Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
My 5 1/2 year old bullmastiff has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front left leg…as much of you are all to aware we are absolutely devastated. We only just buried our other old dog a month ago, so this has hit us really hard and was totally unexpected.
Luka started limping out of the blue about 3 weeks ago..we left it for a week to see if it would resolve itself. X-rays showed that it could be cancer. Bone biopsy confirmed this a couple of days ago. Now we are faced with the decision to manage pain with medication or to amputate and hope that she gets a few months pain free. We are not going to pursue chemo, main reason being that we don't think delaying the inevitable will help her. Initially I had thought that amputation would be too cruel on her, especially considering that she is a large dog (55kg), front leg and the fact that it won't really give her that much extra time anyways…but now after reading posts and watching videos of other large dogs coping..I am really considering doing it. I figure that she is already in pain and on tramadol twice daily, and the pain is only going to get worse. With an amp at least she will be pain free (after initial healing) until inevitably succumbing to lung cancer. It breaks my heart, as she is still so happy other than a sore leg. My thoughts were that if she got pain free time and then got ill later, I could put her to sleep when she is actually starting to get sick….if that makes sense??
Any advice from you all would be very much appreciated…my husband and I will be discussing what route to take in the coming days x
Hi and welcome. On my phone now but will return with a real welcome and some thoughts in just a bit....
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Luka and family, welcome to the club nobody wants to join. I'm so sorry you're faced with this, we know how tough it is and completely understand all of the emotions you're going through. And I'm really so sorry about losing your other dog so recently, that's an extra whallop, I'm sorry.
But we're so glad you're here because as you can see, there are many giant breed dogs who do just great on three legs! One of our rock stars here, another Bull Mastiff named Happy Hannah, did wonderfully after the initial recuperation (I'll let her Momma tell you more about that!). We've got lots of good examples like her, so poke around and you can see more.
When you're looking, however, the first thing to keep in mind is that every dog is different. Generally most do great but if there are pre-existing issues (overweight, joint problems, etc.) that may be a bigger challenge for some. Also, the attitude of the pawrents has so much to do with how the recuperation goes too, so the more upbeat and positive you are, the more she will be too. Check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books for more details about this decision and life on three legs.
What does your vet think about Luka's candidacy as a Tripawd? Have you seen an oncologist yet?
Finally, the last thing I want to mention is that the best thing you can keep in mind is that when it comes to a cancer like osteo, it's all about quality of life not quantity. Remember, dogs don't count days off the calendar, they don't know what a prognosis is, they just want to feel good and spend their day with people they love. Dogs live in the Now, and it's one of the most valuable lessons we learn in this journey.
Lots of hugs to all of you, we're here no matter what you decide so keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ditto everything Jerry said!
I'm ROCK STAR HAPPY HANNAH'S human!! Let me say right off the bat, she was considered so.ewhat of a "senior" at 8 1/2...somewhat of a "Plus sized Model"...her work out exercise basically consisted of eating, jumping up and down off the sofa and rolling over for tummy rubs!
When my vet through out the "possibility" of an amputation and then even chemo, I said ABSOLUTELY not! Side note...I had not found this site yet!. I felt like I was stuck in a nightmare! All I could do was sob hysterically! Happy Hannah felt GREAT....except for the off and on limp she'd had for months that he was treating as arthritis.
I'll just go to what ultimately tipped the scales for me after a lot of research....research that, for the most part, scared the heck out of me. Oh, let me suggest The Dog Cancer Survival Guide ...a book you'll see a link for on this site...invaluable!
*As I was still stumbling around in a fog of fear, Happy Hannah was doing okay on just mild pain pills....until I had to start increasing them....and I knew things were speeding upand her quality was starting to become compromised.
*Huge deciding factor....six months pain free in doggy years is the equivalent of three years plus to us!
*I "talked it over" with Happy Hannah....everything about her...her great zest for life...her HAPPY attitude...everything told me she was not ready to give up this life of spoiling and loving and food!
*There ARE risks, make NO mkstake...it is major surgery! Some dogs do not even get past recovery....some don't get much past recovery, and some get many months and some even get years! It's a crap shoot, that's for sure!
*For me, I HAD to give her a chance. For me, I felt like I would beat myself up more if I didn't try and had to say "farwell" in a matter of weeks, in spite of the risks!
*I kept it chunked down. I needed to first make the decision to amputate, then I could think about chemo later.
After canceling the scheduled surgery the first time, I finally proceeded!
I did not join this site until six days after amputation and my first post was asking for help because I thought I'd made a horrible decision! And I thought that for the first three weeks! I was thrown a lifeline by this incredible community and I grabbed onto it and have never let go! This community has first hand knowledge that surpasses anything you could ever learn from books, or doctors or google!
Sometimes big fluffy dogs take a little longer to recover. And recover she did! Happy Hannah's sparkle came back bigger and brighter than before!!! Her ability to navigate almost instantly on three legs absolutely astounded me! That part of her recovery was very rapid!
