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! Sammy is a 2 year old black lab who has the sweetest disposition. He was diagnosed with a torn ACL about 1.5 months ago and I travelled 3 hours with him to have it repaired...I was called a few hours later by the surgeon who had to deliver the news that it was cancer in his back leg. I have never cried soon much! Luckily I had my two other boys, Cody (yellow lab) and Jack (golden ret) who consoled me until my husband came home. The vetmwent ahead and did a biopsy and made the guess that is osteocarsoma. We received the final biopsy results and discovered it was chrondosarcoma which is slower to travel. Two weeks ago Friday his leg was amputated. I have never been on such an emotional roller coaster! I thought I would immediately feel like I did the right thing, but I continued to feel awful with any whimper or cry. The leg was sent back in to confirm this diagnosis because it tends to be more rare. This cancer has been confirmed and is low grade. I can only hope we caught it early and the oncologist is not recommending any further action. For now we are enjoying each day and happy to have him. Today is the first day that the sun is out, Sam seems pain free and just as feisty as ever. The whole of this story is that I want to thank all of you and your stories. Since the first call I immediately jumped on the internet and found this website. Thank you Thank you Thank you for helping me through this!
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We wish Sammy the best, please keep us posted. Try to set a good example for him by being strong and focusing on the now to make the most your time together. As far as questioning your decision goes, consider reading Without Regret.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to you and Sammy! I'm feeling good about Sammy; he's young and his cancer is low-grade-- those things are huge! When I read your post, I immediately thought of Charley-- another young, black lab who is a long term cancer survivor. I am so glad to hear Sammy is doing well and is pain free and feisty. Keep up the good work Sammy!
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
Hi Lisa and Sam,
Welcome to Tripawds. Boy that diagnosis and amputation recommendation is hard to hear, lots of folks understand what those are emotions are like. But we're glad you found us so that we can be a place for you to turn to.
We've got quite a few members who have dealt with chondrosarcoma, most recently including Pixie the German Shepherd, and Meeko the Leonburger. You can always ask them questions in the Forums and private message their people if you'd like.
Also, here is a Tripawds News Blog post, "Chrondrosarcoma and Chemotherapy" that has some info for you.
Glad to hear that Sam is doing well! He's still such a young pup, I'm betting that he's going to beat this thing and get back to life in no time. Please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So sorry to hear that Sammy has cancer but glad for you that it isn't osteosarcoma. Besides the decision on whether to do any treatment there is also lots of info on this site to help you keep Sammy in tip top condition because hopefully he has another 10 years or more on 3 legs!
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Hi Lisa and Sammy, sorry you had to find us here. I hate to see the young pups with cancer. It's not fair. But it's good news that it's not OSA.
Once he gets through the recovery, he will begin to amaze and inspire you!
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 Lisa and Sammy,
I remember the moment I realized I did the right thing for Jake: amputation after being diagnosed with bone cancer. He was sitting in the grass, sun shining, wind blowing the fur on his face and ears... my happy boy, still with me. Jake is now just a bit over 2 months post amp, and I grow prouder of him every day. Sammy will grow and inspire like you never thought. How fortunate Sammy is to have a loving family.
This website is full of incredible people, you have come to the right place.
Osteosarcoma is about the worst diagnosis for your brain to digest. I think I immediately went into shock. There were no tears. The vet and I had a very long conversation as I stared at the x-rays. The drive home brought the tears. The research brought more. I was composed for the second opinion, but cried all the way to the clinic to drop Trouble off for surgery the morning after.
I wasn't convinced I had done the right thing until we picked her up 2 days later. She adapted so quickly, and within days was navigating about the house without help. The next 27 1/2 months I learned so very much about life, about being all you can be, about making the best out of what you are given.
I met some awesome new friends here who helped me along the way, who celebrated with me, worried with me when something went wrong, and in the end shed tears when we had to let Trouble go.
You and Sammy are just beginning a great journey. One with ups and downs, one full of life and love. May each day be better than the one before.
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.
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