Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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About 4 weeks ago, my 10 year old Sheltie, Jag was diagnosed with high grade spindle cell sarcoma. The first time I discovered a lump on his hind quarters was actually 2 years ago. We went to surgery got it all and doctor said biopsy showed it wasn't aggressive at that time, so we moved on with no more thought to it. A little over a year later, I found a bigger lump on the same side of his hind area. This time, it came back with a vengeance. After he went to surgery again to remove it, the biopsy showed it was aggressive spindle cell sarcoma. This couldn't happen to a more gentle, loving and easy going dog. jag is just 50 pounds of pure love and joy, he loves everyone he meets and is such a "people" dog. Most important to me is giving him a happy, healthy and high quality life.
After multiple discussions, consultations with doctors they have recommended amputation of his left rear leg. I feel so much guilt when I look at him. The hardest is knowing right now he feels no symptoms, so he continues on with his every day as if nothing is wrong. This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make. How do you cope? Am I doing the right thing? There really seems to be no other option that will give us the best percentage of getting rid of the caner. I want to get rid of the cancer with the most aggressive means possible, and if amputation is what has to be done, I know in the end, that is what we will do. But getting to that point is so filled with guilt. Then what happens afterwards? Will he heal fast? How will he adjust? He is an older dog after all. Any suggestions, advise or thoughts would certainly be welcome and much appreciated.
Thanks,
Kate
Welcome, we're sorry to hear about Jaggie, but glad you found us. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Guilt? For removing the cancer? Please keep in mind that Jaggie does not know he is "sick". He will, however, understand being free of pain and discomfort. If he is otherwise healthy, he should recover quickly and adapt well to life on three legs. We are not vets, but have interviewed many. As we discuss in the Tripawds e-books , when in doubt, get another opinion.
So, how to cope? The book Without Regret has been helpful for many here in coping with the human emotions you're feeling. It was the first thing we read after Jerry's diagnosis. Aside from that, we always recommend to Be More Dog.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jaggie and welcome! Sorry you have to be here but, ubder the circmstances it is the best place to be!
This is such a frightening,anythiy time. Stressful, confusing, overwhelming....let's see, that about covers it doesn't it? Oh yeah, and you feel like you're stuck in a nightmare too!
We all understand and we ave all been there! We are here for you. We are by your side. You are NOT alone! You are a strong locing advocate for Jag. You will do your research andyou will makr a decison out of love for Jag and that will be the right decision.
First order of business, take deep breaths and slowly exhale....b r e a t h e..........b r e a t h e.........okay. Now' go look at Jag. As you've said, Jag doesn't kow anythingis "wrong". He doesn't care avout diagnosis or statistics. All he cares about is being loved and spoiled and then loved and spoiled even more! With the most positive attitude and "happy voice" you can uster up, fo over and nug Jag and watch him wag!! He is living in the moment...the NOW! And the now is great for him!
Research this site....there is a whole lot of info., various treatments, etc. for that specific diagnosis. Others will chime in withtheir own story and I think you'll feel much more co fident avout your decision.
Surgery is major, recoery can be rough. Every dog is different. But one thing almost al have in common is, once full recovery takes place and the sparkle returns, you will be soooooo happy as will Jag. No more surgeries! You jave probavly already seen videos of how well dogs do on three legs. Generaly, within 24 hrs. they are up walking.....some you actualy have to hold back and not let them overdo it. Some take a little longer. You will be amazed at how quickky they forget they even had a "spare"!
Guilt, as you k ow, is a wasted emotion. You did ot _cause" this....you are taking an active role in fi ding a solution. Do NOT let anythi
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!
Sorry......computer problems on my end........
Do not let anything rob you of your time together with Jag! Let Jag be your guide.....he's not letting anything rob him of his time with you!
My Happy Hannah just turned nine (which is considered "older" for a Bull Mastiff)...she was eight and four months at ti e of amputation and overweight (still is...but we're worki g on that). Thought recovery would never end...spent first two three weeks thi king I'd made a orriblr mistake...stayed glued to this site and everyday so eone nere helped pull me back from the abyss...always promising me it would get better...always assuring me some dogs just take a little while longer to recover! And recover she has! BEST DECISION EVER! We would not be together today, enjoying the sacred bliss of each treasured moment had not made that decision. STAY CONNECTED TO US! This commu ity will hold o to you and ot let go!
I know this is hard. And I also know your pup has what it takes to do very well if your vet suggests this. But YES! Get a seco d opiion from a specialist. Then you can proceed with confidence If Jag is vibrant, happy, alert, fuly enjoying life, he sounds like a good candidate.
Would love to see pictures of Jaggie! We love mig shots arou d nere!
Okay ow, don't forget the breathi g exercises....deep breaths in.........b r e a t h e.....exhale slowly....
(((((((hugs to you and Jag))))))))
Sally and 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!
Kate and Jag, welcome. We're sorry you had to join this club nobody ever wants to be a part of, but we're here to help however we can. All I can say is that there are no "right" decisions, just the one that's best for you and Jag.
When it comes to animals, they do hide their pain very well, and will do whatever it takes not to show their discomfort. It's only until the pain is gone that the dog or cat reverts to his or her usual self, and the humans go "whoooah, why didn't I see that before?!" Try to put yourself in his paws, and ask yourself what you would want to do.
