Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 5-year-old fawn Great Dane is having her front leg amputation today for osteosarcoma. Her tumor was just above her left ankle. I am very nervous about the outcome of an amputation with such a big dog. She is 125 lbs, but very lean, which the doctor told me would definitely be in her favor. I just purchased one of the harnesses promoted on this site, which I think will be very helpful.
Since I just made the decision to amputate yesterday, my head is still spinning. I first noticed the lump above her ankle back in late October and got an appointment at my vet right away. X-ray showed a big tumor, and the bone was at big risk for spontaneous breakage. My vet advised a biopsy, which we waited over a week for results. Didn't show any signs of cancer, but my vet was still concerned it was osteosarcoma. She suggested a more invasive biopsy, but warned the bone could break during the biopsy. I opted to forgo the second biopsy and got referred to a canine oncologist for a 2nd opinion.
I took Nova to the oncologist yesterday morning, armed with all my x-rays (also a chest x-ray showing no visible evidence of spread there-whew!). One look at the x-ray and she instantly found that there was already a fracture in the bone. Oh no! Nova had not been acting like she was in much pain. She is such a happy dog, and very wiggly, like a puppy. I had been very concerned that she might break the bone just during her every day wiggling. The oncologist said immediate amputation was a necessary first step. I have to leave town for 5 days next week, so I hoped we could wait, but she said that we did not have that long to wait. She did another chest x-ray - still clear! We will be following up with 4 rounds of chemotherapy too.
So here we are today. I just got a call from the surgeon at the cancer center and he said the surgery went great. Of course I know there will be many challenges in the days to come. I have been through this before with a different dog, but it was a rear leg amputation. It seems like the front leg would be so much harder.
I am a mess because I have to go out of town next Thursday, and it is not something I can cancel. Both the oncologist and surgeon said that it should not be a problem to board her at my usual kennel (the owner is very hands on, lots of personal attention, only boards a few dogs at a time), but I am so very worried about being so far away. How soon is your dog up and around? It is reasonable for me to think she could be getting around okay by next week?
I spoke with the owner of the kennel today to let him know that Nova will need some extra care. He seemed a little leery about it, like he has never encountered a dog with an amputation. This of course made me worry even more. Perhaps a better option would be to ask the oncologist if I can board her there instead.
Any advice for those first few days home?
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Thanks for joining the discussion Dane Mom. To ease your worries about big dogsand amputation, just search for Moose and Finnegan in the blog! Moose was a big Harlequin who bounced back from surgery and lived a coupe years.
Regarding the kennel stay, Nova should indeed be OK if she is'nt in sight of other dogs where she may tend to pace and jump ... I know I would. If she will get hands on care and attention in a comfortable place she shoulf be fine.
You'll find plenty of advice throughout these forums from others who have been through it. Your not alone. Thanks again and be sure to keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My English Mastiff Tazzie had her front leg amputated Aug 26th. I think you should board her at your vet or at the oncologist's clinic if possible. Most dogs do great after amputation but the things that can go wrong are probably too much for a kennel to handle, even if they are very good.
You can see a video of Tazzie getting around elsewhere on this site. She weighs 175 pounds and was doing well 4 days post-op. She just had her third dose of chemo without incident.
I know it is hard to leave your baby after such a major surgery but your oncologist is right; the sooner the leg comes off the less chance for metastasis and the sooner your dog is out of pain.
Please keep us updated on Nova's condition!
Pam and Tazzie
Sorry to hear the news about Nova. It is a scary and brave thing to make these decisions for our dogs. Believe me - he will still be that "big" wiggly pup even after the ampution. I agree with Tazzies Mom - you kennel may not be prepared for any complicaitons - best to try to board him with the vet - then at least you know he will get any medical care he needs.
Let us know how he does.
Connie & Radar
Good luck to you and your dog! I think that it is slightly more difficult for large dogs but even large dogs adapt amazingly well. Chewie, Our IW/Great Pyrenees mix is now two weeks post op. He had his left front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma. Today was his first round of chemo and he is doing wonderfully. We are so grateful that his cancer was in an area that could be removed. We have every confidence that he will pull through great. Walking may be a little "hoppy" but running is like nothing ever happened!
Michelle G Andrews
Thank you all so much for the advice. Your comments have really encouraged me. Right now my big girl is not home yet, and I am so nervous about what is to come this weekend. The oncologist says Nova is doing well tonight and will remain groggy until tomorrow morning when they try to get her up to walk. Hopefully she will be home tomorrow or Thursday.
