Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone my name is Annie and I have a 12 year old pit lab mix named Duke. In September I brought him to the vet because my puppy Denver being a puppy jumped up on Him and hurt his leg. Duke was limping for a couple weeks and it wasn’t healing so I brought him to the vet and was told he had a torn CCL (ACL) and was given galliprant for the inflammation and pain. He was still limping after a month so I took him off the pain meds to see if it was really helping or not. After a week his limping got worse so I put him back on it. Last night I noticed his back knee was larger than normal. So today we went to the vet. I thought they were going to either give me some ant inflammatory or tell me he needed the CCL repaired. What I was told was neither. The vet said she thought it was bone cancer based off of a closer look at September’s X-ray scan and the fact that his leg looks the way it does. I was given all the handouts for osteosarcoma. And decided to do another set of X-rays on his leg and chest. In this scan it shows that it had caused his back left leg to break along with the lines she showed me of the X-ray of what she believed to be the cancer cells. She only saw a little concern on his chest but said that it’s very hard detect in his chest but knows it is there. So I got two more pain medications for him and went home to think about everything because I was told his life expectancy is 3-5 months from diagnosis which could have been in September or anytime up until now.
I had thought that amputation and radiation/chemotherapy would just cause him more pain and discomfort for the time he has left. But now, I’m wondering if amputating that leg because it is broken would it be beneficial for him for the time he has left. But if it’s only a couple of weeks to a month would it be beneficial to amputate and recover. Would he recover quick enough to enjoy his time left. Would he recover from anesthesia and an amputation at 12 yrs.
Knowing that a lot of people are going or have gone through this horrible situation. Does anyone have any advice.
Duke is still alert. Wants to go for walks plays with toys for a little bit. And is otherwise healthy and happy.
My condolences to everyone going through this. It hasn’t even been 24 hrs and it’s miserable. Dogs shouldn’t get this disease. It’s unfair we only get them for a small portion of our lives and we have to add this to it.
Thank you for your time and best of luck to everyone and their amazing pets.
Annie, your future posts won't need to wait for approval, my apologies for the delay. I'm in the Tripawds Chat right now if you want to talk. I'll be back in a sec with some feedback.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry about Duke's diagnosis, it's a tough one when you're thinking your dog needs one surgery and it turns out to be something else. Many people find out when their dog is actually in surgery, so thank goodness you didn't need to make that split second decision!
Amputation isn't easy to think about, but honestly when the leg is fractured, the faster you can decide the better off your dog will be. They are so stoic at hiding pain, and amputation provides immediate pain relief. Even any pain experienced during surgery is not as bad as what it feels like to have a tumor eating away at a fractured leg.
Many people wonder if amputation is worth it. Well, I can tell you that almost every pet parent surveyed about their Tripawd's quality of life agrees that it is, even if their dog didn't live up to the prognosis. The reality is that a prognosis is just an educated guess based on studies that didn't involve your dog. Some dogs will live up to that prognosis, some will not, you just don't know. Our own Jerry lived two years after he was diagnosed, and we didn't even do chemo! Many have lived longer. Not all, and there are no guarantee that Duke will either, but if you want to make sure he gets to enjoy pain-free quality time with you, at this point amputation is the best way to do that.
How does your vet feel about Duke being a good candidate for surgery? Is there anything going on with his health that would prevent him from being happy on three? If you're still undecided a second opinion from a vet oncologist is also a good idea.
Have you seen Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books library yet? We have tons of answers to common questions about dog amputation, and stay tuned for feedback from others too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello Annie and Duke. I know it's hard to decide what to do when faced with amputation, recovery, Etc. I can only ditto everything that Jerry has said. The leg is hurting and, even if he did not have cancer, the fact that it is broken and can only get worse is reason enough to amputate. It is major surgery and Recovery is no picnic. It generally lasts about 2 weeks and, after that two-week mark, Duke can start to resume his normal routine with moderation at first. Just getting rid of that painful leg will help bring his Sparkle back faster than usual.
We have many dogs on this journey who are seniors, and even more senior than Duke. We often say age is just a number. Based on what you said, Duke certainly has a zest for life and is fully engaged in making everyday a good day. No one can tell us how long any of us have on this Earth. We all just want it to be quality time and pain-free. Amputation would definitely remove the pain. Your vet will do work up and pre-op tests to make sure Duke is a good candidate for surgery. You would want him to stay in a 24/7 overnight clinic for at least one night where he can be monitored and cared for. He will be on some good pain meds so no worries about him missing being home my stupid connection is not working very well right now so I just wanted to get to ditto everything that Jerry said.
