Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Like many stories I have read here, ours began with what was supposed to be TPLO surgery after an “ACL” tear. When they opened her up they found a “knarly” mess. After biopsy and referral to oncologist- turns out it’s MCT in her joint. Weird right. Best option from oncologist and surgeon is amputation. Back right leg. Patches is an 8 yr old border collie mix who is a bit over weight.
we are very nervous and like many second guessing everything. I think we are ready and I hope Patches is. I do appreciate reading so many similar stories with positive outcomes.
she’s been limping around on mostly 3 legs for several months now so hopefully she has built up a bit for this.
Yuck...best wishes for Patches. And welcome to the best club nopawdy ever wants to join! 
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Love the avatar picture 9f Patches and can't wait to see more.
Yes, we all understand what a kick in the gut it is to hear "amputation ". It is sich a time full of uncertainty and doubt and fear. It exhausts you mentally and physically to get to this point. Of course Patches is blissfully unaware of all the emotions we hoomans go through.
As you already know, dogs are stoic. If she's limp, she's hurting. I think the "silver lining" is that she has adjusted somewhat to being a tripawd.
Reco is no picnic for a couple of weeks and every recovery mis different. Every dog is different . One thing we can assure you though, once that bum leg is gone and recovery is over, you will be amazed at how happy she is once her sparkle has come back.
Aounds like she will be staying at an overnight staffed clinic. That's when you need to catch up on your sleep. She'll be high as a kite and feeling no pain.
Based on your research here and after goi g through some of the links the Admin Guy gave you, I'm guessing you're pretty well versed on nonslip rugs for traction , pain meds she'll come home with, etc
STAY CONNECTED!!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! Let us know as questions arise and how we can help I anyway, okay?
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!
Hello and welcome.
My Pug Maggie lost a rear leg to a MCT. It was in her knee area but not in her joint. If you are interested you can read her story and about her amp and treatment, the links are in my signature below.
I know the diagnosis is devastating, nothing any of us ever expected. But now Patches needs you to be strong and positive!
Maggie was about 7.5 years old at the time of her amp, although her prognosis wasn't great she lived almost 4 more years and didn't pass from mast cell cancer. Mast cell can be so unpredictable- the only thing to do is be optimistic and positive- Patches can beat this!
Any specific questions or concerns?
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
We are sending lots of love to Patches! Hope surgery went well. Update in Treatment and Recovery when you are able.
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