If Jag is a happy go-lucky-pup, he will still be that same pup after surgery. It's the humans who always have a harder time coping than the dogs. Let go of your guilt, your visions of a 'handicapped' dog and you'll see that Jag just wants to feel good again, will still love you, and enjoy his life to the fullest, even on three legs.
I hope this helps! Please let us know what you decide to do.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Kate and Jag-
I wish you did not have a need to find this site, but glad you did. Every question and feeling you have are the same ones all of us had and experienced and every one of them is valid.
You will be surprised at how well he will adapt. It's not overnight, but dogs are just so much better at accepting their circumstances than we are. Shooter was 13-1/2 at the time of his amp and was out and about four days after surgery. That doesn't mean he was going crazy (although there are some that are), but we started very short daily walks about that time.
You will learn to cope because Jag will not allow you to do anything else. He copes so you cope! Your guilty feelings are normal and only time and experience can ease those no matter how much we tell you all will be good.
Please know that you can come here anytime to cry, vent, laugh and share or check out the chat room as some one is usually around to help out and listen.
Keep us updated and take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Welcome kate and jag,
You've come to a good place. We understand how you feel emotionally. You will be amazed how well he will do. Our Snoop has done very well since his amp which was in the end of May. We had about a 2-3 week recoup, and since then we have been doing great. Take one day at a time, you'll be fine and so willJag, he'll follow your lead. We also have a Sheltie she is 15 yrs old gal, her name is Missy. Good luck and keep posting with updates. Also jump on live chat, there's usually a good number on at nite. it's helpful there are a lot of great people that will share and help in what ever way they can.
Esther and Snoop
Dogs really don't care. After the first week or two dogs are pretty much over it. Takes about 3-4 months for them to learn how to really get around with one less limb.
My TJ is up and about playing and getting belly rubs after a 3 Jun 2013 front amp... he may tire a bit quicker, but the alternative was a degenerative cancer that eats his bones, then kills him.
Quality of life.... TJ has it. So do I.
I have to concur with everyone here. Barret was up and about in just days. He was totally back to normal after 2 weeks. We (luckily) had no complications and we have a healthy happy dog now. No regrets, but the weeks leading up to surgery were AGONY for me. Constantly asking myself if I am doing the right thing.
I can only tell you that I will never regret amputation. Barret doesn't miss the leg one little bit. Dogs are very adaptable. Not like humans. Read the Three Legs and Spare Book and the Dog Cancer Survival Guide . They were lifesavers during the decision making process.
Good luck on your journey, Heather and Barret
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Welcome Kate and Jag,
Sorry you are faced with this decision- but as you see you have found a great community of folks who have been there.
My pug Maggie had a mast cell tumor in her knee, her left, a soft tissue type of cancer with no pain associated with it. Mag was quite the drama queen- she ALWAYS let me know when something was bothering her and she had no symptoms with this tumor. She had another MCT removed about 6 months earlier so I was sort of expecting the same thing. When my vet said amputation, then the specialist said amputation I was stunned. She's fine, how can amputation be the solution? In our case removing the leg was the option because MCTs can ulcerate the skin and never heal, and there was the high probability of mets going to lymph system, liver and spleen.
Maggie was 7.5 years old at the time of surgery and one obstinate pug who hated change in her routine. She really took her time getting used to her new normal, she didn't play with me for about 6 weeks. No medical complications, just a stubborn pug. Mag had her amp before Tripawds was here so we went it alone. I spent several weeks thinking I had done the wrong thing. Most pups here are back to themselves in two or three weeks, in fact Mag was walking the day of surgery, and really had no problems getting around.
In hindsight it made sense that it took her awhile. A couple of years earlier when I sold my truck and bought a SUV she had to move from riding in the front seat to the back area- and I mean the whole back area with the seats folded down. She was really mad and she would sit there with her back to me and refuse to look out the windows. It took her a month to get over that, so I guess 6 weeks for losing a leg isn't too bad 
.
It is important for you to be strong and positive around Jag. I was a little mopey around Maggie and it certainly didn't help her come around. She lived almost 4 years after her amp, and was a happy and even more stubborn pug for most of that time.
Karen
Thank you all for the great thoughts and advise. It certainly is comforting to not feel so alone. Jag is an only child and unbelievably spoiled, at times I'm still in shock that we've been faced with such a decision. There have been so many other opinions and voices around us that at times its just overwhelming. But as many of you have said, we need to do what's best for JAG, not me! 
The good news is that Jag's CT scan came back and the cancer has NOT spread to any of this vitals. It is just contained in the leg and with the amputation, he has a 80% chance of living the happy, long life I know he deserves. We have a couple more vet visits in the upcoming week, but I think I know what we need to do.
Thanks again for all the positivity and support, stay tuned for more Jag news...
Working on keeping it all together!
Kate and Jag
Great news Kate. Sending pawsitive thoughts your way and we'll be watching for updates!
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
That's another HUGE benefit of amputation.. if the cancer has not spread out of the bone, removing it basically is the same thing as a cure.
Waiting to long to act is much worse than acting in certain cases.
Cosidering the circumstances, that is great news! We celebrate with you. Keep us posted!
You'll do the right thing for Jag!
Sally and 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!
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