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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi all! I found your site just the other day while waiting for my dog's biopsy results to come back. My girl is a 14 (she'll be 15 next month) year old cockapoo named Lupe. She presented with lameness in her front leg about 3 weeks ago and they thought it was arthiritis. She soon developed a lump on her right front elbow and had a joint tap to hopefully diagnose lyme disease. We were sent to a specialist last week and a biopsy was done, originally hoping for a soft tissue injury but the vet said the cells were abnormal looking and we would need to wait to find out what type of cancer it is.
Results are back today and its synovial cell sarcoma. She is going for blood work and an abdominal ultrasound tomorrow in preparation for surgery (amputation of the entire leg, including the scapula), we've already done the chest x-rays and they came back clear. Not 100% convinced the surgery is the way to go. She's otherwise very healthy but I don't know if its time to make her comfortable and let her go or to go for the surgery. She had glaucoma in one eye last summer and that was removed and honestly, she was just fine. I just don't know if its fair to put her through an even more traumatic surgery.
I've always admired how 3 legged dogs (and cats) seem to adjust, but how do their humans deal? Surgery would be next Thursday, so I have a week to digest and prepare...
I guess I'm just overwhelmed and heartbroken. Sigh....
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
welcome to the family no one wants to join. your future posts won't require moderation. we had a soft tissue sarcoma in the right front wrist, gayle lost her leg & scapula, followed by five rounds of doxorubicin chemo. dogs seem to handle the surgery amazingly well, and can bounce back within a couple of weeks. we often call the first two weeks 'hell weeks', as the drugs can make the pups loopy, and we humans are beside ourself with fear and doubts and worry and sleeplessness... but, you guys can get through this. if lupe is otherwise healthy and loves life, she can love life as a tripawd. we had a poodle named james on the site, who was sixteen when he had his surgery - he did very well for quite some time. we suggest you start with the required reading list: http://tripawds.....ding-list/ and start gathering a list of questions for you vet and for the forums. there are many folks here who can help you get through this and help lupe become a tripawd warrior princess. she has so much to teach you!!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
I'll definitely second the hell-week thing for the first two weeks. Especially the sleeplessness part, I managed to get no sleep last night because I was so worried about leaving my boy alone for most of the day today (it's been a week since his amputation and I couldn't take off any more time from work).
Everyone here is very supportive and you've come to the right place. I don't know very much about how well older dogs do with this type of diagnosis and amputation, but I just wanted to wish you good luck; your decision isn't an easy one to make. The folks here have so much good advice.
As for adjustment, I think Lupe would probably be fine as a tripawd...but it is hard on us humans - you'll question your decision no matter what, and you'll be worried and scared for Lupe, and possibly even mad that you've been given this lot. Being afraid is the worst, because we have no real control when something like this strikes. In the end, you just have to will yourself to take it like a dog.
Jack - adopted with a crooked leg at 4 months old, managed for six years, and now much-happier Tripawd as of 5/24/2012!
Welcome to Tripawds,
I'm sorry you are dealing with cancer in Lupe. Not to put too much pressure on you- but really only you can make this decision because you know Lupe best. A 15 year old small dog can often have a few quality years left. Besides the eye and cancer is she healthy and active? Is she engaged and enjoying life? If all the tests come back good, and you think she still has a zest for life then you should consider the amputation.
For most pups the first 2 or 3 weeks are the hardest part- then they are on with their lives. My pug Maggie took a little longer to adapt, but she was very obstinate and didn't like change. Mag made me doubt my decision to amputate (it was before tripawds so we went it alone), but she did come around and eventually was her old self.
Amputation is not right for every dog, and it is a big surgery with risks. But most all pups do fine on three legs, and little dogs have a bit of an advantage.
I'm not trying to sway you to do the amp- but I don't want you to be scared of the amp itself as an option. The decision you have to make is at this stage of Lupe's life is it a good idea.
The important thing is to make whatever decision with Lupe's best interest at heart- you make your decision with love and you can't be wrong.
No matter what you decide we are here to try and help any way we can.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Oh gosh,
I'm so sorry to hear about Lupe. I don't have any knowledge of her type of cancer so I am going to assume it's painful or she wouldn't be lame. Is it in the bone?
At her age, it's such a tough decision. Major surgery is harder on the older ones but I would assume your vet will be your guide on that decision. As far as whether or not to do it if she is a candidate, you just need to ask yourself if you'll have regrets if you don't do it.
I wish you all the best. Please keep us updated.
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.
Sorry you had to find us here. We didn't deal with that type of cancer, so I don't know anything about it, and also our dog was very young, so we knew amp was the way to go. I understand how much harder it must be to make that decision in your shoes. As others said, we've had older dogs here do well. Also as others have said, I'd try to factor in her attitude. If she is still loving life now, she will almost certainly love it as a tripawd too. As you seemed to guess, it is us humans that have a harder time adjusting than the dogs! Once they get through that tough recovery period and have built back up their stamina, they are pretty much back to their old selves.
Good luck with making your decision. I believe others here have maybe dealt with that type of cancer so hopefully they'll chime in.
