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 all. My beloved cocker spaniel Max was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on Aug 25th. Max is my baby...we have a different type of bond. Definitely a spiritual thing of some kind. His diagnosis was a surprise and after looking at treatment options we resigned ourselves to the idea that financially we just could not justify chemo for a 9 year old dog. We are now working with Dr. Loops to take a Homeopathic approach. I'm leery...I don't want to buy into a "witch doctor" scenario, but I am intrigued by his success. We weren't initially looking at amputation as an option. Thinking about only having a few months left with him and having at least a month of recuperation seemed cruel if he is doing okay on the Rimadyl. I am starting to look at amputation as a more serious option, but I do not think that my husband will be on board. Could someone offer me some guidance on what we should be considering when we are looking at amputation. I'd like to be informed before bringing it to my husband as an option. Also, I'm wondering what the cost would be on an amputation. Thanks!
Welcome and best wishes for Max! Your future posts will not require moderation.
You will find MANY posts about holistic and homeopathic treatment options in the Tripawds Nutrition blog ...
http://nutritio...../holistic/
As well as many forum topics here with members providing their own feedback.
Regarding costs, don't miss this popular topic with many members providing input about what they paid for treatment...
http://tripawds.....you-pay-1/
You might also want to share the results of the Tripawds Quality of Life Survey with your husband.
Use the Advanced Search above to filter results here in the forums, or search all blogs here for much more helpful info. Review Jerry's Required Reading List for more popular links, or consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi I'm Debbie and my little 10ish canaan dog Patches was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on August 21st and had her limb amputated on August 27th. We prayed and discussed and with the guidance of our amazing vet we chose amputation and chemo as our path. I cannot tell you how happy I am that we took this road. It was her left front limb and I was scared that I wasn't doing the right thing. Well......as of today my little three wheeler outran me to go and play with her jack russell terrier friend and she wanted to go for a big walk to the park! I didn't realize how much pain she was in prior to her diagnosis. We thought she hurt a tendon or something. She had lost weight too and just not herself and we thought maybe old age and arthritis. Well, this pup has a new lease on a good quality life. She is full of joy again, eating great, sleeping great, playing, wagging her tail it's just lovely to see. (you can see my entire story in the blog 'Patches Journey'). She has a suspicious spot on her lung (half centimeter) and we are going to try a round of carboplatin to see how she tolerates it. I've been doing some research as well and have some questions for my vet about metronomic therapy, supplements, diet and alternative therapies. I plan on fighting the battle of a lifetime for this little girl as she's spirited, feisty and loves life to the fullest.
Now.....cost. The surgery was $3800. The pre-testing was $1000 and change. I have no idea what the chemo will cost but it's ok. We are fortunate to be able to afford it. I know some people are hard pressed and I know that this site does have resources that could also be financial help. Bottom line.......I am SO happy we had her limb amputated. She smiles all the time and wags her tail. Leaving the tumor in the bone was not an option in my mind as I knew it would progress, the pain would intensify and not be managed by rimidyl for long and there was the risk of fractures, falls and rapid progression. Feel free to ask any more questions you have. I am happy to help
Hi!
I hope you find a good solution for your pooch! I just want to lay one thing down though. My pup Iris needed an amputation at 6 months from a broken leg. I almost put her to sleep but as fate would have it, even that didn't work out. I had her a steak "last supper" and all... When I brought her home from that, I knew she was my girl and I had to go to any limit to take care of her. I got a discounted although still expensive amputation from U.C. Davis, and that night, as I lay with her, she jumped onto the couch, staples and all.
No matter how much you read, you will never understand how humane an amputation is. My pup doesn't even know she is supposed to have four legs! She out jogs me and I'm a veteran! I try to do 2 miles a night and when we get home I'm smoked and she wants to play more!
My point is, although age is a factor I didn't have to consider, your dog will get over a surgery like amputation quicker than you will. The cone was harder on me than my pup. Amputation is NOT as tough as it sounds... Remember, humans are the only animals that have ever felt sorry for themselves! Whatever you do, we are here for you. This is a pawesome group!
Gosh, I couldn't have said it better than Patches and Iris! Great advice from both.
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Outstanding responses! All I've got to add is, do not beat yourself up over cancer. I wish I knew who coined the phrase, but, "Any decision made after diagnosis is the right decision." It's not your fault you have to make these difficult decisions, it's cancer's fault. Put the blame where the blame belongs.
You wouldn't be normal if you didn't have problems with the idea of amputation. And we've all felt the very same emotions you are going through. On some level, we've all faced the same issues as well, whether it be morally, financially, etc.
I also want to add, the hub-a-dub had strong feelings about amputation too, but once we discussed it and he saw how miserable our Harmony was, he came around. That doesn't mean that's the same decision for you, it just means that it's not a decision you have to make this very minute. Take some time to digest the information. Look to Max for some guidance. And remember, as Sally would say, "There is no expiration date stamped on his butt."
xoxox
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
So very sorry you have to be here. As you can see though, under the circumstances, there is no better place ro be for support and information. You've already gotten great input from Patches and Iris and the Admin Guy.
Having financial restraints is certainly something many of us understand. You can only do what you are able ro afford. Max would not want you to jave to deal with the stress of being in debt and never being able to find a way out.
