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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Mini Schnauzer about to lose right rear leg
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Member Since:
23 May 2013
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24 May 2013 - 12:09 am
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Hello everyone, we are new here. I have been so heartened to find this site and see what a nice bunch of people you all are.

Our dear little mini schnauzer, Dotty, is nearly 10 and came home from a holiday at the dog-sitters acutely lame and very subdued. Our dog-sitter was very anxious about it and had assumed an awkward jump out of her van had possibly hurt Dot's cruciate ligament. An xray showed that there wasn't a lot of the distal tibia left, Dot's leg bone was so fragile she was lucky not to have fractured it. We put her through a painful bone biopsy two days ago and the results are mildly comforting but by no means conclusive. She is not the right breed for osteosarcoma but one pathologist thinks it could still be a rare form of osteosarcoma. They have ruled out a raging, aggressive osteosarcoma but are concerned that it's a low grade type.  It could also be an aneurysmal bone cyst.

The bottom line is, there is enough hope for us to go ahead with an amputation and further tests on the whole bone and mass after the operation. Her bloods show normal white and red cell counts and represents an otherwise healthy doggy.

Once we got her pain under control her personality returned and we reversed our initial decision to not have a "mutilated" dog and decided we would fight for her. What a roller coaster of a week. So many tears, at times I've almost been weeping on the floor next to her, sobbing as I walked her around her favourite spots, our kids have been undone at the thought of losing their "litter mate" and my historically un-doggy husband has been found crying like a baby over our little grey friend.

 

I have bought the e-book and am about to get stuck into it. Dotty is sulking inside her space-dog collar (she really wants to bite off her bandage over the biopsy wound) and generally cruising on codeine. 

So, here I am starting a conversation with a new community for us. I'll check in again in a day or two after I've digested the e-book.

Thanks for being here.

Victoria and Dotty

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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24 May 2013 - 7:27 am
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Hi Victoria and Dotty,

Welcome. We're so sorry you found yourself in this place but we'll do our best to make it as easy as it can be.

Most folks here understand the difficult decision and the anguish you are experiencing. It's a tough decision but in the years since we came online in 2006, we've only seen on pawrent say they regretted the amputation decision. When they see how well their dog gets around, they understand how resilient, how tough and how inspirational dogs really are!

While it's not common for a small dog to be diagnosed with osteosarcoma, we have seen it here enough times to know that no dog is immune from the risk. I  hope that Dotty doesn't have it, but if she does, remember to take things one step at a time and try not to overwhelm yourself. We are here to help you every time you feel like venting or aren't sure about your next steps.

Hang in there. And thank you for purchasing our ebook, we hope it helps you feel more comfortable with everything.

Lotsa hugs coming your way!

 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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24 May 2013 - 11:33 am
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Everyone here understands.......and we are ALL here for you anyway you need us.

Just one quick thought others passed onto me. Dotty needs you to be a strong, confident pack leader........one that show nothing but happiness and joy!! I had to remind myself not to cry in front of her and to only it forth positive energy in front of her. But boy oh oy-----I sure did use this site as a place to quiver with fear and freak out every other day.......or hour:-) :-) :-) We are here for you for all of that and more!!

Dotty will gain confidence from your positive energy. Dotty lives in the present......she's not worried about any diagnosis......she's of worried about anything! Dogs teach us to be present with them in the moment t and to enjoy each blissful moment of joy and happened and all the loving in the world!! Don't let ANYTHING rob you of one second of my with Dotty!! Time frames aren't important to Dotty....all she's thinking about are her treats and kisses a d happy hugs!!

You are so strong and so brave and such a caring mom!! You are doing wonderfully well in making great decisions for Dotty!! Stand strong and be proud of the courage it takes to do what you are doing for Dotty!!

CA you glance over at Dotty right now and say or do something that makes her tail wag??? Did you do it?? Is she wagging?? Noooooo....don't do it while she's sleeping....you have to wait when she's awake:-) :-) :-) :-)

Surrounding you with calm and serenity,

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

New York, NY
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24 May 2013 - 11:48 am
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Hi Victoria,

 

I wrote you a very nice long post but it got deleted somehow.  Drats.

 

Long story short - I know exactly how you feel when the vets say "she is not the right breed for osteosarcoma", because my Jill is not even the right species for it.  Jill is a kitty and it is very rare, but it does happen that they get OSA.  Jill's vet was really shocked when the diagnosis came back from the pathologists.  I know how hard it is to digest the diagnosis when even your vet says that and the pathology is coming back with conflicting info.  Did the pathologist say what type of rare form it might be?  Jill has giant cell OSA, which according to her oncologist is a rare form.

 

I also have a very special spot in my heart for mini-schnauzers as my best friend has two and I consider them my "nieces".

 

Please feel free to come to the chat room whenever you get a chance, theres usually at least one of us in there who you can chat with for some answers in real time.

 

All our best,

Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill

Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo

krun15
5
24 May 2013 - 2:11 pm
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Welcome, although I am sorry you have found yourself here.
My little pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to mast call cancer. Mag was not at all adaptable, and after surgery she convinced me I had done the wrong thing! But she was just being her obstinate self, and when she got used to the idea she hopped happily through life for almost four years! Most pups come around much faster than Mag, but I think if Maggie could adapt then ANY dog could adapt!
I'm not sure from your post if you have made a decision to amputate? No matter what you decide to do we are here to offer our support.

