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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Lucy is an 11 year old miniature poodle, I've had her for all of those 11 years, and she's been such a joy to have over the years! She went in the 15th of Sept. for a check up, and I mentioned she had small bump that had appeared on her front left by her armpit. Tests were run, and I found out it was mass cell cancer. My vet suggested I visit a specialist in Annapolis, and after hearing my options I decided the least painful and stressful route, for our situation, would be amputation. She went in the 18th and came home the 19th.
It's been hard adjusting so fast, but I'm grateful for the good vets I've had and that the cancer was caught before it could spread. She's been getting around really well, but I'm hoping as we get farther into recovery her energy level perks up a little more. I'm used to her being energetic and crazy, but she's understandingly just mostly wanting to nap a lot.
On a final note, thank you to everyone who has put together, and contributed to this forum! It's been extremely helpful to be able to see other dogs that have done well after amputations, and learn more about caring for my new tripawd. We've been following the exercise tips, and fixing up the house to best benefit Lucy. 
- Lucy pre surgery (The computer isn't letting me post the version I have that's correctly oriented
)
Lucy and family, welcome! You are one cute pup and I know you're gonna rock on three legs, I'm sure you already are.
Yep, that cancer diagnosis can give you whiplash and turn your world upside down. But thank dog you have such a great vet team in place, sounds like they are taking good care of you. If you didn't catch our Mast Cell Basics interview with Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, it's something worth listening to, she covers lots of things you need to know.
If there's anything at all we can do to make your journey easier just let us know. You guys are a solid pack with lots of smarts, I can tell that Lucy has it made.
Cheers to you Lucy for showing that age is just a number!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to you and Lucy.
My pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a MCT, and quad pug Tani had recurring MCTs through out her life. Maggie passed at 11 from melanoma and Tani passed at almost 15 from a stroke. Hopefully Lucy has lots of years left!
One thing the vet didn't tell me after Maggie had her first MCT removed (6 months before her amp)- keep checking for new lumps and bumps! Because of the location of the tumor in her knee finding it earlier probably would not have saved the leg...but I always wondered.
If you want to read Maggie's story the links are in my signature below.
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Sorry you have to be here...but welcome to the family! We understand like no others can and we are here to support you and your ADORABLE LUCY!!!
We could see how cute she is regardless of the picture orientation!
It's still early in recovery and adjusting to three legs is very exhausting at first! She's doing exactly what she needs to do now and that is rest, take short potty breaks, eat, drink, pee, poop, snuggle, eat treats and get spoiled more than you ever dreamed possible!!
Is she still on pain meds?
She will co tinue to get her sparkle back more and more. It took my Happy Hannah at @east three weeks before I could really see her sparkling self start to return.
Stay connected and update more when you can. And keep on taking lots of pictures! We love lictures arou d here...especially when they are as cute as Lucy!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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