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
My dog Rascal is a 13 year old Jack Russell Terrier, he's very healthy for his age and body type. I really wanted to reach out here for some moral support with his current situation.
Rascal has had two surgeries on his right fore-leg to remove a mass. My vet told us in the beginning that it would likely grow back from a few cells, and grow back faster each time it was removed; she said then that it would likely end in amputation, but it took such a long time to form we thought we could get away with a removal. We opted out of having the mass tested at the time of each removal because we're fairly poor and foolishly thought removal would solve our problems for at least long periods of time.
Here's my problem though, Rascal took a long time to heal from his second removal and the mass was already reforming by the time his incision was closed. It's very large and has stretched the scar tissue from previous operations, the vet is suggesting we move on and amputate his leg since it looked like cancer to her with the initial biopsy though we again, didn't test the tissue to confirm this.
I'm pretty young, and I've had Rascal since I was a kid. He's always been my father's financial burden, that being said I'm nervous about these decisions. My father is convinced Rascal cannot do well with an amputation, and ignores my arguments to the contrary after a lot of Google searches. I can't force my father to bankroll this operation, though I think it's the better option than continuing having multiple blind removal operations.
I'm also feeling a lot of guilt for never actually finding out what the heck the mass actually is.
The more I research how life on three legs look, the more nervous I become. He was a fat puppy, and I had him running track and eating small portions for over a decade. This has made him very muscular and as such, still quite heavy which I understand can be hard when it's a fore-leg you're looking at removing.
I do believe he's healthy and active enough to make the change alright, but that isn't to say I'm not drowning in concerns about lifestyle changes. There's only so much I can do for him on my own without the help and cooperation of my family and several other animals. I'm used to following my parents lead, and I'm terrified about making the wrong decision. But my family isn't willing to have a bunch of testing done, and the vet is pushing for amputation at discounted prices because she likes my pet-heavy family. I'm suspicious of everyone and too broke to help him on my own, but we've been together for so long I can't imagine not having him happily beside me.
This dog is a tank, he's tough as nails and I've been told on many occasions that he seems as healthy as a dog years younger. He's got enough gumption to take on dogs four times his size in farmland confrontations and have them running from sheer attitude. I don't know how to cope with him having any sort of issue let alone one this serious/unknown.
Any advice on how to convince my father to part with the money for testing, or convince him that amputation is potentially much better than a cycle of surgeries that look to never end would be amazing. I just have to get this off my chest and express that I know we're cheapskates, but I'm a kid that loves her dog despite that.
Welcome, your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Heavy is different than overweight. If Rascal is fit and strong and, he should recovery quickly and adapt quickly to life on three legs. This decision, however, can only be made between you and your vet, preferably and orthopedic specialist at an accredited veterinary clinic.
Too many times, we hear from members who put their dogs through multiple, painful, expensive surgeries in an effort to "save the leg" only to proceed with amputation eventually. Search the forums above or search all blogs here for lots of success stories and professional tips. Or consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to the most common concerns.
Best wishes for Rascal, please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
RASCAL! Imw in love with you already! Not JUST because of that ADORABLE picture, but because of your feisty attitude and gumption!!! Clearly age js "just a number" to you!!!
We've had several dogs of "a mature age"" do very well adjusting to three legs. Shelby Lynne, Franklin, Sam...all 13 or older.
My Happy Hannah had her amputation due to osteosarcoma, so the circumstances leading up to that decision were differet, but I assure you the fear, the doubt, the uncertainty, the second guessing everything, were all the same! Others wil l chime in with circumstances like yours and they will ALL tel l you why they eventually went with amputatiin and why kt was a good decision!
My Happy Hannah (a Bull Mastiff) was known around here as "fluffy", or a "plus size model, or "well muscled", or "Ruebenesque". Yeach, she was kinda' chunky! She did.brilliantly on three legs! Recovery from the surgery itself was no picnic and I questioned my decision for the first three weeks. But once recovery took place and her sparkle came back, I was THRILLED with my decision!!
Whenever you make a decision out of love, it is always the right decision!
It sounds as though your vet has made an overall assessment of Rascal and feels like he is a good candidate for the surgery. And your vet is pushing for it. That's quite an endorsement! Have your dad lo o k at the dorums here with you. And have him speak with Rasca@'s doctor. We are more than happy to answer any questions he may have.
