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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So after much searching and research and stress I've come across this site and have to start off by saying I am so glad I did. I've been creeping around on here for a handful of days now and finally took the jump to sign up. It's SO encouraging seeing all of the positivity and helps calm just a little of my worry with all of this!
So seeing as it's my first post, here's my little one's story.
Annabelle is a 6 1/2 year old Maltese who has been my baby since she was 8 weeks. She's a runt, only about 4.5 pounds, yet thinks she is a Great Dane! She's been healthy her entire life until we noticed a lump on her left front leg/elbow joint on Christmas Day while I was down visiting my mom. She had JUST been to the vet for her yearly checkup a couple weeks before this, so this was super fast. I got her in the day we got back home and the vet was concerned since by now it had grown and on her super small frame, was easily noticeable (we've taken to calling it her "Popeye Arm" to give you an idea!). She had a biopsy done that same day, and a few agonizing days later we got the call that the results were inconclusive. So it was off to a specialist for another more invasive surgery, and more tests and more stressful days of waiting. Finally a couple weeks later we were hit with the news- very high grade mast cell tumor. Because of the location, the surgeon said there will be no way to remove it without amputation, but that at this point because of the high grade, it was already likely elsewhere in her body. So more tests were done, more wait. The news came back and they found nothing anywhere else in her body (relieved, and VERY surprised vets!). He recommended amputation because the grade/location/size would probably not respond to radiation, followed by a round of chemo as more "precautionary" than anything. So I made the hard decision on Monday of this week, and my little one goes in tomorrow morning for the big operation. I'm freaking out more than I should I know, but she's so tiny and I'm a worried mom!
I know this is the best route for her and will (hopefully) get rid of all of this. It's just hard, because the tumor itself doesn't bother her AT ALL. Doesn't hurt, she runs and plays and acts as normal as ever. It's so hard to make the decision to take her leg with it not bothering her- even though I KNOW it has to go. I know I'm rambling and this is long, but feels good to have a support group out there as I have NO idea what to expect come Saturday morning when I pick her up. Luckily, I have a very cool boss who is letting me bring her to work next week and I've ordered a nice heated pet bed for her so she can rest comfortably in my office while I'm on my computer. I don't want to leave her alone for a while and she's already a relaxed enough lap dog. Any thoughts or advice on what to expect or anything I'd need to have ready for her would be great- I hear most stories about larger breed dogs with this, I'm hoping someone will have some smaller/toy breed experiences!
Thanks again for letting me share! I'm very glad to have found this site! 
I'd post a picture of my little girl but I'm not sure how!
Hello and welcome! We're glad you found us but sorry you needed to. Thanks for registering, your future posts wont' require approval.
We've had lots and lots of small dogs here who underwent amputation so you're not alone. The good news: they get around GREAT and even better than large dogs (sssh, don't tell them I said that!). It sounds like you have a wonderful vet team on your side, so that's great.
Some things to calm your fears: Jerry's Required Reading List and if you're inclined, the Tripawds e-books . Other folks will chime in shortly, I apologize I need to run out right now but I'll be back later. Hang in there, we're here to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome and I am sorry to hear about Annabelle. The crazy thing is your story is very similar to my experience. I noticed a lump on my 12 year old beagle's back left leg, the leg she had ACL surgery on a year ago. I took her in to the vet as soon as I returned to NC and it was an irritation from the surgery site and fluid had got into the area. It was no big deal, gave her some meds and it was okay. So I took her back in for a recheck, two weeks later and in the meantime I noticed (out of nowhere) a lump on her right front leg. The vet diagnosed it as a mast cell tumor, sent x-rays and bloodwork off and it came back as a mast cell tumor. Due to the location, at the top of her leg and into her shoulder joint, the only option was amputation.
