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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Due to financial constraints we have decided to proceed with amputation for our girl Jewels, but without chemotherpy. Her surgery is scheduled for this Thursday. I was wondering if anyone out there has made the same kind of decision? I know her survival time is less without the chemotherapy, but our oncologist said that additional things can be done with supplements and other drug therapies to make her comfortable and have quality of life. The important thing is that we are getting rid of the source of pain for her right now--her front limb that is affected by osteosarcoma. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Jewels was a gorgeous Lab-Shep mix that found us at the pet rescue when she was just 3 months old. Born June 2000; Diagnosed OSA on June 1, 2011; L-front Amputation September 12, 2011; Crossed Rainbow Bridge December 30, 2011. My "baby dog" will always be in my heart. Now she is running fast and free on all four legs after the rabbits and squirrels! Jewels was loved by her crazy-busy mom, even-keeled dad, pesky twin human brothers and monkeydog sister Aspen. Read about Jewels' Tripawd Journey here.
Welcome and thanks for joining. Sorry to hear about Jewels, but glad you found us!
We chose not to do IV chemo for Jerry after his osteosarcoma amputation, and he lived two years. We started him on metronomics and K9 Immunity once we discovered his lung mets. Other members have reported success using the less expensive Power Mushrooms, or Artemisinin.
Above all it was Jerry's healthy cancer diet and supplements that we believe contributed to his longevity. Check out Dr. Dressler's free canine cancer diet e-book and consider downloading his comprehensive canine cancer survival guide for more options.
Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I think you are absolutely correct. The important part is quality of life, and as we were told, amputation is the ONLY way to remove the pain - instant boost to quality of life. Each of us has to make our decisions first with quality of life in mind, and second by what treatment path makes the most sense financially. Never second guess yourself. From this point forward , you will learn to live one day at a time and to relish each and every precious moment you are given with your pain free pooch.
Sending many good thoughts your way, and hoping to see many wonderful posts as we learn all about you and Jewels.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Bo became a tripawd this month as well due to osteosarcoma in his front left leg. We have decided not to do chemo, for multiple reasons. Financially, we are unable to and we would like for Bo to live pain free and happily until he is ready to go. I am glad to know that there are others that have and are choosing this route as well.
Good luck to Jewel and her surgery!! Pain free days are coming soon!!
Although my dog didn't get amputated for osteosarcoma but instead for soft tissue sarcoma, we chose not to do chemo either. My dog is treated homeopathically by Dr. Charles Loops. You may want to check him out. He's known as a cancer specialist and FWIW, homeopathic treatments are very inexpensive. Here's his link if you're interested(done by phone consults):
http://www.char.....psdvm.com/
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
maggie said:
My dog is treated homeopathically by Dr. Charles Loops.
And here are several blog posts we wrote about him. We've had quite a few dogs who didn't do chemo see much success with this good doctor.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Cooper had his amputation almost 8 months ago , and we also chose the path of no chemotherapy. Cooper has already outlived the odds we were given by double, in the recent past we have really boosted his diet with cancer fighting foods , we had initially only changed his diet to good grain free food. Our only regret is not having boosted his diet with good cancer fighting vegetables and supplements sooner than we did. I guess my main point is, like the commercial on tv - there is no expiration date stamped on your dogs foot. Do the best you can afford to and give him lots of love. Goodluck!
Cooper and pack
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
My Kona had osteosarcoma in her right rear leg. We had the leg amputated and then opted for the chemo.
If we had it to do all over again, we wouldn't do the chemo.
In Kona's case, it caused damages....bowels....
We thought we were doing everything possible to save our girl, but yeah, given a second chance, no, no chemo.
With our Kona, I believe that she would have done better without it. Twenty twenty hindsight, and who knows for sure, but that's how I feel.
My best to you and your pup.
Denise
Kona turned 9yrs on April 16, 2010.
Kona was diagnosed Memorial Weekend 2010 with osteosarcoma.
Right rear leg amputated on June 4th. First chemo June 18th 2010
Second chemo July 9th, 2010 Third and final (yea !!!) chemo July 30th, 2010
ONE TOUGH GIRL this Australian Cattledog !
