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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Good afternoon all. Firstly so glad we found this wonderful support group, what a great family of people you all are.
Our lovely 12.5 year old golden retriever developed a limp a few weeks back, last wednesday regular doc done a few tests and radiographs painted the grim picture of possible osteosarcoma in left front leg(shoulder).
Yesterday met with a specialists who confirmed the xray, and went through out options with us.
More xrays yesterday reveled no spread to lungs or other areas. He tried to aspirate the leg but couldnt get a good sample and sadly went ahead with a bone biopsy,’ The results of which we will know tomorrow.
Our girl is a slim petite little 60lb retriever, still so full of life and energy, loves her walks and her sniffs about the neighborhood. Love car rides and telling any pest in the yard whos the boss lol.
This diagnosis took us completely by suprise because she has being in such good health bar a little elevated kidney numbers the past 6months( for which she is on a special diet).
We have spend the past week crying, weeping, grieving, spoiling our little girl. We have read up so much on this horrible cancer, and know our options.
We are hoping obviously for a miracle tomorrow, but know what lies ahead, we are debating amputation, just because she has so much life and still thrives on walks and the outdoors, but at same time are worried we are being selfish and perhaps not fair to her.
Pending tomorrows outcome i guess we should look for a complete physical for her to determine if shes even a candidate for amp’ and if her other little legs can make it. She is recovering well today after her biopsy and xrays, abet a little groggy still. They gave us Tramadol 50mg, and carprofen to help her through the next few days.
Its so hard to know whats right.
Welcome and best wishes for your girl! What's her name?
She sounds fit and otherwise healthy, so she should recover quickly and adapt well to life on three legs. The vast majority of dogs cope much better than we silly people do. You've come to the right place for help and support. You will find a whole series of posts about what to expect in the Tripawds News blog .
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
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Hi, I'm sorry you are going thru this, bit I know exactly how you feel. Brownie had never been sick a day in his life. 10 days before his 12 birthday he was diagnosed with OST, also in the front leg. I felt like somebody punched me in the gut. At first I thought he was too old for amputation, so I just kept in on pain meds. Bit about two weeks later I could tell the meds were no longer working and I couldbaee the tumor growing. I new it wasn't time for him to go to the bridge. So I started searching and found this site and saw other seniors, so I thought I should at least give Brownie and fighting chance.
All dogs are different, but Brownie breezed thru the surgery and recovery. He was walking on his own his second day home. Which I was gratefull since I live alone and at the time he weighed 90 lbs.
In 12 days it will be one year since his diagnoses. He has had some. Senior issues bit doing great as a tripawd.
If you go thru with the amputation you are not being selfish. Cancer is taking the leg you will be talking the pain away.
Sending good thoughts your way, and there are many experts here that can help you with medication and such. I would be lost without this community, and everyone will be behind you in any decision you make
Nancy and Brownie and Sassy and Max too...
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Thank you so much Nancy, Brownie and co.
We have read a lot of your post and your story is an inspiration to us all, both treatment and indeed recovery.
We received report yesterday but are non the wiser until we meet roxys surgeon next week hopefully. We can only hope for an out come like Brownies
I saw the photos in your blog and just wanted to say Roxy is just beautiful! She looks so sweet!
I know it hard to make a decision on your pets behalf. But it looks like you are covering everything and doing your homework.
Brownie inspired and still inspires me everyday. It was me that had the hang up regarding amputation, not him. He does everything he use to do, he just finds a different way to do it.
If you need to go thru with the amputation I have a strong feeling Roxy is going to surprise you! But you know Roxy better then anyone, so you will make the right decisions on her behalf.
I know your plate is full, but when you have some free time I suggest you read "Be More Dog " you will get an understanding on how dogs live in the now, and also learn about the incredible Jerry who lived two years with cancer, and he is the reason thos site was born. Jerry is truly an Inspiration!
More pictures please!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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