Keep us posted. I know how overwhelming and scary all this is right now - but there really can be lots of good times ahead still for you and your pup. Hang in there,
Jackie, Angel 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 Lupedog, we're glad you found us, and will try to help you make this decision easier.
As Karen says, don't be afraid of amputation as an option. While it's not right for every dog, most dogs do just fine after surgery, it's the humans that have a harder time with it. You should review our "Size and Age" matters forum for other stories of senior dogs who had to face this decision. Lupe's size is a huge plus for her, smaller dogs do just fine usually.
I think that when it comes to dogs at this stage in their life, you have to weigh the benefits of amputation (more quality time, after an initial recovery period of anywhere from two to four weeks) versus the actual life expectancy of your particular dog. It's a hard thing to consider, but it's something vets like Dr. Dressler have talked about, to help with this decision. Keep in mind that many, many dogs outlive these life expectancy statistics.
What does your vet think about her candidacy as a Tripawd? What is their recommended course of treatment? If you are at all wavering, I would also get a second opinion.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for the welcome. Both the surgeon and Lupe's regular vets are very optimistic about potential amputation. She is in really good health actually and up until about 3 weeks ago when all this started was engaged, happy and romping around. The cancer appears to just be affecting her elbow joint, it is swollen probably 3 or 4 times of the other one and it doesn't appear to have spread. Depending on the results of the scans and blood work today, I will probably be making my decision over the weekend. The surgery can happen as soon as Thursday. Its true that I don't know how much time she has left but I think I would feel that way at just about any age. The eye surgery last year was tough for me but she bounced back so quickly. I noticed last night that she is no longer putting any weight on the leg and is starting to learn to walk without it. Her appetite and mood is not great right now, but I've been told the Tramadol is probably doing that to her. There are glimpses of her "normal" self still, she wants tons of belly rubs and her tail is going when she sees me or anyone. I will keep you all posted and thank you for being a sounding board...its so great to know there are others that have dealt with this...
-Kori
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
Hi Kori,
Welcome to the club!
One thing I have been amazed by is the reaction of people whose dogs have had a short time after their amputations. I always expected those folks to say that they regretted the surgery. On the contrary, almost every one of them here that I can think of has said "we only had 3 or 5 or 8 months but they were wonderful and gave my dog some amazing time."
The only reason I mention that is because Lupe is obviously not a youngster. It is a consideration that anyone would have. But maybe knowing that what we might consider worst-case (losing the dog to cancer shortly after surgery) isn't worst-case for most people might help you. In fact, these people say that worst-case is knowing their dog had living to do but couldn't do it due to the pain. Having to euthanize a dog who has life left and things to do simply because of unbearable pain does seem worst-case, doesn't it?
Good luck with your decision. Maybe you and Lupe need to have a long talk about this. She may give you some guidance if you spend some quiet time with her. Whatever you decide we will support you.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Just got back from the vet with Lupe. Things look good on the ultrasound, but the stinker (loving name) has a UTI and some evidence of the number of UTIs on her kidneys. Its nothing to be concerned about, par for the course with her. She is on antibiotics for a bout colitis which again has happened to her many times of the years.
The vet spent about an hour with me going over everything...she was amazing! She even recommended I come here for resources and support. She had 2 tripawds in the past so understands the decisions, anxiety and recovery.
So barring any crazy things that come up in the blood work, surgery is scheduled for Thursday. Lupe is healthy otherwise and I truly feel that she deserves a shot at living comfortably and happily for her life span.
Thank you all for your words of wisdom, comfort and support. I'm glad to have found you all.
Cheers,
K
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
That's great that you have such a good vet. Hope all is well with the blood work so you can go ahead as planned. I'm sure it will be a relief to you to have your decision made and a plan in place.
Keep us posted!
Jackie
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!
lupedog28 said
Its true that I don't know how much time she has left but I think I would feel that way at just about any age.
Kori, that is SO true! If there's one blessing that cancer brings, is that it really shows you that nobody really knows how much time they have left.
I'm so glad your vets think she is a good candidate! Please thank them for referring you to us, and let us know who they are so we can send them some Tripawds business cards, we would be more than hoppy to do that.
I love your upbeat attitude. This will go very far over the next few weeks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dakota Dawg said
One thing I have been amazed by is the reaction of people whose dogs have had a short time after their amputations. I always expected those folks to say that they regretted the surgery. On the contrary, almost every one of them here that I can think of has said "we only had 3 or 5 or 8 months but they were wonderful and gave my dog some amazing time."
Very true! Out of the 3,000+ people who've joined, I can think of maybe two who said they regretted it. The majority are thankful for the extra quality time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This is terrific news! (not the UTI, but that she is a candidate)
Lupe is adorable by the way! I'm totally smitten with cockapoos.
I think that is terrific that your vet has had a tripawd(s)! To me, that experience is invaluable since many vets go by the book and don't understand 3-legged dogs as well. You really have to live with a tripawd to understand.
We'll be rooting for Lupe something fierce! And we'll be here when you need us!
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.
Welcome Lupe! (You are adorable) Keep us posted!
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
1 Guest(s)
