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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Bruno is very handsome. Dozer sends puppy zen, as this has helped him thru all of his trials.
Oh wow. Bruno is a good looking boy. I'm sure my little princess is keeping an extra close eye on him from Rainbow Bridge. Sending you lots of pawsitive thoughts.
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/
Thanks for commenting on Bruno's handsomeness.
I went to pick up rimadyl from his regular vet and his doc was up front and asked about Bruno. I told her we found a vet to amputate his leg. She said they would've done the amputation, but didn't want to ruin his other joints and that he has arthritis in his hind legs.
Dr. Brown thought Bruno was a good candidate. The interesting part is I think he's pretty much three legged now. When he stands I'll lift his bad leg and he doesn't move.
I'm so glad you changed vets. If we hadn't amputated Magnum's back leg last September we would have been saying goodbye to her then because of the pain she was in from a very aggressive osteosarcoma. We got another 8 beautiful months with her. She also had arthritis but we kept her lean and on supplements and her arthritis didn't seem to cause any issues for her.
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/
So glad you found a good vet! I'm so happy for you that this nightmare of pain will soon be over!
Wishing you so many good wishes for Thursday!
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.
Thanks guys for encouraging words. Waiting for thursday seems forever. I keep telling bruno to hold on until thursday. He keeps wanting to walk. Took him to the lake yesterday and he wouldn't stay still. I don't know where this energy comes from.
Waiting is always hard. (At least if you have patience problems like me....) 🙂
Try to rest up before then!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
rochar21 said
Thanks for commenting on Bruno's handsomeness.
I went to pick up rimadyl from his regular vet and his doc was up front and asked about Bruno. I told her we found a vet to amputate his leg. She said they would've done the amputation, but didn't want to ruin his other joints and that he has arthritis in his hind legs.Dr. Brown thought Bruno was a good candidate. The interesting part is I think he's pretty much three legged now. When he stands I'll lift his bad leg and he doesn't move.
You're correct, many dogs are already Tripawds by default, by the time they get to the surgery.
Good luck this week. Use the time to prep your house and sleep well!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just got a call from Doc. Bruno has bad arthritist in hips. He is not a candidate for amputation. He has been really sore. We are switching to oxycodon? I will know more when I pick up Bruno at 2pm. MAN!!!!!!!!
Thank you all for your support.
Ohhhh, we are so sorry! Dang. You know, at least you have a second opinion and can take heart knowing you did your research. I just wish the answer was different.
So it sounds like you're going the palliative route. Be sure to ask about bisphosphonates , they can really help extend quality of life and not leave Bruno all dopey.
Bisphosphonates: When Amputation Isn't an Option
We will be here to support you no matter what, so let us know how we can help OK? Hugs to you and Bruno.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That's not what anyone wanted to hear! But you have an answer now and that will tell you which direction to go.
Jerry, what about stereotactic radiation? Is that something that Bruno might benefit from, too? I know you are not a vet; I just can't remember what exactly they're using it for and I know Dozer just had it when he was not an amputation candidate.
Keep your chin up for Bruno. He needs a strong pack leader. And give him a belly rub from me.
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/
Doc said cancer has grown lots. Doc did mention palative radiation. When we can't control the pain Bruno's last chapter will be written.
Jerry thanks for the link I will look into the biophosponates.
I'm sorry.
Oxy is strong stuff- I don't know how dogs respond to it but it wacked me out.
I know it is hard when options are limited. I walked this path with tri-pug Maggie when she was diagnosed with the oral melanoma that I couldn't treat. I hope you find something that will give you lots of quality time with Bruno.
Keep us updated on how he (and you!) are doing.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that the cancer has spread!
Like Karen said....oxycodone is a horrible wacky pain killer. What about prednisone too to help with inflammation? Pred is good for every ails you and makes you feel good. It's the last resort drug.
Poor Bruno. I'm just so sorry.
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.
I am so very sorry to hear the news. My heart goes out to you. Good luck with the pain meds, others have given good advice above. Enjoy every precious moment with Bruno. Listen to him and follow your heart although if he is anything like Magnum he won't make it easy for you to decide when he has had enough. Lots of hugs.
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/
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