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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Rosy is having her R hind leg amputated on Monday. This has been a rough week. Took her to the vet on Tues. for a sprained leg & slight limp. Next we are talking about bone cancer and off with the leg. Now we can't get rid of it fast enough. Her lungs are clear, so we hope this will be the demise of the cancer & not the dog. She is a tall, active red golden retreiver, who loves to chase tennis balls. I hate to do this to her. We have been crying for days. I took her to vet for chest xrays on Thurs & cried when some lady said what a bueatiful dog. My beloved mare Amber dropped dead in the pasture 2 months ago, so this is just a bit too much. Found your website, & it has helped alot to see great photos of dogs enjoying life on 3 legs.
Rosythered's not very rosy mom.
Very sorry to hear about Rosy. We took our 9 yr old Rott, BB to vet on Wed also for what we thought might just be a sprain in R front leg and were seeing the cancer specialist Thurs. They wanted to do aspiration of tumor and some blood work before we do anything else, so still waiting to hear back but he was 99.9% sure based on X-ray that it is osteoscarcoma. Has been a VERY long and SAD week. We are leaning toward amputation but not sure yet about chemo. Right now they are saying they do not see the cancer anywhere else but in most cases it has already spread, just can't see it. Trying to learn as much as we can fast. Hope Rosy's surgery goes well Monday and she has a fast recovery. My thoughts will be with her (and you).
BB's mom
Welcome to both of you! Trouble had her diagnosis and amputation Thanksgiving week 2008. I took her in for what I thought was arthritis, she's getting older so I naturally assumed arthritis, and was totally blown away when the vet did the examination and the first thing she said was "Did this dog have a break I'm not aware of?" That was quickly followed by x-rays, and the bad news - almost certain osteosarcoma. That was Monday at 4:30PM. We had a second opinion on Tuesday afternoon, 5:30PM and I dropped her off for surgery Wednesday at 7:00AM. I cried all the way to work on Wednesday.
I wasn't certain until we picked her up on Friday that we had done the right thing. She was a happy dog that came out to meet us. She looked to us for acceptance - she knew she looked different. Once she knew we still loved her, she never looked back. Recovery is not a picnic, but once it is over, and the dogs begin to adjust, you will never have a regret.
Have confidence in your decision. Make each decision based on what is best for your dog, and all will be well. This forum will offer you more support and understanding than you will find anywhere. I wish you the very best as you face the upcoming week. All will be well.
Mybb, please start your own topic about BB, so we can keep up with and support each of you individually.
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.
I am sorry to hear you both got such bad news about your pups but you have come to right place to find compassion and council.
I have lost my lovely 10 year old golden Don,40 days ago,due to osteosarcoma. He got his right front leg amputated and from the first moment I saw him I knew it was the right thing to do. There are many questions and doubts when you are involved in something unknown, and I am sure you will here find many answers and peace of mind.
What you must be aware of is that pain from osteosarcoma is one of the worse there is,so putting your dog through an operation is releasing him from it and in my oppinion and I am sure many others here is right and best thing to do. I as well found out about that nasty diagnosis when my Don started limping and I thought its arthritis which he had in other legs as well, and it was not even in back of my mind what the diagnosis will be. He went through a "limb sparing" operation first,just casue he had this arthritis in other legs and I was concerned how and will he be able to walk on 3 legs like that,being a 10 year old as well,but the operation wasnt done good,his metal rod broke and when other vets tried to fix it a month after I just got a call that bone is too damaged now and they can only amputate or put him to sleep. I litteraly had 2 minutes to decide. As I couldnt even think of losing him like that I said - go with amputation. So many things went through my mind until I was called and informed everything went great and that I can come get him in few hours. All worries and doubts just went away the moment I saw him - he looked so happy. Recovery takes a while,a couple of weeks and first few nights are quite tough,prepare for lack of sleep,but very soon you will notice how they are going back to their old self. Other please correct me if I am wrong but as far as I know with hind leg amputees recovery is a bit more faster then front ones.
I wish both of you best of luck and fingers crossed....keep us posted and these lovely people here will offer you their help and advice
Daniela, Angel Dons Mum
Rosy and BB's mom,
I'm so very sorry. Rest assured you will get lots of support and advice here. So please don't feel alone. You have a support group in us that will hopefully help dry some tears. We all love our babies so much and want to share in your journey because it helps all of us.
