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,
I was actually referred to this forum a friend and am so thankful to have a found such a wonderful resource! 🙂
Our 3 year old female GSD was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma in her rear leg about a year ago. We had the tumor removed, but they couldn't get clean margins, and it has since returned and is causing damage to her bone as well as the soft tissue and ligaments surrounding her knee joint. She has a significant limp now but shows no other "big signs" of pain. We've had amputation recommended to us as a really good option, but as so many others, are having a hard time dealing the magnitude of the surgery. Is this really our best option and is it worth the risk of trying to relieve her pain another way. (Oh, and pain meds don't show any noticeable difference in her limp.) I've heard of amputation as the only option for severe breaks, osteosarcoma and other very aggressive cancers, but is it a good option for a cancer such as fibrosarcoma? We also worry that being a German Shepherd, her body shape wouldn't adapt as well as a border collie or lab type dog would? Any advice or personal stories would be greatly appreciated!!
Welcome! What a beautiful girl! What is her name?
I'm so sorry you find yourself here with us. Cancer is such a horrible disease. But we have a lot of folks in your shoes that has had the amputation with fibrosarcoma. I haven't. But others here will help you. I know amputation can be very, very scary. Hopefully others can help put your mind at ease.
As far as her being a GSD...we have several GDS's with 3 legs. The founders of the site had a GSD mix and their current dog is a full blooded young GSD that lost his leg to abuse. We also have Great Danes here too! Size isn't really as much of a factor as you may think. Dogs can adjust nicely.
I'm sure others will chime in to help you.
Wishing you lots of good wishes.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Thank you! We think she's quite dashing as well 
Her name's Sasha and my name is Brooke. I think my biggest fear would be to amputate her leg unnecessarily just to have her suffer for the rest of her life because it hurts the rest of her... (other legs, back, hips, etc.) Also, can dogs swim after amputation? Maybe that's a silly question but its her favorite activity ever 
. I just wish there was a clear cut decision as to what is best for Sasha. The other issue that we're running into is that we've already depleted our "vet budget" with all her diagnostic tests as well as the biopsy surgery. Is it selfish to take off her leg even if it's not the only option because it might be the only treatment we can afford in her long term care?
Welcome Sasha and Brooke - your baby is gorgeous.
Our Abby has osteosarcoma, so the decision to amp was more obvious. Hopefully others who decided to go with the amp for fibrosarcoma will chime in.
As for swimming, yes a tripawd can most definitely swim. (Personally, ours doesn't like to, but I've seen many videos to tripawds swimming.) In fact, it's GREAT exercise for them (wish ours did like it!) because it doesn't put as much stress on the remaining legs as running/walking.
And, no, I don't think it's selfish at all to consider the financial side of all this. More surgeries could lead to more complications and who knows, you might end up being forced to do the amp in the end anyway. With the amp, it's over and done with and once Sasha gets through the recovery period she should be good to go.
Anyway, Welcome to the site - you won't find a better more supportive group of folks on the internet anywhere!
All the best and let us know what you decide,
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Hi Brooke and Sasha,
She is beautiful! Can you post a photo of her whole body for us to see? You mention you worry about her being able to being 3 legged? How does your vet feel? How are her hips? Any issues? How is her other rear leg? Any previous injuries? How is her weight? Assuming being a GSD, her weight is not overweight. Jerry will help you more on this as Wyatt is a rear leg amputee and they just recently found out he has HD. I know Wyatt gets worked on paw pods to help his strength. I also work my GSD mix, also a rear legger, on core work exercises to keep her strong(see her blog for some video's if you are interested).
In the end, you really won't know for sure how she'll handle it until you're faced with it "real time". Some dogs do great, others not so great. But IMO, from what I've read on others with fibrosarcoma, it'll keep coming back, unfortunately 
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
PS I paid for Maggie's surgery with Care Credit - no interest for a year...
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Me again.
Just to answer your questions on activities of a three legged dog. Of course they can swim! They can do most everything!
I had a 3 legged dog for 12 years. Hers was a deformed front leg. She was around 6 months old when I got her. Oh my gosh, she lived a very full life on three legs. She was usually around 36-38lbs but she had a bigger dog body since she was more of a dwarf dog. (like a corgi lab mix)
Gosh, she was just so normal outside of this handicapped leg and actually she would have probably done better without the leg but we chose to keep it since she came down with pneumonia the day of amputation and was sick for weeks and weeks. We just opted to keep it since she had been through so much. But in hindsight, I know the extra leg was in her way. But 12 years ago, there wasn't any 3-legged dog examples to know better since this site wasn't here.
My Comet could fly up our second story stairs like rocket boosters were attached to her behind! She hopped down the stairs slowly but by golly, in 12 years, she never fell!
So, if you are worried about how well Sasha will do.........don't because most dogs adjust. She is young, so it should be an issue. The dogs that have more trouble are usually senior or geriatric.
