Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone. Thank you for listening. We found out 2 days ago our 11 1/2 yr old Golden Girl "Rosie" has bone cancer osteosarcoma. We take her tomorrow to Oncologist specialist to find out our options. Our regular vet says her leg has to be amputated to stop the cancer from spreading. It is not in her lungs yet. But her bone may break any time and then that would be the end. We don't know what to do.
Has anyone out there had success with an older dog having an amputation? Did they do well after the surgery? The idea of taking her leg off is awful to us, but she is in pain and limping badly. I don't want to see her in pain. And if we do nothing she has maybe 4 months to live. Or she will break her leg and then we have to put her down right away.
Can she live with 3 legs. I don't see how she will do it. She is old and I don't think she can do it. The Dr. tomorrow will tell us what he thinks.
Thank you for any comments?
Rosie's Mom
Rosie, let me tell you how sorry I am to hear about your diagnosis! Cancer is no fun. And to Rosie's mom, this is a stressful time for you but rest assured that everyone here knows what you are going through and you have found a great resource. It is my understanding that bone cancer is extremely painful for our dogs, and that it is probably even more painful than we realize since dogs tend to mask when they are hurting. From our experience, amputation has been blessing in disguise in that we have met so many wonderful people and have found a new appreciation for the little things in life. Jack is no longer in pain and runs and jumps around like he did when he was little. He's only 5, but he was acting so depressed before we knew he had cancer, so to see him feeling so much better is truly heartwarming. I know there are quite a few older dogs on here that have gone through amputation and are doing soooo well, but since mine is "middle aged" I'm sorry I can't offer advice in that area. I'm sure others will comment soon, though! Best of luck in your oncology meeting and please keep us posted!
<3 Laura and Jackers
Hi Rosie! Thanks for joining the discussion. Tell your mom not to worry, if you are otherwise fit and healthy. Most people don't understand how resilient dogs are, or how they don't feel shame about losing a leg like people do. Remind her that in the wild you might even chew off your own leg if it meant relieving the pain, which amputation will most certainly do.
Have her check out the Size and Age Matters discussion forum for stories about other senior dogs. And make sure she knows about Samigurrl, who was nearly 14 at the time of her amputation. Watch her video together too. She lived to be over 15!
Best wishes.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My Emily is only five but I can't see where amputation can be worse than bone cancer even for an older dog. Is Rosie in otherwise good health? The thought that simply walking across the room could cause a fracture is scary. We did not know Emily was in so much pain until after her amputation. The first two weeks afterwards won't be fun but after that she will be out of pain from the cancer.
As far as if she can live on three legs-absolutely! Tripawds can do pretty much everything that they did before. I need to get a video of Emily running across the yard to jump on the trampoline! Rosie will not care that she has three legs. It is so much harder for us than it is for them
Good luck and let us know how things go.
Debra (& Emily)
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Hi Rosie's Mom...we are sooooo sorry that you had to find us, but hoppy that you did. I'll cut right to the chase - YES WE CAN SURVIVE AND DO WELL ON 3 LEGS.
Zeus was just over 10 years old (Golden - 75 pounds) when we amputated...he has DONE AMAZINGLY well. He is now 11 1/2 and still going strong. He can't quite do everything he used to do - but some of that is age too...we can take about 15 minute walks....not an hour anymore...but he can still run like crazy after the deer in our yard. He can fetch the ball, chew his sticks and get around the house with no help at all. I do lift him in an out of the SUV using a harness for help (or I ask Chuck to lift him!) so he doesn't injure himself, but really - I don't see where it's been an enormous change. He is still my baby that makes me happier with his wagging tail than anything else in the world.
It's all about quality of life - I said to myself before amputation that if he couldn't handle it or it depressed him or he wasn't enjoying life, that I would let him go. I never had to have that thought again.
We are sending prayers your way ~ please keep us posted.
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Thank you everyone for reading my story a week ago. It has been a very difficult week and so much to think about. Rosie is fine but still limping very badly. She drags the leg around. She is lamb. It is so hard to watch her. She gets so tired after going to the bathroom. The Dr. Said he thought she could handle amputation and he recommended that with chemo or a single dose radiation treatment called stereotactic radiation theapy performed at the University of Florida in Gainesville. which we live 2 hrs from. The radiation kills the cancer cells on the tumor and he claims that if successful it is limb sparring. The leg is weakened but the bone regenerates itself! It sounds promising and he claims has same success rate as amputation. However it is more expensive.
We are taking her Tuesday for evaluation to see if she totally qualifies for the treatment. They said so far she qualified but the have to do a Cat Scan to make sure.
