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 there,
Just thought I'd introduce myself and my sweet girl Roxy, who we found out recently likely has osteosarcoma in one of her hind legs (bone biopsy to occur post-amputation). Luckily, we were able to get a referral very quickly and scheduled surgery for amputation as soon as possible.
I was devastated by the news, as I'm sure you all understand; she's my baby girl and I can't stand to see her in pain. So, naturally, the only solution in my mind was to eliminate the pain and help her live as long and happy a life as possible.
As I'm typing this, Roxy is recovering at the vet from her surgery today. The surgeon told me that it went well with no complications.
Hopefully she'll be back with us as early as tomorrow. Once she has recovered and we get the results from the biopsy then we will also be pursuing chemo treatment if it is osteosarcoma as suspected.
This site was recommended by her surgeon, who showed me some of the videos on the site at our consultation, and I have been finding all of your stories, photos and videos very inspiring. I am very hopeful about how she will cope as a tripawd.
Nice to meet you, and looking forward to chatting with you all.
Mica
Roxy and Mica, thanks so much for joining us, even though you had to in the first place. This is the club nobody wants to join. Osteo is a scary diagnosis but as you've already discovered, there IS hope after a diagnosis. We have our paws crossed that Mica will get an opportunity to kick cancer's butt for a very very long time. How young is Roxy? She's adorable.
She's getting some great medical care. What clinic is she being treated at? I would love to thank your doctors for sending you to us.
If you need anything at all we're here to help. It sounds like you have everything together and you're ready for her homecoming, but whatever we can do to make things easier, let us know. You can often find people in our chat room especially in the evenings so feel free to stop by OK?
Thanks again for being a part of this community.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Roxy & Mica - Sorry you had to join the club, but glad you found the best security blanket ever! So glad Roxy's surgery went well. Soon she will be home with you and much happier. The first couple weeks are the hardest, but don't lose hope as the friend you know and love is still in there and just needs some time to recuperate and readjust to her new reality. You will find that you learn such amazing things from the strength and determination Roxy will have to get used to her new normal. Take care.
Shooter & Luanne
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Greetings Roxy and Mica,
You have found a great community here at Tripawds. I hope the amp went well today. How long do they expect Roxy to be in the hospital? As you go through your days with Roxy, you will have some good ones and some not-so-good, much like a roller coaster ride, but moving towards more happiness. If you have questions, concerns either post in the forums or try the chat room . We are at 2 weeks post amp today, stitches out ...yeah.
Where are you in Canada? We are in Kelowna, BC
I look forward to hearing the good news as Roxy progresses and moves through each stage.
Just ask if there is anything we can do.
Best regards to you both.
Stirling and Tahoe
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
That photo is a few years old; she's 13 now but still has a lot of puppy in her. I was very relieved when they didn't even mention her age as something that should hold me back from considering amputation. I was worried about that at first.
She is being treated at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada). Her surgeon is Dr. Liptak (the one who mentioned this site) and the oncologist there is Dr. Bravo.
Here is a photo of her taken from a couple of days ago.
I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as we begin her recovery process.
Thanks!
Mica
Oh she is a sweetie! We love seniors around here. It's definitely great that she's doing so well that her age isn't a factor. You're really doing all the right things for her, she'll be just fine!
Thanks for the info to your vet clinic, I'll drop them a line and send some cards.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Got a call this morning. She is recovering well other than discomfort at the incision. She is refusing to eat, which doesn't surprise me. She tends to do that a day or so after being sedated. I will be going in today to try to get her to eat something so that they can give her more pain meds. Cooking her up some rice and pumpkin puree, in hopes that something different and delicious will whet her appetite 
Other than that, they said she is able to move about with some help and has been going outside with them.
What a sweetie! Glad she's through the surgery.
We'll all be here for support should you need us. I'm sure you've already researched the site and found tons of info. Soon how to prepare for her homeoming----rugs, slings, etc.
Wishing you both the best and really look forward to hearing from you.
Surrounding you with support,
Silly 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!
Welcome. I'm glad to hear Roxy made it though surgery and is on her way to recovery. My little pug was a rear amp and as stubborn as they come. She was not at all happy with her new normal and made me wait about 6 weeks before she came around. But she did and hopped happily though life for almost 4 years (mast cell cancer). Most pups turn the corner around the two week mark but don't get discouraged if Roxy isn't herself for awhile after she comes home. She will get there on her own schedule.
You might want to look through Jerry's Required Reading List or download the ebook Three Legs and a Spare. Lots of good info there on what to expect with amputation, recovery and treatment.
It can be hard, but be brave and strong when you see her- be a good pack leader and let her know everything is OK.
Let us know how she is doing (and how you are doing!)
Karen
Way to go Roxy! What a sweetie she is. Sounds like you are both in good hands with her care. Get some rest while she is still in the doggy hospital. You may have a few restless nights ahead so take care of yourself.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Welcome to you and Roxy! I'm glad you are going to get to go in and see her! I got to visit Jill in the hospital while she stayed and it helped her tremendously, she would only eat for me! I was surprised at this, I know they say animals know their pawrents, but that was the first validation for me that she really does love and know me 
Let us know what questions you have and hop on over to the chat room if you get a chance!
Erica
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
Welcome to the club. Although none of us ever wanted to be here, we are all very appreciative that this site exists. Roxy is adorable and I'm glad that the surgery went well. Hopefully she will eat for you later, she probably just wants her momma. The recovery phase can be a little rough on us pawrents the first week, not nearly as rough on our pups (or cats). If you have any questions, we are all here to help. The chat room also usually has someone in there, particularly in the evenings.
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
Roxy is beautiful. Glad to hear the surgery is done and she can concentrate on recovery and finding her new normal.
I am thrilled to hear your vet recommended the sight. That's great. Welcome to our little world.
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.
Thanks everyone.
Our visit went well today. I was able to get a little bit of pumpkin, rice and a couple of treats into her, so hopefully that helped. She was a little whiny, but she was very excited to get up and walk around; with the help of a sling she was pulling us around!
She even stood up on her own from a laying down position before we left.
They are keeping her another night because they want to try a different pain med that will take a day to kick in. She was whining a bit and was obviously uncomfortable but she was still in good spirits.
Bought her a new harness that won't require lifting any paws, and already received a fancy sling that I ordered last week to help support her back end. Got some extra rugs for the house. Can't wait to have her back.
Here is a photo from our visit today:
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