Karen

Member Since:
29 November 2011
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24 May 2013 - 2:45 pm
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benny55 said

Just one quick thought others passed onto me. Dotty needs you to be a strong, confident pack leader........one that show nothing but happiness and joy!! I had to remind myself not to cry in front of her and to only it forth positive energy in front of her. But boy oh oy-----I sure did use this site as a place to quiver with fear and freak out every other day.......or hour:-) :-) :-) We are here for you for all of that and more!!

Dotty will gain confidence from your positive energy. Dotty lives in the present......she's not worried about any diagnosis......she's of worried about anything! Dogs teach us to be present with them in the moment t and to enjoy each blissful moment of joy and happened and all the loving in the world!! Don't let ANYTHING rob you of one second of my with Dotty!! Time frames aren't important to Dotty....all she's thinking about are her treats and kisses a d happy hugs!!

I could not agree with this more! One of my doggie zen friends gave me this same advice when I was struggling with watching my girl grow old and struggle with "old dog ailments." It is so true! Especially when it comes to making the decision to amputate, they don't have a clue that they're missing a limb but they will pick up on whatever emotions you are feeling which affects them accordingly. Stay strong, happy, and positive for Ms. Dotty and bring your fears here :) It made a huge difference with our girl's recovery and I really think the positive attitudes have helped make her recovery a breeze. Good luck with your decision and you've found a wonderful place with wonderful people! We couldn't have made our decision without them :)  

Member Since:
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24 May 2013 - 2:49 pm
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One more quick thought... Along with the book and support from all these wonderful people, it was extremely helpful for us to watch the videos of all the tripawd pooches plus we were lucky enough to get to meet Wyatt in person and see how incredibly well dogs do with only three legs :) That really, really helped to put our mind at ease that we weren't harming Sasha and in fact we were just removing her pain so that she could live a happy life again. 

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23 May 2013
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24 May 2013 - 9:23 pm
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Hello again, wow, so many great responses! 

To clarify, yes, we have decided to go ahead with the amputation (or "customisation" as we like to call it) and surgery is scheduled for this Tuesday coming up (NZ time). 

Most of my weeping and sniffling was done before we received more hopeful advice from our lovely vet. Our initial response to the alarming X-ray of Dot's leg was "This is a huge nasty thing in her leg, she is in pain, it's probably spread to other parts of her body, we can't face putting her through unnecessary pain for our benefit, she is nearly 10 perhaps she is old before her time, we don't believe in extreme vet treatments for pets..." and we thought we had no sensible, humane choice other than to put Dot to sleep.

However, other possible diagnoses, beyond OSA, were suggested and 4 days after the bad xray result we decided we would fight for her. The tears dried up instantly and by that stage I had read this site and realised we needed to role model confident, cheerful leadership for Dotty and ourselves. Fake it til you make it!

 

Here is what our vet said after getting a second opinion on the bone biopsy:

"Have just got the second opinion results back from Keith Thompson at Massey Uni Vet pathology dept (and NZ's bone pathology expert).
He concurs that as the site and radiographs are atypical for OSA, and the tissues are small and from the margins, is difficult to be definitive without larger tissues (whole lesion with margins and adjacent normal bone).  The biopsies could represent reactive bone formation at the edge of previous trauma/fracture, or a bone cyst, or be representative of an uncommon Osteosarcoma - such as Fibroblastic or Paraosteal.
I will also send this information as an addendum to the report.

Below is some information about osteosarcomas:
Ref: Jubb, Kennedy and Palmer's Pathology of Domestic Animals Fifth Edn 2007 Chp 1 - Bones and Joints by Keith Thompson Osteosarcoma This malignant tumor is the most common primary neoplasm of the appendicular skeleton in dogs and cats. In general, it is a rapidly progressive tumor with early metastasis to the lungs leading to early mortality. Most osteosarcomas arise from within bones, particularly in the metaphyseal regions of long bones, and are referred to as central osteosarcomas.
Less commonly, osteosarcomas arise in the periosteum or even in extraskeletal tissues. Two types of peripheral osteosarcoma may arise in the periosteum. One is referred to as periosteal osteosarcoma and may show similar biologic behavior to central osteosarcoma; the other is parosteal (juxtacortical) osteosarcoma, which shows greater differentiation, slower growth, and a much better prognosis than central osteosarcoma."

So that is the information we are dealing with. Basically, they need to cut the leg off to properly diagnose the problem. A bit like uprooting the daisies to see if they are growing. However, we know that Dot's leg is going to break, the bone is almost totally gone and she is in pain. We have discussed bone cementing procedures and pins but with the threat of cancer hanging over Dot and the likely pain from such procedures we have decided she will have a better time without the leg altogether.

