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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Yes, thank you Dave for sharing the details of your tragic experiences with Sage. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that by sharing your story here, you may be helping others down the road in the same difficult situation with their dogs. Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for sharing Sage's story. I am so glad you found this web site when you needed it. My Emily was one of the dogs with spinal mets and I would do anything if I could go back and spare her the pain she was in before she was diagnosed. Letting Sage go truely was the most loving thing you have ever done or could ever do for her. Still, my heart breaks for you.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Dave, thank you for sharing your story. It has helped me a lot. Eight years ago, my whippet Angelo lost the use of his front legs after a few days of neck discomfort, and the vet advised putting him down immediately. He didn't respond to pain in either front leg. Not knowing any better, I took her advice but I've always wondered if I could have helped him live longer, knowing what I know now about "disabled" dogs. After hearing your story, it sounds like that was the right choice and I spared him a lot of pain. Maybe now I can put it to rest. I'm so sorry for what you had to go through, but I appreciate your sharing it and helping me.
I have many tears for you and your family suffering this shock and then the loss of your baby. I hope the good memories of your time with her will emerge and bring you comfort.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Hallo Dave - I was so sad to read your story, and amazed at how unbelievably fast everything happened. I found the shock of Jake dying so unexpectedly, very hard. Still do. But hat a lot more you went through. Jake might well have been operated on for a herniated disc if he hadn't seen the neurologist - that's what the surgeon who saw him first diagnosed. I assumed if Jake had had an MRI this would have shown this was wrong - but from your and Sage's experience mabe not. Seems like his type of cancer in this location can look like a herniation... both in symptoms and in some types of imaging. The neurologist Jake saw chose to do a CAT scan rather that MRI or myelogram because he said it was better for showing what he suspected (i.e. cancer). I wonder why your consultant decided on a myelogram? Maybe you should ask. I wrote to the vets concerned in Jake's case after he died (and after I had had time to think over things) with some things that continued to bother me about his treatment and diagnosis. They were all nice enough to call and discuss their reasons - and also thanked me for the feedback. I felt much better about things afterwards....
I too noticed that 'walking on eggshell' look - I wonder if we could put a tag or keyword on this site so that people who search under that term (and I did!) find this site? When I didn't find anything relevant I also searched under the term 'ataxia' so maybe that should be included too?
I know this is just a terrible time for you, Dave. My thoughts are with you... JakesMom
I was so sad to read the posts by Sarah and Dave... 
Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us!
I also was not prepared for spine mets with my Jake. After everything I had read and heard ... I was expecting lung mets to slowly occur... but I never even once thought that Jake would get mets to the spine. Once he got them, he declined so quickly, and it was so painful... It's been only 12 weeks and a few days since we lost him... and it is still so difficult to deal with... He was such a sweet and loving boy... It was not fair!!
You are both in my thoughts and prayers...
Angel Jake'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!
Hi "Portuguese Jake's Mom"
Glad you read Dave's post to see how much useful info is being assembled here. I think you are registered on this website and it only takes a second if you aren't. Try to post as a member so your posts don't have to wait to be moderated.
Tazzie's mum
p.s. will talk soon to find out how your trip went
Dave, my heart aches for you, and I am so very sorry about Sage, I can't even imagine. Thank you for taking the time to share your difficult journey with us here.
I went ahead and added "ataxia" and "walking on eggshells" to the tags for this post, with the hopes that someday it may be helpful to someone else who is in this tragic situation. Thanks for the suggestion Sarah.
Many, many hugs to you all.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dave, your story is heartbreaking. I'm so very sorry Sage's story was so tragic, but happy you were able to make the decision you did to help her go before the pain was severe. I am sorry for your loss.
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.
I wish no one would ever have to go through this sorta pain. Malcolm,my yellow lab, just today had his leg aputated{because of cancer} and the Vet said that it had spread to his spine. As I type this,I wounder if he is okay or in pain. Im not very old and this is going to be my first heart breaking death. Malcolm and I grew up together and we've gone through everything but this. Who knows how long I will have with him, all I know is that I wish it was longer than his expected time...
Kass said:
Who knows how long I will have with him, all I know is that I wish it was longer than his expected time...
Thanks for commenting Kass, we are very sorry to hear about Malcolm. Please consider registering so your posts will appear immediately without requiring our moderation.
And remember, Malcolm does not fear the future or regret the past like we silly humans do. Try to enjoy every precious moment you have together and live in the now. Start a new topic or blog to keep us all posted on Malcolm's progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Kass
I am very sorry to hear about Malcolm. That is a very rough deal, facing recovery from amputation and a spine met at the same time. I don't understand. Did they scan the spine at the time of surgery or did they know that before the surgery? How old is Malcolm? Tell us more about him.
It is really hard to go through this, but you will find many people here who understand.
Kass, I am so sorry to hear about Malcolm. Please know that you will not have to wonder...he will let you know what you need to do and when the time is right to do it. As long as you show him love, compassion, friendship, and give him the best life that you are able, then you have done your job. Thinking about you guys!!
<3 Laura and Jackaroni
Thanks you guys,I probably will make an account{as long as my dad says its okay}
To answer some questions... Malcolm is turning 10 in July.
At the beginning of last year I noticed he had a tumor on his side.The doctor said it was nothing,but they started coming up everywhere.We were walking one afternoon and he started to chase after a squirrel{typical} and he had a bad limp on one side.I told my dad and we took him down to his vet,he said it was athritus and he'd give him some pain medicine.On my birthday{december of this past year} he couldnt get on my bed and he was whinning and the medicine didnt help his pain.We took him to a speciallist and he said there was a tumor under his left arm and that he had to do surgery.today the doctor said he did fine in surgery but the cancer was about 2-3in long and an inch wide and it touched his spine. I fear the worst for him but I will do the best to make his time left the best.
Kass, you sound relaly wise beyond your years. I'm so sorry that Malcom is going through this.
I know you and your pawrents are doing all you can for him, and it's great that he made it through surgery! When he gets home, the best thing you can do for him is be a strong pack leader and love every moment you have together. Like Admin said, dog's don't worry about the future, they just want to live in the now. As heartbreaking as cancer is, this is one lesson that makes all humans better people.
Hang in there, we're there if you need us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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