Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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A few weeks ago, our beautiful Saint Bernard, Sasha began limping. Thinking it was just a sprain or strain, I didn’t hurry to the vet. After a few days and the limp not improving, I took her to see the vet. He put her on Deramaxx, an NSAID, and said if it didn’t improve after a week that we should bring her back for x-rays. He also mentioned cancer, but I shrugged it off as nonsense, it was just a sprain. Needless to say when the x-rays showed osteosarcoma, I was floored. The vet showed me the shadow of bone that was eaten away, the suspicious voids, and a large spherical shadow in the radius of her front left leg. He told me that unfortunately, the only real course of action is amputation and that he recommended we contact an oncologist, ASAP.
It was bad enough to deal with this news myself, but I had to break the news to my wife. When she came home from work, I told her the results of the x-rays. We cried together and held our beautiful girl, Sasha.
We went to see the oncologist on Monday. We had three options: do nothing, treat the pain with radiation, or amputate the affected leg and follow up with a chemotherapy program.
The prognosis of doing nothing was bad. Sasha would suffer for up to six months, probably break the leg and have to be put to sleep.
The prognosis of the radiation was better, but it just kills the cancer and gets rid the pain in the leg, leaving a weak bone behind, that wouldn’t allow her to run or play and still might need to be amputated later.
The prognosis of amputation with chemo was the best option for us. The doctor explained we needed to treat the leg and then treat the cancer. This also gave Sasha the best outlook, possibly 18 months or longer, before the cancer over takes her.
Sasha goes in on Monday, February 21st. Pray for her that her pain will end and that we will have the strength to deal with a 185 pound Saint Bernard.
Hi Sasha and pack,
Welcome again to Tripawds, I posted in Sasha's blog too.
I'm sorry about your girl- but you will find lots of information and support here.
You might want to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading list- a compilation of info on what to expect with amputation, recovery, and cancer treatments.
As I said in your blog- we have had several Giant Breed dogs here- you will here from some of the owners I am sure. I'll mention a couple to get you started:
My local friend Cemil is a 150 pound Anatolian Shepard. He is a front leg amp who has been beating osteosarcoma for more than two years.
And our reigning Queen Nova the blind Great Dane is two years and 3 months or so past her amp for OSA.
I know we have had a Saint or two here, Great Pyrs, Mastiffs- as well as all the other pups the rest of us have been on the amputation and cancer journey with- you are not alone.
Good luck with surgery on Monday.
Karen and the pugapalooza
p.s.- you won't have to wait for moderation for any future posts as long as you log in- only the very first post has to wait.
I am so sorry to hear of Sasha's diagnosis. Sure knocks the floor out from under you, doesn't it? The good news is that most dogs do very well on three legs, after the initial couple of weeks. My Emily (I thought she was a big dog) was less than half of Sasha's size so I don't have any advice except buy a GOOD harness and use it as soon as your surgeon tells you it is okay. Until then use a towel or cut a canvas grocery to use to support her weight until she is off the pain meds and also until she gets used to three legs.
What leg is it? Personally I think that it is easier for dogs following a rear leg amputation.
Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how it goes.
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Hi Sasha - I'm so sorry about your diagnosis sweetie, but please tell your pawrents that it will all be OK even though it doesn't seem that way now. I went through the EXACT same process with my best pal Zeus (limping, thinking it was a sprain, etc...). It's actually harder on the pawrents than it is on you. The first couple days after amputation are a bit ruff, I'm not going to lie, but rest up...tell your pawrents not to worry (you pick up on all their worrying don't you?!?!) and take it easy. Remind mom and dad that they need to get some rest too while you're recovering, because the emotions of it take a toll. After 2 weeks (it's almost like a magical number) you will be romping around as usual. The best part? PAIN FREE!!!!
You will be a great teacher to your pawrents, because as I learned from walking (hopping) this journey with Zeus, dogs live in the moment, they don't worry much about obstacles and focus soley on being happy and enjoying life as it is. You guys don't complain, deal with the cards that are dealt with a wagging tail and unconditional love. I had no idea truly that this could be a way of life until I went through it with Zeus. I try to live these lessons each day...some days are better than others of course - we're only human!
Zeus had chemo on top of the amputation. He didn't get sick at all from the chemo and he still ran around on three legs like no one's business - it was amazing....what a priceless gift for me and for him - that extra time together. I really can't put it into words. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat and honestly, my life has not been the same - in a good way - as a result of going through this with Zeus.
He never showed signs of the cancer again. 18 months later, we lost him to kidney failure. Was that from the chemo? I don't know, but looking back, I would now recommend to everyone to watch for the signs of it (drinking more water than usual) just in case it was caused by the chemo. If I would have caught the kidney failure earlier - I would have had more time and it would have been treatable, but his kidneys were over 75% gone and though we tried, 5 days later, we lost the fight. NO REGRETS though.
We will keep you in our prayers on Monday. Please tell your pawrents to let us know if they have any questions on the recovery period. All dogs are different and some have a harder time than others, but we're crossing paws and watching over hoping that yours is nice and easy with no complications.
Have faith and know that you're not alone.
Much love and tons of hugs and prayers.
Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Sasha and family -
We are so sorry about your diagnosis. We are 3 weeks post amputation and life is wonderful again….The first 5-6 days are going to be pretty tough but then it gets a whole lot easier after that.