It has been so much to take in. We have been devestated all week. The idea of cutting her leg off has been a difficult one. She is 11 1/2 and 74 pounds. I know the cancer has to go either they radiate it and if that doesn't work then they have to amputate. I appreciate all the encouraging stories about dogs who do well after amputation. I am so scared she won't recover and won't be able to walk. But I can see that cancer can be controlled and I want to control it as long as possible. I started her on K-9 Immunity this week. And trying to build up her immune system.
If we can't save her leg with the radiation treatment we will be forced to amputate. I hope I can deal with it. It is harder for us to accept than them I just don't want to see her in any pain. People who don't understand have told me some negative things about amputation and it has made me confused. Like don't do that to her, and she's too old for that, and it's not worth it. People who think they are being loving to dogs that they think we shouldn't put the dog thru all that. I hear them and understand them, but then again they don't have a dog facing cancer. She is fine in every other way. She is alert has appetitie and has not metastisized. I think she can live awhile longer if we can get rid of the cancer.
We have appointment on Tuesday the 25th at the University, we hope she will pass for the radiation treatment to save her leg. If not I'll need all your support to figure out how to be positive about amputation. People in general are not positive about it and it really discourages me. My husband has been very encouraging about it and we are going to do what ever we have to do to save her life. Thank you in advance for your support and encouraagement.!
Sandy & Tim - Rosie's Mom and Dad
Hi Sandy and Tim
I encourage you to watch some of the videos on this site. My Cemil is an Anatolian Shepherd, not quite 4 years old, but 150# and he's doing fine. We don't take long walks anymore and he hasn't figured out how to get in and out through the dog door (so he barks at the sliding door to go in or out), but other than that, life went on as normal. He plays with the other dogs, running, jumping and body-slamming, and doesn't seem to notice that he looks a little different from the others. They notice, and are a little more gentle with him, but it doesn't seem to make a large difference.
At this point, it's hard not to be afraid, but I think everyone here would say the same–that nothing much has changed (after the recovery time). Except the pain is gone. That's huge.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Sandy,
We feel for you both, and Rosie. This is a very hard decision, to envision life on three legs, and all of us here know the negative feedback from friends and family that accompanies the announcement that one is contemplating amputation for our dogs. The reaction even among dog lovers is a visceral "why would you do that?!"
In fact, I'll bet that most of us here felt the same way, before cancer entered our lives and it was a choice between taking the gamble on amputation, or saying goodbye prematurely. One of the reasons that we started this site was because there wasn't a lot of visual proof out there that dogs can live happy lives on three legs. Tell any doubters they need to come here before jumping to conclusions.
I just want to pass along this blog link, to Shiva, the Red Dog. She is a senior Goldie who has done great with amputation, and is also a member here. You will be amazed at her progress. Feel free to talk to her pawrents, they're great.
Keep in mind, you are not cutting off her leg. You are getting rid of the pain. We must say though, that there are risks, just as there are with any other treatments. Not all dogs will recovery quickly or do very well. But most do. And the one thing about dealing with cancer, is you will be making a lot of decisions based on faith, and the best information you have at the time. There are no right or wrong decisions. Your gal will love you no matter what, because she knows you're trying your best to help her through this, in a way that works for all of you.
UF is one of the best places in the country to seek treatment for canine cancerl, you are so lucky to be there. The stereotactic radiation therapy machine is one of the few in the world and it is reported to be incredible stuff. We got to see the machine in person when we were at Colorado State's cancer center earlier this summer. Have you asked your doctors there what the current success rate is when using this therapy?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm sorry to hear about Rosie. Your story is kinda close to mine. My dog Mac had his rear leg amputation 2 weeks ago Monday. He is 13 years old and weighs 65-70 pounds. He had already had a hairline fracture before the surgery and when he had his xray right before surgery they saw how it had totally fractured, but his lungs were clear. There wasn't any other choice besides amputation except to put him to sleep. The cancer had triggered kidney problems and they worried about him healing, but according to the surgeon he has healed better than most younger dogs without extra health problems. We went to a specialist surgeon who did a great job with inside sutures and great post op care and he didn't have any swelling or fluid leaking or anything. His wound has totally healed and the area isn't even pink anymore. He hasn't been able to really stand up yet on his own but once he's up he can walk around without help, even though we have a towel under him just in case. He has had some other health problems since the surgery but they don't think it has anything to do with it specifically. He is no longer limping and in the pain he was in. If I were you I would go through with the amputation, especially if Rosie doesn't have additonal health issues and her lungs are clear. I was worried about Mac's age too but it hasn't been a factor for him. He is able to go outside and pee on his own, but since his back leg was taken he can't squat quite as well when he needs to poop but he's getting better every time.
There are considerations such as if Rosie has arthritis or if she didn't get around too well before she started limping. Most dogs can get around about as well as they did before amputation though.
I hope that helps with the decision. Good luck and keep us posted. Stay strong.
To Rosie, Sandy, & Tim.