Stay connected, let us know any questions you have and please know that we are here to help you navigate through recovery and on to having wonderful quality time with your special boy!
Hugs
Sally and alumni happy Hannah and Mary Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Thank you! I still don’t know what to do. I talked to my neighbor and her and everyone one she’s talked to thinks it would be too hard on him and may not make it through anesthesia and surgery and the way he walks now she thinks it might make it worse for him walking and make him more miserable with the time he has left versus leaving it and allowing him to play, walk and get around like he is now. He had a good day today. He was more playful, looked happy. So I think the pain meds are kicking in. Idk if it’s good or not but we went for a short walk today. Because he loves walks. And I want to do whatever he likes and wants with the time we have left. I’m telling my mom tomorrow and going to talk to her about it. She’s very attached to Duke so I anticipate a lot of emotions tomorrow. But Duke has been loved by everyone he meets. Neighbors friends family. He’s an amazing dog. And I just wish I’d know if he’d be ok after surgery and how long he has left to even determine surgery would be worth it. Hopefully tomorrow I can make a decision
thank you for your advice.
Annie and Duke, I'll be blunt: don't ask people what they think unless they are a vet, or have been in this situation and gone through amputation with their dog. Unless someone has been through this, they really don't get it. I know that we didn't until our Jerry lost his leg.
If you and your mom cannot decide it would pay to get a second opinion from a cancer specialist. Until then please use extra care with his activity: walking on a broken leg is super painful and dogs are masters at hiding pain. The pain meds will only work for so long and then you'll be in a really tough, time-sensitive situation that requires a fast decision, so try to move quickly on this.
He is so lucky to have you and your mom, what a loved doggie! Keep us posted on what you decide to do OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, ditto Jerry. Ypu are the one doing the resea6 and gaining inform. You are the one talking to the Specialists and they are the ones in the best possible to assess if Duke is a good can or not.
You me tioned the anesthesia and "the way he walks now". Has he had issues with anesthesia in the past and that causes you concern??? "The way he walks now".....does he have arthritis or some other issue that causes you concern about his gait or his ability handle life on three??
These are issues you can talk to with the Surgeon. An ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON is o e of your best sources to assess Duke' as candidate .
Yes, all surgery has a risk, whethermit's a minor surgery or major...they all have a risk. A Surgeon will do all the work up necessary and follow up care while at the clinic to minimize the risk as much as possible.
If you have an age concern, as we said before, age is just a number here. BROWNIE 's Mom proceeded with amputation at age twelve. If I recall, he had a vit of arthritis and was a bit overweight. He lived a full Happy life on three for over a year! Yes, so e dogs get less time, some even more. The most im8 thing is that their time is full of joy and loving and pain free.
It's not that we are "pro amputation " here at all! If it can be avoided and a dog can have a great extended QUALITY life free from pain, etc, foing some other route, that's wonderful. Obviously those of us on the site .went the amputation route to achieve that goal.
So continue to ask questions and express your concerns. We've all been where you are trying to gather well researched information so we can make the best decisions for our pups. You will make a decision out of love and that is always the right decision. We support you on any path you take and we are here for you.
One thi g you can disc with the Orthopedic Surgeon is the reality of the bone fracturing further, which is highly likely in my u professional opi. At that point you would be faced with amputation or, sadly, euthanasia. So you want as much in6 ahead of time should you proceed with amputation or not.
Again, we are here to support you and your well loved Duke in any way we can.
Extra hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Thank you both again.
No duke has never had any problems with anesthesia in the past. When it was just a torn CCL the vet said he would be fine for surgery bc his heart and lungs were good. This was a different vet that diagnosed him with the osteosarcoma.
since his limping starting he’s lost a lot of muscle in the injured leg and now that it’s broke. It looks like his back end twists to the left side, his injured leg. He’s lost some weight since sept. 7 to 8 pounds. It also looks like he’s lost some muscle and weight in his back end. I wonder if the one back leg would be able to supposed that weight and allow him to walk on three legs.
