Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone! My name is Patty and my dog is Pucina (Pooh-Chee-Nah).
Pucina is scheduled for a rear leg amputation this coming Wednesday. Here is our story in a nutshell:
Almost exactly a year ago Pucina was diagnosed with a Mast Cell tumor in her right rear knee. We did surgery to remove it. About 6 months later the tumor returned. At that point we did another surgery to remove the tumor and did a 14 day (I think) course of radiation. Radiation was awful. Well, the aftermath of radiation was the REALLY awful part. Her radiation burn was really bad and she had a bad reaction to the cream we were supposed to put on it. It was torture to put it on her… for both of us. Thank goodness her radiologist stopped that cream as soon as she saw how Pucina reacted to it.
Her hair grew back in most places (it was black and white) and her burn healed well for the most part. There was one section about the size of a quarter that would not heal. We left it for awhile and finally decided to do another surgery to cut out that spot and close her skin.
Turns out the "spot" was the end of a drainage duct her body has created. So essentially is I had stuck my finger in the spot my finger could have gone 4-5 inches up inside her leg. My vet sent the tissue to the lab and, I am sure you know what happened next… Yes, the tumor was back. 
Soooooo, the initial advice was to try to get her leg to heal and then move on. Maybe some chemo but we didn't get a chance to get that far. Her leg would not heal and basically her skin started to slough off. My home vet and our oncologist agreed that was happening because the cancer was still in her leg tissue somewhere. (I am sure some of you can relate to the anger and sadness we felt at this point) They then recommended we amputate her leg.
So here we are! To tell the truth I am so relieved we are to the point of amputation. We had questioned in the beginning of surgery/radiation if we should have just taken her leg then. Hindsight being 20/20 I wish we had done it and saved us all a lot of pain and stress. But, we followed the advice we were given.
Pucina is a black lab somewhere between 10 & 12 years old (she was a stray) and she weighs about 50 lbs. She is 10/12 going on 2!!! So I am really not concerned that she will have a big problem. I am just so looking forward to her not having to wear her cone and for her not to have to worry about that leg bugging her anymore.
She is such an awesome dog! So full of energy and love. She is my daughter's best friend. Can you see her good from my avatar? Is it cool to post pictures in threads???
Hello Patty and Pucina, welcome welcome! Sorry you're joining the amputation club, but it sure sounds like Pucina will do just great on three legs. Yes we can see her photo, she is gorgeous.
You've done a great job so far and are a great advocate for her. Sounds like you are caught up on everything as far as what to expect but if you haven't seen it already, Jerry's Required Reading List is a great place to start. And we are here to answer any questions you have.
And we LOOOOOVE photos! Here's a Forum post that explains how to add images to Forum posts. We can't wait to see more!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Patty and Pucina! What a long road you have traveled to get to this point. It's great you have such a good attitude towards all of this! As i'm sure you know from having to take care of your little girl before... it can be tough work. BUT she will bounce back and be SOO much happier without that ol' leg!
good luck and keep us posted!
Cody and Family
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
Hello Patty and sweet Pucina.......I just want to say welcome to the best support for your new journey, that you will ever have.
Poor Pucina and you, this surely was a lot to deal with, and you are right about the hindsight.......that is something I think about myself, regarding my girl. But we do go into this with the best intentions, no matter what the results, and just keep pursuing the health and happiness for our furry babies.
Our Tripawds, once they become Tripawds that is, actually do incredibly well after amputation. Once they heal, and get back to their normal, fun-loving self, there is no stopping them. It is much harder for US to adjust, than it does them, trust me. Just got to remember to keep a happy face once you see them for the first time.....it can be a bit of a shock at first, but act like nothing is wrong, and things will be absolutely fine.
Very much looking forward to any pics of your pretty girl, and keep us all posted on her surgery.
Keeping you and Pucina in my thoughts.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Welcome Patty and Pucina! Sorry for the battle you're fighting. Those Mast Cells are very contrary. They seem to have a life of their own. There are several on here that have dealt with it and lived long lives and Pucina sounds like one tough girl. Shooter was also older and adapted very well so I know she will do just fine.
We'll be watching for updates and we'll be here if you need anything.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Welcome.
My black pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a MCT, her second tumor but not in the same place. If you are interested you can read Maggie's Story and about her amp and chemo, the links are in my signature below. Because of lymph node involvement her prognosis was 6 to 9 months. But Mag made it almost 4 years and did not pass from mast cell.
Good luck with the surgery on Wednesday.
Karen and Spirit Maggie.
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Patty and Pucina!! Sorry you are here but glad you found us. Sounds like that leg is a bit of a drag, I bet she'll be so much happier without it!! I just love the avatar picture you have of Pucina, she looks so happy. We LOVE pictures so please please post some. I know it hard, but if there is one thing I've learned here is that we are all here doing the absolute best we can for our pups and we should try our best to have no regrets about the past. Its easy to look back and wish you had made different decisions, but we're looking back having gained the knowledge of the future.
Please keep us posted and show some pics of beautiful Pucina! Pics make our day around here 
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
POOH CHEE NAH!! Welcome sweet Pucina! Love your avatar picture! Yes, we do need more hotos though!
I don't think there is anyone here who wouldn't jave taken the pathnyou did prior tothis. Amputation is not usually the first thing done in these situatio s.
Now, however, is the right time.
We are all here for you...you are not alone! Recovery for the first two weeksishis no picnic. Thar's probavly when you'll need us most, so just know we are here to support you, o,ay?
Remember, Pucina doesn't worry about a thing!! She's living in the moment just enjoying being with you! Now humans, however, worry! That's where chocolate comes in.....eat lots snd lots of chocolatez!
Keep us posted.....B R E A T H E.......B R E A T H E.......now go hug Pucina and watch her tail wag...all is well!
(((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
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