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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My 10yo pit mix has what appears to be a soft tissue sarcoma that is wrapped around her femoral artery, covering part of the joint in her hind leg and intruding into some of the muscle. The surgeon isn’t confident he can remove it all through surgery so it would seem the best way to make sure it is all gone is amputation. I’m debating if I should try the surgery first as that will also tell me for sure what kind of cancer it is, but I don’t want to put her through that, and then likely end up amputating anyway if the cancer isn’t a low category. Has anyone had a similar situation?
Hi Bob, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I'm sorry to hear about your pup. What's her name?
Yes, unfortunately many times the tumor does come back and folks end up amputating anyways. We see that a lot around here, so many times that these search results from this forum discussion only just barely scratch the surface.
It does sound like your dog is a pretty good candidate from surgery because you didn't mention any comorbidities. Did the vet have any hesitation about her ability to live life on three legs? Does she have any mobility issues?
If it would help you decide, get another opinion from an oncologist, or better yet a board-certified surgical oncologist. This is a specialty within oncology, and they are masters at tricky cancers and tumor removals. If your vet doesn't have a referral to one let me know. Just PM me your location and I'll try to find the nearest one for you.
My pup’s tumor was aspirated which confirmed the soft tissue sarcoma. Our oncologist told us that he will not be able to get clean margins and we will be back in his office within a year if we chose tumor removal and radiation. I wanted a cure, less of a chance of recurrence with amputation since it typically doesn’t spread. It was a devastating decision but I want to extend my pup’s life. We are 4 days post-op and he is doing well. Good luck to you!
Jerry's input is spot on of course.
Yeah, just ditto a second opinion to give you the extra reassurance yoj need on how tk proceed.
Should you go forward with amputation we are all here to support yoj and help yoj navig through recovery, etc. It's not a dec to be taken lightly, but often it is THE best approach to take to ensure your pup jas a quality life free of pain.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Hi Erin. Your post has been approved and we hope you will tell us more about your pup. That was very kind of you to chime in and offer your input and share the experience you were going through. Let us know how things are going and we would love to hear more about your pup. Take care
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
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