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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I've been reading and learning so much about something I dont even want to know exisits. Kenmore is a 4 year old GSD/smooth colllie mix. We adopted from a GSD rescue 3 1/2 yrs ago. He is my first dog: my husband has many dogs in his life. Kenmoe is my first puppy love. The day we met him -neither of us could sleep- we needed that dog.
He's traveled with us to Montreal and camping from Va Beach to update New York. We have no children; he is our family. He's the center of attention wherever we go- he's a tall blonde & has a terrific name & story!
In early October, he started limping....then it went away. He would be limpy in the morning, then ok later in the day. One day he didnt get up to greet me, that day Oct 21st, we took him to the vet. After 4 hours and the emotion , our vet suggesgted we take him to an Oncologist. The xray showed a tumor (wrist on left fore limb- radial distal), the chest xray was clear. The cytology was inconclusive- maybe bone infection? maybe Osteoscarma....we waited 2 weeks to see the specialist. The next cytology was again, inconclusive. Now we were back to before square one- what do we do? We thought pain management was our only choice based on our situation.
On Friday night, we called our vet- based on the new inconclusive info- can we ampuate and give him a pain free life- for as long as we are able. Maybe its not cancer, maybe is an infection, maybe.....maybe ....maybe.
On Tuesday, our special puppy will become an even more special dog- a tri-pawd. Our vet will do the surgery herself, she's treated him since we've had him, we trust her completely. We are borrowing the money.
SO many questions, I'm learning but I need your help. You are all so strong, please help me to be strong for Kenmore. Will I be able to care for him? When will I stop crying? How does someone take this terrrible thing and turn it around? Thanks & bless you all. Kisses & Lickies from Kenmore too.
Hi Kenmore and pack,
Welcome to Tripawds. We never like to see new members HAVE to join, but you have found a great support an information center here.
First- you should bookmark what we call Jerry's Required Reading List. It is a compilation of good info on what to expect with amputation, recovery and cancer treatment (if you go there).
You might also consider downloading Tripawds first e-book Three Legs & a Spare, a fully interactive PDF including the best tips and advice from more than four years of compiling Tripawds community resources for amputee dogs and their people.
SO many questions, I'm learning but I need your help. You are all so
strong, please help me to be strong for Kenmore. Will I be able to care
for him? When will I stop crying? How does someone take this terrrible
thing and turn it around?
None of us were ready for the diagnosis. All I heard was cancer blah blah blah amputation blah blah blah…
One way to turn it around is to focus on Kenmore. This is a tough decision, taking a limb, but you are doing the best thing you can for him to give him a pain free life. Dogs don't hold grudges, he won't be mad at you, and after a bit of recovery time he won't miss his leg.
It is very important to be strong for him too. You have to act positive and calm around him to let him know that nothing is wrong. We have all left the room at one time or another to lose it in private, then go back to our pups. And having a positive mindset will help you cope too.
You WILL be able to care for him. You love him and want him to have the best life, so you will be able to do this. You have already shown that you can face this- you made the decision to amputate. So now you move forward with confidence because you are doing the best you can for Kenmore.
Read through information here and see what specific questions you have. We have all been through this and are here to help!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Welcome to the place none of us would have chosen to be. The wonderful part is that this is one of the best support groups EVER. When will you stop crying? Welll, I can't speak for anyone but myself, and it didn't stop until the day we brought Trouble home. We went to pick her up, and she came hopping out to meet us - looking very apprehensive. As soon as she saw we were OK with her new look, she was good and so were we. There is a lot of leaning that talkes place during the two week recovery hell, but once that is past life starts to assume its new normal. You will get through this and will be as strong as you think the rest of us are. The truth is, we draw strength from each other. We become attached to each dog, we all suffer the losses.
