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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Welcome and thank you for sharing granite's story! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Granite is a gorgeous healthy looking pup. He should recover quickly and manage well on three legs. Too many times we hear from people putting their pups through multiple, expensive painful surgeries trying to "save" the leg, only to eventually proceed with amputation anyway.
Bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for plenty of helpful advice or consider downloading Three Legs And A Spare for immediate answers to the most common questions.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome, Granite, you handsome, furry puppy! You're going to do great and live such a long, loving life! Well, so long as that mean vet is out of your life. Who needs that one, huh?! Keep us all posted about his progress and where you end up going. I'm so thankful you found this community - we're here to support you!
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
If those are the only options the vet had then I think you need a new vet. In fact with such a young pup I would get at least a couple of opinions from certified ortho specialists. You may still come back to amputation, but at least you will really know ALL your options.
And I am very glad that you didn't act like those other adopters and give Granite back because he is not perfect. He is beautiful!
We have several members who became Tripwads as pups and have done great! When pups have amps so young they seem to bounce back quickly. I have a friend who adopted a Rottie at 6 months old who was missing a back leg. That guy never really knew life on 4 legs, being a tripawd was his normal from the start.
Whatever you decide to do we are here to help.
Karen
Thanks for sharing Granite's story with us. It was good to see you in the chat room . Feel free to stop by anytime and do not hesitate to share any concerns or questions here or in the chat.
Granite will do great as a Tripawd.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
I chatted with you last night and it was a pleasure to get to know you and help answer some of your questions.
As Karen said, in a perfect world second opinions and orthopedists would come into the picture right about now. But you left out the part about living in Alaska and having very few vets and even fewer options! I know you are looking around for another vet. Remember: Canada!
Do keep us posted. Granite looks like a lot of fun and he certainly has a lot to give.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Granite is just a pup an does deserve the opportunity to try out life as a tripawd. Being that he does not have to deal with cancer as many of the other dogs on here do, he has an advantage. I am most chain that he will thrive as a tripawds and be given a second lease on life. Good luck and best wishes.
Maricela
Maricela and Spirit Bruno
Thank you guys! We actually got a quote from a different vet up here who said after a consultation, looking at the x-rays & meeting with him they would do the surgery if it is the best option for about $1500 which is WAY better than the quote the surgical specialist gave us at $5000. We have an appointment set for Monday & if they find cause for the amputation then they will do it for us, if they dont we may have to go back to the specialist and get a referral for the amputation in which then the nice, dog loving, not insanely vet will help us save our pup with making him a tripawd. I really appreciate all the advice and advice Granite & I have received. It was definitely needed!
Kami
AWWW, Husky Mix!!! I'm a bit partial to those! He is beautiful. Glad to hear you have a few more options at this point. Good luck!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Granite my Momma says she is in love with you!
Welcome. Sounds like you're doing your homework and getting everything lined up. Amputation is a steep learning curve, but you're doing great.
We have a long-time Tripawds member who lives in Willow for the mushing season, I'm pretty sure she would be happy to talk to you if you're anywhere nearby (Alaska isn't THAT big, right? 
Sorry I missed you in the chat earlier today! You can usually find my people there in the evenings.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Granite is just so adorable. I'm so glad he found you. Good luck with the appt on Monday.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
It is official! Granite is set for his amputation on Friday February 15th. Unfortunately the vet we felt most comfortable taking him to does not have staff available all night so he will be coming home with us. She did make us feel very comfortable with her and also gave us her cell phone number in case we have any complications after surgery or any questions beforehand. We are trying to keep strong for our fluffy fur baby and keep him happy! He is coming to doggy daycare every day before the surgery as it will probably be a while before he can come back. We are a little anxious about the procedure but I am sure Granite will bounce right back and be my loving little tricycle! I am sure I will have plenty of questions and I really appreciate all of the encouragement and support from you guys!
Great news. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask or come back to the chat. It was great talking to you that first night.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
That's great news you found a vet you like and trust. That's so reassuring. I'm glad, too, they'll give phone numbers, etc. Maybe even give them your home address??? There are a few folks that took their pups home that first night, so maybe start your own forum post to solicit exact help on that important night. Best wishes! Granite, you are gonna rock it! 
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
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