I am so thankful for all the feedback and feel so lucky to have found this site! It's so comforting to hear success stories and even simply what to expect from people who have been there. You guys are wonderful!
Tracy, We have an appointment to talk more in-depth about amputation later this week but in the past year and half, amputation has been discussed more than once and everyone seems to think she would be a good candidate. But we've never actually addressed the issue seriously yet. We haven't had her hips x-rayed or anything yet but she is built much more like a "working shepherd" and doesn't have the same extreme slope some show lines can have. She's also pretty petite for her breed and has never been over 70 lbs. I think I know in my heart that she'll do just fine but like you said, you don't know until it's over... But yes, at this point it's either amputation or the possibility of a surgery a year for the rest of her life to remove the returning tumor. I do have some pictures but I can't figure out how to post pictures to the thread?
I so appreciate everyones input and support as I think this is a decision that has to be made... I will definitely keep everyone posted as soon as we talk to oncologist and figure out what we're going to do. We're lucky to have the CSU vet hospital right down the road and they've been nothing but incredible and we are fully confident they will do everything they can to help us.
Also, one last question (for now 
), is amputation something that is best done by a specialist or would it be ok to have our regular vet do it? She has offered to but I think I'd be more comfortable if a specialist preformed the surgery?
Hi Brooke, welcome. We're sorry about Sasha, but as you've already seen from members' stories and advice here, there IS life after amputation.
Fibrosarcomas are common here, as you can see from Leena's post of just a week or so ago.
First off, you are in the best place to get any kind of help like this, CSU rocks! We actually spend summers in Red Feather Lakes and last year, Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray had surgery at CSU. The CSU crew is among the best in the world. I wouldn't hesitate to have them perform the surgery over your regular vet. We have had many discussions about whether or not a vet or a surgeon should perform the surgery. Basically to me, it's like this: would you go to your General Practitioner doctor for heart surgery? Me, I would go to someone who knows that aspect of the body inside out, it makes me feel more secure that way. That's just me; it's up to you to investigate your vet's capabilities and find out if Sasha will be in good hands there.
Have you looked at our Required Reading List? We always suggest starting there. And if you're so inclined, our ebook, "Three Legs & a Spare" is another great resource that can alleviate any fears you are having (and we've all had them!).
No, you aren't being selfish to factor in your finances when considering your options. All of us here have faced those decisions, and they stink, but you know what? Sasha doesn't want you to be deep in debt and stressed out over paying bills because of her, she just wants you to be happy. Going broke over trying to save her leg will not be good for the pack if the efforts to save it are unsuccessful. It's a gamble, and one that you should discuss with your vet, but just remember that all she wants is to be out of pain and for you to be happy.
GSDs can handle being on three legs like nobody's business as long as they're not overweight (and that really goes for any dog). As long as your vet thinks she is a good candidate, and you be a good human by watching her weight and maintaining her strength with careful exercise and fitness games (more on that later), you'll see she'll do fine.
Here's a pic of me having a ball in our favorite place, Lake City Colorado! And yes, Tripawds CAN swim, even front leggers. Our videos page has tons of movies you can check out and be AMAZED!
We are here to help any way we can with whatever you decide. Sasha is a beauty, we look forward to getting to know you both.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Me again... I would also opt for the specialist.
We had Abby's amp done at our regular vet's office, but not by our regular vet. It was done by a surgeon who makes rounds to their office once a month or so for special cases. Our vet is great and has been working a long time, but he said himself that if he had done the surgery (he told me he'd done a few amps before, but nothing like the number the surgeon has done) it would have probably taken twice as long.
If you do decide on the amp, I would the "3 Legs and a spare" book. It was helpful for us - although I wished I'd had it BEFORE the surgery. I was not prepared for how big her incision would be and hadn't thought to look at pictures online first in order to be prepared. Remember that the amp is usually a lot harder for the humans to wrap their heads around than it is for the pups! The pups just get on with it.
(As for loading pics, in a nutshell, you have to have them already online somewhere - maybe facebook or a photo sharing site or blog. Then use the "tree" icon when you post to load the URL for the pic.)
Keep us posted!
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I'm in Loooooooove! Sasha, can we go chase some cats together or something? You are beauuuuuuutiful! Arrrrwoooo!!!
Ok, so it's me, the one and only Wyatt Ray Dawg, Tripawds Spokesdawg. I lost my leg because of some idiot humans but I won't dwell on that. All I gotta say is that I have that crazy low-rider GSD hip playsia thing and I'm doing alright as a Tripawd. See?
WHeeeeeeee!
Wyatt Ray Dawg . . . The Tripawds Leg-A-Cy Continues!
Read all about my adventures at my Tripawds Blog
Hi Sasha and Brooke,
Welcome to tripawds.
My tri-pug was a little rear legger so I can't really relate to the big dog questions. Although I will say I have met several big dog tripawds, including Wyatt Ray Dawg, and they get along just fine.
