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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Hi Danie,
Welcome and thanks for registering, your future posts won't need approval.
Lots of us joined Tripawds for the same reason, some type of limb cancer. We understand your fear and worry, you are not alone. It's easy to let our minds go crazy with worst-case-scenarios but remember, you dog isn't thinking about that right now. She just wants you to be happy and for her to feel better.
I have a feeling your vet doesn't want you to worry either, which is why she isn't throwing things out there for you to google. Keep in mind though that as this situation progresses (hopefully it won't and it's just arthritis or something like that), you should take a pencil and paper with you and write down all of your questions during your appointments. We all forget things and you can have someone go with you, even better.
Many vets won't throw the word 'cancer' out there at this point because they want to rule out other conditions. Depending on your dog's breed, age and size, those conditions can range from Valley Fever, which is a bone infection that looks like bone cancer at first glance, to arthritis to a worst case scenario of some type of bone cancer. But for now, don't make yourself crazy googling all that; there is no point until you talk to a specialist who can help pinpoint it.
I'm glad your vet is referring you to a specialist, that's a great vet you have there. Two days to see one isn't a long time. I know it seems like forever but for now what you can do is write down your questions and have them ready for the appointment. You can ask things like:
- What could this condition be?
- How will you diagnose it? Is a bone biopsy surgery needed for the diagnosis or can you do it with a needle aspirate?
- How long from the biopsy until you have a more certain diagnosis?
- What are your next steps once the lab report is back?
If an amputation is in your dog's future, then we are here to help you through that process. For now, tell us more about your doggie! What's her name? Age? Personality? Share away, it'll help you feel better. You might also want to stop by the chat room in the evenings when most people are around. Wait a while for the chat box to open, it can take time.
Thanks again. Hang in there OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know it's easier said than done but please stop worrying yourself sick over the "what ifs". Until the specialist pin points what exactly is going on with your pup you'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure out what's going on. Your pup will pick up on your worry and all this does is take time away from being present with your precious girl. And god forbid if it is cancer this community will be right there by your side to lend support and answer questions. If you browse through the site you'll find site you'll find pups and kitties that go on to have full lives after amputation and some go on to live years after a cancer diagnosis.
Like is so often said in this community try to be "more dog" which is just living in the moment with your precious girl. She doesn't know what's going on except that her leg hurts. She's not worried about all the "what ifs"...she just wants to love on her mama and receive love in return.
Please keep in touch with us and let us know what the specialist has to say.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
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