Welcome to this forum filled with extremely caring people who will provide support, suggestions, and inspiration for the situation that you now face. We also want to tell you how sorry we are about Rosie's diagnosis. As with all her who have faced this situation, you are probably in shock, but are doing the best thing possible in gathering information in order to make you decision regarding your course of treatment. I cannot believe that I missed your original posting but you have gotten great input.
Cherry turned eleven the day before her amputation and the chemotherapy was far worse for her than the amputation. She started the chemo literally hours after the surgery and lost all her appetite. I had to stuff nearly every morsel of food for the duration of the chemo. The recovery from the amputation was extremely good and while she may no longer go on 12 mile hikes with me, she has recovered an extremely high quality of life. We just completed our nine months of recovery and life truly is great for all of us.
Our local vet provided us with an article discussing Osteosarcoma from VeterinaryPartner.com with discussion also of the treatment options. We chose the amputation followed by very aggressive chemotherapy because we felt that it provided the greatest probability of returning Cherry to the quality of life that had defined her up to that point. According to the article, "radiotherapy does not produce a helpful response in about 1/3 of patients." Amputation should remove the pain immediately. A recent posting here posed the question "Regrets about Amputation?" The answer was a consistent NO.
Please keep us posted regarding your progress. Paws crossed and all the pawitive thought possible.
Bob & Cherry
I am a vet but I too was concerned with how my giant dog would do without a leg. I looked into limb-spare surgery but while some dogs do well a great many have complications including infections or breakdown of the metal implants. I know that surgery with the gamma knife at Florida is a different surgery but side effects are still possible.
I also had other people including other veterinarians suggest that she was too big and maybe I should just wait and see how long we could control the pain before deciding to amputate. Finally I saw a video of Moose and photos of Finnegan on this site so I knew she could do it. She had the amputation almost a year ago and hasn't looked back since!
Bone cancer is very painful even in the early stages and the very best way to stop that pain is amputation ASAP. The sooner the leg comes off the less chance for lungs mets to develop.
I would see what the surgeons at the university have to say and weigh all of your options but don't let other's negative views affect your decision. There will always be people that do not understand and will not agree with you. I have NEVER had one person regret amputation once it has been done and many dogs live a good quality life even after surgery alone without any chemo, etc.
Pam and Tazzie
Rosie, Sandy, and Tim - I'm so very sorry to hear about Rosie's cancer. My Smokey wasn't diagnosed with bone cancer, but skin cancer. He had a tumor on his front right large paw pad and had been limping around for months before we found the right vet who knew what to look for and spent time doing so. The tough thing about Smokey is that he NEVER lets me know when he's in pain, even when he was limping around he would try to run as if to not let me see him limping.
When I got the news that he had a malignant melanoma my heart just stopped. And then when our vet said amputation would be the best possibility because of where the tumor was located, etc I just was completely against it. Mostly because I wasn't educated enough to really know that by amputating it's not hurting them, it's making them better! I went back and forth for a month trying to decide what to do and I still kick myself every now and then for even taking that long to decide! Seeing Smokey after his surgery just made me fall in love with him all over again, and more, and he is such a trooper - just a couple of weeks ago we were in the vet's office for a pawdicure and some people in the waiting room couldn't believe that it had only been 11 months since his surgery and that he was 12 years old - he acted like he'd be born a tripawd and his energy is limitless.
It was extremely hard for me to see him after his surgery but the one thing I realized is that I was so concerned about making sure he wasn't going to fall and that he was resting that I didn't really let myself really think about what had just happened to him. And even now all you have to do is look at his face and his spirit shines through - he's a fighter and always has been.
My biggest concern was his age and at the time he could have lost a few pounds to get around easier. We did x-rays of his hips and there wasn't any sign of arthritis so I took that as a sign. And now, a year and 3 days later he is just amazing! (actually a year ago today we picked him up from the hospital). I still remember that first time he hopped up on his own when he realized he could sneak away from my hovering over him :).
In the end, I now know that if I ever have to face this again I would do it in a heartbeat. Finances were another issue for me as I couldn't afford the surgery on my own, but thanks to Care Credit and family we all made it happen. Every morning I wake up and look over at Smokey staring at me, trying to let me know he's ready for his breakfast, and all I can do is smile.
Most importantly, you know Rosie better than anyone... I also came across someone before I had made my decision that was absolutely opposed to it (and she was a breeder). To be honest that shocked me but I saw her in a different light - breeding is business. Smokey is not my business, he's my family and my life. And for that, I'd do anything for him!