Admittedly, I always get sad when I read of the heartache each person feels prior to the amputation. I'm not sad for your fur baby, I'm sad because I know each pawrent is going to have to experience their baby without a leg and that part is hard to wrap a human mind around when you haven't been around a 3-legged dog. Rest easy, because your fur baby won't mind since the pain will be gone.
I, on the other hand never have experienced my Comet with 4 legs since she has never had a functioning front left leg. So, for me, I can't ever imagine her with 4 good legs. But I think I understand how sad it would be to go from 4 to 3.
With that being said, please keep us posted both of you. I know this is such a hard time and writing your thoughts and worries will help you tremendously through this. We truly care.
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.
Rosy, BB and their Mom's,
We are so very sorry to hear of these diagnosis but you have found a great community filled with wonderful people who will share their collective experience base, provide helpful suggestions, and give support through your journey. As was said above, bone cancer is extremely painful and amputation is the best way to eliminate that pain. Planning on what to do afterward is alot more difficult and dependent upon the type of cancer. Miss Cherry's first chemotherapy treatment occurred just hours after her amputation (as soon as her body returned to room temperature). She turned eleven the day before the amputation and in spite of a very poor prognosis, she had a wonderful 405 days after the amputation. Eleven is a very good age for a Standard Poodle, but making it well past twelve with her initial prognosis is nothing short of a miracle. Fight very hard – they will amaze you with their ability to respond.
Since we are presently dealing with two, let me make a few suggestions that may help you prepare for surgery. Stealing from a recent Jerry posting, I would suggest:
What to Expect Part 1: http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2: http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
Also, there are my usual suggestions:
1) Remain as positive as possible around Rosy and BB. They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder. I have often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile. It will make a difference.
2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that they love and can still do during recovery. Then exploit that love to give them purpose. For Cherry, it was her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. As the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow. Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool. Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable. View the Fun! Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips. Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary! Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years. View the fun! Help them find a purpose to fight.
3) Consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted much it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog ,which is also a great idea. This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition. I have even recently refered to this detailed journal in responding to forum postings. I have a page of thumbnail photos (with links to larger versions) covering from just after the diagnosis, first days home, chemotherapy treatment, through recent days. If you thinkg that these photos might help prepare for your new TriPawd please view Cherry’s TriPawd photos.
The first two weeks after the amputation can be very difficult, but they sould recover and have a very high quality of life. Above all, never give up and face this with the courage that Rosy and BB will. Sending Pawsitive Thoughts and Prayers,
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Welcome to Tripawds Rosy and BB-
While its never good to have to join this club you have found one of the best and most supportive groups I have ever known.
Each of us has had to make decisions for our pups on when to pursue aggressive treatments, when to pursue less aggressive treatments, and when to stop treatments.
As long as you are making your decisons with love and your pup's best interest at heart you CAN'T be wrong. We like to say here that you have to live with no regrets. You will never know what would have happened if only I had.....
So you make your choices and move forward. Everyone here will provide support, and there is great advice to be had- just ask.
Take some time to read up in the forums here- and ask lots of questions.
And Rosy's mom- give her a few weeks to heal and gain strength- she WILL BE chasing tennis balls again!
Karen and the pug girls
We're so sorry to hear about Rosy and BB, but are really glad you found tripawds. This is a very caring community of people - it has helped us tremendously as we've gone through this with Holly. The first few weeks can be rough - so read as much as you can here, and ask lots of questions. Lots of love and plenty of rest are good - for you as well as your dog. We also had many tears, and doubts over what we should do. Holly is now 4.5 months past her amputation, and it was the best decision for her. She's no longer in any pain, and is back to her usual, playful self! We visited with Gerry, (both are also rear leg amputees) last month... check out Gerry's video to see how these 2 rear amps were running around the dog park together. (well... Gerry ran around while Holly greeted each person looking for treats). I should know how to embed a link, but am not sure... here's the site if you want to see... http://gerry.tr.....d-a-pawty/
We'll be thinking of you next week - please let us know how Rosy does with her surgery. And we're wishing you well as you decide what road to take with BB.
Hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Hey hot Rosy. I too am a tall, dark, (and if I may, handsome) Golden Retriever. I'm perhaps not as "active" as you, but I'm young and energetic.
I donated my left front leg to the lab on Wednesday. It's a bit early to tell you exactly how it's working out, but my vet techs tell me dad is coming tomorrow to bring me home to my sister Oakley.
