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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Hi Everyone
I would like to introduce us.
My husband and I live in Germany/Bavaria and to our large four legged family also belong three cats, one girl and two boys.
One of our boys, Jimmi, 14 years old and very healthy to this point suddenly started limping friday three weeks ago. As it didn't get any better over the weekend we went to the vet on the following monday where an x-ray was taken and sadly Jimmi got diagnosed with a very aggressive osteosarcoma in the heel of his right hind leg.
Our vet was on vacation at this time why he was diagnosed by another veterinary who works in the same office. She instantly recommended amputation, but let us know she cannot do it alone while our vet isn't there. We sensed quick action is required, why we chose to switch to a vet clinic nearby, what turned out as a great choice as the clinic has an own oncologic ward.
A cat scan was done prior the surgery and sadly it turned out the cancer has already spread into Jimmi's lungs, the scan showed one metastasis and about 4 suspicious micro spots around it. The oncologist recommended to amputate nonetheless cause the MTS are little and Jimmi otherwise in very good shape for his age
Jimmi's amputation was performed on wednesday and it all went really well, he was released one day later. The incision healed perfectly and from what I can tell, without experience, he seems to adjust very good. Still not that active like he used to be before, but it gets better with every day.
We currently still give him Metacam (Meloxicam) every second day. He doesn't need pain medication anymore, but the vet recommended to continue with it as it is said to slow down the growth of cancer cells. Additional to that he's on alternative Thymus Therapy.
Next monday we'll discuss further treatment with chemo, the vet, if I remember correctly, was speaking about Doxoribicin.
As our human family is affected by cancer the diagnose emotionally hit a sore spot in me.
We have no children and our furry family members are my greatest supporters and greatest comforters in dealing with what my family is going through (I'm the carer of my Dad who has kidney cancer). To us they are FAMILY as well and learning that cancer now has taken over one of my Babies threw me on a loop.
I'd be so grateful to connect with others, specially those whose cats have metastases, too.
The uncertainty of Jimmi's future lays heavy on my heart and gives me sleepless nights. I love him dearly.
From what the vet said I take that no prognosis about the time left can be made at all.
This is our story. Here is hoping so much for a LOT of time left, for us with Jimmi and for all of you with your loved ones 
I'm very grateful I found this place.
Bettina
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry you are dealing with such an aggressive cancer in your handsome Jimmi. It does sound like he is doing well after amputation.
Here is a link to a blog post about Tripawd Cats, there are lots of useful links in the post.
I hope Jimmi has lots and lots of good times!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Awww, Jimmi sure is a handsome fellow.
My cat Mona had a different cancer than Jimmy so I can't comment on osteosarcoma in cats but can refer you to Jill's blog: http://jillsjou.....pawds.com/
Mona's lungs were clear but I had another cat who had skin cancer which spread to the lungs. He developed a cute little cough which didn't cause him any problems but I did put him to sleep when the ulcerating skin tumours began to cause him too much discomfort.
Sometimes we end up doing palliative care for our pets where we give them treatment to ensure they are comfortable and have a good quality life for their remaining time with us. Although sad, please know it can also be a special time for you too. Your vet will be able to support you in ensuring Jimmi is comfortable and hopefully you have many more months or even years together.
I'm sorry about your father's cancer. I also have a family member with cancer and I fully understand how Jimmi is your family too.
I'm happy to hear Jimmi is recovering so well from his amputation.
Hugs to all,
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Welcome Jimmi and Bettina and family!
We are sorry you are dealing with osteosarcoma & lung mets! Glad Jimmi is doing well after surgery!
We dont have experience in either of those just wanted to welcome you and let you know you have our support .
There is no set time on these cancers and survival rates and time spans are just numbers, so keep that in mind! You never know Jimmi might just keep on going for months to years! Enjoy everyday ! We just have to live one day at a time and make the most of each day with both our furry and human families! Whether we are dealing with cancer or not. Thats the one thing we learn in all this, is to slow down and enjoy our loved ones while we have them!
Kerren sent you to Jill's blog who also had osteo and did chemo. She is no longer with us but the osteo is NOT what took her!
You have a full plate with your Dad and now Jimmi we all truly understand the love for both and our human and furry families! Our fur families are our fur children! You couldn't find a support group who understands more! Why we are all here!
Our cat Purrkins is 6 he had his front leg amputated from Soft tissue sarcoma just over 3 months ago.
Check out the links that were provided above form Karen and Kerren you will find some valuable information in both!
Jimmi is a cutie love his picture . Look forward to seeing more.
Keep us all posted please, we would love to see how you guys are doing!
