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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Well I'm new to the site and don't know if this is where I'm supposed to be posting but here we go. First of all I am so glad that I found this site so thank you.
About 12 years ago I rescued a lab pit mix that turned out to be the best dog ever! let's fast forward to December 4th 2019 took her to have a tumor removed below right front elbow. Was told by the vet we do this day in and day out he'll be along recovery time other than that nothing to worry about. Well a few days goes by started noticing a lot pain discomfort and dog would not walk. called vet all weekend long telling them about issues they kept on saying it was normal until Tuesday. They finally asked if I could send a picture of the Paw. Paw was literally three times the size it usually is with fluids oozing out of it. Immediately took the dog down there the find out that was on vacation, floating vet tells me this dog needs emergency surgery due to infections then the very next day I was told there's nothing they could do and I needed to go somewhere else they were worried that the dog was not going to make it. Here's where the good news finally starts I found the most awesome Vet Hospital that has saved my dog as the original surgery was done in tourniquet Style when they sewed it up. As of today wound healed beautiful unfortunately she has lost feeling from the wrist down. Let me just say this since December 4th we have had to travel 35 miles one way every other day for this dogs treatment and whole family is exhausted.
The family and I have spend all afternoon and evening trying to figure out how we're going to deal with this due to the fact in three days we will be making a decision about amputation. Please guide us from here as we need some good words of encouragement and recommendations with amputation. Thx a bunch
Hi and welcome. We are so glad you found us too! Your poor puppy and all of you really, what an ordeal. What is your dog's name?
I'm so sorry this happened but am super happy you found a new and better veterinarian. So what are their recommendations besides amputation? And what kind of tumor are you dealing with? Did the previous vet biopsy the tumor or have it sent out to a lab? The suspected (or confirmed) tumor type could have a lot to do with the decision I'm guessing.
Also, if is it not the type of tumor that will spread, and your puppy's paw is the "only" thing damaged, then your dog may be a good candidate for a prosthetic if that's something you want to look into. It's not cheap and it takes some training to get a dog used to it, but I always like to present that as an option to pet parents if most of a dog's leg can be saved.
If you decide on amputation, it's not the end of the road as you can see here. Many dogs, even senior dogs, do very well on three legs if the dog is otherwise healthy. If your pup doesn't have any other issues, and isn't extremely overweight, odds are in his favor for an easy transition.
We are here to help however we can. Tell us more about the situation, we're all ears.
Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good news is biopsy was done the tumor came back cancerous but was completely removed and no signs of cancer left, but I guess there is a chance that it could come back. Her name is Gracie she's a full-blown house dog and loves to chill so as far as activities go she is very mellow. But not to say she doesn't love going to the beach or running around. Since the incident she has a full cast and splint and it's been dragging that thing around like a champ and yes she has lost some weight. The whole thing is she could keep the Paw but can't feel it and Knuckles it when she walks. So my question would B is it okay at this point to try a brace to hinge your wrist in the correct position for her paw to be down. Or is amputation going to be better for the reasoning of tendons and nerves being damaged adding more complications. She still has an active wing I guess you would call it. I will be meeting with the vet can make a decision this week so of course your guys's help will make a big difference thank you.
grace3 said
...is it okay at this point to try a brace...
Please consult with a certified canine rehab therapist for proper evaluation, and measurement if a brace is recommended. Visit a CCRT or CCRP and the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first visit from the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab.
When it comes to braces for Tripawds, only consider a custom orthotic device from a reputable company who works with your vet, like Orthopets or Hero Braces. Listen to the recent Tripawd Talk Radio episode for details:
Everything You Need to Know About Leg Braces for Tripawds
If you proceed with amputation – because remaining appendages can cause issues over time – consider consulting with a board certified orthopedic surgeon to see if Gracie is a candidate for a prosthetic. You will find many posts about prosthetics in the Tripawds news blog.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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