Best wishes - we're going to be keeping you all in our thoughts and hope for nothing but the best!
p.s. - I'm not sure if this link will work, but if it helps, I have a few videos of Smokey hopping around on his three legs 🙂 http://www.yout.....isonsmokey
Thanks everyone for your reply's before I start this difficult week. I'm so nervous about Tuesday when we go to University of Florida to College Vet Medicine. I have struggled all week with our decision to try the Stereotactic Radiation Treatment. Yes we asked the Oncologist in Tampa and he said that the success rate is the same as Amputation. I will ask this new Oncologist at UF : by the way "GO GATORS" my husband said I had to say that. But we will ask the Oncologist at UF Tuesday again about the success rate of the Stereotactic Radiation. And about the side effects and pain after? I have a lot of questions about that, The bone will be weakened but I was told that it will grow back that the bone will grow back! and that the pain of inflamation will go away that this radiation treatment takes away the inflamation. She could still break the leg, it as it will be weakened but if everything goes right it will remodel itself. It takes 4 to 6 months for that to happen. But they weigh all that when they see if she is a candidate for this treatment. They don't gurantee 100% that the cancer is gone just like with Amputation, cancer could still go microscopically thru bloodstream to the body. But they say it has the same success as amputation. So I will find out more and let everyone know. She has not metastisized to lungs yet according to my xray 2 weeks ago. So I'm sure they will check again.
But if she doesn't qualifyfor the Stereotactic Radiation, the CT scan will decide, with all your help we have realized that Amputation will be the next step. And we are not waiting around we'll do it right away. For those who read about this radiation, this is not Radiotherapy that takes several treatments. This is a special One Time Super Radiation treatment only done at I think The University of Florida and in Colorado has one too. We live in Florida it is 2 hrs from us. But we are going to try and see if they can save her leg. If not we'll amputate. They also give them chemo right away the same day as they do the Stereotactic Radiation. Then 3 more treatments after that.
We feel confident we are going to the right place. We have struggled with amputation. But all of you have shown how well your dogs have responded afterwards. I am nervous about compications with whatever route we have to take. She is not completely healthy she has Cushings Disease too, but not badly yet. That means she produces a lot of steriods in her body. But they said that should be okay.
I have learned an awful lot about Dog Cancer this week. And I appreciate all your thoughts and personal stories about what you have been thru. I wish I could put her picture here, I'm having trouble navigating on this site. I don't know how to add the picture. She is a beautiful light golden and is my sweetheart. We love her so much. Life without her is hard to imagine.
Some of our friends have been supportive, those who are not understanding, it's amazing because the love animals but have a different view. I went to a special pet store to buy her EVO dog food to build her up. it is all natural and has a lot of protein good for dogs with cancer. The owner of store was so negative with me about doing amputation! I went away feeling like why is she in this business then trying to sell healthy pet food? Anyway people are strange. It's good to find friends of animals who understand Cancer and how difficult it is. I have to remember I'm not cutting her leg off, I'm saving her life. I hope we can cope. I myself had breast cancer 4 years ago and survived chemo and surgery so I have a little experience with cancer. It is no fun. Thank you for everything and I'll let you know what happens.
We're here with you, let us know how Tuesday goes. Yes, Colorado State is the only other school with one of these machines. There are very few in the whole world.
If that treatment goes as hoped, and her leg can be saved, that would be awesome. So much progress is being made with new therapies, and we tip our hats to brave pawrents like you who are willing to lead the way. Our only hope is that someday these treatements won't be needed at all, this awful cancer thing can just be stopped, once and for all.
One thing I wanted to comment on: amputation doesn't get rid of the cancer. Osteosarcoma and many other bone cancers will eventually metastasize into other areas of the body. What amputation does is buy more time.
That pet store person sounds pretty clueless. Did she not even know that Evo is a high protein food that's often given to dogs battling bone cancer? Duh! Yes, people are very strange. Try to keep a sense of humor about things, it'll keep you sane.
Good luck on Tuesday. Go Gators!
P.S. Here is a link in our Technical Support Topic about adding photos. If you still have trouble, let us know and we'll help you post it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Sandy and Tim - I sent you a note via "email" but one thing I forgot to add that I'm seeing you talk alot about is other people's opinions and reactions....
My MOM. my aunt that I'm super close to, my friends and people who didn't even really know me or zeus at all told me how cruel I was being to Zeus and how could I proclaim my love for him and then cut his leg off? You have to shut out all negativity when it comes to this decision. You and Tim and Rosie will know what is going to be good for her. Listen to your heart and go as far as asking Rosie what she wants. I asked Zeus and he told me he wanted to live - by jumping off the bed when I was talking to him, whipping his toys around, chasing his tail and then finally heading to the bedroom window to bark ...then he looked back at me as if to say, "I want to live".
After I made our decision - when those people I mentioned above questioned me, I responded (lovingly to my family and maybe not so lovingly to others) that if they didn't have anything positive to say about this and if they couldn't support me (which they have that right), then don't mind me if I give them a buzz after Zeus and I recover. I only allowed myself and Zeus to be around positive and supportive people during this super difficult time.
We have paws crossed for Tuesday. Please keep us posted ~
xo
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
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