I didn’t get to talk to my mom today about it. So hopefully tomorrow and then I think I’ll call the vet and ask for their opinion on his survival from surgery and if it would be better than him hopping on a broken leg.
wanted to add some photos of his backend what I was talking about and a photo of Duke. 
Duke is such a good looking boy! And of this is a recent t pocture, he does not look. Kke he's twelve years young....more like six or seven!
Hard to tell about the muscle loss. Obviously the broken leg has lost muscle because he's facori g it and probably not trying to use it much, The "twisting" of the back end could be his way of trying not to put pressure on he broken leg.
So is the second Vet rhe one who saw "something " on the chest xray and the one who diagnosed the fracture and the osteo? I know I mentioned ot before, but of you can ger Duke evaluated by an Orth Surgeon and have his chest xrays looked at by their Radiologist, you will have the reassurance you need to see if Duke is a good candidate for amputation.
I do hope you can get this evaluation done quickly. And if you do not proceed with amputation, make sure Duke has ample pain control to keep his quality as good as possible for as long as possible.
Keep is posted, okay? And than6 for the pictures of your sweet boy. Love his bone structure and Happy smile.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Aww thank you for sharing the photos, he is a really sweet boy! His expression melts my heart. If that photo was taken after the fracture, it also appears that his face is scrunched and his ears back just a bit, which are common pain signals . I don't have anything to compare a previous pic to, however. Just stay on top of that pain medication OK?
I can't really see the muscle wasting either but it makes sense that it's happening. And by now, Duke is probably already an honorary Tripawd and not putting much weight on that fractured leg.
Let us know what your vet says and your mom too. Good luck.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you.
yes that picture was from the day went to the vet before we got the bad news. I’ll post a picture of before he had the torn CCL.
I called the vet today but they have to call me back. I just talked to a tech. And I have to go there anyway tomorrow. Because my puppy Denver has had an upset stomach. Not eating or acting like him self. Had to hand feed him last night.
For dukes meds. I’ve been giving him the galliprant in the morning. Gabapentin in the afternoon and tramadol at night. Then if I think he’s in pain I’ll give him one of them usually the tramadol or gabapentin.
he was trying to play with Denver and the pig when I got home. Makes me nervous with his leg.
Ill keep you posted.
I spoke with my mom and the vet tonight. The vet said that Duke would be in less pain during recovery than he Is right now. So to me it seems like he'd be better off and in less pain with the amputation than to continue to walk on a broken leg. Basically everything you've both said.
How is the recovery? Will I need assistance with him. I work from 730 to 4 is that too long away from him during recovery? Should I get him a brace for his opposite leg to help with stability of that leg I don't want him to break/injure that one too. The vet did say that since he already is probably shifting a lot of his weight to that leg that he probably will be able to support it.
The vet that would be doing the surgery has done amputations before but isn't an orthopedic surgeon.. The vet I talked to said she has done amputations a lot and would trust her with her dog. What do you think? Is it better to go with any vet or a orthopedic surgeon.
I will be going to vet clinic tomorrow to drop off Denver's stood sample for whatever is going on with him, hopefully just stress or an upset stomach. I will be scheduling Duke's surgery then.
These picture are from before he hurt his leg.
Annie I'm in the Tripawds Chat right now if you want to talk. Back in a sec with some feedback...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What a sweetie, thank you for sharing more photos! He's a lovely boy. I'm sorry Denver isn't feeling well, poor guy. I hope it's not a big deal.
It's good to hear that your vet thinks he is a good candidate for life on three legs, and that they've done plenty of amputations. If you want to be extra confident about the vet and the practice, here are questions to ask your vet before amputation surgery that you can run by them.
When a pet's ability to be comfortable and happy on three legs is in doubt by a family vet, it's really helpful to talk to an orthopedic surgeon. But in Duke's case it sounds pretty straightforward, they sound optimistic! If you feel good about this vet and have asked all the questions you want, and your regular vet is good with them too, then yeah, stick with them.
Here are some tips about what to expect after amputation surgery. Duke will need some supervision for at least a few days once he comes home from surgery, and it's not a great idea to leave him alone with Denver if they like to wrestle and play hard. Ideally they should be separated when nobody is around. Is there anyone, a relative or a friend, who can be with Duke for a few days while you're at work? Or could you day board him at the vet clinic? I know that adds to the complexity of the situation but it's what he'll need to help him heal on schedule.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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