I can really relate to making the decision based on a soft tissue cancer. Maggie had mast cell cancer and the tumor in her knee was causing her little to no discomfort- let alone pain. She never limped on her leg- the only thing I noticed was that she had to put her leg out to the side a little when she did her business, and I only saw that once I knew the tumor was there. When my vet said amputation I had a really hard time correlating that with a bump on her knee. But once I discussed with the oncologist I decided amputation was the only option because there was no way to remove the tumor with clean margins. Two main reasons for me: one was that the MCT would ulcerate the skin, the resulting wound would get infected and probably never heal, and two was that there was a good chance the cancer would met through the lymph system (turns out it did- but we beat that!).
As far as the vet choice goes- you need to be comfortable with whoever does the surgery. One of the reasons I love my regular vet is that she always tells me when there are things she can't handle. She said right away that amputation was not a surgery she could do. I ended up using the surgeon who worked at the oncology hospital.
Let us know what you decide to do after all the consults.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Brooke,
I waited a couple weeks for Maggie's amputation as I wanted to get into a vet that I knew was a very good surgeon South of me about 3 hours. I hated waiting BUT knew Maggie would be in GOOD hands, so she stuck it out(with the help of Gabapentin for pain). I had full faith in the surgeon even though I had never used her before. Had heard many good stories about her.
FWIW..
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
PS It's good to hear her conformation is less of the angled type GSD...I personally feel it would be easier on her if not too much angle in the hindend...but that's just me... think of Chow type dog and how they are very table leg type..all legs under them...very sturdy..know what I mean? Some of the GSD angles are soooo extreme I am a huge GSD fan, as Maggie is part GSD
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
I'm sorry if these are a little big, still getting the hang of this whole internet thing 
*Wyatt Ray Dawg, you are HANDSOME!!! Oh boy oh boy!!
*And about the surgeon choice, I think we're going to opt for CSU. They're closer to us and they're wonderful I know she'll be in incredible hands. I have been nothing but completely impressed with them!! Even talking to the vet today he said that he does hundreds of amputations a year and believes that Sasha is an ideal candidate.
*It's also very comforting to know that we aren't the only ones having to make what seems like an extreme decision based on her relatively low level of pain. Plus her tumor is growing into her leg and around the joint so we are having a hard time measuring just how fast it's growing and you can't hardly even see anything but a little swelling on the joint. Makes me feel like we're taking her leg off because it's easier... but you all are right and we have to take into consideration her quality of life as well as what treatment we can afford.
*And Jerry, thank you so much for the links!! I will make sure we get that book and I'm going to make sure both my boyfriend and I read all the info The more preparation the better on our end!
I will definitely keep you all posted! Hopefully we'll have a decision by tomorrow afternoon after the "official" consult with the vets at CSU.
Hi Brooke,
Our golden retriever, Hope (under Mission of Hope) had fibrosarcoma of the paw. After surgery, we were told that they got clean margins, but we later learned we shouldn't have been told that as it was not true. Her lump came back, we saw an oncologist, she wanted us to schedule an appointment for amputation that day with one of the practice's surgeons–without any blood work. We went to the parking lot and just cried. Things were just moving too fast and it was too hard to make a decision on the spot without exploring other options.
We found a holistic vet who prescribed vitamins and supplements to build up her immune system to fight the cancer. That worked for a while, but the lump came back. Then the doctor tried ozone treatments with supplements, which also worked for a while….
I had read about Buck Mountain Black Salve, which is made from blood root and used by native American Indians. It "ate" the cancer the first time, and each time that it came back, for a few months. The last time we used the salve, Hope's paw wouldn't heal even after using essential oils; amputation was the last and only option. Black Salve comes in three forms: salve, liquid that's added to the dog's food, and injectable–depending on location of the cancer.
It was a couple of years from the first diagnosis until amputation. Hope either had a high pain threshold or was a stoic golden, because she didn't show signs of being in pain. We would have not put her through months of these treatments if she did.
As you know, fibrosarcoma is like roots of a tree with the cancer attaching itself to whatever it can. The "good" side is, it doesn't usually metastasize, but the bad side is, it usually comes back.
Since we went the holistic route, we didn't consider chemo, but there are so many people on this site that have had positive results with that, I would not rule it out in the future.
We can just share our experiences with you, but as you know, the final decision is yours. I can tell you that we spend thousands of dollars to save Hope's leg, so if decide to go the holistic route, ask A LOT of questions about the cost of procedures, supplements, etc. that your doctor plans to use. At the time it might be overwhelming, but the more you know, (hopefully) the easier a decision it will be.
Hope was 7 years old when first diagnosed with cance; she was not overweight (probably 60# or so at that time). Whatever decision you make, just keep Sasha a tad underweight, if anything. Building up her immune system is also something you want to do, no matter what decision you make, as the supplements will also help keep her bones strong.
Our vet recommened that we use a surgeon, which we did.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. This compassionate group of people are the best–very knowledgable and supportive!
Barb
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