Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, my Golden Retriever, Copper got a lump. It was back in November 2014 and it was a size of a large egg. After multiple visit to a vet and tone of money spent there was still no answer. We went like this for a few months trying to get an answer. In April 2015 this lump suddenly grew to a size of big grapefruit and then even bigger. We've rushed to another vet since the first one had no idea what it was and found out it may be a cyst and it should be removed. The quote was $4000 which we couldn't afford. We didn't know what to do. Finally we've remember that our friend, although far away, is a great vet and we've decide to take Copper to him. As soon as he saw our pup he said this thing is definitely not a cyst and need to be removed immediately. The next day Copper was "on the table" getting the surgery. In the middle of it we've got a phone call from our friend-vet saying that he knows it is a hemangiopercytoma and since this is really large tumor the best way to get rid of it was the amputation. I couldn't think straight and was crying and asked him if there was another option. He said that we can remove as much as possible and then wait for the recurrence and then amputate. I've agreed. A month later the tumor grew back to large size and then bloody cyst came out of it and Copper started to licking it and scratching and this thing started bleeding. The amputation is schedule for this Wednesday (day after tomorrow) and I'm so nervous. This tumor looks really nasty and it makes me really regret my decision, i really should have done this at the first surgery but I thought it will take about six month to grow back not a month. Anyway, we're waiting for the surgery and I'm praying and hoping everything will be ok. Be with us on this difficult journey.
Edyta and Copper
Edyta and Copper, welcome. I'm so sorry you're in this tough spot, it's not easy but please don't beat yourself up; most of us had a major learning experience much like what you've gone through. Don't look back; all that matters is that Copper is now getting the care that he needs. Soon he will be on the road to recovery and feeling like himself again.
Meanwhile we'll do whatever we can to help. Please check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books library, and hang in there. What kinds of questions do you have? We'll try to answer them OK?
Many hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Edyta and Cooper!
Goodness gracious, we all understand COMPLETELY trying other options before proceeding with amputation! And yes, sometimes they don't grow back as fast so it was certainly worth a try!
I know this is a very scary time. We understand better than anyone the emotional stress of this journey. Stay connected to us. You are not alone, okay?
The first wo weeks can be a little rough. It IS major surgery and recovery time is all about rest and just going out for potty breaks, taking pain meds and maybe getting a scoop of ice cream every now and then!
Ppst some pictures when you can. We love pictures around here. Knowing Cooper is a Golden, we already know he is a very sweet a d very good boy!
Remember,Cooper isn't worried about a thing! He doesn't give a rip about any ole' diagnosis! He just wants to soak up all that loving and spoiling and extra treats!
We are right here by your side. Oh, and eat lots of CHOCOLATE! Yeah, that he@ls!
Sending love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
oh yeah, chocolate definitely helps! Sally is so right! 
We've been there - it's so hard to make a huge decision like that on the spot. When I heard Murphy probably had cancer, I felt like the floor dropped out from under me! When they said it could be a bacterial or fungal infection and we could biopsy it first I grasped at that straw - after all, Murphy was perfectly healthy and only 7 years old, how could it be cancer? Little did I know. I could have saved time and money, not to mention the pain Murphy went through with having a procedure. But you don't know until you go through it.
Copper will come through with flying colors! He's already been in pain so getting rid of that bum leg will be a piece of cake. The first 2 weeks are the hardest. The pain medications make them not quite themselves - and sometimes it's hard to tell if they're in pain and need more medicine, or have too much medicine. Murphy came home on 3 different medications, so we made a sheet with the times listed, so that we would mark off each dose each day (with 3 of us in the house, it was the easiest way to keep track of who gave him his medications). He may not want to eat much, and want to sleep a lot. I cooked up some rice and added chicken broth to it and some chunks of chicken, anything to get him to eat. If you have wood floors, you want to get some rugs with the rubber backing for more traction .
There is a ton of information, support and great ideas here for you!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Welcome.
You are doing your best with the information you have- remember that!
Recovery can be full of ups and downs so don't get discouraged if Cooper doesn't seem himself at first. You are not removing a healthy limb- you are taking away pain that won't go away.
We have all been there in one form or another and can help with questions or when you need support.
Good luck Wednesday and keep us posted on his progress, and how you are doing too.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Thank you guys! You're so awesome and helpful! Week and a half after the surgery. We're going thru a rough time right now, Copper is doing fine after the surgery but he is apathetic sometimes (actually mostly now) but sometimes has moments of joy and then he "runs" - he has already took me for a walk and despite laying down a lot and resting he did great! I even had to catch him to prevent him from going to the creek 😉 but these last two very days he didn't even wanted to get up to eat 🙁 but it was raining and he has always been sensitive to rainy weather 😉 anyway, I'm praying for his speedy recovery! Thank you for mentioning about pups not willing to eat much because this was very worrisome to me 🙁 I will post pictures as soon as I figure out how 🙂 thank you again! Love you guys for your support! <3
Try not to worry, this all sounds normal and again, a week and a half out is not a long time. He may be getting too much activity right now too. Rehab vets tell us that if a dog lays down during a walk or playtime, that's a sign that he's overdone it and it's time to cut back activity until they're strong again. I know it's hard to hold back, you both want to go have fun! But there will be plenty of time. Usually in about a month you can start to see a big improvement. Try to focus on indoor games during that rainy weather. Have you tried brain games and interactive toys? Those activities do a better job wearing out a dog mentally, than putting stress on them physically.
Here's a link showing how to post pictures in the Forums. If you'd like help let me know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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