I felt the exact same as you are feeling right now. Kasey was acting fine, the tumor was not bothering her, she was playing, eating and being her normal self. It made it hard on me because she had no idea what was going on. I told people that it would almost be easier to make the amputation decision if the leg was hurting her. I cried over the issue for days. Well, she had her leg amputated on Feb. 3rd. I picked her up the day after surgery, she came into the exam room, just hopping along with a smile on her face. It has been a week and a half and she is doing fantastic! She goes up the stairs, walks around just fine, and today she went down the stairs on her own. I felt guilty for amputating her leg, but the final thing is, if I didn't do it the cancer would've spread and it would've eventually killed her. I think the fact that Kasey is doing so well and that the actual surgery site is still wrapped with a bandage has helped me. I know when I take her in and they remove the stitches and I see the area for the first time it will be a different story.
I also got great news from the vet after he sent her leg/tumor out to be analyzed. The tumor is a low grade tumor and no further action is needed at this time. I'm sure your little Annabelle will do just fine. You will be amazed at how well she adjusts to her new life. I know exactly what you are going through and I feel your pain. Visit this site often because it has really helped me.
Keep us updated!
Danell and Kasey
As you can already see, you are not alne! We're right here vy your side, okay?
Yes, this is a scarey, crazy ti e getting tothis pt in the decision makingprocess. I researched til I coldn't even remember my name anymore! actualy cancelled the first schedule d amputation surgery! I cried, I sobbed, I gasped for air and I was literalky sick to my stomach with worry and indecisiveness.
The first two weeks after amputation, I could only think "What have I done TO my dog?" In fact my first post was six days after the amputation and I fretted I had made a HORRIBLE decisin!
Happy Hannah (a "fluffy, plus sized model" Bull Mastiff) and I are celebrating her upcoming ONE YEAR ampuversary (knock on wood)!! BEST DECISION EVER!!
Recovery is nop picnic for avout two weeks or so. But it does seem that little dogs do recocer quicker. Every dog is different though.
When youpick Annabelleup from the vet, just look into her eyes and kiss her and hug her and tell her what a good girl she is. Don't even look at her incision site! She'll be so hapoy to see you even if she is high on drugs and seeng pink elehants!
I LOVE your boss! What a nice guy! She'll need to be really quiet and away from any commotion or gawkers. Not everyone understands the love and devotion we have for our animal family. You've done your research, yoj've worked with the vets, you've made a decision ghat will give Annabelle the best possible chance at a quality and pain free life. A life with more loving and spoiling than you can ever imagine! You will live to learn in the moment, to staymin the "now" and be fuly present with Annabelle. Treasure each sacred moment...and take lots of pictures.
There are links on ere how to upload photos. Cannot wait to see somepictures I know she's adorable!!
Now, for you...B R E A T H E!! B R E A T H E! And then devour pounds and pounds of chocolate!!
Look forward to celebrating a great recoveryzz! Keep us posted!
Big hugs to you and sweet Annabelle!
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!
Welcome. I'm sorry cancer has brought you here but I'm glad you decided to stop lurking and join!
My pug Maggie lost here left rear leg to a MCT. You can read her story in her blog, there are links in my signature below.
Maggie didn't show signs of pain either, and she was quite a drama queen
. How could amputation be the answer to her tumor? She took her time getting used to her new situation, but once she did she hopped happily through life for almost 4 years.
You might look at some post op pictures so you know what to expect. Look here: http://tripawds.....m/gallery/, scroll down to the surgery pictures. It is a bit shocking to see our new tripawds, but just look into Anabelle's eyes when you see her on Saturday and remember that you didn't do this TO her, you did this FOR her.
Keep us posted on the surgery.
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
Hi there,
Just thought I would chime in with a few words of support!
Tuck is one of those "larger" dogs who has done amazingly well since his amputation four months ago. Tucker had a localized but invasive sarcoma so he was not demonstrating signs of pain prior to his amputation but....a previous less radical surgery resulted in the tumour coming back so we really had no choice.
