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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Hi, my name is Alice & I have a 10 year old Rottweiler, Dakota, that was diagnosised with osteosacroma last Tuesday. I have made the decision to have his leg amputated on Wednesday, July 7 after reading all the positive information on here. This past week has been a very painful one, I didn't know my heart could heart as much as it has. I'm not sure if I am going to have chemo on him yet. I just wanted to "thank you" for this awesome site. I never thought I'd be in this situation but I am glad to have the information from here to help me make my decision.
Dakota's mommie
Alice
Dakota's mommie
Alice, so sorry about Dakota. I'm glad you found this site to help you make your decision. I can't imagine how much harder it would have been for me to go through all of this without the advice and support of all the great people here. We wish you the very best on Wednesday (fingers and paws crossed that all goes well.) As far as chemo goes, that (like amputation) is a very personal choice and I know you'll do what's best for Dakota. Of course we're here to try to answer any questions and talk about our experiences. Sadie had osteosarcoma also and we amputated her right front leg and did the whole chemo thing. She handled it all well, and so far so good. What leg is Dakota having amputated? Also, would love to see a picture!
Lisa & Sadie
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
Welcome to the family, this indeed is the best place to be. Gus had his front left amputated in Arpil, at the time we did the first x-ray he was clear on his chest, but he started getting a lump on his neck and when I took him in we did a second x-ray and found some lung mets, that was about 5 weeks ago. at the time we did the surgery we felt we had caught the cancer early and decided to not do any chemo since quality of life for Gus was our main goal. Even the vet was surprised at how fast it had progressed, so at that time metronomic therapy was suggested from some people here which we started three weeks ago with cytoxin , doxycycline and mushrooms. I can't say if it has helped, Gus is a very active dog, lab-rott mix and very strong, so he handled the adjustment with no problem and by 4 weeks was back to pretty much normal, but I am noticing the last week he seems to be hopping different and has started a cough like he has eaten to fast once in a while, so I am starting to wonder if the cancer is still as agressive. This is a sucky road to be on and it always has you wondering what is next, but this site is a Godsend for all of us, and there is so much support here that it makes this journey SO much easier. Some of the dogs react different to certain drugs, Gus had trouble with Tramadol but several people have had good luck. Phantom pain might be an issue, Gus had it, it makes the ride a little rougher but they get over it, it's usually the parents that have more problems than the dogs themselves. Don't be afraid to ask anything here, experience gives the best answers, Good luck, Paws up, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Welcome Alice and Dakota. I'm so sorry that the C-monster got you too, but glad you found your way here. The people here have helped each other through the painful times and then celebrated together at the milestones. We're always glad to have someone new. Who knows--your experience may be just the one to help someone else down the line.
Right now, share your fears and questions. Pictures too.
Hope all goes smoothly for you Wednesday.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Alice and Dakota,
First, let me say how sorry we are to hear of Dakota's diagnosis, but you have found a great community filled with wonderful people who will share their collective experience, give excellent advice, and provide support. One would get a near unanimous agreement regarding the amputation because it eliminates the pain. Normally, after two weeks of recovery, they will amaze you. The chemotherapy is a different story since there are numerous personal issues. For Miss Cherry, the chemotherapy was far worse than the amputation, but considering her condition at the time of diagnosis, the chemotherapy was clearly the best choice for US. We know that when the time comes to decide on chemotherapy or not, you will be making the best choice for you and Dakota and this community will totally support that decision.
I have a set of "standard" suggestions that I post that may help you throught the amputation recovery. Unfortunately, I have attempted to post these suggestions ten times and as of yet they do not appear. So PLEASE LINK to a previous posting of these suggestions.
Sending Positive Thoughts,
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Alice and Dakota,
Welcome. We're so sorry that you are walking this journey but rest assured we'll all be there for you and do what we can to help OK?
My pawrents completely underdstand the shock of getting diagnosed. One minute we're happy and runnin' and playin' and the next we're limping and the dog says our leg has to come of. Huh?
Well, as you can see here, it's not the end of the world. Many dogs even with osteosarcoma (like me), will defy the odds and live a good long life with cancer. Some of us had chemo, some of us didn't. And while we all hope for the best, one thing we do like to tell pawrents is to prepare for the worst. Because it always seems like when we lose a pup too soon after amputation, that there's no rhyme or reason why. Most dogs will do great but there are a few who do not. That's the hard reality, but for the most part, we dawgs do great.
One of the biggest keys to keeping your sanity is to remember that we're living with cancer, not dying from it. So catch your bearings, and get ready to keep a pawsitive attitude. Cancer is scary, but it's not a death sentence. And always remind yourself that no matter what you decide to do for treatment, you're making the best decision for you and Dakota. There are no "right" decisions other than the ones that are right for your pack.
I suggest you start by reading my latest summary of all of the most asked questions, topics, etc., here:
Tripawds First Required Reading List
Good luck, and remember we are here to help oK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh, one more thing that might cheer you up. Here's a blog post we did about a Rottie who is doing GREAT after surgery:
Tripawd Max Does Swimmingly Well, Even After Hip Replacements
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the boards - this board is a WEALTH of knowledge!!
