Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Rusty, then a 9 year old Australian Shepherd, got cancer in January. I had his leg amputated to save his life. All the doctors, and later the physical therapists, told me that he'd get back to the energetic dog he was before the surgery. I had expectations that if we worked for it, he might not do 4-5 mile hikes, but a mile and half, piece of cake.
He's beaten cancer (knock wood), but he hasn’t gotten close to being the energetic Aussie he used to be. Walking with him is a chore, as he stops every ten feet, no exaggeration, and often stubbornly decides he only wants to go a certain direction. Sometimes it was a different one than he wanted to go ten feet ago. Walks aren’t very long, he spends most of the day lying down, and sleeps more.
On Sunday I met someone with a 9 year old German Shepherd tripawd who lost his leg a year ago. He told me that his dog was the exact same way as Rusty and that walks were short and somewhat labored.
The doctors misled me on what he’d be capable of, sounding so optimistic. I’ve reached the conclusion that arthritis, which wasn’t a problem before, has set in on this 10 year old Aussie. This is his life. I’m fine with that, since other than his energy he’s the same Velcro dog he’s always been. What I’m not fine with is the inflated expectations I had, convinced that either Rusty and I were somehow failing to do what he needed to get him back to the dog he was before. The doctors did a fine job, but the last 7 months would’ve been easier if my expectations were lower.
I'm sorry you are so disappointed. The opposite side of your story is being told the dog isn't a candidate for surgery and should be fed pain killers and loved for whatever time she has left. That's what our diagnosing vet told us. Unfortunately, you and I weren't fortunate enough to find that happy medium, where there is hope for survival without pain, and an extended life.
They don't intentionally mislead, and they may have had that one rare gem that had an amputation, recovery was fast, and the dog never slowed down. My point is most vets know the statistics, but many haven't had the experience to know what to expect post amp. (Fortunate for Trouble, we had an amazing 2nd opinion consulting vet who performed her surgery and kept her cancer free for 27 1/2 months.)
Trouble had a fast and easy recovery, and she was faster on three legs than she was on four, but her stamina never returned. She could walk our 1/2 acre yard, but making a one mile block wasn't going to happen. When she was tired, she laid down regardless of where we were, so I simply didn't try to take her outside the yard. My mom lives 3 houses up the road from us and several months into her new tripawd life, she could make it to mom's without a rest. We would visit long enough for her to recover her strength and head home, usually without a rest, but not always.
Trouble too fought arthritis. I would encourage you to do some research and aggressively treat the arthritis. I was so focused on long term effects of the drugs, that I was over conservative. It is truly a regret I have.
Love that sweet Rusty and give him a special treat for me. Cancer is a hard road with many twists and turns. Appreciate and be thankful for the gift you have been given in having Rusty with you a bit longer.
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.
I sure do feel your frustration! Hugapit made a good point, most vets don't know anything about "after" amputation....they're surgeons and after stitches are out, that's it for them!
Because of this site I had a better grasp on what to expect versus the exceedingly high expectations put forth by the vet.
I was prepared for less stamina....it takes a lot of effort for a dog to get arou d on three legs even though they make it look so easy!; My Happh Hannah is almost nine which is "mature" for a Bull Mastiff. She loves the trade off of gettng more tme to relax and lay in the sun, more time for tummy rubs, more time to roll around in tne grass and more time to just sniff the air and go for car rides. She doesn't mind short walks with a lot of sitting and resting. Beng laid back is fine with her.
One thing that may help you let go of this...because it is a waste of energy that takes you away from focusing on your sweet Rusty........if the expectation was one of quality, full of happiness and joy, pain free and the gift of time to love and spoil Rusty, but with less stamina with less stamina., I'm sure you would jump at the chance!
You nave NOT failed Rusty, nor has he failed you. You proceeded based on tne information of "professionals" You've done no harm! Rustyhas been by your side and that's all he cares about! He kows you love hi . You are a good and loving mom!
Have you had him checked for arthritis? Did ne have osteosarcoma? Did you do any special treatments? A vet check may be in order just to give you reassurance that everythings okay...lungs, bones, etc.
Rusty sounds like a delightful fella' with a stubborn streak that serves him well!
Please keep us posted on ow he's doing. We are here for you offering any support you may need:-) 
Take care of yojrself and give yourself a hug!! You're doing a great job!
(((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))
Sally 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!
Rusty had a chrondrosarcoma and we went through chemo. We've checked everything else with x-rays and ultrasound. Everyone pretty much agrees now that the problem is arthritis.
Rusty is doing great, which is exactly what I wanted when I made the decision I did. The physical therapy center told me how much better he'd be doing if I went to them and four months in nothing has changed. I'm fine with how he is now. I just wish they hadn't given me unrealistic expectations and promise something they couldn't deliver.
YAY for Rusty and YOU!
Sounds like things are going really well. I'm sure the PT is doing him som e good too--as well as all the loving he's getting!
You have to es of links here on the site about treating arthritis too....you're probavly already aware of most, ut it may be worth checki g out.
Now I'm zero help on co puter stuff, but, when you can, check out the links on how to do pnotos and see if you can post any of Rusty. Would love to see that special boy!
Keep us posted and take care!
Sally 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!
I'm really sorry to hear that things aren't as you'd hoped, but it's always informative to hear all sides of the coin so thank you for taking the time to come here. I couldn't agree more with Trouble's Mom's insight; the good thing is that you do have Rusty and he's alive and well.
In our book, "Three Legs and a Spare ," we address expectations and what life is like after surgery. We do this because a lot of folks do have really high expectations and believe their dog can go on 5 mile hikes and such. While some dogs can resume life as usual, many do not, and it really is just depends on the individual dog and how fit they were before surgery.
Have you seen our book "Loving Life on Three Legs"? This is a guidebook about life after recovery. We address things like staying slim (ask Trouble's Mom about that, she has lots of great tips about how she kept Trouble fit as a Tripawd), and exercises you can do to make sure Rusty's in as good a shape as possible. If you think he can lose a few pounds, or needs some strength-training, the book is a great place to start. Just a few minor adjustments can make a HUGE difference in his quality of life.
I hope this helps. We are here to listen, to lean on and to support you and Rusty so don't be a stranger OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yay Rusty and you.
Well, I will give you the just of what the vet told me about Sassy. She was 138 pounds at amputation. Said a great candidate for amputationg BUT they didn't know if she would be able to support her weight on 3 legs. Shocked the heck out of the vet when she got up the same day as surgery hopped out to pee and wanted to just keep on going out of the parking lot on home. She did the same thing when we went to pick her up later that night.
Yes, she doesn't run miles (she never really did) and she doesn't do as much as she once did. She was 6 when she had her amputation which is considered a senior for a Rottie. I am just blessed to have her here after almost 8 3/4 months of amputation & 6 with lung mets.
I know I wanted her to act like a puppy again. But when I looked back at it the dogs that did the running around by leaps and bounds were a little younger. Not saying older dogs don't recover well its the fact as we all age we just don't move like we once did. (even me lol).
Totally understand the hype of being built up that Rusty would be running around and acting all crazy. Just stop to think if you hadn't gone to the PT he wouldn't maybe be as far as he did. They did probably work with building some core muscles which are very important to a Tripawd. But we can't let that hpe that didn't happen affect us. Sassy has her moments when she gets that burst of energy not less than 5 minutes ago she was chasing a rabbit.
Hugs
Michelle & Sassy.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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