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 have the sweetest 9 year old yellow Lab, Polly, and together as a family we have been fighting cancer in her right front leg since January. We will finally have to amputate as the cancer keeps coming back in her leg. She has been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma and so far, not showing up in her body, but we know that probably will not last. But for now, to hopefully prevent spread, this is all we can do, but I am really scared. Been reading other posts from cari0418 discussions, and somewhat helpful....... but the closer this gets the worse I am getting.
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for moderation.
I'm sorry cancer has brought you and Polly here. There is a lot of experience and support to be found here.
Please look through Jerry's Required Reading List
or download on of the eBooks- they have great information on what to expect with amputation and recovery. I can't post links right now, you can find links on the home page.
This is a big surgery, it's normal to be nervous and worried. We have been there and an help.
Karen
Hi Polly! Yeah, sorry youhad to be here ut glad you found us! As Karen said, there is a wealth of info. nere
There's also another great book...The Dog Cancer Book" by Dr. Dressler and Dr Ettinger. They really cover all the basis...holistic...conventio al, etc.
Others will chime in with situations relsted toyours The diagnosis may varyupin names, bjt we all snare the commn tnread of amputation and all the fears andcncerns that come along withmit.
You've evaluated things very well. It sou ds like you now kow the amuttin mst take place to alleviate Polly's pain and to give you the best extended qquality ti e possible. TpRemember, Poly desn't kniw she's sick...doesn't care avout any diagnosis, stuid statistics.....she just wants to be loved and spoiled!
Right now, just keep thi gs chunked down. Let's get through the amputatin and then you can determne treatment, if any. Recovery is nopicnic and all surgeries have risk. Mow, that said, once recovery takes place you will be so glad you did this FOR Poly! She will get ner sparke back bigger and better thanever!
My Hapoy Hannah had her rear leg amp. over seven mo ths ago and I was petrified to domit!! I fou d this site---latched n as thoughit was my lifeline and I javen't let go! We are vlissfulynhappy and treasure every day as the sacred gift that it is!
You are not alne! We are here with you! We are by your side, okay?
Now, so ething we all practice doi g around here is B R E A T H E .....inhale deeply and slowly B R E A T H E ......exhale slowly....whoa...not too fast, okay? Now, again......B R E A T H E B R E A T H E......yeah, that's better. ext step, go give Poly a hug...if she's asleep, wait a bit. Now, and tnis is important!! Give yourself a big hug!! You are strong and very brave! You are doing the best thing possible for Polly and se knows it!
Sending you calm and peach and a big tripawd hug!
Sally and Hapy 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!
Good morning
Tucker, a wonderful 9 year old chocolate lab, had his right front leg amputated 12 days ago today!
We were blessed to find this site and the information and support available here has really gotten me through this new stage in our lives.
Tuck goes for his two week check-up tomorrow and he is still the same happy, wonderful pup that he has always been. Tuck has adapted well to his new lifestyle and so will your lovely pup, Polly.
Linda and Tucker
Thank you, all ........knowing that many of you have already gone through this tough thing with your beloved pets makes it a bit easier to breathe. I will update after her surgery......will be a rough day coming up on Thursday, but we will get through it.
Welcome and best wishes for Polly. The best advice we have for a smooth recovery is to Be More Dog.
Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful links and consider downloading Tripawds e-books for immediate answers to common concerns.
Please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good luck on Thursday, might I suggest talking to your vet about post-surgical pain control prior to the surgery? My pup had his amputation just about two weeks ago and my vet put in a soaker catheter in the incision which from comparing his healing to some others seemed to make a big difference in pain management . There is research that indicates that soaker catheters do help with post-operative pain control. A'Tuin's was used solely with bupivacaine but according to the research online some do it with lidocaine and bupivacaine and some lidocaine alone. We removed the catheter at home post-surgery with no problems. Though, depending on the length of your pup's stay in the hospital, it could be done prior to leaving.
I think making the decision to amputate is the right one! Remember that you are more attached to Polly's leg than she is! Keep us updated 
A'Tuin and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!
A'Tuin's story can be found on my personal blog along with a dash of my life and poetry.
I said goodbye to my puppy love on 5/15/14 after more than tears years of the greatest love I've ever known.
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