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 All -
Amazing to find a site like this with so many caring people contributing. Got tears just reading...
Anyway, came across this site while researching the decision we made just today to amputate our 8 yr old Golden's (Molly) front left leg. She has a tumor surrounding the nerve bundle right after it exits the spine. We did the MRI that found the tumor and follow-up X-rays of the chest and abdomen, which came back clear. The surgeon still has concerns that it might be too close to the spine, and left the call up to us with the confidence that it most likely will be ok and the amputation would take care of it.
She goes in this thursday to become a TRIPAW herself.
So here we sit with a very depressed pup, probably more because she can tell we are not well either, over her own pain. But we are looking forward to having our happy dog back. We are hoping this will take care of her but if not, are prepared to do what's best for her.
Thank you for providing a resource where we could learn and hear success stories from other dogs. It helps.
E, L, & M
Hi Molly and Pack, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts will not require moderation.
I hope you don't mind that I moved your post here, it made a little more sense since you are at the diagnosis stage.
I'm sorry you have found yourself here- as you probably know by now Golden's have more cancer than any other breed- lots of Goldens here.
Have you read through Jerry's Required Reading list or downloaded the ebook Three Legs and a Spare? Both are compilations of info from this site on what to expect with amputation and recovery.
So here we sit with a very depressed pup, probably more because she can tell we are not well either, over her own pain.
This is one of the first lessons we all had to learn when we got the diagnosis. Our pups look to us as pack leaders, so we have to be strong and positive to show them it is alright. Easier said than done since we are the ones with all the worry! But it will help Molly through the surgery and recovery period to know that everything will be fine.
The recovery period was pretty challenging for most of us- lots of ups and downs. My pug Maggie had her amp before Tripawds existed- when she was unhappy after surgery I convinced myself I had done the wrong thing. But she came around on her own stubborn pug timeline!
Good luck with the vet visits and surgery. Keep us posted on how Molly (and you) are doing.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Offline
I am so sorry that you had to find us but, rest assured, you are in good company.
Our Sammy, a 7-year-old golden, lost his right front leg to osteo in November 2011. Cancer is cruel, but Sammy was a happy and active doggie for an additional 13 months — time we treasured.
The amputation itself is a shock. But, after your heart resumes its normal beat, the recovery process is largely a matter of giving your pup the time to adjust and trying not to worry too much. When it all seems overwhelming, those of us who have already been through it will be here to help.
Your decision shows how much you love your baby. Molly knows it, too, and her depression may mirror you own worry. They worry about us, too! Good luck Thursday. Please let us know how things go.
Beth, Spirit Smilin' Sammy and MB Wiggly Wrigley (five months old!)
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Hi, sorry to hear about Molly but this is a good place to come to for information and virtual hugs. Magnum recovered from her amp within 3 to 4 weeks. She wasn't herself until she came off all the pain meds. But she enjoyed a wonderful 8 months after amputation. Every additional, precious day was priceless!
Wishing you well for the surgery and enjoy all the reading that Karen has recommended. It all helps to prepare you.
Please let us know how it goes.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
E, L & M, we're so glad you found this community to be helpful as you cope with everything. Every story here contributes in some way, and now that you have joined, yours will to. Thank you.
It sounds like you have a great medical team on your side, so that's one less thing to be concerned about. Before she goes in for surgery, be sure to write down any and all questions you have, and make sure the vets take enough time to answer them. And while you're waiting for Thursday you can also calm your fears by keeping yourself busy... Tripawd-proofing your house by putting traction down on slippery floors, raising her food & water bowls, etc.
I'm sure you've heard it said before, but it's the humans that take this situation a lot harder than the dogs. While it's normal to mourn the loss of her limb, try to stay pawsitive by reminding yourself that having Molly around with one less leg, happy and healthy, is better than not having Molly at all. It'll take practice, but you can do it!
Good luck this week. Whatever we can do to help make this journey easier, just let us know OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to you and Molly. Sorry you had to find us here.
