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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Dillon is technically my husband's dog. He rescued her from Dillon, Montana, during his university field camp (a requirement for his degree in geology); hence her moniker of Dillon and the reason everyone always thinks she is a male dog! I have a pink collar for her, but alas, it doesn't do much good.
I literally had been on one date with him when he brought her back home to Atlanta. I was so annoyed. I knew how much energy it took to raise a puppy and that our lives would be dictated by this new found pet.
Eventually, he moved out of his shared appartment into a one bedroom apartment, which is where I really fell in love with my baby girl. She and I would sit on a shared love seat and I would love, love, love on her. She would always come with me to bed. I would play with her through the comforter, getting her to "attack" my hand, then eventually we'd snuggle together (and my now husband would have to carve out a spot on the bed to sleep).
We learned three weeks ago that she had a tumor in her front left leg. It is most likely osteosarcoma. We amputated her leg last Tuesday. It was emotional conversation/decision between my husband and me. He wanted to leave the leg and just medicate her; I wanted to amputate. I knew that she wouldn't be in pain from the tumor if we removed it (and after she heals from the amputation, she will not need to continue pain medication; a hugh plus for me).
Over all, she's doing brilliantly. She eats like a champ, drinks her water and uses the bathroom like a pro! Our only issue has been her constant whining (which hubby can sleep through, but I cannot!). We took her to the vet today and he said that it is most likely a reaction to her opiate medication - Tramadol - so we are weaning her off of it. Well, I'm sure it has something to do with that AND her love of attention. Mama is a sucker and sometimes has a hard time practicing tough love.
Anyhoo, I just want to say what a great resource this website has been.
Happy Independence Day,
Betsy
Hi Betsy, Dillon and Hubby, welcome to Tripawds, the club nopawdy wants to join. I'm so sorry you're here because of osteo but I'm sure you're already aware that you're in good company, many of us here have dealt with this disease. I know the prognosis is devastating but try to be strong and know that many dogs do outlive the worst case scenarios, a few here have done it for 5 years and counting! You sound like you have a great attitude, it will go a long way as you learn how to live life to the fullest while coping with the situation.
Sounds like you've done your research and unfortunately discovered the "Tramadol Effect." Many dogs are affected by it in this way, including our own Wyatt Ray . If it seems like she's still in pain after tapering it down, you might want to discuss alternatives like Gabapentin. How long has it been since her amp?
We'd love to see some photos of her! Here are instructions on adding pix to the forums. Welcome aboard, we're glad you're here, your future posts won't need approval.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Betsy,
So sorry you are dealing with the ugly "c" in your sweet girl Dillon. She is very cute from your avatar pic. You have come to the right place for all kinds of valuable info, experience, and most of all, wonderful support. I personally did not deal with osteo in my precious Polly, she had a soft tissue sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, but we surely did have to deal with her losing her front leg, chemo, and all the other stressful things you go through.
Dillon sounds like she is doing great, and yeah, I think tramadol wreaks havoc in some of our recovering fur babies. My Polly did not have any difficulties with it, but many others have. Once they are off it, they will get back to their normal selves.
Keep us updated on your girl, and hoping she continues to do well in her recuperation.
Best wishes,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Thank you for the welcome! It is appreciated.
Dillon is also taking Deramaxx and Gabapentin, so I think she should be okay without the Tramadol. And today is 8 days since her surgery.
I am trying to post a pic of her to this message! We'll see how I do!
Awwww! She's gorgeous. Please keep us up to date on her progress. And as Sally will soon tell you....more pictures, please.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Hi Betsy and Dillon
It looks like Dillon is recuperating well from her surgery 
My Lab, Tucker, who had his right front leg amputated nine months ago was a bit "weird" when he was on Tramadol as well but it was really hard to determine if it was the med or the pain that was making him act differently.
Two weeks post-amp, Tuck had his sutures removed, stopped taking the Tramadol and no longer had to wear the dreaded cone of shame so he was a much happier guy then.
There is lots of time for tough love - for now...lots of snuggles and treats for Dillon - and for you - chocolate!
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
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