Can't wait to see more pictures of Rascal! Please keep us posted. Stay connected to us...we are all right by your side, okay?
Sending hugs a d love to you and Rascal and all your pack!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Continue to do yojr research nere and share it with your dad. We have all sorts of videos of tripawds doing very well on three legs.
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!
Thanks a lot for the warm responses!
I spoke with my father earlier tonight about the vets endorsement after I posted all my feelings here. A heart-to-heart was had, and he's much more open to going through with it now! We have to wait a bit longer to save up for the funds, but I'll be going in to have Rascal examined by the vet again soon and discuss it more in depth. We've been going to this country vet clinic for years and years with a host of animals and things have always turned out alright. She's also qualified for amputation and I've seen the results of her work hanging around before.
Just venting here and reading around the site really do have me feeling much better and more confident about moving forward together with my best friend!
Awww good....I'm glad thinks are moving forward and your Dad is on board!
Check out the blogs for "Questions to ask your vet" O e thing that comes to mind...I imagine they will keel Rascal overnight. Is it lossible to jave a vet tech stay with him ? Rascal will be druggy and seeing pink elephants anyway.
And remember, Rascal isn't worrying about a thing!! He's just livi g in the moment thinking of ways to intimidate animals bigger than he is!!
And co.e here anyt k me to ve t, scream, cry, whaeber! We all do!!!
Stay connected to is, okay? We are all right by your side cheering you and Rascal on!
Now go get a good nightw sleep and give that cute "tank" a smooch for js!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
You're an amazing advocate for Rascal for being a young person!! Rascal is so lucky to have you as his guardian!! I'm glad to hear your dad is more open to the idea of amputation now. My thinking and argument would be you keep spending money in surgeries that aren't fixing the problem. On top of that the discomfort that Rascal must be feeling from multiple surgeries and a site that won't heal. With amputation that problem will be taken care of and I have no doubt that Rascal will feel better. Like Sally mentioned ask your dad to look through the forums and blogs within this community. If he can't get inspired by the stories here I don't know what will.
I know you mentioned finances are tight...have you looked into CareCredit? It's kind of like a credit card for medical issues and I'm pretty sure it works with vet practices as well. I used it several years ago for some dental work that my insurance wouldn't cover. It used to work that you could get so many months with 0% interest and as long as it was paid off within that time frame there was no interest charged. It's just an option that you could check into.
Keep us posted and I look forward to hearing how Rascal progresses!!
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Update: So Rascal and I have been to the vet twice more since I last posted, in that time I've sort of rallied my family to the point that everyone is pitching in to try and help Rascal get the best care we can afford.
The decision was made today with Rascal's surgeon, "Off with his leg!"
He's been scheduled for next Monday, June 29th 2015. This is the best day for both us and the vet, as she'll have all her assistants on hand to help her run the clinic while she pays full attention to my boy. I've just taken leave of volunteering for the summer so I can devote my time to Rascal's recovery and helping him adjust to this whole new life!
I'm a bit nervous, but also relieved that the decision has been worked out; he'll be getting a full 14 day run of pain medication and the surgeon was happy to work out a payment plan so we can move forward. His tumor is very large and already impeding his use of the leg though he shows very little discomfort with it. If anything he just seems annoyed at how useless it is!
One thing I'd like all the advice about, is home care now that we're doing this thing! My vet doesn't have over-night care and the nearest pet hospital is way out of our league price wise. My vet has assured me that she's sent home a number of amputees this year and they've all not only survived, but thrived. So if anyone here has experienced that first night at home, please please tell me about it!
I've also got questions about confining typically very social dogs. I have three younger female dogs who are all submissive to my older boss-man, and he's used to sharing his space with them. It actually stresses them out to be away from each other! Is confining him under those circumstances worth it? I sort of just want to block off unsafe spaces and let him recover with his girls around him.
I'm in love with this community right now I must say! I've read all of the Pre-Op Required Reading, and I felt much more confident being able to ask my dog's surgeon the important questions! You guys are rockstars!
Oh, Rascal looks like a rascal!! What a sweet pup. AND how fortunate he is to have you as his advocate!