Try to relax - sleep when Annabelle sleeps - and I as well think you have a super boss - how wonderful that she can accompany you to work during her early recovery days.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker 
Thank you so much, guys! It means the world hearing all of your words of encouragement. I just dropped Annabelle off about a half hour ago, and they said she was second on the list today so I should hear from the surgeon around lunch-ish. She tried to take on a huge dog in the waiting room (told you she thinks she is MUCH larger than she is!) and also jumped into a mud puddle on the way inside after jumping out of the car. Of course, the little white dog comes in with mud splashed on her face!
She was spoiled rotten last night- yummy canned food, treats, and lots of cuddles! She slept like a baby, whereas I kept waking up to pet her (she was more annoyed I think that I kept waking her up! Haha). I know she will do ok, I'm just anxious. Trying to brace myself for seeing her Saturday!
And I agree- my boss is awesome! He has a little dog of his own, and he's an older guy, and said if it were his little one he would want her there where he can watch her. So that definitely makes me feel better!
Thanks for all of the support everyone, definitely means a lot! I'll update when I hear from the vet today- praying for smooth sailing!
Cass & Annabelle
Cass and Annabelle!
Will be looking for your update when she's out of surgery. I KNOW this is such an anxious time. But boy oh boy, when you get her home and see how well she adjusts to three legs you'll be amazed! Yes, she can still run through the mud puddles with great joy! You'll just have one less paw to wipe but she won't mind!
Glad you figured out how to post her avatar picture...sheis ADORABLE!! Absolutley ADORABLE!!
Hugs to you!
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!
Sorry about your baby but definitely - you are in the right place for love and support. My girl, Shelby, lost her rear leg about 5 weeks ago and the first few days were rough as all get out but I do not regret the decision at all. Shelby is thriving as a Tripawd. Shelby has hemangiosarcoma (blood cancer) and she'd been getting treated for chemo before her surgery so she was an old pro at some things. Shelby had broken her leg in June but since we didn't find cancer, we chose to fix her leg but come January, it was disintegrating (literally) so we had no choice but to take it off.
Shelby, like yours, also thinks she's a big bad ass - she's 22 pounds of pure terrier! (she's part Jack Russell and part Shiba Inu).
I'll be looking for your updates and if you have any questions, please feel free to post here. This site saved me the first weeks after her amputation.
Alison and Shelby
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
Oh this day will be nervewracking but we'll help you get through it! Good luck and keep us posted! Feel free to stop by the chat if you want to talk, I'm going over there now.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello and welcome!
Well, we are big fans of little dogs here as my tripawd Jill's best friend is a 4 pound poodle!
Your Annabelle will do great as a tripawd. I know it's so scary, and saying this from the other side of things (Jill is now 14 months post amputation), but she really will do great!
Jill is a kitty cat, so I can tell you the smaller tripawds do really really great on three legs (the big ones do too!). Jill was about 10 pounds at the time of her amputation and she was up and about pretty fast! Jill also had chemo and it just shocked me how well she did. They really handle it so so well.
I like you was so hesitant about going through with it all, because Jill's tumor was causing her zero pain. I couldn't imagine that I had to amputate her leg or that she had cancer when she was running around like nothing was wrong.
Anyway!....we are here for you, whatever questions you may have! and here is a pic of my Jilly with her best friend Belle:
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
rica55 said
Hello and welcome!Well, we are big fans of little dogs here as my tripawd Jill's best friend is a 4 pound poodle!
Your Annabelle will do great as a tripawd. I know it's so scary, and saying this from the other side of things (Jill is now 14 months post amputation), but she really will do great!
Jill is a kitty cat, so I can tell you the smaller tripawds do really really great on three legs (the big ones do too!). Jill was about 10 pounds at the time of her amputation and she was up and about pretty fast! Jill also had chemo and it just shocked me how well she did. They really handle it so so well.
I like you was so hesitant about going through with it all, because Jill's tumor was causing her zero pain. I couldn't imagine that I had to amputate her leg or that she had cancer when she was running around like nothing was wrong.
