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, my name is Melissa and I am new here. My little guy Max just got diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on his front right leg. He is a 7 year old Bichion. The lump is on his upper leg and the vet and I think it's under the muscle. We talked about removing the lump. I worry about not getting it all and having it come back. His leg is so very little, he only weighs 11lbs, not alot of wiggle room. My husband and I are thinking about amputation. I am alittle "freaked out" about the thought. I was looking for support and thoughts from others who have been through it. I know dogs do well. My concern is, if we try to take the tumor out and it comes back and we end up amputating the leg, he will have to go through 2 surgeries. He isn't in any pain now and is moving around normally, however the lump is definetly getting bigger. I don't want to sound morbid, but did anyone bury the leg?? I don't know why it bothers me so much, but it is part of him and I don't want it just thrown away in the biohazard trash. Any thoughts would really help.
Hi Maxman and people,
Welcome. I know you're in a stressful place right now and we hope we can make it easier for you to cope. Many members here have dealt with mast cell tumors and can give you their insight on the experience. It's natural to be nervous about the amputation procedure, so we created this "Required Reading List" and ebook, "Three Legs & a Spare" to help people decide if it's something they want to proceed with. We hope these resources help you too.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that Max's size will give him a big advantage during recovery and his life afterward. You'll be amazed!
As for the amputated leg...some folks have asked their doctors to cremate it so they can keep the remains and bury them someday with their beloved dog. It's not unusual to ask for that, so don't hesitate to talk to your vet about it. The important thing is to be as comfortable as you can with this decision before proceeding. We'll do our best to provide you with all the insight you need to either proceed or not. Whatever you decide, we're here to help.
Max is a cutie! Be sure to share some pics when you get a chance!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Melissa and Max, Welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts will not require moderation.
I'm sorry you are dealing with MCTs in Max. I am, unfortunately a MCT veteran. Tri-pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to mast cell, and her little sis Tani has multiple cutaneous MCTs. First you can read Maggie's story in her blog, including a page on her amp and treatment. Mag has been gone over two years now- but she beat mast cell cancer! Tani, now 12 years old, is up to 9 cutaneous MCTs. I am no longer having them removed.
I didn't really have the option to try and remove the tumor in Mag's leg, it was too deep in the tissues of the knee, there was no way to remove the whole thing. Knowing Mag, and knowing what I know now about amps I think I would chose amputation over a try at tumor removal. Mag had trouble with anastetic- we almost lost her a couple times so I really tried to stay away from surgery if I could. What does Max's vet say? When Mag went in for her amp the surgeon said that if he thought he could get the whole tumor, and still have enough tissue to close the site he would try that- obviously what was not the case. Would your surgeon do that? The hard thing about mast cell tumors is that without really good margins that chances that the tumor would come back are high.
As another option have you considered removing the tumor and then radiation therapy?
Are you considering chemo as well? There are newer meds out now that were not available when Maggie started down her cancer path. Palladia and Mastinib are things to ask your vet about (if you haven't already).
Two other people to look for here- lesliec who had Roxy the boxer who is 2 or more years past her front amp for MCT, and Angel Rio's Mom Micki. Rio fought mast cell cancer for years. Here is Rio's blog to check out.
As far as the leg goes- you have to do what is right for you.
What other questions can I help you with?
Karen and the pugapalooza
1 Guest(s)
