insisting on walks and begging to play fetch. We've got an appointment Friday to discuss pain management (without amputation) with a homeopathic doctor and an appointment on Saturday with an oncology specialist. After those 2 meetings we clearly have to make a decision. Between waiting for the bone cancer diagnosis (originally thought potentially bacterial or fungal infection) and waiting to see the specialists, 15 DAYS will have passed between that first visit and amputation - which would be done on Monday. My husband and I both feel sick because we're afraid that's TOO LONG to wait with such an aggressive cancer!! Ugh. Anyway, thank you all again.
Jerry, that's because I'm new to the site and I was trying to find my original post. Lol. I wasn't sure if I put it in chat or forums or blogs or what.
Please keep coming back and letting us know what is happening. This site and the Tripawds family are amazing. I didn't find it until after Murphy had his amp and had a total hip replacement. Sure wish I had been here from the beginning.
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!
Okay, I won't be nearly as long winded as before (vut my typing wn't be any better)!
Loke many here, Hapy Hannah was first treated for arthritis, possible sprain, whatever...off and on for a couple of months. The meds would make it appearthey were working.
Around December of last year, vet did xray...couldn't get a preliinary pointment with specialist 'til January., and of course more test, more wait for results,..anayway...long story shoet, it wasn't 'til well into February before amputation was done (partly because I did not have this community at the time and I was actually just stuck in iindecisiveness and I had to figure out ways topay for it)
Many aren't able to proceed with amputation right away due to some health issue needing to be cleard up first, etc. So, while "they" say the sooner the better......another one of those "for whatever it's worth" things.....
Lot of info. on holistic treatment here too.......many use both.
(((({(((((((((((((HUGS}})))))))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
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 there! Jersey Girl is beautiful! When my dog Max was diagnosed way back in 2008, I remember telling my husband that the amputation "would be worth it" if he lived another year. Max made it a total of 14 months after amputation. But during that 14 month journey, I realized my original statement was really stupid. Once the amputation took away that painful leg, I would have been happy with any good, quality time left with my boy. And believe me, those 14 months were excellent quality! But as other members have already said, all dogs are different, so there's really no way to tell how long anyone has.
By the way, I'm down in Orange County and would be happy to talk to you if you're interested. If so, feel free to PM me with your number, or I can send you mine.
Diane
Hello
I am so sorry about Jersey Girl's diagnosis-it's such a shock when you find out. The first vet that diagnosed my Lily's osteo said she probably had 3-6 months. We went ahead with amputation and 5 rounds of chemo. Now we just celebrated Lily's 2 year ampuversary!! You are certainly in the right place-this is a wonderful community--so supportive! It sounds like you're getting lots of info and exploring your options. You'll make the decision that is right for you. We are all here for you and Jersey Girl.
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
cb-we are so sorry to hear of the diagnosis. I would like to share our recent situation.
Cassie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in her back leg on October 9-she is a 7.5 yr. old yellow lab mix. The leg that had the cancer also was broken as a puppy and as a result, there was a plate in the leg. She also had a hip replacement in the same leg.
The leg was amputated on 10/22 and after visiting an oncologist and a lot of reading and soul searching, we chose not to pursue chemo and make every day we have with her special and treat her like a queen (as if that was any different.. LOL). We decided on that course for several reasons-we were given a 50% chance of her making it one year with 6 chemo treatments, she always got incredibly stressed going the vet-we couldn't see putting her through that for each treatment and follow ups for xrays, blood work, etc.
She has done extremely well on the 3 legs-she occasionally slips when she is excited and tries to turn to quickly. We bought her a harness and a set of portable stairs so she could get up and down our bed (my back couldn't take the constant lifting).
We found a vet that makes house calls and she visited a couple of weeks ago. She felt Cassie was doing very well so far and gave us a list of things to watch for-counting her breaths per minute while resting, appetite and overall energy. She is on a daily regimen of Apocaps , K9 Immunity , K9 Transfer Factor, VetProfen, Gabapentin and fish oil.
There is no right or wrong answers-just different factors to take into account when making the decision. Ironically when this first went down I had no doubt in my mind we would pursue chemo, and my wife was against it. Ultimately, given this type of cancer is not curable, we made the decision we did.
I hope this information helps, and we hope for the best for you, Jersey Girl and your family.
I was told TJ had 60-90 days (vet gave me the standard OS cancer speech) that was in May, 2013. TJ is still alive and kicking with no further cancer issues. He's 12, has arthritis and a few other issues. When I look at the videos of him PRE amp I can clearly see his limp, and his pain. Now, 6 months post amp...he's happy and healthy as far as I can tell. I didn't do chemo.
Your dog will not care its missing a leg. That's you projecting your issues with amputation on the dog.
Your dog has cancer, nothing you feed it is going to cure it. Your dog is now, or will have pain issues due to OS. I believe that its much better to get rid of the source of the pain (and get rid of the cancer cell generating source) than try to medicate it. At some point the site will shatter, or will release so many cancerous cells into your pet that it spreads.
There is no guarantee. So don't look for one. Don't base your treatment on life expectancy because no one can tell you that. Some dogs don't make it out of surgery, others make it halfway through chemo, others only have an amputation and live for years.
Seeing the many. many positive outcomes of amputation I would talk that over with your vet. Its give your THE MOST BENEFITS immediately.... removes the risk of shattering the bone, removes the source or pain, removes the cancer.
And don't wait for any herb doctor to weigh in. Cancer isn't cured with chants or herbal tea's.
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