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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Wow where to begin, buddy will be 9 years old in February and he is a Lab/Golden mix of about 95lbs right now. My husband has had him since he was just a few weeks old and he's been a wonderful dog. We found out right after Thanksgiving 2008 buddy had bone cancer in his front left leg and they gave us 4 to 5 months with no treatment. With limb amputation and chemo they said greater chance of 10 to 24 months. After getting opinions from 3 Dr's and after much research about the cancer and limp amputation, we decided to go through with the surgery. We just couldn't stand the thoughts of the pain that they say he was in or would be in very shortly. He was using his leg to walk but when he stood he would hold it up and he just laid around not very activie like he normally is.
Buddy had his surgery today and per the Surgeon he said Buddy did very well and it looks like we caught the cancer pretty early as there was a lot of muscle tissue around the bone. We have elected to go with Chemo after to help with the cancer. We are hoping to bring Buddy home tomorrow afternoon pending he has a good night and can stand and try to walk tomorrow. My husband and I are very hopeful of his recovery and will do everything to help him along and get back to himself. We know we will have a rough couple of days ahead of us but we will stay positive for him.
This site is great to read others stories and see just how well the dogs did with an amputation. Thanks to everyone for sharing your story and I will keep you posted with his recovery in hopes of helping others.
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Hi Buddy's Parents, Glad to hear that the surgery went well. Hope that the vet will give the green light to send Buddy home tomorrow. You probably have already read that the first couple of weeks post-op is challenging, but once you get through it, things will gradually easier and easier to manage. Stay positive, that's the idea!
Please keep us posted on how Buddy is doing. We are here for you. Wish Buddy have a speedy recovery!
Hugs.
Buddys Parents said:
...couldn't stand the thoughts of the pain that they say he was in or would be in ...
Bless you. You've done the best thing for Buddy. Sounds like you caught the cancer early and you're in the right midset -- prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
The surgery pain will go away. The tumor pain would only get worse. I was given only 4 months to live after my amputation, so my people opted not to do chemo ... until months later when the lung mets showed up. I lived nearly two years, loving every day on three legs.
Just focus on quality of life, not quantity and all will be good. Best wishes for a full speedy recovery! thanks agin for joining.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and welcome!
We're sorry to hear of Buddy's diagnosis but glad to hear that the surgery is done and that Buddy can now start on the road to recovery
Those first few days after they come home are hard on the humans and you may find yourself wondering if you made the right choice. Thats' normal! And in a few weeks when Buuddy is tearing around on his walks - totally free from pain - you'll know it was the right choice 
Bev & Darcy
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Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Thanks to everyone who posted such wonderful things, We called to check on Buddy this morning and they said he did very well during the night and has eaten a little but they will most likey keep him again tonight. We are waiting for the Dr to actually call and talk to us and let us know how he is. We really want him home but know that he is in the best care right now to get him back to good health. We are thinking it's probably because he was still using his bad leg to walk, where most dogs are not using that leg and adjust a little better. Just wanted to send an update and will let you know more.. Thanks for all the support!
Buddy's Parents.
Calamity & I are hoping all goes well with Buddy today & tonight. If he has to stay an extra day, it's all good, it's an extra day of observation & medical care for him. He is probably on sone IV pain medications also, which can only help him.
We'll be around to help you through the first 2 weeks, which can be rough. Just shout out when you need to.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Don't worry about Buddy staying another day, all will be well. Trouble had her surgery the day before Thanksgiving, so she stayed two nights for observation. When we picked her up on Friday she was ready to go home.
Our thoughts are with you as you enter the 'adjusting' phase. It's tough, but worth it. I've never regretted the decision we made.
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.
Thanks for the update. Sounds like Buddy is in good hands. Just remember to take it one day at a time. Best wishes for speedy full recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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