Happy Hannah and I were so lucky to receive the grace of ONE YEAR AND TWO MONTHS of THE most blissfully glorious time of loving, laughing...oh how we laughed...and spoiling that one could ever imagine!!
I will share this regarding her transition to Spirit this April. A couple of months prior a large met was found....it made her tire easily...no biggie for a couch potato Bull Mastiff anyway...and then made it a little bit uncomfortable trying to sleep. Her attitude was always upbeat, she still had that twinkle in her eye and, of course, still savored her meals. I was given the gift of being able to make a decision for her while she was just starting to show signs of being uncomfortable. It was clear that things would eventually start going downhill with no turning around pretty soon. This is not always the case with this crazy liece of crap disease, but it often is. And she had the best celebration send off.....ice cream....steak....deer poop....yeah....she love deer poop so I put that on her llate too! Talk about wagging tail...thump....thump.....thumping non-stop!
Others will chime in with their experience. I just wanted to share this experience from one Bull Mastiff to another! Love your avatar picture! Please share more!!
Remember, Luka doesn't know she's sick...doesn't give a rip about any ole' stupid diagnosis...has no time frame stamped on her butt...and, as Jerry said, is living in the present, in the now, not worrying about a thing! Ahhh...the bliss of being dog!!
If there is one thing I could pass on in behalf of Happy Hannah's legacy, that would be, from this point forward...Be More Dog ...stay in the present...let NOTHING rob you of your time together now! Luka is with you now!!! Do not focus on what may some day be gone...that prevents you from enjoying all the magnificent magical moments that are here with you and Luka NOW!!!!
And one HUGE bit of advice...very important....B R E A T H E. and eat lots of CHOCOLATE!!! Not necessarily in that order!!!
You are not alone, okay? We are right by your side! Now go hug Luka, give her a treat from Happy Hannah and myself, and watch her tail wag!! All is well in the Land of Luka!!
Hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Oh...Happy Hannah sent me a then five month old Bull Mastiff puppy a couple of months ago! That's Merry Myrtle!
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!
Welcome to the group no one wants to join. I ditto everything Jerry & Sally said. Although I will add this. Osteoscaroma is a painful disease. There is no cure but removing the leg will remove the pain and the worry of a fracture. If you decide not to amputate then have a plan in case of that fracture. Osteoscaroma eats the bone from the inside out & makes it brittle the dog or cat could be walking along and just fracture the leg.
Not trying to scare you at all. Sassy was 138 pound Rottie 6 years old when she had her amputation from her Osteoscaroma. She got up the same day surprising our vet because they were not sure she could support her weight on 3 legs. She did it and did awesome.
You can see our blog at the bottom of my signature you will have to go all the way to the beginning of the blog as now since she is our Angel I write about my 3 other dogs 
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Welcome to you, and so sorry you are dealing with ugly osteosarcoma in your sweet Luka.......this new journey will be scary, and stressful for sure, but you couldn't find a better support community than here.
I can't give any better advice than you've already been given by Jerry, Sally, and Michelle.....they have all been down the road with this awful cancer in their beloved Tripawds. My angel Polly dealt with another type of aggressive, ugly "c", but I just wanted to add my support while you start dealing with decisions. I do have to say, deciding on amputation is a definite personal decision, and not entered into lightly.....but ultimately for most of us, it was the best decision to make.
Keep us posted on Luka, and I will also be keeping you in my thoughts.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Sorry about Luka. I am not sure that I can add any further pearls of wisdom. Jerry, Sally, Michelle and Bonnie are the best. I do agree with Sally. Have "the talk" with Luka. It took me a while to consider amputation. I did the research, looked at pictures, read as much as I could and armed myself with the information. Then I had to convince my family that it was the right thing to do. My 15 year old was ABSOLUTELY opposed stating that if I went ahead and had the surgery for Jake she was moving out. We worked through it, she had no issue with him post amputation and in fact used to lay on the floor with him and call him her little (90lbs) Nub Nub. It is a personal decision that only you can make. You know Luka the best. Go with your gut, not your heart or head. PLEASE- do not listen to the naysayers, or feel that you have to explain yourself to anyone. We are here, use us as a sounding board.
Cancer is very scary. I know as I just opted to remove the leg on my dear little Adam. You know your dog, you will make the best decision for them.
