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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Murphy had a biopsy - I think I was grasping at that small chance it could be a fungal or bacterial infection. I was still reeling from the possibility that it could be cancer and didn't really have much time to think about things. It took a couple of weeks for the results, but they were inconclusive. I don't think I would ever do a biopsy again just knowing how painful it was for him and seeing here how often they come back inconclusive.
The first 2 weeks were the roughest for Murphy, too. It got better after that. I think once the staples are out and they're off their medications, things get better. But, it is individual.
We have no regrets at all about putting Murphy through surgery.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Hi. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. But you sound pretty brave and strong and smart to me--like you can handle the crap life is throwing at you right now with calm and dignity. Your pup is lucky to have you.
Max had osteosarcoma, too. The vet teaching hospital I took him to did a fine-needle aspirate biopsy, and I'm not really sure why. I, too, would pass on it knowing what I know now. The x-ray had all the hallmarks of osteosarcoma, and the biopsy didn't give any conclusive results. That leg just had to come off, plain and simple.
Max was awfully young at diagnosis--not quite three years old. The younger the dog, the worse the prognosis, generally. The first two weeks after amputation were no fun, but as soon as his stitches were out and we got the green light to get back on the trails and into the water, he skyrocketed back to full activity. Nothing held him back. He swam, sprinted, wrestled, hiked like a three-legged champ. It was astonishing how he jumped right back into life and charmed and inspired people everywhere. There are stories like this all over the tripawds world! They are remarkable creatures, these dogs of ours.
We got six months of that amazing three-legged life, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. Six months doesn't seem like a lot in the scheme of things, but it was a journey unlike any other, and the love and bond Max and I shared was strengthened even more. It was more than worth it. I cherish it and always will.
I developed a mantra during that time: "Have faith. Do the right thing. Have more faith."
All the best to you. I'm praying! Keep us posted.
Very nice Susanna. Well said.
And just to add additional perspective, six months in human years, is over three years in doggy years
!
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 Andy and Bella - We did decide to do a biopsy in hopes that our fears would be diminished, two weeks later and the results as many have said were inconclusive
so not only did we put our sweet baby through scary surgery but then we had no answers!
We waited a few weeks but it was apparent that this was not going away, Patchys leg developed a severe infection on top of the growth so we had no choice but to amputate.
It is a scary thing but we are relieved that atleast the bad leg is gone and after he recovers from the surgery he will have much less pain.
I wish you peace during this process and send you hugs and kisses for your sweet Bella 
- Summer
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