It's been a rough month for Denali and myself as she is newly diagnosed as well (left rear leg). I cried for days after hearing of Denali's future. We just went through with the amputation on Thursday July 1 and I've been trying to post updates about it - so feel free to follow her journey.
~~~~ Denali ~~~~
June 9, 2010 OSA suspected
June 17, 2010, July 14, 2010 Clear X-rays – no mets
July 1, 2010 Amputation
July 9, 2010 OSA Confirmed
November 23, 2010 Cancer took you from me - Never forgotten, Always Loved - Forever
Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken, And never, ever giving up Hope
Hi Alice...welcome to a great group of people with lots of knowledge. Sorry you have to be here but you couldn't be in a better place for friends and knowledge. Keep us posted! And our prayers and thoughts.
Pat & Spirit Ruthie
Thanks everyone!!!! Dakota is having is right front leg amputated. I don't know that I have any questions right now. Its still sinking in. I'm sure after his surgery I'll have lots of them. My only fear is he is such a skiddish dog, the least little noise scares him. I'm just wondering how he will adapt. I'm still 2nd guessing myself, wondering if I'm doing the best thing for him. I've had numerous people tell me to just put him down, I can't do that. Other than a limp, you'd never know anything was wrong with him. He's been my protector for 10 years & I can't imagine my life without him. I guess that's what my fear is, losing him........
Thanks again,
Alice
Dakota's mommie
Hi Alice,
Welcome to Tripawds. You got lots of good advice already- I just wanted to comment on your last post.
My pug Maggie was one of the least adaptable dogs I have ever had. She did not like change at all even with simple things- she was mad for a month when I bought a SUV and she had to ride in the back instead of the front seat of my old truck. I was worried about her dealing with the amputation. And to be honest- she took a little longer than many that I read about here to get back to her old self- but she did, on her own schedule and at her own pace.
Maybe Dakota will be one of those 'spring right back' dogs, but don't be surprised if he takes his time. It doesn't mean he can't or won't adapt- he will at his own pace.
Don't second guess yourself- you have done your research, you know Dakota. If you make your decision with love and Dakota's best interest at heart you can't be wrong!! We are all here to help and support you as you start your tripawd journey.
Also- Maggie was really bad with loud noises too. She did not like loud noises at all- if she knew where they were coming from she would move away- but the ones she couldn't identify terrified her!! New Years eve and the 4th of July were very hard on her. Its funny I was just thinking about this…. Mag had lost some hearing over the years after chronic ear infections- last 4th of July was the first one that I could sit out in the yard with her and watch the fire works- no problem!!
Karen
Howdy Alice,
Shelby, the Petite Princess is also a front right leg amputee.
I might as well break it to you now... Dakota will never have a future in NASCAR. Shelby is wicked fast on the right hand turns but just doesn't quite have those left handers down yet!
You'll be in our hearts and prayers on the 7th. This website is a family and although we hate the price of admission, you'll find kind, wonderful and knowledgeable folks here.
take care and let us know how Dakota is doing.
the chauffeur
Welcome Alice,
I am sorry to read of Dakota's diagnoses. My dog Tasha, also a Rottweiler had her left front leg amputated 9 months ago due to osa. The first two weeks were hard but then things just got better and better everyday . Today Tasha does almost everything she did before. She can run so fast, loves to go on walks, car rides heck she is just a normal dog, except that she lives her life on 3 legs.
We will be thinking and praying for you on the 7th.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Hi Alice,
Welcome to our Tripawds family... I'm so sorry to hear about Dakota's diagnosis... My 10 yr old golden retriever Jake also had osteosarcoma and amputation of his front right leg. He did pretty well after his surgery and even got to swim in the pool once his staples came out.
Be sure to prepare your home for Dakota after the surgery... Have plenty of soft places for him to lie on around the house (doggie beds, comforters). Get your self a sling and a ruffware harness... Get a few T-shirts for him so he doesn't lick at his incision... Be prepared for lack of sleep the first two weeks post-op!
I wish Dakota all the best for his surgery next week and a speedy recovery.
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
alice said:
Thanks everyone!!!! Dakota is having is right front leg amputated. I don't know that I have any questions right now. Its still sinking in. I'm sure after his surgery I'll have lots of them. My only fear is he is such a skiddish dog, the least little noise scares him. I'm just wondering how he will adapt. I'm still 2nd guessing myself, wondering if I'm doing the best thing for him. I've had numerous people tell me to just put him down, I can't do that. Other than a limp, you'd never know anything was wrong with him. He's been my protector for 10 years & I can't imagine my life without him. I guess that's what my fear is, losing him........
Thanks again,
Alice
Hi Alice - you're just about close enough for me to reach out and touch. Welcome to our group. I can understand how hard this is for you, and folks who think you should put him down, while trying to help, just don't get it. There is absolutely no guarantee on how much time they have left, that is the gamble you take. You can be guaranteed that the time they have will be pain free. Trouble just celebrated 19 months pain free (except for her arthritis) and cancer free. Lots of good thoughts coming your way on Wednesday.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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