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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Jess is the most beautiful collie-cross / staffie; beautiful in her brindle colouring. She's currently laying next to me on the sofa as she is now ruling the roost, being totally spoiled and happilly wrapping us around her paws. Her nature is fantastic, she has totally converted friends who have been scared of dogs for 20 years to being her fans - she is just amazing.
We first noticed her limping at the end of June, thinking that something was in her paw, and took her to the vet weekly as her limp got worse. Anti-inflammatory tablets, resting and all the vet's recommendations didnt improve her condition, so xrays were taken and a prognosis of arthritis was given. A week later, after consultation with a bone specialist, our world started falling apart as I was told that there was a strong suspicion of osteosarcoma. A visit to Davies Vet Specialists confirmed suspicions, and on 30th August my dogs front leg was amputated. I had been reading everything I could about osteosarcoma, and had prepared myself for the worst news, and had in some way prepared my husband who is as close to our dog Jess as anyone could be to a dog - she's his "little girl" / "angel" and all those other endearments that we use.
We got her home 5 days afterwards, on the day she had her first dose of chemotherapy and though she was happy at times initially, it took her about a week and a half to see her looking anything like normal in the way that she behaved. She has improved on a daily basis, and is wanting to run, walk, hop, jump, play with the ball, chase other dogs, chase cats and everything that a healthy dog wants to do. Her second dose of chemotherapy has not dampened her spirits at all, though of course it is taking its effect on us - all she knows is that she has needles put in her, yet we have the emotional trauma of thinking is it the right thing, what will the effect of this be on her and the big question - how long will this treatment keep her alive.
So we are spoiling her, loving her and trying to make every day count. Its an emotional rollercoaster at the moment - I almost cried when I found this website and I can't yet read other stories as its just too raw at the moment. So for the moment, its just a case of having all our fingers and toes crossed for her.....if love could keep her alive she would live for ever!
Mandy,
Welcome to the Tripawds community, and thank you so much for registering. Jessie's story is so beautiful, and demonstrates both the hard times, and all of the blessings, that go along with making the decision to amputate and treat for cancer. By sharing it, you are giving hope to so many others, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Where are you located, and where is Davies clinic?
If you can, post some photos of your baby dog here, we'd love to see her!
Yep, how long she can last is the big question. It sounds like you're doing your best to put that question far in the back of your head though, and enjoying every beautiful moment together.
We send our love, and well wishes your way. Thanks again!
Your friend,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your interest Jerry - its still hard to share what we're going through, but I have to do it to help me get through it all.
I've only just realised that this a US site with I guess mainly US users. I'm based near Nottingham in England, and Davies Vetinary Specialists is one of the top pet hospitals in the UK, situated in Hertfordshire, about 40 miles north of London.
Here's Jess:
I can't find my download cable for my camera, but will post some post-surgery shots asap.
Jess is gorgeous! She looks like a spunky gal, that's for sure.
Oh, and we do have quite a few members from the UK! Post your location in the Tripawds Parties thread, and you'll see what I mean.
Hang in there, things will get easier, promise!
xoxo
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Mandy - welcome! Jess is gorgeous! The picture with the cat - absolutely priceless 🙂
Even though we're an ocean away, we are all here for you - keep us updated on how things are going... I totally understand how you aren't quite ready to read everyone else's stories... that didn't stop me when I first found this site, but after I made the decision to amputate Smokey's leg and I was reading updates from others, I was completely terrified. Some were positive, some weren't so positive, but they still were - if that made any sense at all 🙂
I still am just so completely amazed at watching Smokey each day... I'm almost to the point to where I can't even remember him having 4 legs because he's so amazing with 3 :-).
Mandy & Jess, welcome to this great site! You will find that Alfie is from the UK, as well. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos of your dog & cat! I'm so glad everything is going well. Please keep us posted, and you are right, it does help to talk about the things that are sometimes overwhelming. You will find that you have a lot of friends here on tripawds.com. We're here for you and the neat thing is, you can say whatever you feel like saying and no one will mis-understand you. Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki)
Welcome to the site and welcome Jess to the ranks of these amazing dogs of ours. Sounds like you are already demonstrating the spirit and positive attitude our tripawds are famous for. Great pictures.
Hugs
Connie & Radar
Hi and welcome to you and jess Gorgeous dog .
Anne, Butch and Faith... (Gem and Tiny in our Hearts)
Hi Mandy - Jessie is lovely! Like the others, I understand your feelings all too well.
We're not all that far from you - in Oldham, near Manchester. This may sound a touch odd....but....we're hoping to have a very special party at our house on the evening of 16th October (see my signature....I can't say too much about the party yet for fear of 'making something bad happen') and you would be very welcome to come. It can be only human visitors though as we have a large canine family, but you would be very welcome if you'd like to come and see The Party Girl. (This invitation is also extended to anyone within travelling distance - and I have plans to share the event with those who can't make it too but I'll do a thread about that nearer the time!).
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Paws are crossed Darcy! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Mandy & Jess,
As Vicki says I am in the UK, about an hour away from you in Warwickshire. I had my front right leg amputated on 19 Sept, so it's still early days for me. I'm doing pretty well, getting about with increasing confidence & skill. I'm looking forward to when my stiches come out on Thursday. My mum tried to reduce me down to one Rimadyl a day over the weekend, but last night I seemed so uncomfortable, panting and whimpering from time to time, she's upped the dose again. She's going to chat through the options with the vet on Thursday.
I was really bright earlier today, but am quiet and subdued now. It's been a bit wierd going from crazy, energetic excited 19 month old puppy to the old fella I'm acting like now in only a matter of weeks.....maybe just lulling them into a false sense of security!
Looking forward to hearing about the plans for Darcy's hush hush bash. Not long to wait, what a fantastic milestone to be approaching!
Alfie (& Linda)x
Gee, I wish I lived in Oldham, near Manchester! I'd love to meet Darcy the "Party Girl" and you, too, Bevd. Your posts are always so sensitive and caring, it would be a pleasure to get to know you better.
Warmly, Vicki, Blazer & Kitty Kimber
Gosh, I missed the post from Linda and Alfie living in Warwickshire, about an hour away. Sometimes I rely too much on my email updates and if I miss one, then I don't look above to see if I've missed anything. To Linda and Alfie: I hope that Alfie's slowdown is only temporary. I've read on so many of these forums that the first month can be absolutely dreadful for some dogs in their recovery. Then, you have others who just seem to bounce right back. It doesn't seem quite right, since Alfie is just a baby (pretty much) still. I was expecting him to be one of those who wouldn't have any problems. I'm still confident that he will start to feel better soon. You have been through so much pain after losing Sam and now Alfie is ill. My heart just breaks for you. Please keep us posted on his progress, even if you have to start a new forum thread. I'm so glad there are others in the UK that you can relate to and that you all live fairly close to one another. It would be great if you could all become friends and maybe even start a group. It helps to talk about your worries and fears here on this site, but it's best if you can sit down and talk to someone face to face and you three are in the perfect position to do this. We love our friends from the UK here on this U.S. site. It's so wonderful that we have the internet to be able to communicate with one another. Hang in there, Linda & Alfie. It will get better, but I also know how much it tears at you to see Alfie in pain. Your friends, Vicki Tankersley, Blazer & Kitty Kimber
Hi Jess!
You are a beautiful dog. I bet you are a lot of fun to be with. Thank you so much for posting your story. I understand what your pawrents are going through as mine are doing the same. They have been on a huge emotional roller coaster; however, they are trying to take it one day at a time and look for the small improvements as well as the big.
Please keep us up to date on how everything goes for you.
Lots of licks,
Bandit and Mommy
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