Thanks again, everyone. Please be reassured we are not flopping about howling and weeping (anymore...) but that we are having the same nutty fun we always have with Dot, just in a less mobile way than normal! We are giving her lots of cuddles, snuggles, blobs of peanut butter on the end of our fingers (cunningly disguising a codeine tablet) and she is wagging her tail and "hurrumph"-ing and mock-growling at us as she always does.

Thanks for the virtual hugs and reassuring words. it means such a lot. 

I must upload a photo of the hound.

Victoria

Member Since:
22 January 2013
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24 May 2013 - 9:57 pm
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It's a lot to take in, isn't it. It sounds like you've come to a good decision and now you have to ride the waves of the amputation and diagnosis. With her size she should do very well.

 

Feel free to ask questions and it's great seeing you in chat

 

Member Since:
23 May 2013
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24 May 2013 - 10:10 pm
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It's great to have found you guys.clap

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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24 May 2013 - 10:24 pm
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Oh yeah, lots more pictures---we love pictures!!

You are doing a wonderful job for your Dotty....and all under circumstances no one should have to real with. Yes, getting TO the decision....making it....does give you a sense of relief because you KNOW you are doing what's best for Dotty.
Regardless of the actual diagnosis, she is now in pain, on pain meds and at any moment could suffer her leg giving way completely.... You are doing exactly what needs to be done to receive your precious Dotty back to a vibrant quality of life. You are to be applauded for your courage!
Once she recovers and is free from all pain, you will be amazed and how much happier she will be......it's exhilarating!!

Please keep us posted and send us some pictures of tour sweet Dotty-----will be looking for your updates.

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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25 May 2013 - 6:36 am
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You sound very assured and confident, this is terrific! How very lucky to be working with such a great vet team, Dotty is in great hands.

We will be thinking of you this week as surgery day approaches. Please let us know if you have any questions at all, we'll do our best to answer them.

 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
23 March 2013
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25 May 2013 - 8:06 am
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So sorry you are dealing with this. Don't have much to add but wanted to introduce you to our gray girl Lili. She is some sort of Schnauzer mix and looks a lot like your DottIe. She is stoic and spunky and wise looking underneath her gray shaggy face. We suspect she is mixed with something bigger, as she weighs in at abou 45 lbs (52 or so pre-amp). It has been a roller coaster but she is doing great now. We too grappled with a bone biopsy but never got answers. She has been a real trooper, and as others have pointed out, the furry kids have no idea they are sick, just that the pain is gone. In retrospect, Lili wasn't herself in the months leading up to the diagnosis, and she is so much happier with that rotten leg gone. We have no regrets, except maybe for waiting so long to amputate.

Best of luck and positive vibes to you and your Dottie!

New Jersey
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26 May 2013 - 10:18 am
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Thinking of you and totally understanding how you are feeling. You will be amazed at how much better Dotty will feel when the pain is gone. Please continue to keep us updated... our thoughts and huge hugs are with you for Tuesday.

Joan and Lily

Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.

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23 May 2013
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28 May 2013 - 1:55 am
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Well, it's done.
Dotty went in this morning in her thunder shirt due to a huge storm which blew up over Auckland this morning. There were great claps of thunder and flashes of lightning followed by torrential rain - just as we were trying to convince Dot to have a pee and a poo before heading off to the vet! She huddled under a tree in the back garden, rolling the whites of her eyes at us and conveying a very clear "What the hell!!" vibe. So, after a little wait for a gap in the weather for a toilet break we finally hit the road.
She bounced into the vet's waiting room, tail wagging and ears all folded back ingratiatingly ready to be fussed over and baby-talked-at by the lovely staff at our clinic. She poked her nose into the back room where all the recovery cages are, a little light bulb went off in her fuzzy little grey mind and she promptly turned around and headed out the door towards the car. I carried her into the consulting room, by which stage she was all aquiver and subdued again.
Megan, the vet, picked her and gave her a cuddle, Dot licked me on the nose and gave me her Best Eyes and then she was whisked away.
I went home and vomitted, made a cup of tea and climbed back into bed. I was surprised by this response but think I was just hit, again, by the enormity of the situation. My rational mind knows this is for the best, that the rough first couple of weeks will recede in our minds and that our lovely little hound will be so glad to be pain free and with us for whatever timeframe we are blessed with. My rational mind knows that we are more likely to get a definitive diagnosis once the whole leg is sent to the lab and the pathologists can see the entire bone and surrounding tissues. My rational mind knows that Dotty will never hold this against me.
But, something small and scared inside me is dreading seeing that wound and her frightened eyes. No doubt you will find me on the chat page when that happens. I'm sure I'll be fine tomorrow and will be brave and chirpy for Dotty (and the family!).
She has had a zonked out day at the vets, they rang as soon as she was out of surgery and starting to come around. I haven't visited her as I just couldn't face it and, frankly, the vet didn't encourage it. Tonight Dot is at an overnight vet hospital, she returns tomorrow to our normal vet and we can hopefully bring her home in the afternoon. I will go in and visit her in the morning once she is settled back at our vet's.
Breathing and planning on a good night's sleep tonight. Tomorrow is Dot preparation day - wash the floors, dig up all the old yoga mats and fleece blankets, cut old towels in half and get dinner pre-cooked!
Thinking of my dear little pooch.

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