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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi, I've never used a blog or a forum before, don't know if I'm doing it right, sorry if I'm not. We found out our 2 year old German Shepherd (Girldog) has bone cancer on Monday. She is scheduled to have her front left leg removed tomorrow morning. We pray we've made the right decision. We too are devastated. We struggled as to what would be the best course of action and when I called her regular vet, in tears, to tell him of her diagnosis and our intention to just keep her as comfortable as possible, he said to please consider amputation as if we get even one more good year with her, it's worth it - he went on to say that one year in my life may not seem like much, but to her, a dog with a life expectancy of +/- 12 years, a year is huge...that statement made our decision. I'm looking forward to her living again, playing again, running again. We are scared to death and very nervous, but comfortable in our choice. Please pray for Girldog.
Hi Girldog and family.....welcome. I saw you in the chat earlier, please consider coming back for some support. She's lucky to have you in her corner, to give her a chance. It's a scary time, for sure; but the Tripawd family has your back. We've been where you are, and can help you in the days to come. My Dobe Nitro had his right front leg amputated due to cancer 2 years ago this June. He was 8 1/2 at the time of diagnosis and today is a happy, goofy awesome dog. The journey has been stressful, and scary and uncertain, but I don't regret one second of it. For us, it was the right decision. Sending you many prayers for the upcoming days. The help line is a great tool if you want to talk to someone who's been there. Good luck - we're here for you.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Hi and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I hope you don't mind that I moved your post here- Girldog deserves her own forum topic.
I'm sorry about the diagnosis, and we all understand the feeling of devastation. Only two years old too, that is very hard to take.
If you haven't already you might look through The Required Reading List, or consider downloading a book from the Tripawds Library . Both have lots of info on what to expect from amputation and recovery.
The recovery period can be tough so don't get discouraged if Girldog isn't herself for a while. Most pups bounce back after a couple weeks, some sooner, some take a little longer. Keep a positive attitude around Girldog and show her everything will be OK.
You have chosen to give her a gift- you are taking away a painful leg that will only get worse. You are giving her a chance for more quality time without pain.
As far as it being 'worth it' if you get a year...around here we like to say Be More Dog . That means you live in the moment, treasure each day, take joy in each day like dogs do. Each day, each week, each month, each year means so much more when you are on the Tripawd journey.
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
Wow, 2 years old is young for cancer! But it's happened before. It really sucks that you have to be here, but many of us can relate to how you're feeling. The first 2 weeks or so are the hardest time, but Girldog will feel better in no time! Make sure that you keep up on her pain medications - you'll want to give them spaced out around the clock for good coverage. Murphy came home on Tramadol, Rimadyl & Gabapentin. Some come home on a Fentanyl patch or an antibiotic. Murphy also didn't really want to eat very well, which isn't uncommon. I cooked up some rice, poured chicken broth over it then added some chunks of chicken and that worked for him. Feel free to post here if you have any questions. Someone is likely to have an answer for you!
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
Online
Hi Girldog and family! So sorry you find yourself here but, as you can see, there is no better place for support, information and understanding.
We can all relate to the devastating feeling when you get the news. It's a real kick in the gut and you feel like you are stuck in a nightmare. I also was hesitant about doing an amputation on my 125 pound Bull Mastiff, Happy Hannah. It was my vet who suggested that I at least look into amputation.
Recovery was no picnic. It took about 3 weeks before I could finally say I did this FOR my happy Hannah and not TO her. So be sure and stay connected, as we know all too well the ups and downs of the recovery process. I can also tell you that once her sparkle started coming back bigger and brighter than before, it was the best decision ever!
You will.learn very quickly to Be More Dog ! That means live in the moment with no worries! Girldog doesn't count days on a calendar.and could care less about a "diagnosis". Savor.every second and take lots of pictures! We love pictures around here!
Update when she's out of surgery.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Stay connected! We are right here by your side!
Love!
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!
Otis is three months out from amputation of his right front leg. He cannot walk very far, but he can do everything else that he did before. For us, amputation was absolutely the right decision - it just wasn't time to say goodbye yet. And although the first 10 days are tough, it amazed me that the recovery period is actually so short. Once the staples come out, you will amazed at how well she probably does!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Oh my goodness! Welcome to the club that no one wants to have to be a member of! You found a wonderful, loving, supportive community here at Tripawds. You'll be surprised at how well your pup adapts. That said, we have all been where you are and we know how difficult it is. Please reach out of you have any questions. Use the helpline if you need to. We are all here for each other. Our journey would have been difficult without Tripawd Nation.
Best wishes and please keep us posted with an update and PICS!!
xoxo
Julie and Spirit Buddy
Hi Girldog! Hang in there gorgeous. I just went thru th amputation and made it through the first night home great. Yea it is a little different on three paws but that is okay. Momma bought me antislip socks which have really helped on the hardwood floors and tile. Praying for you Bandit
Good day
I have also been so unfortunate to have my dearest cat caesars's front leg amputated this week, without him even being ill, he broke his leg too badly to be fixed. It is such a shock to a caring pet owner. Today is day 6 and I can assure you every day is better than the day before. Good luck my dear.
1 Guest(s)