When Harmony went through surgery, her first night with us really wasn't as bad as say the third or fourth night. But you have to accept this up front, there will be both great and not-so-great days ahead. It's just the way it is. Just like humans, recovery from major surgery is just that; recovery. It's a new norm for you and him that you won't acquire overnight.
My best advice, get rest when you can. You can't help Rascal if you're not at 100% both physically and mentally.
Be patient. He will turn a corner when you least expect it.
Keep open communication between you and your vet. I don't know of any vet that charges for asking a simple questions that might ease your worries.
Follow your vet's instructions. This is very important in the recovery of your fur-baby.
And lastly, did I mention get plenty of rest?
There's loads, and loads of advice and experiences in the forums here. They were priceless when I needed them for our Harmony.
Keep us updated!!
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Thank you Pam (and everyone else in here),
I really do treasure every bit of warmth I've soaked up from this site so far.
Rascal is my favorite living creature (sorry mum), and he's got loads of life left in him. I'm not looking forward to watching him be in anymore pain, but he's gotta get better so we can keep hiking and playing and having fun together!
I would agree w/Pam. The first couple of nights home (even though Shelby spent 2 days at the hospital) weren't that bad ... but once some of the pain meds wore off and we switched to something new ... it was harder. Shelby was restless and anxious. We had meds for that too but not for me! LOL
There will be ups and downs for sure. good days and bad days and it's important to focus on why you did this in the first place - to remove the pain! Quality of life.
I'm glad you downloaded the books. I found them very helpful and I would go back and read them over and over. And come here and post - a lot. We've all been through this and there is so much collective wisdom on this site and we all want to help! Also, we have a helpline that you can call and talk to someone about what's up. We are not vets, though, but we can offer support and what worked best for us.
I think the key will be calm, limited and I do mean LIMITED movement. Rest is best... if Rascal is better w/his pack, then it will be key to keep them all calm too!
Good luck and keep us posted. We're all pulling for you!!! My girl, Shelby, was a JRT mix ... feisty and spirited! Rascal will do great!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
I'm so glad you were able to rally your family to support your choice of amputation. I truly do believe it's the best option instead of continued surgeries trying to remove the mass just to have it come back again.
Like Alison said resting and giving Rascal's body time to heal is very important. His only activity should be leashed potty breaks for the first couple of weeks. And is it possible to put up a baby gate to keep Rascal separated from the other pups but they can still see/smell each other? My only concern would be the other pups getting around his incision site and possibly licking it. You sure don't want to get an infection going. Since he'll be a front leg amp the vet may put some sort of wrapping around the site when he initially comes home. Others have also used t-shirts to keep the site covered.
Also, just like people not all dogs handle pain medication the same way. Stay in contact with your vet as it may take some tweaking of the dosage and/or particular meds to find what works best for Rascal. You don't want the little fella in a constant stupor or in pain. And we're here to give you our experiences with different meds and what worked and didn't so you have some options to ask the vet if her initial pain management regimen doesn't seem quite right.
Sending you and Rascal best wishes for a safe surgery on Monday.
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
You sound so optimistic and hopeful, that's wonderful! It's not an easy thing to do in such a daunting situation but you've got it nailed perfectly.
I apologize for just now catching up on your story but as you've seen there's amazing and helpful advice from everyone here that's spot-on! What I will add to that is that if he's going home the same night as surgery, do make sure he has adequate pain medication and you have an emergency phone # to call just in case. We've had other members here like Michelle and Sassy take their dogs home the same night as surgery and they made it through, you will do!
Let us know what questions you have this week, we're here for you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello again Tripawds!
Just quickly updating anyone that's replied and is interested in continuing conversation with Rascal and I in the future, since we've decided to move forward with the amputation and further conversation doesn't really belong in the Presentation and Diagnosis Forum, I've created a blog to document our transition!
I've posted there about our day shopping (retail therapy) for an awesome healing t-shirt and enjoying a sunny day in the car!
Loved the pictures on your blog! I couldn't find a way to comment there, so I'm commenting here. Rascal is so lucky. And I'm thrilled to know you're trying to keep your head in the right place. That's going to help him more than you know.
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Oh pawesome! Hopping over there in just a bit. Thanks for sharing your story in a blog and congrats on graduating!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