For me, the ONLY way I was able to "afford" the surgery was maxing out my credit cards AND, the Surgeon worked with me on a payment plan
Let's assume for a moment you are able to figure out a way to finance the surgery, and possibly even the chemo if you decide to go that route. There are no guarantees with or without it.
Osteosarcoma is a VERY painful disease. Max's pain WILL get worse. There is also a chance of the leg breaking as it deteriorates. One of the main purposes of the amputation is to REMOVE THE PAIN. and give as much extended quality time as possible for more loving and spoiling and tummy rubs and treats!!
Does your surgeon think Max is a good candidate for surgery? Are his chest xrays clear? And it sounds like Max is a very "young" senior and has a lot of zest for life!
I was absolutely against amputation for my beloved 125 lb. Bull Mastiff. 8 1/2 yrs. at the time. I jad her on low dose pain meds /Tramadol) and that seemed to be working...until it didn't. Within a very short time her pain started getting worse and I was upping her Tramadol. The day she started holding her leg up because it hurt was the day Inknew I jad to move forward or I woukd jave to end her earth life in a matter of days. She still jad a lot of living to do!
BTW, this was before I joined this site. I actually scheduled the appointment and then cancelled it! I was soooo scared!!! How could a big dog like Happy Hannah get around on three legs! Anyway, I went ahead with the surgery. Recovery was rough! For over two weeks I wondered what it the world had I done TO my dog!!! And then her sparkle started coming back lightening fast! BAM!!! I knew I had done this FOR my dog!!
My Happy Hannah and I got THE most SPECTACULAR extended quality time together anyone could ever hope for!!! We all learn very quicw on this journey it is about QUALITY...that is all Max cares about! He doesn't count days on the calendar. He isn't worried avout tomorrow. And he certainly does NOT have a timeframe stamped on his cute little Cocker Spaniel butt!!
Recovery time from the surgery itself is generally...not always...but generally about two weeks. Sometimes sooner, sometimes a little more time. Generally, not always, dogs are mobile on three legs the day they come home. This really does vary dog to dog. Some take a few days or longer to get their mobility issues worked out. Some have it mastered from the get go.
Statistics don't mean too much around here as far as "longevity". My Happy Hannah lived life to the fullest for one year and two months of bonus time! Several dogs are goi g strong after two years! Conversely, some make it for a lot less time. None of us have a crystal ball. We just try to do the best we can.
All you can do is try and do the best you can for Max considering your circumstances. Many here have used Dr.Loops (I did several hears ago with Benny (benny55) and are very pleased. For me,I find him to be very knowledgeable and "authentic".
Remember, in doggy years, six months is over three years!!! That's three years of THE best quality time you could EVER imagine!!
Oh, and as far as "seniors" (and Max sounds like a BERY YOUNG senior), we have many dogs here thirteen, even older, who have done very well adapting to three legs...even with arthritis!
Cueck out your options, do your research. Whatever decision you make, we are all right here with you! Any decision made out of love is the right decision!!
We would LOVE to see pictures of Max when you can! He sounds adorable!
Sending lots of hugs to you and your beloved Max!
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!
Just saw Pam's response.....more Sage advice!
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!
MomofMax, I forgot to reply with the cost. I got lucky by going through U.C. Davis vet school, and the hind leg amputation was $975, but they go by weight, and Iris was already 40lbs. What area do you live in? If you have a veterinarian school nearby give them a call, they can do it at a discounted rate as they have to teach their students. I think through my VCA vet, it was going to be about $1300, but yours should be less because he is a Cocker, and I think they were going by Iris' weight as well.
You'll also have the cost of time. Iris was a model citizen in terms of recovery, but I still had to spend a good week with her day and night. The last thing you want is a pooch licking their wound. I didn't have to spend any money making a recovery room for her, but you'll have to partition off a room and make it slip proof, raised bowls etc.
Again, I almost put her to sleep, but when the SPCA said she could only be surrendered, I wasn't going to leave my pitbull in a cage for 72 hours by herself before the inevitable. Brought her back home and found the tripawds site, and found amputation was actually a humane action! Show your husband the site! Good luck!
I can only add that although we initially thought we couldn't amputate and do the whole chemo thing but we are so glad that we the amputation, his face said it all as soon as he had the op, the pain had gone
If you struggle with this the stories here should help you with your decision
Osteosarcoma is very painful. A grain-free diet is important, since grains feed cancer, and there are some supplements that help, although we've never used any with Murphy. Murphy was already in quite a bit of pain when he was diagnosed and without surgery, it was just a matter of time before he would have fractured his leg. We went to Michigan State University, which is a teaching hospital. The surgery itself was $2500 and Murphy weighs 50 lbs. Many people choose not to do chemo, but some do. And we all agree that cost definitely plays a part. Murphy was 7 when he had his surgery and aside from his leg, he was perfectly healthy. For us, it was a good decision, because Murphy has surpassed his prognosis and is still doing well over 2 years since his surgery.
Only you and your husband know your Max and how he would do with surgery. The first 2 weeks were rough, but after that Murphy did well. At 9 years old now, Murphy still jumps up on the bed, can jump into the car (I have a Ford Escape), he can run around the yard, chase squirrels and can even dig with just 1 front leg!
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
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