I hope all goes well with the surgery. The first two weeks or so can be rough, but by the time she is off the pain meds and has her staples out, you should see your girl's personality back!
Keep us posted on how it goes.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Welcome Molly and Pack,
Just wanted to wish you well on Molly's surgery on Thursday and here's hoping for a smooth recovery for all of you. Stay pawsitive and be strong for Molly's sake and she will follow. It's hard at times but soon you will see and understand.
All our best,
Suzie and Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
All the best for Mollys surgery hope it all goes well and her recovery is uneventfull.
Sarah
Thinking of you and Molly-wishing her an easy surgery.You are in our thoughts. You will have plenty of support here.
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.
Hi All - Thank you again for all the well wishes. Here's the Molly post-op update:
Surgery went well but the surgeon was concerned about how close the tumor was to the spine so he's pretty sure it is all not removed. We will deal with that later. First she needs to recover...
We went to pick her up Friday afternoon and she got so excited, she hopped up on all 3 and started waggin her tail like the wild woman she is! That was great to see and the nurse said the was her first tail wag, but has been getting around very well and is cleared to go home. There was no doubt she was ready too and headed right to the door and out to the car.
Picked her out of the car with towel sling, set her down, and off she went in the house happy to be home. After tons of kisses and attention, we finally got her to lay down and sleep. The hardest part so far seems to be laying down. We wanted to help so she didn't fall over but I think we were actually making it harder. She's always wanted to do things on her own and this is no different; she will figure it out!
Last night was a little rough, she really could not get comfortable enough to sleep for long but managed a few hours here and there.
Overall thought, it's pretty impressive how she is dealing with it; though I swear I saw her look at where her leg was one time. Poor girl...
Anyway, thank you again for all the thoughts. We will post updates in hopes of helping another person cope with the same thing.
E, L, and Tripaw Molly
mollykruse said
...though I swear I saw her look at where her leg was one time.
Zeus did that a couple of times and I felt so bad for him, but then I realized that the look wasn't one of sadness but rather just a matter of fact "huh, my leg's not there" and he would then look away and be off to the next thought. They get past it pretty quick. Good luck with recovery!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Awwww, super duper news! As for her looking at her leg, Zeus is correct, dogs do get past it pretty quick. I think oftentimes it's less a matter of mourning the loss of their limb than it is their brain telling their nerves "hey, my leg's not there, see?"
With her stubbornness and your great attitude, you'll both get through this recovery without a hitch. She will figure things out on her own and while there may be times that your assistance will be helpful, if it looks like you're getting in the way, step back and see what happens. I'll bet she'll conquer anything!
You're right, one hop at a time, that's what needs to be done.
Congrats on a successful surgery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Laying down for front amps does seem to be a bit of a challenge, but she will figure it out.
The first few days to a couple of weeks can be bumpy- all the meds and getting used to the new normal makes pups just not themselves.
For Maggie is wasn't looking where her leg used to be- she was a rear amp- it was the 'air scratch'. Funny and kind of sad at the same time. She lost her left rear leg, she would stick her chin out to the left and her little stump would twitch and she would look a little perplexed that she wasn't getting any relief 
. She eventually stopped doing it and found other ways to scratch her itch, including using me!
I hope Molly's recovery is nice and smooth.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Oh- and if I may act as a moderator for a moment...
Now that Molly is past the surgery and is in recovery you might consider starting a new topic in the Treatment and Recovery forum, it helps members keep track of Molly's progress. But I know you have your hands full right now so stay here if it makes more sense to you.
Karen
So glad to hear Molly and you are doing well post surgery. Sleep when she does so you don't get really tired these first few days. As you already know, their sleep is disrupted at night and yours obviously is too. Then they nap more during the day....try and nap to keep up on yours. Sounds like she's doing great.....thinking of you both and hoping for a smooth recovery!
All our Best!
Suzie and TWP Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
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