Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Isabelle is an approx 12y/o, boxer-shep-ridgeback mix, rescued 5 years ago from Hurricane Katrina. She was diagnosed w/osteosarcoma the day she started limping & had her L rear leg amputated 6 days later (08/24/10). She is not getting chemo. She's taking multiple immune system supports, Artemix & Hoxsey. She gets acupuncture & massage therapy weekly, chiropractic adjustments as needed & uses the underwater treadmill 3x a week for 32 minutes (her pre-amputation time & speed). She has had these therapies for a year because of LS spine arthritis. Isabelle is terrific & pretty much forgot about her leg as soon as she came home. She chased a rabbit around the block today! It usually take people a while to notice she's missing a limb. The only problems she has are r/t her arthritis, but not worse than before her amputation. I'm the one with the anxiety disorder, worrying about . She had a clear CXR at 1 month,& will have another xray soon. It seems like most dogs have had chemo, but I could be misreading & would like to hear from anyone w/similar experiences. I also have a tripawd cat...but his R rear leg was amputated after an injury as an infant. Thanks
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Welcome and thanks for sharing Isabelle's amazing story!
We did not do IV chemo for Jerry who lost his front left leg to osteosarcoma. He lived nearly two years, which we attest primarily to his cancer diet and supplements, his metronomics and K9 Immunity.
Regarding the chemo decision, you may find these results from our Tripawds survey helpful: Survey Results – Who’s Doing Chemo? Who’s Not?
Looks like we just missed you in the chat room
! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Isabelle and family. It sounds like she is doing great - especially for a 12-yr old dog.
Zack, King of Dogs, 1996 to 2010
Zack lived a full 14 years, even to the end.
The joy and memories he provided us will last a lifetime.
Surviving him is his sister, Izzy, a 12-year-old boxer mix quadpawd.
And the latest addition, Zula, an 11-month-old pit bull mix tripawd.
Thanks, she's doing great right now. Isabelle was a Therapy Dog until the ban on raw diets was instituted, but the center for disabled adults she has been going to for 4 years asked her to continue anyway. She returned about 5 weeks after surgery. The clients are thrilled to see her every week.
We adopted our boxer, Izzy, a little over 3 years ago, when she was about 8 or 9. And, going from Zack, a lab mix, from puppyhood forward to a boxer – what a drastic difference in personality. She is laid back and calm & just so sweet – perfect demeanor for a therapy dog.
That is great that Isabelle gets to continue doing something I'm sure she loves.
Zack, King of Dogs, 1996 to 2010
Zack lived a full 14 years, even to the end.
The joy and memories he provided us will last a lifetime.
Surviving him is his sister, Izzy, a 12-year-old boxer mix quadpawd.
And the latest addition, Zula, an 11-month-old pit bull mix tripawd.
Awww, Isabelle sounds so wonderful. You have a very special girl there, we're betting she'll do great.
We have a lot of therapy dogs here, she's in great company!
As my Dad said, I didn't have IV chemo either. Many dogs do, but just as many dogs don't. Here's a great post from our Downloads Blog, "Who's doing chemo, Who's not" that you may find interesting.
Always remember that the only "right" answer is the one that works for your pack. Chemo is not the answer for everypawdy. Sometimes my Mom felt guilty about not doing it, but then I had to remind her that our pack agreed that it wasn't for us. We were too darn busy having a good time!
So never feel badly about your choices, becuase Isabelle knows that you made them from the heart, and that's all that matters.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Isabelle and family,
What a beautiful girl Isabelle is. I'm glad she is doing so well. It's wonderful that she is able to continuing doing what she loves. The real winners here are of course us humans. Isabelle is certainly an inspiration. We didn't elect to do chemo for which there are many reasons but tomorrow Fortis will be celebrating his 10 month ampuversary. I couldn't have asked for more. When I say that it has changed my life I mean exactly that. Fortis responded well to acupuncture and chiropractic treatments as well. We're sending lots of positive thoughts your way. 
Fortis'Dad
Thanks so much. Isabelle, like all the wonderful dogs I'm reading about is very special & very loved. Ii just want her to enjoy life & be happy every day...Isabelle thinks I could start by getting rid of her cat siblings & doesn't know why this isn't an option!
I'm so happy for you & Fortis! 10 mos is fantastic! Congratulations & enjoy!
Welcome Isabelle and family! You are quite the tripawd family!
First off, what a beautie she is! I admire you for rescuing her from that dreadful hurricane. I still can believe all the dogs that were left behind. Who are those people? For shame.
But she looks like a love! And now to be a therapy dog, well that is just fantastic! I had aspirations of doing that when I got Comet as a puppy. (she is a three-legger from a deformity - plus she was only $10!) But as my luck would have it, no one can touch Comet! Actually, don't talk or look at her either! 
I'm glad you found the site. And I'm so glad she is doing so well.
Be sure to keep us up-to-date on her happenings!
Comet's mom
P.S. We are the night crew so you can ignore our silly postings unless you want to partake?!!! No tripawd cats allowed! 
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hi Isabelle!
Welcome to tripawds, though we wish we never had to meet you. That said, you will find alot of friends here. My mattie is not a tripawd, but her older brother was. I just wanted to tell you that I put my boy Opie through chemo, but if I had to do it again, I would go the holistic route. It seems as if, the dogs that get treatment like the original Jerry did, live longer. Of course their are exceptions to the rule and Jerry is right in that there are no wrong answers. You just do the best you can when each decision needs to be made. I think you are doing what is best for Isabelle.
Spirit Opie's and quadpawd Mattie's mom
PS. I love the name Isabelle. It was on my list for mattie, but obviously didn't make the cut...husbands...sheesh.
Well, the night crew is perfect & I appreciate the messages. I work nights, so I must be in the right place! Isabelle agrees with No Tripod Cats & she is desperately trying to get rid of him!
Isabelle's name at the shelter was Madeline! Thanks for your kind words of support.
Welcome Isabelle and family!
I am all for dog rescue. Most of the time it seems that there is the best of all dogs just waiting for homes so they can "shine" like the gems that they are. It looks like Isabelle is another great example of that. I am so glad that you rescued her! I remember the video footage of all those hungry and dying dogs, it was really a war zone.
It looks like our pups were diagnosed and amputated on within a week or two of each other. I have chosen the chemo route, but just like everyone says, the only right answer is the one that works for you. I am sorry you have to be looking for this place, but we are glad you are here.
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Cynthia and Isabelle,
First, we are very sorry to hear of Isabelle's diagnosis, but you have found a wonderful community filled with great people who will share their collective experience, provide excellent suggestions, and will always be here for support. I did opt for chemotherapy for Miss Cherry, but her diagnosis was very poor. She had a growth on her sole functioning kidney and more complications that I have never discussed. Her first chemotherapy treatment was just hours after the amputation and was far harder than the amputation. She lost all appetite due to the chemical taste had I had to stuff approximately 85% of her calorie intake during the chemotherapy protocol. While I totally attritube her 405 days after amputation to the chemotheapy and many do not have the difficulties that Miss Cherry encountered, the effectiveness of chemothapy is NOT as clear cut as the amputation. Many do extremely well without the chemotheapy while many also do not stay with us for very long even with chemotherapy. It is really an extreme wild card and NOT a magic bullet. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with whatever decision you make and know that you will have the support of this community.
About two months ago, we added a rescue to our family, so we are aware of the rewards and challenges of such a task. We wish you well and will be here if you have questions.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
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