Riley was misdiagnosed (the vet said arthritis in her shoulder) and went months limping on her (left front) leg before it finally gave out and completely shattered which had to have been excruciating painful for her.
If you don't have it already – get some canned pumpkin and yogurt- both will help with constipation from all the pain meds.
I ordered the Ruff Wear harness they show on the website and it works wonderful – especially for getting in and out of the car. They have a couple different stylesand colors to choose from.
Keep us posted…our thoughts and prayers are with you…
KaCee and Riley
Dear Sasha's family,
I'm very sorry to hear about your beautiful Sasha. It seems so unfair. But it's going to be okay.
I like to look at the bright side of things - so just remember, you have her. I keep losing my dogs suddenly without warning to cancer with no symptoms I could see! Sometimes cancer isn't painful and then they are gone without warning. My 3-legged dog, Comet was born with deformed front leg so that's why I was here! No one ever worried about Comet but she died suddenly just 4 weeks ago. So, count your blessings that Sasha is here and has a second chance!
After the amputation recovery, she will be pain free. Bone cancer is unbearable. You can make so many more memories with tons of videos and pictures! She'll be super duper special to you now!
Sending you all my best for a speedy and happy recovery. We'll be here for you.
Comet's mommy
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.
Sasha and her people,
I am so sorry that you are facing this. My boy is/was 120 lb newfoundland mix, now he is a 99 lb newfoundland mix. He is a right front amp and I had all the worries in the world about how he would handle it all. It seems brutal, the amputation, the thoughts of what you are facing. BUT, believe me, after the call from the surgeon that all is a-okay, and then the first time you look into her eyes as she is standing there on her 3 legs, you will feel overwhelmed with amazement at her ability to handle this.
She will be looking at you to make sure all is still right with the world, so practice a happy face, and when she sees that she will know all is going to be fine! If you think she will be fine, so will she.
We will be praying for Sasha on monday, so let us know how she is faring please. In the meantime, get lots of rest now, because the first few days are pretty challenging, getting a nap here or there would be a bonus. If you have hardwood flooring, getting some floor runners would be a good idea.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
My dog Tazzie was an English Mastiff and weighed about 190 pounds and was 6 years old when she lost her right front leg due to cancer. She did quite well as a tripawd although her endurance was a little diminished and we kept her off of steep flights of stairs. She had the chemo without problems and lived 14 happy months until the cancer returned and we had to let her go. We don't regret anything!
Pam
Sasha and family,
There's an incredible bunch of pawrents and Tripawds here, isn't there? Wow. Thanks everypawdy for welcoming Sasha, we've been out today. And thanks for joining us Sasha.
I won't repeat anything that's already been said. You have the insight and expeirence here of pawrents who've been there and understand the emotions you're going through, including Dr. Pam, our incredibly special vet who supports this community in so many ways.
We won't lie, the first two weeks can be rough. Some dogs will lounge around, sleep a lot and finally start to get their energy back after a couple of weeks, while others may take longer and experience side effects. It often depends on the strength of the pack. If the pack truly believes that everything will work out and you can overcome anything, recuperation is much easier. And while it's tempting to baby the patient, that can be detrimental to recovery.
Be sure to check out these amputation and recovery video tips from California Animal Rehabilitation for more ideas to make the transition easier.
You are in our thoughts, and we send our love for a speedy surgery and recovery. Please keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the family, everyone said it so well, you won't regret it. You will be amazed at how well these guys do. Gus was 113lbs and never missed a beat, rough couple weeks at first but was back to normal by the 4th week. If you get a chance to sleep, take it, you won't get much sometimes, but it's worth it. I've had 2 St's, what great dogs. Good luck, Paws Up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Thank you everyone! What a great supportive site. After reading posts and blogs on this site, I know we made the right choice. Keep us in mind, especially since Sunday night going into Monday we are supposed to get an ice storm here.
Hi Sasha's folks
I haven't been on much lately, but I have to respond to let you know that big dogs do fine. Cemil is an Anatolian Shepherd, 150#, left front amp…I went through the same thing you just did thinking it was just a strain or pulled muscle, and then shock at the x-rays and osteosarcoma diagnosis.
Cemil has done fine on 3 legs–he's just past 2 years since his amputation. Yes, the first 2 weeks are tough, but after you get through that, you'll have your dog back and "normal" will return. Slightly different because Sasha will have to learn to balance on 3 legs instead of 4, but she'll amaze you with her ability to cope.
Let me suggest that you let her figure it out (help her only if she really needs it)–185# is too much to lift–give her time to build up extra strength because she'll be using different muscles to get around, and give her lots of love and encouragement. I'll be thinking of you tonight and tomorrow.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Sasha is home doing great. She was already mooching for burger and fries! 
It was a struggle getting her in the house but we made it. The recommendation of getting runners for the floor was spot on. She was sliding all over the place. She is doing mostly an army crawl right now, but she is trying to stand. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts. They helped immensely!!!!
YAY!
So happy to hear she is home and doing well. Looking forward to an update with some pictures in Sasha's blog.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh, that makes me happy!
I know you will have your hands full for the next week or so, but we are still sending prayers and good healing thoughts Sasha's way. I will look at her blog, I can't wait to see pic's 🙂
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
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