***Kona's journey/fight ended late in the evening of December 22, 2010***
We Love you so much Kona….always
Bella 9yrs, albino lab/aussie shep/pit?(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind (from birth) in one eye limited vision in other.(laid back, ok lazy 73 lbs)
Cotton, 5yrs, albino hound/terrier of somesort/???(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind in one eye(from birth), excellent vision in seeing eye. (ball addict…destroyer of Kong balls…yes,etc), high energy 55lbs knots of muscle)
Kona Kai's pup brother and sister as well as her buddy and playmate cat, Shaymous 12yrs (like Seamus), miss her terribly.
Welcome Jewels and family!
First off, we are wishing you a successful surgery with a speedy recovery!
Second, as everyone has said, we haven't seen that chemo is a guarantee and some of us have been here a long time. Doesn't make it wrong to try but it doesn't make it necessary either. If you want to do it, that's great - it not, that's fine too!
I personally *don't think* I would do chemo if I had had a cancer dog. (mine was a 3-legger from a birth defect) Not that my opinion matters but I just don't feel it's worth the side effects. My thoughts are if they have cancer, getting them pain free is the most important part.
Wishing you the absolute best on Thursday! 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.
Thank you all so very much for your wonderful words of support and reccomendations! I will let you know how it goes after tomorrow when Jewels recovers from surgery.
Jewels was a gorgeous Lab-Shep mix that found us at the pet rescue when she was just 3 months old. Born June 2000; Diagnosed OSA on June 1, 2011; L-front Amputation September 12, 2011; Crossed Rainbow Bridge December 30, 2011. My "baby dog" will always be in my heart. Now she is running fast and free on all four legs after the rabbits and squirrels! Jewels was loved by her crazy-busy mom, even-keeled dad, pesky twin human brothers and monkeydog sister Aspen. Read about Jewels' Tripawd Journey here.
Cooper, what is your cancer fighting diet? Bo and I would love to know! Thank you!
We too opted not to do the chemo on Riley…..but we do have her on K-9 immunity along with other supplements and she is on a grain free diet (dry and canned ) along with additional chicken livers, gizzards & hearts and / or beef heart and / or salmon, rockcod or halibut. Then for treats she gets chicken strips or duck strips……
Chili Dawg became a tripawd in May due to osteosarcoma. We are not doing chemo with him for several reasons. I can tell you this though, as soon as the bad leg was removed, he returned to the dog we knew. We could tell that his pain was gone just by looking at his face. We have him on K9 Immunity Plus, and some other supplements to boost his immune system.
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
We've run into another complication as a result of preliminary bloodwork just prior to prepping Jewels for surgery. Her insulin levels are extremely high. So major surgery would be extra risky. Our regular vet suspected insulinoma, but our oncologist thinks it's unlikely and suspects the insulin levels are a side effect of the osteosarcoma. Needless to say, we have cancelled the scheduled amputation and are continuing to make her as comfortable as we can while we think about what to do next. Has anyone also had issues with blood sugar levels prior to surgery? If so, what did you do? Unfortunately I don't think I've earned the privilege yet of being a part of the tripawd community since our girl has not yet gone through amputation!
Jewels was a gorgeous Lab-Shep mix that found us at the pet rescue when she was just 3 months old. Born June 2000; Diagnosed OSA on June 1, 2011; L-front Amputation September 12, 2011; Crossed Rainbow Bridge December 30, 2011. My "baby dog" will always be in my heart. Now she is running fast and free on all four legs after the rabbits and squirrels! Jewels was loved by her crazy-busy mom, even-keeled dad, pesky twin human brothers and monkeydog sister Aspen. Read about Jewels' Tripawd Journey here.
First off, of course you are a part of the community! Too late, no going back now.
We have had some diabetic dogs here, including Bonnie:
osteosarcoma diagnoses on lab with diabetes
So any idea what the next move will be? I'm so sorry this happened. Ugh. How about a 3rd opinion?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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