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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Okay, I dropped Rox off at the vet this morning. I'm waiting to hear back about how much of her leg he wants to remove. Since the mast cell tumor was just on her foot he didn't feel that a full-leg amputation was necessary. I'm a wreck. I miss my baby. I'm scared for her. I just want her to be the best Rox she can be!
The main reason for amputating at all is that the tumor was so large that blood vessels in her foot were compromised and she lost blood flow to that area. Her beautiful little leg is literally rotting off. I know that sounds so horrible and I feel horrible even saying it aloud, but it's the truth. I know she will feel better without it, but she's just so little.
Please keep my kiddo in your prayers today, and her momma too. Thank you all for posting here. It has helped me work through some of my fears for my baby.
Hi and welcome,
Your future posts will not require moderation.
I'm sorry to rush a response, but I am at work and have to go back to a class, but I didn't want your post to wait for moderation either.
Tell us more about Rox- what kind of dog- what leg is affected? A partial leg amputation sounds odd to me- what is the reason for that?
I am a veteran of the mast cell wars- Tri-pug Maggie lost her leg to a MCT, and had several cutaneous tumors as well. And her little sis Tani is up to 9 cutaneous MCTs.
You can read Maggie's story- the link is in my signature below.
Surgery day can be a long day! Keep yourself busy and thinking positive thoughts.
Again- I'm sorry to be so short now, I'll check back tonight.
Let us know how Rox is doing.
Karen and the pugapalooza
we had a different cancer, not mast cell, but surgery day can be very scary and long. gayle's amputation was a right front leg, and they took the leg and shoulder blade, to make a smooth line and not leave any stump (telling us it was the best way to not have to cut through bone, only tissue). usually the whole leg is taken, as leaving a stump can give a false sense of a leg and will throw off the gate, and probably be difficult to heal if used as a functioning leg. hope the surgery is successful and you get rox home soon. we too are anxious to hear more about your baby, and of course..we love pictures! sending our best to you guys!!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Hi there! We're sorry about Roxy's tumor, but when this is over and she is done recovering, you'll wonder why you ever felt so sorry for her in the first place! Tripawds are amazing and it's always the humans who have a harder time coping than us dawgs.
Have you checked into our Required Reading List? This is something to keep you occupied and prepared for what lies ahead. Our e-book, "Three Legs & a Spare" is also another great resource. And of course our members here, like Karen (thank you for approving her post, Karen!), are the best resource ever! Don't be shy, ask anything you want.
While you're waiting, do tell us more about your special girl. You're a pawesome pawrent for giving her such great care. Hang in there and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Positive prayers going out for you and Rox. I hope everything turns out great and she has a super speedy healing so she get get back to feeling great again and the two of you can spend some quality time together.
Welcome to the site nobody wants to join, but everybody is glad they did.
Best wishes for your girl's surgery. Please keep us posted and let us know when she's home. If you have questions during her recovery, this is a great place to come - lots of great supportive folks.
Try to get some rest - I know it's hard, but you'll want to be rested up when she gets home.
Hang in there,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Hi Rox,
Like you, we also had MCT. Rio's was in the back of her knee. This was not her first Mast Cell tumor, but it did mean that she would lose her leg. It was a scary proposition, and I freaked, but I knew that taking the leg was the only way I could keep my girl.
Typically with amputation, they don't leave very much of the leg, regardless of where the tumor is. The long stump just gets in their way, and since most folks can't afford a prosthetic and most dogs don't really need them, there's no reason to leave a longer stump.
Do you have any idea yet of what sort of follow-up treatment you plan to do? You should ask for a c-Kit mutation test with your pathology report -- this will come in handy if you decide to do either Palladia or Masitinib as a follow-up. We did chemo (twice) and tried the Masitinib -- however, everything I've read says that Masitinib works better as a first defense (we tried it after the second round of chemo didn't work). You can read more about Rio's story on my blog. And if you have any questions that I can specifically answer, please PM me. I'm happy to share what I've learned on Rio's MCT journey.
Micki
 |
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Sending pawsitive thoughts for tomorrow!
I'm so sorry you are facing this with Roxy. Please don't hesitate to ask us questions! And please, let us know when she is out of surgery!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
My prayers are with you. Day after tomorrow, Feb. 2nd, 2012 my Mom will be in the same neveous boat you are. I am a 7 year old male Golden, Super Boomer is my name, and my back left leg is going to be removed due to cancer. Please keep me posted as to Rox's status and recovery.
tinakc said:
...my Mom will be in the same neveous boat you are.
Thanks for posting Tina, your future forum posts will not require moderation. Consider starting a new topic about Super Boomer or updating your Forums profile via the button at top right to add a link to Boomer's Journey in your signature.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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