Sending lots of good wishes for you and Kenmore.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Welcome to the family, sucks to get here the way we do but it's the best place to be on this journey. AND, we all had the same questions and fears you are right now, so #1, relax a bit, it's not as bad as it may seem, yes, it's major surgery, your first 2 weeks won't be the greatest you ever had, but you will be amazed at how fast these guys adapt, there not like us stupid humans, we go through all kinds of senerios if this happens to us, for them, just a bump in the road. You probably won't get much sleep the first 2 weeks, so if Kenmore sleeps and you have the chance, take it. Some dogs have some side effect from the meds. Gus didn't get along with Tramadol, he was restless. not much appetite, heavy panting, but once off that he was better right away. He did have trouble with phantom pain , that started about 5 days post, the first few times will tear your heart out, they will yelp full strength, but it gets milder with time. For Gus that lasted about 4 weeks, I would just be with him while he had a spell, usually a couple a day, it doesn't last long. Gabapentin helped with that. Try not to be tense around him, they will sense it, act and talk to him like you always do, the more you keep things the same, the better they respond. Don't be afraid to ask questions, experience gives the best answers. once Gus healed he did everything he did before, so don't think Kenmore won't be able to have the same life as before, they surprise the heck out of you. Good luck tuesday, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan P.S. On the crying issue maybe forget the onions for awhile, sorry, I'm not well sometimes!!!!, actually, when you see how good Kenmore looks when you pick him up and realize he will be ok, your comfort level will grow dramatically, everything you are feeling right now is normal, it gets better. I would be willing to bet there isn't one person here that the day we took our buddies in for surgery was one of the hardest parts of this whole journey, fear and tears are normal
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Hi Kenmore and family
welcome. Kenmore's name caught my eye. I had a deer fawn (not mine, but one I worked with as a biologist), named after a two-way Kenmore radio we left behind before we caught her. So where do you live? Montreal, NY or where? (You might be able to meet other tripawd parents in your area.) I also love shepherd x collie crosses. All the ones I ever met have been wonderful dogs. A great mutt (that is a compliment - I love mutts).
So sorry to hear the diagnosis, especially because Kenmore is very young. Your situation is pretty typical. Vets or Oncologists usually diagnose bone cancer from the x-ray. From what I know (which is not a lot), biopsies are not necessarily very useful, until the leg is sent off after amputation so they have a large sample at that time. But I think the x-rays are accurate in 90% of the cases, and for most of us the diagnosis is based on the x-ray alone. If the x-ray does not appear standard, well, that is usually when they try other tests to rule out other possibilities.
Dogs do just fine on three legs, although they of course will be in some pain after the surgery that needs to be managed. You will probably worry a lot for the week or two or three after surgery. But the pain of the cancer itself is the main reason for removing the leg. But Kenmore will recover and be bright-eyed and without pain. He will teach you to enjoy living with him day by day. Your time with him will be even more special than it was before. So that is how you will learn to take this and turn it around, regardless of whether he has one month, several months or years.
After amputation, you might be faced with more decisions about whether to use chemo (some of us do, some don't) or low-dose chemo, or just modify diet. You can get information here. The suddenness of the diagnosis and the idea of amputation and the other decisions (to chemo or not to chemo) can be overwhelming. Just try to take it one paw step at a time. You don't need to rush any of this, although it sure feels that way at the start.
Welcome to a very special club, Kenmore.
Susan
Hi and welcome Kenmore and family,
So sorry to read of Kenmore's diagnoses. It is a heart wrenching day when we hear that our dog has cancer. The fear, the unknown, so many questions we have and not nearly enough answers. I remember being so afraid to see my dog Tasha after the surgery and praying we made the right decision for her. The moment she came hopping into the room and I looked at her standing there wiggling, happy to see us I knew instantly we made the right decision for her. The first two weeks or so after surgery can be very hard. Tasha did a lot of low crying, I think more from the pain meds than pain. Once I stopped her pain meds the crying stopped. You will be able to take care of Kenmore, you will gain strength from him. Tasha amazed me at how good she adapted to life on three legs. Last week we celebrated 13 month ampuversary with Tasha and she still continues to amaze me.
We will keep you and Kenmore in our thoughts and prayers on Tuesday.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Welcome Kenmoore and family,
I'm so terribly sorry to hear. But this is the place to be! Everyone here with cancer has a great story to tell and will help you along. I don't ahve a cancer dog so I won't add our story, but I just wanted to say "welcome".
Plus, a GSD and collie mix is what our spokespup, Jerry was. The inspiration for the site!
Warm wishes. We'll be thinking of you!
Comet's mom
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.
welcome to the group Kenmore and family.. as stated by others we are sorry that you joined this group because of the need you now have, but we are glad you found this place, you wont find all the answers here , but you will find love, encouragement , support and friends like you have never had before. oh yes! you will be able to care for Kenmore, before you know it you will be caring for Kenmore in ways that you never knew you possibly could, and that love you already have for Kenmore will grow exponentially! A new and stronger bond will grow! As Krun15 said, none of us are ever ready for the diagnosis. One thing I firmly believe about everyone I have seen and met in this group, God chose some of the most special people on the face of this earth to care for these dogs with special needs. My wife and I have only had rescue dogs and I complained once that I kept getting broken dogs, and she wrote me the most special poem about how God had chosen me to care for these broken dogs. It gave me a whole new outlook on things and gave my life some purpose. Good luck and know we are all pulling for you!
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
kenmoresmom said:
SO many questions...
