Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi there... Our pooch Walker, a 6.5 year old Vizsla has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and after much googling I have found my way here.
Walker developed a limp in his front paw after coming back from a walk a couple of weeks ago, which the vet initially thought was a sprain. As he was still limping a week later, we took him back in for an x-ray, which unfortunately indicated osteosarcoma. We've since been referred to a specialist vet, and they have confirmed that he does indeed have osteosarcoma in his front left leg.
The somewhat good news is that as of yet he has no visible tumours in his lungs. Our vet has recommended amputation followed by a course of chemo, and he's booked in for his amputation surgery on Monday morning.
My husband and I are utterly devastated. From the moment that Walker arrived in our lives with his rambunctious viszla-ness we were in love. He's more than our pooch - he's part of our family and thinking about what he will now have to go through is heart-breaking.
Our primary concern is ensuring Walker is no longer in pain, as well as being able to go on to live a happy life, regardless of how long this may be for, or how many legs he may have.
In addition to the amputation and chemo, I'm interested in complementary holistic treatment (acupuncture and homeopathy) and was wondering if anyone had any experience with these?
Also any advice on how to best care for Walker once he's back home with us would be greatly appreciated. We have wooden floors too, so from what I've read that is an issue for tripawds?
Kylie & Walker
Welcome! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Be sure to search these forums and the blogs for plenty of articles and videos about holistic supplements, acupuncture and other alternative treatments. The News Blog has lots of information about acupuncture and you'll find more info in the Nutrition Blog. To save time time spent searching, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for hundreds of links and immediate answers to the most common concerns.
Be sure to check out Bart's blog for some great inspiration from another three-legged Vizsla cancer hero too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So sorry younhave to be here.....under the circumstances there is no better place to be!
We all understand the devastion, the fear, the shock this "diagnosis" can give you! We also understand the depth of love you have for Walker and the great advocate you are for him!
You have a great insight and the right attitude about this journey. I applaud you for that.
Admin gave you a lot of links to check out. Another suggestion is The Dog Cancer Survivla Guide.....written by and very well known Oncologist from New York and o e from Hawaii. They give you a well balanced approach to conventional AND holistic/complimentary. Incredible information that many of us here rely on as a "guideline". Nothing is written in stone on this joirney and every dog is different!
I can't wait for you to check out Bart's blog though.....you will be sooooo inspired!
Remember, Walker does not care about any ole' diagnosis or statistics! He is NOT worried about anything!! He IS living in the moment...living in the now...living in the present! We call that living more like a dog around here! He doesn't care about time frames or any of that stuff. He does care about getting all the loving and spoiling and treats he can lap up!! And I've got a feeling he's already mastered how to get that!!
Yeah, you'll want to get non-skid scatter rugs over your hardwoods for traction . Some use yoga mats. Saw the best quote here the other day...think it wasfrom Karen...she said her floors "looked like a clown had thrown up all over them"! Yep! Welcome to the home of a tripawd!
My Happy Hannah is coming up on her ten month ampuversary and continuing forward (knocking on wood over here)! She completed four rounds of carboplatin, is n Apocaps and K9 Immunity , home cooked food along with Honest Kitchen (sometimes some dry kibble..Evo, Merrick Orjen), give her Vitamin E, Salmon fish oil capsules, and a dose of a few other things here and there.
I can tell you, our tme together is splendid!! Ever day is a treasured gift and we are loving every sacred second! Let NOTHING rob you of your time together! It is pure bliss!
Okay, just curious, is your vet going to keep Walker just one night, or two? Will you be picking him up Christmas Eve? Now THAT's a Christmas present!!
You are NOT alone! We are al here walking right by your side! The first week or two of recovery is no picnic so don't hesitate to rely on us for anything, okay? But boy oh boy, once that sparkle comes back full time...and better than ever because his pain is gone......WOW!! One big love fest heading your way!!
Your Walker is a very, very handsome voy! Would love to see more pictures when you can!
Look forward to your updates!
B R E A T H E and eat lots of chocolate, it helps!!
Love and ((((((((((hugs))))))))))))
Sally znd Happy Hannah
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 Kylie & Walker,
Welcome to our little Tripawd Family. I am so sorry you have to join us here, but you've come to the right place. I am sure you are feeling shocked right now and thrown completely off balance. I was in the same position you find yourself in almost exactly one year ago. It is definitely a frightning thing with tons of head spinning information being thrown at you all at once, with lots of decisions to make.
So now you've made the decisions and we're here to help! Your Walker will do just fine on three legs. You will find so many inspirational stories here and tons of support. When I first got Jill's diagnosis (also Osteosarcoma), I really didn't know where to turn and I had no idea if I'd be able to get through the ordeal, but we just celebrated Jill's one year ampuversary! Jill had her right hind leg amputated on 12/12/12 followed by four rounds of chemo (Carboplatin and Doxorubicin) and now she is doing great (I should mention that she is a kitty...).
Let us know how we can support you and what questions you have as you begin your journey - we're here to help!
Erica & Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Welcome to the family. I am sorry that you have had this diagnosis. We have all felt the same feelings you have. Sassy also had Osteoscaroma. Wooden, linoleum slick type floors put down rugs /runners or even yoga mats something that gives traction . If you have any steps going down will be harder for a front amputee than going up. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Left front amps are the cool kids!