Hugs to your human and fur family
Holly & Purrkins
Bettina and family, welcome. We're so glad you found us. I'm sorry you're dealing with so much right now, and I hope that Jimmy and your Dad can inspire each other to fight on and have many happy days ahead.
It's so odd, we just had another member join us because their kitty was diagnosed with osteosarcoma too:
Cat osteosarcoma here...need help
For a disease that's supposed to be extremely rare in cats, we're seeing more of it here. So weird.
Check out my reply to Cami in that post, I list lots of resources you can check out. In the meantime, here's a post about adding images to the Forums. Feel free to add some, we'd love to follow along with your journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and welcome.
My boy, Harry, also had bone cancer and amputation as a result. There was no detected spread to his lungs at this point, however, and he is not on any ongoing cancer treatment, so I don't have a lot of insight to offer there... just to say that my cat is my child as well, and know how hard and painful this all must be - especially in light of your father (My Dad also had cancer, and I know how miserable treatment is in the human world as well). I agree with others that the important thing to focus on is that your beautiful Jimmi is with you currently, healing up well from his surgery (it sounds like!), and not in any pain - so he can continue enjoying the time he has left with you.
I'm glad you've connected here. It's an amazingly supportive community 🙂
Welcome Bettina, Jimmi and family. So glad Jimmi is doing well after his amputation. Everyone always says that osteo is very painful, at least in dogs so I presume in cats as well. Just ending the pain is probably a wonderful thing for Jimmi. And cats seem to do really well on three. Whatever time is left (and it really could be a little or a lot, you can't go by statistics), enjoy every moment of it!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
I thank you all SO MUCH for your warm welcome, your sympathy for our situation and all the useful links!
Such a caring and supportive community, I feel very lucky to be here.
Monday we'll discuss chemo with our vet. That it occurred so sudden and grew so quickly sadly points to a very aggressive type.
Although osteosarcoma is said to be not so aggressive in cats like in dogs and comes with a lower rate of mets Jimmi unfortunately was so lucky. To learn the same aggressive cells already settled elsewhere in his body was devastating.
Friday he limped the very first time, and x-ray on monday brought the diagnosis and the following cat scan on wednesday revealed the bone meanwhile was partly broken. It's the aggressive nature of it that really worries me.
We know we are in the very best hands with Jimmi, are grateful he's taking it so well and hope for the best.
Bettina
Trying out how to add photos and hope it works. Our Boy today, three weeks post surgery
Oh gosh! Jist catching up!
I know you are having so many challenges right now and I, also, wanted to add my love and support. We are all here for you and you are certainly not alone!! We understand the intensity of this journey, the fear and the uncertainty. We also understand the love and devotion that you have for Jimmi.
Your Jimmi is clearly a strong fighter! He has no intention of going anywhere anytime soon. He has a whole lot of Livin to do, and all of it is now pain-free!
I love that photo of him standing so strong and confident! He is a very, very, handsome Kitty! And he doesn't look a day over 5! LOOOOOOVE THAT PHOTO!!
You are doing a great job and so is Jimmi!! Now go give him some ear scratches and listen to him her. it will make you both feel better.
Love to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
He looks great! No matter what the future holds, right now he is free of a painful, partially broken leg, and that is what matters most!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
OH MY GAW I love Jimmi! Hope you don't mind but I just HAD to add his photo to our TriKitties gallery. What a sweetheart!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much everyone!
Today, three weeks post surgery, was the best day he had so far (it's already evening here in germany).
We built a paper-box castle for our three kitties and the two bunnies enjoy it, too.
He was so playful and alert, first time really playing with toys again and chatting a lot. Jimmi was a very talkative cat right right from the start when we adopted him when he was little. His mother was a rescue, a former street cat from spain, who gave birth to five boys after she arrived. Jimmi was one of them 🙂
He was so quiet since surgery, it is such a joy to hear his voice again!
Jerry, please feel free to share the photos anytime. This one was a bit blurry, I will post more soon.
From tomorrow on we will try to switch to another grain-free organic wet food and I also ordered some grain-free urinary care dry food, cause the other boy, who once had bladder stones that required surgery, here and there gets a handful of kibble as a treat. Once a day each of them gets a little raw beef we purchase from a local farmer, too.
Hope all of you and your loved ones are well
Bettina
Here is a picture of our trio, Jimmi (pre surgery), Mimi and Bruno.
What a beautiful kitty family! And so glad Jimmi is doing well,
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Hi Sweet trio 🙂 Glad to hear Jimmi is being himself!
That is the best to see them get back to playing and just being themself after surgery!
Do the kitties and bunnies get along ? My Mom and Dad used to bring a sweet dwarf bunny over to stay and the boys loved watching him .
Jimmi will continue to amaze you!
Hugs to you all
Holly and Purrkins
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