I don't want to brag, but my vet has already told my dad that I'm a pretty good athlete and already getting around well on three legs. I've walked all the way around the outside of the vet offices, and they even had me try stairs. There are a lot of slippery floors in here, but it's no big deal.
I think us tall, athletic Goldens have a real advantage. Don't ya think?
Rosie and BB. I wish you good luck with both of your amputations.
I know how hard it is to hear the word cancer. Please know that amputation will end the pain. I think that dogs compensate so much that we don't really know how much pain they are in until the surgery recuperation is over and we see how much happier they are. Emily literally ran out to us when we picked her up the day after her surgery. We only had her 5 1/2 months after the surgery but they were happy days until the cancer spread to her spine. I have no regrets.
Try to remember that dogs don't ahave the emotional hang ups that we have about amputation. They also don't know about prognosis or life expectancies. They live for the moment and enjoy life as it comes. Even though it is easier said than done, try to follow their example.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
oh welcome welcome to our two new family members Rosy and BB and your skinparents of course!! Magic is two months past amp and is 11, and currently dealing with lung mets and tonight is finishing a new rather hail mary type chemo to see if we can slow them down.
Our suggestion is get a ruffwear harness because you will be able to help your furkid especially in the beginning without having to have major surgery yourself!!! Get non skid rugs for any areas of the house that are slippery, lino, tile, wood floors.
Expect the first two weeks COULD be difficult, on the other hand maybe they will sail through, some do! But sleep when able because people being people worry and fret, and the dogs, well they just get on with learning how to deal in a different way. You will be astonished.
Do come often and let us know how the surgeries go and we are here to provide moral support and practical suggestion! This is a community of people who know exactly what you are going through.
well, seems most good advise is said, and i say 'ditto' to all. the ruff wear harness is a true godsend. the first two weeks are not representative of the rest of time (they will be scary, you will get very tired, you will start second guessing every decision due to being tired...etc.). you are doing what you need to do to save your 'sister/brother's' life - you do it out of love, so it's the right thing to do. use this site and the folks here for info, feedback, support. paws and fingers crossed for best outcomes. get those babies home so they can heal and nap!!
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
Hi Rosy's mom and BB's mom
We also know how your life blows up when you take your furbaby in for a limp that you think is caused by a strain or sprain and wind up facing a cancer diagnosis and amputation. It's a scary time. Cemil's amputation was almost 16 months ago--his lungs were clear before the surgery (and still are!) and the lymph node that went to the lab along with the bone tumor was also clear. We were very lucky. During the 2-week recovery period, you'll probably have moments where you're convinced that you've ruined your dog's life and they'll never be happy again. That will pass. They will be happy because the pain is gone. While on the pain meds, they get a little bit weird, but when they're off them, you'll see your happy dog again.
I'm so sorry you have to go through this. It's tough. But the lesson to be learned is to enjoy the moment and not stress about what might happen in the future. It doesn't come easy to us humans, but our dogs are master teachers and they'll be modeling it for us every day.
Keep us posted--you'll both be in our thoughts and prayers this week.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Hi Rosy and BB's mom,
I'm so sorry that you're both having to go through this... I remember how awful I felt when I brought my Jake in for his broken front leg... and then found out that it was most likely due to bone cancer... and the break was in a bad location... couldn't be splinted. My husband and I cried and cried! 
How could something so awful happen to our sweet baby??!! We did tons of research... and also found this site... then we decided to go ahead with the ampuation... We didn't really have a choice since his break couldn't be repaired... it was either amputation... or the unthinkable!
Even though Jake didn't make it as long as so many others after their ampuation... we don't regret if for a second! It gave Jake almost 8 more good quality of life weeks with us...
I wish you both lots of success with the amputation and hope that you have speedy recoveries... Remember, the fist 2 weeks are ususally the worse (for both pawrents and the dog)... but if there are no complications... things will get better after that!
Keep us posted on the progress... and maybe even post some pictures of your sweeties!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Rosy's mom and BB's mom
So sorry to hear about your sad, sad weeks. I remember all too painfully the heartbreaking tears and fears in January when our golden Catie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and had her right fore leg and shoulder amputated on January 13. My, it seems like a lifetime ago. She's still here and still hopping and we're still hoping the nasty cancer stays away for a long, long time.
It'll be rough for you on Monday, Rosy's mom. I'll be thinking of you and looking for an update.
BB's mom - thinking of you too. Good luck with your hard decisions. Keep us posted please!
Sending you limitless best wishes.
Carmen
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
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