Right now I am trying to prepare my kids (boys 16, 12, and 9). The older two have seen a previous dog after his amputation, so they know what to expect but they are upset, as Nova was the team mascot for our local cross country team. She would run races with me, and was a celebrity of sorts at these events. I am also worried how it will affect my 9-year-old. I keep telling them that dogs don't mourn the loss of a limb the way people do and that we all need to give Nova extra loving and not be afraid to touch her and hug her the way we always have. My 6-year-old blue dane is pacing right now, worried, wanting to know where her sister is. They are such best buddies, she is so confused when I take Nova off to appointments (Nova has glaucoma too, and is blind in one eye so we are always going to see specialists).
Another question, I have seen some comments on here about getting a toddler-size mattress for a bed. Right now Nova likes to sleep on her huge dog bed, or will occasionally jump in bed next to one of the kids. I am guessing that she will end up spending more time on the floor in her bed. Is it really important for me to elevate it a little more? Or do you think she'll be okay with her bed as is?
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
I'm so happy to hear Nova is out of surgery & will be resting through the night. You'll feel so good when you get to see her!
Have you shown your younger boys any photos of dogs right after an amputation? There are a lot here on this site, maybe that would be beneficial & open the doors to some questions they may have.
Calamity had her amputation on October 23 & she is back to around 90% now. She still squeaks when she gets up or when one of the others bump into her.
My Colt (another greyhound who passed from OS in April), had glaucoma also. He hated all the medications he was taking and was blind already so we opted to remove his eye. After that glaucoma pain was gone, he acted like a 2 year old again!! I miss that crazy boy.
I hope all goes well with Nova and with all the questions your boys have.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
I just talked to the surgeon and they said that Nova is doing GREAT this morning! She is not walking yet, but she is sitting up and eating canned food like a pig. Plus, the tail is going at full speed (just like normal). They are going to get her walking today, up and down to pee, etc. They are not going to decide until the end of the day if she is to come home today, so it will most likely be tomorrow morning. I am so excited that she is doing so well.
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Yeayyyyy for Nova! What a relief! So glad to hear she made it through this huge hurdle, congratulations, Dane Mom.
Keep us posted and let us know if she can go home tomorrow. Paws are crossed.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh geeze, I just realize I posted and added wrong! I guess that means my last post won't show up. Darn! I am just so excited that things are getting better and better for Nova, I guess that made my math skills suffer. The technician just called me and said that Nova got right up this morning and WALKED right outside to pee, almost like she didn't even notice she was missing a leg. They were so surprised and thrilled, said that most dogs hop, and usually lose their balance a time or two. Not my girl! The surgeon said there is no reason why I can't come to get her right NOW. YAY!
Jerry, I spent a long time reading your story this morning. How inspiring you are, you are an amazing dog, and you have such awesome pawrents too! I had been keeping a journal of Nova's story the past few weeks and you inspired me to start a blog of my own. I will update it with some pictures later on tonight, I am too excited to pick up Nova right now.
Check it out at http://tripawdn.....gspot.com/
Do you have a way on this site for Tripawd pawrents to share their blogs on your site?
How do you get the little picture on there by your name?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your kind words and support. Your site is terrific and was a Godsend for me these past few days.
Dane Mom Sue in Linden, MI
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Hi Sue,
Oh great news about Nova! How exciting. She is a real beauty, and sounds like one tough cookie.
We can definitely share her blog on our site. We've added her to our Resources page, under "Dog Blogs and Other Fun Stuff."
When you have more photos of her, we'd love to put them in our Giant Breed Gallery here on Tripawds too.
To make an "avatar," that little photo with your photo, here are some instructions. Let us know if you need help.
Thanks so much for sharing Nova's story with us. We can't wait to hear how she does when she gets home. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hurray for Nova! I'm so glad that she is doing so well. Thanks also for the link to your blog site.
Pam and Tazzie
Nova is home and doing great! I just posted a bunch of pictures to my blog at http://tripawdn.....gspot.com/
She is sleeping right now, but I am so glad to have my baby back!
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Hi, Sue & Nova,
Sorry I'm a little late getting in on this, but I'm delighted to hear that Nova is coming home to her family and she seems to be walking really well. We'll sure be excited to hear of any updates you will be posting. Congratulations on Nova's successful surgery.
Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki)
Hi Sue,
Nova is such an awesome dog!!! I truly enjoyed reading your blog on Nova! 
She looks like she's doing great!!! I also stumbled upon that afghan of "What Cancer Cannot Do" and had the urge to buy one for everyone on our shopping list from Jake of course! Our tripawds provide soooooo.... much inspiration to us (their pawrents) and to all who are lucky enough to know them! Even MORE reason to keep using Nova as the team mascot!! GO NOVA GIRL!!!
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
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