Anyway!....we are here for you, whatever questions you may have! and here is a pic of my Jilly with her best friend Belle:
Awww, Jill and Belle are SO cute! I have two kitties at home too, Annabelle and them love to chase each other and play! The cats are so sneaky and love to tease her, even tho Annabelle thinks she runs the house! It will be interesting to see how they react- or if they will even notice! I'm hoping the chemo goes just as well for Annabelle. Glad to hear Jill is doing so well, she looks like such a sweet girl!
mom2shelby said
Sorry about your baby but definitely - you are in the right place for love and support. My girl, Shelby, lost her rear leg about 5 weeks ago and the first few days were rough as all get out but I do not regret the decision at all. Shelby is thriving as a Tripawd. Shelby has hemangiosarcoma (blood cancer) and she'd been getting treated for chemo before her surgery so she was an old pro at some things. Shelby had broken her leg in June but since we didn't find cancer, we chose to fix her leg but come January, it was disintegrating (literally) so we had no choice but to take it off.Shelby, like yours, also thinks she's a big bad ass - she's 22 pounds of pure terrier! (she's part Jack Russell and part Shiba Inu).
I'll be looking for your updates and if you have any questions, please feel free to post here. This site saved me the first weeks after her amputation.
Alison and Shelby
It's funny how the little ones always think they are the big ones! We've been around big dogs for years, and Annabelle has never been one to back down- she's usually the instigator, the little stinker! Shelby is adorable- that's great to hear she is doing so well after everything!
benny55 said
As you can already see, you are not alne! We're right here vy your side, okay?Yes, this is a scarey, crazy ti e getting tothis pt in the decision makingprocess. I researched til I coldn't even remember my name anymore! actualy cancelled the first schedule d amputation surgery! I cried, I sobbed, I gasped for air and I was literalky sick to my stomach with worry and indecisiveness.
The first two weeks after amputation, I could only think "What have I done TO my dog?" In fact my first post was six days after the amputation and I fretted I had made a HORRIBLE decisin!
Happy Hannah (a "fluffy, plus sized model" Bull Mastiff) and I are celebrating her upcoming ONE YEAR ampuversary (knock on wood)!! BEST DECISION EVER!!
Recovery is nop picnic for avout two weeks or so. But it does seem that little dogs do recocer quicker. Every dog is different though.
When youpick Annabelleup from the vet, just look into her eyes and kiss her and hug her and tell her what a good girl she is. Don't even look at her incision site! She'll be so hapoy to see you even if she is high on drugs and seeng pink elehants!
I LOVE your boss! What a nice guy! She'll need to be really quiet and away from any commotion or gawkers. Not everyone understands the love and devotion we have for our animal family. You've done your research, yoj've worked with the vets, you've made a decision ghat will give Annabelle the best possible chance at a quality and pain free life. A life with more loving and spoiling than you can ever imagine! You will live to learn in the moment, to staymin the "now" and be fuly present with Annabelle. Treasure each sacred moment...and take lots of pictures.
There are links on ere how to upload photos. Cannot wait to see somepictures I know she's adorable!!
Now, for you...B R E A T H E!! B R E A T H E! And then devour pounds and pounds of chocolate!!
Look forward to celebrating a great recoveryzz! Keep us posted!
Big hugs to you and sweet Annabelle!
Sally and Happy Hannah
So good to know that I'm not the only one thinking I'm making a horrible decision! I had the consult Monday and the vet was like "Oh, we can get her in this afternoon!" and I about had a heart attack, I was like "Whoa, no, need more time!" I'm not able to focus on anything right now at work waiting for the call that's she's out of surgery. So glad there are so many friendly faces here! And Hannah is adorable and YAY to upcoming ampuversary!!! Hopefully she gets some special treats!
Update! Just heard from the vet a little bit ago. Annabelle is awake from surgery and he said she did really well. He's confident he got all of the tumor and even got the lymph nodes there as well to send off just in case. He said she's resting on pain meds but everything looks good! I'm definitely relieved. He said they will call with an update tomorrow. I'm still anxious, but definitely feel better.
I'll post updates once I get them!
Cass & Annabelle
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