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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I am new to this site, and not sure how everything works. The short story is that my dog Juniper (Australian Cattle Dog mix) has an ulcerated tumor on her leg, and I was advised by a specialist yesterday that it would need to be amputated within a couple of days or that she would need to be put down. Even though she is almost 11, she still has so much energy and life in her, outside of this tumor, that I do not want to put her down. As of the most recent round of tests this summer, the cancer had not spread elsewhere. The estimate she gave me is far beyond what I can afford, even with my remaining CareCredit funds. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Juniper and family, welcome. We are sorry about the diagnosis, it's such a tough situation and so overwhelming. Do the vets know what kind of cancer she has?
As you can see here, lots of senior dogs have lived happy lives on three legs so I can see why you want to move forward with the surgery. I'm just so sorry the costs are so unaffordable.
Did you explain your situation to the vet who quoted you for the surgery? Do they offer payment plans? Or another type of care credit program?
Oftentimes there are ways that they can work with clients to reduce the costs. For example, you could bring her home the same day of surgery -- not ideal, but an option to save on overnight care when money is tight.
Cutting costs in other areas is not advised, especially when it comes to pain control.
Just curious but where do you live? There is a pawsome vet in Richmond Virginia who specializes in affordable veterinary care without reducing quality of care. I know of a clinic in Denver that does the same. And oftentimes, SPCA-funded clinics, usually managed through animal shelters, also offer reduced prices on surgeries like this. I know there's one in Denver but cannot think of the name. Did you call around to find clinics like this?
Finally, although the the Tripawds Foundation Amputation Surgery Assistance Program will only cover up to $500 of surgery costs for income-qualified, it can help.
One more link to check out in our Forums:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Steve- we talked yesterday on the helpline, I'm glad you posted.
Jerry- I think Juniper has a mast cell tumor, certainly it is soft tissue not OSA.
And if I remember you are in Charleston S.C.? Please correct that if I'm wrong. I know it was only yesterday but I can't get to my notes and I've been dealing with a puking pug : )
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 the support. I was able to find a vet in Columbia, SC, about an hour and a half away, that quoted a much lower price and seemed to show a great deal of concern for my situation. With what friends and family have donated, I am able to go ahead with an appt tomorrow morning. Hopefully tests go well and I will so be asking for support on living the tripod lifestyle.
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