We did both acupuncture and pt and found them to be of tremendous value in terms of mobility, pain relief, appetite, as well as mental stimulation. Actually, I was just back at the clinic yesterday...we had such a good experience that when they asked if we would be willing to speak at their annual holiday I jumped at the chance. I recounted some stuff in our blog,but if you have specific questions, I'm happy to offer another.02.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Kylie and Walker, welcome! You couldn't pick a better week to join us, have you seen Bart's latest news?
"Three Legged Victory at AKC Nationals"
http://tripawds.....nationals/
I would be happy to connect you with Bart's Mom if you'd like to chat with another Vizsla pawrent. They are such unique dogs.
Hang in there. This is the toughest part but as you can see, he will be so much more resilient than you ever dreamed. We are here for you so keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Kylie and Walker,
Tucker, my 9 year old chocolate lab, had his right front leg amputated three months ago yesterday!
After the initial recovery period, Tuck has done amazingly well and is the gentle loving member of the family that he always was 
A few suggestions for the early stages - find a sling to help him in and out of the house for bathroom breaks - he will likely only need it for a day or so but it is a great source of help. A lot of others have mentioned scatter rugs for traction and I would concur. Elevated food dishes are very helpful for front leg amputees.....and Tuck accepted them like he had always used them.
Walker will be fine.....he will adapt quickly to his new reality and he will be so glad to be free of the source of his current pain.
Linda and Tucker
Welcome Kylie and Walker,
Sorry you had to join us but we are a cool group. I had a 5 yr old Weimaraner with osteo. People would mistake her for a Vizsla, I'm not sure why. There's lots of knowledge here and non-judging people you can lean on. Good luck to Walker!
Penny, Blink and Spirit Maggie
Welcome Kylie and Walker
As a newish member (about a week and a bit), I can totally relate to your story, as can all the folk on here. The good news is that you are not alone and can share all of the worries, fears, celebrations, and milestones with this awesome group.
Once the diagnosis shock fog has passed, and you have your precious pooch home after amputation, you will realise just how well he will cope. The first week or two is tough (we are in week two and I should say I have a cat, so it is a little different). Reading the stories on this website was of enormous help to me and I am sure you have done or are doing the same thing. I will leave the advice to the dog owners, but just wanted to give you a shout out to say welcome. The only general advice I will give is to rest up before the amputation because it is a little bit like having a baby to care for. you may have some interriupted sleep - I certainly did.
We will all be thinking of you for Monday.
love and hugs
Treacy and Deva the wondercat
Welcome Kylie and Walker,
As everyone has said you've found and come to a good place for sure. We were heart broken with the news of osteo for our Snoop. It's a lot to take in and register at first. Take one day at a time.when he comes home you'll have a 2-3 week recoup. He'll need a lot of rest as you will too.once that period passes your amazed at how well they manage and just go on living life. Our thoughts with you and your husband for Monday, it's a tough day but he'll do fine. Keep us posted.
Good thoughts,
Esther and her Snoop
Thanks so much for the warm welcome and your replies. After the initial shock of Walker's diagnosis, I have found this site incredibly inspiring and it's made our decision to amputate so much easier. Reading about Bart's extraordinary journey has helped too - what an amazing pooch!
We met with a wonderful holistic vet yesterday, and now have a few remedies to help Walker post-surgery and to assist during the chemo. I'm going to talk with a veterinary acupuncturist tomorrow too, as it sounds like that will also be beneficial.
Sounds like the first couple of weeks are going to be the tough part. We have a 6 month old baby, so at least the sleepless nights won't come as too much of a shock
Benny55 - As it's Christmas week, our vet's only keeping Walker for one night. We're picking him up on Christmas Eve, so our Christmas will be spent looking after our boy.
Jerry - I'd be keen to chat with Bart's mum if that was possible? Always good to chat with other Vizsla mums.
Thanks again for your support - I'm sure I'll have more questions once Walker's home with us.
Kylie & Walker
Hey Kylie you can reach Darcy, Bart's Mom, and other Tripawd Vizsla folks on the Tripawd Vizsla World Domination Facebook page:
https://www.fac.....38;fref=ts
And you can always Private Message Darcy here. Her member name is "bartsmom" and you can find her by searching through the Members roster button located just above the top right of the Forums. Hope that makes sense.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Walker came home after his surgery on Christmas eve, and is doing much better than we expected. He's managing to hop around the lounge a little, and his appetite is back too! It's definitely been a relief for me, and I finally feel like we made the right decision. Now to get through the next few weeks of recovery.
Not sure if this is right place to ask, but I think Walker's having phantom pain from his amputation. He woke us up with screaming a few times last night, which last for about 30 seconds to a minute each time. It's extremely distressing for Walker, and for us as well, as there doesn't seem to be a way to comfort him. Cuddles and a calm voice are all we can offer. Has anyone experienced this? Is there anything we can do to stop these?
thanks,
Kylie & Walker
For phantom pain many have found relief with a pain med called gabapentin- ask your vet about it.
You can search the forums for phantom pain , here are some results.
Also, here is a link to some information on phantom limb pain.
Its nice to hear Walker is otherwise doing well. It's great you are in that place where you know you did the right thing!
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
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