That's what we're all here for. Thanks for joining the club nobody wants to join. Follow Kenmore's lead and you'll be fine. For immediate answers to the most common questions, do consider downloading the new Tripawds e-book. You'll also find many links to helpful topics in Jerry's Required Reading List as Karen suggested.
Your story hits close to home, since Kenmore's presentation was very similar to what we went through with Jerry – the reason this community exists. He would limp on one leg, then not at all, then the other, for weeks before we sought another opinion and met with a specialist. That, and the fact that we travelled the US with him in an RV for nearly two years after his amputation.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. We look forward to following Kenmore's progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to Tripawds! Everyone else has said it all so I can only add my support and let you know we are all here for you. There will be lots of ups and downs but this journey into tripawdom creates a bond that you could never imagine existed. Kenmore will amaze you with his resilience, they don't lay around feeling sorry for themselves. They get back to normal, or as close to normal as possible, as soon as they can. We can learn so much from them.
Allow yourself to cry, it IS sad and you love your pup so you have a right to feel upset. BUT then move on to positive thoughts again and enjoy each precious minute. I made it my mantra to not let the thoughts of cancer steal any of our remaining time together.
Keep us posted on Kenmore's progress and welcome to the family.
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Hi Kenmoresmom,
I also am very sorry that you had to come looking for us, but welcome. I know that feeling of borrowing money for an unsure outcome and needing to know it is the best thing for your pup. I blew up my credit card and it terrified me. I know my boy is worth it. It is just the thought that maybe there is something I am missing before I jump into this huge step. Unfortunately with cancer, especially osterosarcoma time is of the essence.
Sammy had his cancer in his right leg exactly where you describe Kenmore's. It turns out that it was a medium grade aggressive osteosarcoma. It was a really rough couple of weeks after the amputation. But then, the sun came out and my boy started doing the wonderfully funny things he does that made me love him in the first place. Even if all I could get was one more pain free day for him and with him it was worth it to me. We have had two amazing months so far. And the best news is at Sam's chemo appointment last week the vet said there was no sign of the cancer anywhere!
My best advice is to read up on as much as you can, and then take it moment to moment. If you need emotional support or anything, just come here. When Sammy was in the midst of it all I haunted this site and read all the blogs. It helped me and answered some great questions I didn't even know to ask.
Many hugs,
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.
coopsdad said:
One thing I firmly believe about everyone I have seen and met in this group, God chose some of the most special people on the face of this earth to care for these dogs with special needs. My wife and I have only had rescue dogs and I complained once that I kept getting broken dogs, and she wrote me the most special poem about how God had chosen me to care for these broken dogs. It gave me a whole new outlook on things and gave my life some purpose. Good luck and know we are all pulling for you!
Coopsdad
I have said this from the beginning of our journey. We are the 'chosen' ones because we will give them the care they need. I believe it with all my heart. And look what a great group of folks it has brought into our lives!
I would love to see your wife's poem, if she would share.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
A Message From God
By - Faith Blackburn
One question, " Can I only expect you to walk through the The Garden Of Life, and not the thistles,valleys, or hillsides? Can you expect the good and not the bad? Can you not trust me, when the chips are down, heartache is at your front door?"
I chose YOU to handle misfits - the broken animals, the homeless,ones discarded and not wanted. I knew that you would treasure, love , and hold open your hearts to the broken, to the imperfect. What was considered garbage, you considered a treasure. Heartache and suffering, loving and caring. I place only those things I hold nearest and dearest to my heart, with those that are trustworthy and obedient.
If you had to choose again, knowing the outcome, the histroy from beginning to end, would you have ventured whole heartedly into this Caretaker Position, weighing the good, the bad?
Yes, I could have fixed the broken, healed the healable. Sometimes life happens, and things seem dreary, unfixable. I am the Author of all things and need you to trust me. Unconditionally. Without hesitation. Trust me, without condition. Love me and know - I want the best for you!
I will love you. Hold you.. Walk beside you. Carry you.
In answer to your question. Yes, I know what you have been through. I know your heartbreak. I know your sacrifices. They were for me! They are accounted for. I chose you because I knew you would be faithful.
This is the answer to your question,
God
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
welcome, we think everyone has made the case for 'it's ok, and you'll get through it' very well. no one wants to be 'here' with the cancer and amputation, and heartaches, but it's a wonderful (albeit sometimes disfunctional) family of souls that will support you during this part of your journeys.
we noticed from your profile, you live in baltimore. there's a tripawd member from the baltimore area, pippa the papillion, that has a blog i think. you might want to check her out, and maybe send a PM (private message) to see if they have any insight to post surgery opportunities for PT or whatever in your area. paws crossed for successful surgery - gayle lost her RF leg to soft tissue sarcoma in february, and we are still 'living the good life' each and every moment!!
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
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