I do have a Mastiff mix, Buster, with major joint issues. He blew out a knee at some point in his life, so I don't know if I could/would make the decision to amputate one of his limbs. I don't think he would be very mobile and his quality of life would not be good. Besides the fact that the poor guy already has Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which he has been fighting for 3 years. Wooly, my Chow mix, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in Sept of last year. I was very much against amputation due to his advanced age and the "expected prognosis." One 50mg Tramadol twice a day handled his pain very well, which I've been told was very unusual. This was the case for 6 months, until he fractured his leg. The tumor had NOT grown, which was also surprising, but the bone still broke. I believe it was from the manipulation done during radiation treatments. Right after diagnosis, I chose radiation and chemo for him. He had a rare, severe reaction to the chemo after only one treatment, so everything was discontinued for 4 months. At that time, I felt like I needed to do something so I took him for 2 more radiation treatments and started metronomic therapy. After the fracture, I was given two options... amputate or euthanize. It was a very difficult decision. As I said, I was against the surgery. Both of my regular vets were against the surgery, one said because of his age and the other said because of the average lifespan...if you can't get at least 6 months, it's not worth it. Well, it's been 6 months post amp, 13 months post diagnosis! NO lung mets have been found, but today, a liver tumor was discovered. So, every patient is different. Some are lucky enough to beat the odds and live longer than expected. No one can predict who will do well and who won't. Follow your heart and you will make the best decision you can. I sympathize with what you're going through, it really stinks. Within a week of discovering Wooly's Osteosarcoma, one of my other kids, George, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His health declined very fast due to the pain and I had to make that horrible decision to euthanize just weeks later. Ignore the statistics and use your heart in making your decision. I wish you well.
Thank you so much for all of your support…I'm amazed and thankful for how quickly you all responded.
I've been chatting to my husband and will continue to do so over the weekend…but I'm pretty well sure that we will go ahead with the amputation. Much like Happy Hannah, Lukie isn't an energetic dog (typical bullmastiff)..so I don't think it will impact her the way it would a kelpie that loves a morning jog 
Hopefully Luka's younger age and the lack of arthritis/joint problems will work in her favour. My main concern is that she gets to live out her last days as pain free as possible, living large and getting spoiled rotten. That's one thing that this diagnosis has reminded me, is that they are only here for a limited time, loving us unconditionally all the way….it's taken a terminal illness to get me to overlook the prolific dog hair and slobber to let her have full reign of inside the house!
I will keep you all posted on her progress…deep breaths and fingers crossed that we will be making the right decision for our Boo Boo..
Applause to you...you're already mastering some of the life lessons we are presented with on this journey!!!
Keep us posted and let us know if you have any wuestions.
Yeah, Bull Mastiff slobber.....the most beautiful strands of glistening slime ever created!!! Shhhhh.....I wouldn't tell just anyone this....shhh....I still have the faint remnants of slobber residue on my floor from my Happy Hannah, and I have no intention of removing it!!!
Any decision made out of love for Boo Boo is the right decision.
((((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))))
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 thought Iw show you some quick clips of Happy Hannah maneuvering just fine on three legs...........and happy doing it.......
You'd never know she was missing a rear leg!
VID_20140127_163736.3gp: http://youtu.be.....1Sz7Jf9Ktw
VID_20140127_164007.3gp: http://youtu.be.....zyxiWCX-kY
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!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello Luka and family!
I can't help much with the size factor as my tripawd is an 11 pound kitty cat, BUT you've gotten some AMAZING advice here from the "fluffy" dog pros! I know how hard this decision is. I was MORTIFIED when I was told Jill would have to have her leg amputated to save her life. But lucky for you, you found all of us!
Right now your head is swimming and it's hard to see past this stage, but you'll get through it. The best part is Luka has no idea what's happening. I was actually looking through pictures and videos last night from Jill's amputation and can't even believe she went through that and is the happy little hoppity thing she is today - and was basically three days later!
We're all here for support. Just let us know what you need!
xoxo,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I just wanted to second when it comes to OSA and amputation, pain and risk of fracture are the issues too consider. Yoda was put on Tylenol and Codeine after his diagnosis and he still limped and it was gradually getting worse too. I never had cause to regret the amputation, even though Yoda only lived another 4 months. I saw changes in him following his amputation that were so unexpected and so positive. He jumped in and out of the car without hesitation as a tripawd after probably almost a year of resisting when he had four legs. I had known something must not be right, but the vet didn't find anything when I finally felt sure it wasn't behavioral and told her about it... then a few months later he was limping and a couple more months he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Yoda loved to play with tennis balls, but for some reason he never caught the ball in the air - until after his amputation and then he was doing it all the time. Finally, he was more outgoing. He wasn't a totally different dog, or anything, but it seemed like he must have gained more confidence. He always liked attention from neighbors, but had never dragged me across the street on a walk to say hello to one before! And at the dog park he wasn't exactly antisocial with dogs either, but I couldn't imagine him ever trying to get in on a game between to Great Danes before (which kind of terrified me, but no one got hurt).
While I wished I could have gotten Yoda's diagnosis sooner, at least I had the benefit of it being crystal clear for me that Yoda felt better hopping on three legs than limping on four. And I'm glad I can share that with others who have this very tough decision ahead of them.
Good luck! Remember to take care of yourselves too in this stressful time.
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
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