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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Hello! My name is Michelle, and I'm the owner of two boxers. Two nights ago my 11 yr old boxer Kyler broke his leg. When we went to the emergency vet, we were shocked to find out he has osteosarcoma. Seems very similar to SO many stories on here. Needless to say the last two days have been emotional, devastating, and exhausting as we quickly educated ourselves about our options. I think we have decided to go with the amputation/chemo route, and reading all the satisfied stories on here have been so encouraging. I am a lifelong dog owner, and will be in honest in that I definitely had some misconceptions about the amputation surgery, and chemo treatments. I guess I assumed that they would be awful for my poor baby. But after reading so many stories on here, I realize that they're not. And we have an option! Tomorrow I will tell my vet our choice, and hopefully get this ball rolling. Seeing him go from an active, healthy, happy boxer boy to basically an invalid is so heart breaking. I don't want to prolong this suffering any longer. Anyway, I'm just so grateful that my husband came across this site. I know I will need support no matter what the outcome is. It's nice to chat with others who will do anything and everything for their babies like I will.
Welcome, your future forum posts will not require moderation. We're sorry to hear about Kyler, but glad you found us!
Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Reading List for lots of helpful blog posts, forum topics, and videos.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Michelle,
Welcome. You are going to find these boards so helpful and comforting. I hear you when you say emotional devastating and exhausting. I was there one week ago tonight when we got the results of the latest aspirated back. Might I suggest starting a trip awes blog? It's really helped me cope 
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
Hi Michelle and Kyler,
I'm sorry you got the bad news but as you've seen here, there is hope! In fact have you seen Rumbles' blog? Talk about one amazing Tripawd Boxer!
I think most pet pawrents here would have thought that amptuation was cruel, and that dogs weren't meant to live that way, before we actually saw examples of happy Tripawds, so you're in good company. What everyone learns though is that despite the ups and downs during recovery and oftentimes cancer treatments, there is so much to be learned from amazing Tripawds, like how to deal with adversity, and live in the now. Nobody ever imagines that so many life changing, positive lessons and things can come from such an awful situation, but it's true!
The next few weeks might be like a roller coaster for all of you but fear not, we are here to help make the ride easier. Keep us posted on how things are going.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So many of us have been where you are. Aging dog, osteosarcoma diagnosis - OMG, what to do. There isn't a right or wrong answer. You have to do the research, learn all you can to make an informed decision, and then decide based on what is best for your pet.
No one can tell you everything will be fine. Most are, but there are the few that just never thrive. What we do hear most times is how quickly they begin to adapt to their new life on three legs.
We went from diagnosis to second opinion to surgery in less than 36 hours. I know what you are feeling. The one thing that helped us decide to amputate was a very honest vet explaining to us the only way to stop the pain was to remove the leg. Although we made the decision, and I took Trouble in for surgery, it wasn't until we picked her up two days later that I knew we had made the right choice for her.
It is a hard road for the humans with the diagnoisis and decision making.
Sending good thoughts your way. Keep Kyler in your heart as you decide. You will make the right choice for the two of you.
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.
The educated decision is the right decision.
Welcome to the forum. You've found the right place for caring community. I've been blessed by them. My Hank wouldn't be here if these guys wouldn't have showed me the amputation option. Bless them. We are just started in the treatments and I don't regret anything out of it. I know Hank will feel better soon and be spunky like before. Like the others I went through a lot in very short time. From second opinion to funding to finding the right vet to do it. People have been there for me when my emotions took over my brain. It's hard to stay cold headed when this Osteo get you for a ride.
Keep us posted on Kyler's progress. All the best to your family. Better things are to come!
Dogs: Friends for life, faithful and true.
Courage is being scared to death... but saddling up anyways.- John Wayne
bikeintime.wordpress.com (will soon have Hank story)
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