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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Bozzie is a wonderful almost 12 year old Chocolate Lab. After being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his fifth metatarsal (which was amputated right away) Bozzie went through 3 treatments with chemo therapy. Soon after the third treatment, the cancer had spread to the next metatarsal. Osteosarcoma is not supposed to spread to another bone. So, with this diagnosis, we had the right rear leg removed. The first couple of weeks were rough, but Bozzie became stronger and stronger. Now, six weeks post surgery, the good leg seems to be weaker than it was. walking is not fun for Bozzie. Has anyone had a similar experience? Any suggestions?
Thanks for joining the discussion, we're so sorry to hear about bozzie's trouble. The only suggestion I have is to take it easy and give it time. Wyatt is just about two months out from his rear leg amputation and while he is strengthening, he still tires and you can still notice his rear droop on longer walks.
I think rear leg tripawds need longer to fully recover. Jerry was missing a front leg and he bounced right back. But Codie Rae informed us it took months for her to full get back up to speed, but look at her now!
Try taking shorter walks, more often. We look forward to following Bozzie's progress. keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
At Bozzie's age, you may be dealing with arthritis. Trouble is a front amputee, but we could tell it was really getting tough for her to get around. She was losing her spark. The vet started her on an anti-inflammatory and it really made a huge difference.
We're asking these old bones to make some major adjustments to life on three legs.
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 agree that Bozize could very well have arthritis. My first dog, not a tripawd, certainly slowed down as he got older. Even though dogs can do exceedingly well on three legs there is still additional weight and strain on the remaining leg(s). Some of the people on this site have tried pet massage with good results. Some have tried acupuncture, also with good results, I believe. Have you talked to your vet about this? We can drive ourselves nuts watching for signs of cancer re-striking and especially in your case where lightening struck twice. I am sorry you and Bozzie are going through this. Is Bozzie still doing chemo?
Debra & Emily
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.
Even though Tazzie did not have any visible signs of hind limb weakness before amputation and the orthopedic vets did not detect any problem, a subsequent x-ray showed serious hip degeneration. And that might explain why he was slow to re-learn to walk. Do you have an x-ray of Bozzie's remaining hind leg, or does he lick the other legs (fore or hind)? Hopefully he will develop muscles to compensate. Tazzie is now at approx 10 weeks post-amp, and I sure have noticed big improvements the last three weeks.
But Bozzie might also have strained his leg. Did you rest him for a few days
I'm so sorry to hear about Bozzie's met to another bone. From everything I have read, this is supposed to be rare.
Of course, I worry constantly that Jake's cancer will spread to his other front leg... So far we've noticed that his remaining front leg has gained alot of new muscle mass... most likely due to all the extra weight it has to carry... I've ordered several supplements with glucosamin, etc... to make sure his remaining legs/joints are able to withstand the straing from the extra weight. Only time will tell if he does OK (he's only 10 days post-op)... We're so broke right now, I'm not sure how we'll be able to afford the extra X-rays of his other feet and chest... but we are taking one day at a time... and hoping the bill collectors leave us alone... at least for a little while...
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
thank you all for your input. Bozzie is now 2 1/2 months post surgery, and he is still very weak. We have been doing accupuncture, herbs, manipulation, and lots of supplements. This past week we brought him to a verterinary physical therapist. We are trying to do as much as she suggested, and we do think that we see some strengthening signs already! It is very exciting to think that oneday hopefully we will be able to see him more comfortable. Bozzie turned 12 this past wednesday (11/4) We have been looking for a good harness and one company has one, but the woman there thinks he should be in a "wheelchair " we are not ready for that yet. any input?
We are very sorry to hear of Bozzie's diagnosis and the need for a second surgery. You have found a great community that will provide an enormous wealth of information and incredible support. One of the best features of this community is the diversity of experiences and how quickly they will respond. If one set of eyes is a little late, another has more than run with the ball.
The first two weeks are nearly always the hardest but in Bozzie's case, just as learned to adjust with the first surgery then was hit with a second adaption. This cannot be easy, but once again the ability to adapt wins. Their desire to return to "normal" is truely amazing. Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that they love and can still do during recovery. Then exploit that love to give them purpose. For Cherry, it was/is her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. To this day, as the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow. Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips. Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary! Help Bozzie find a purpose to fight.
Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,
Bob & Cherry
Happy Birthday Bozzie! Here's to better days ahead. Be sure to check out all our harness reviews in the Tripawds Gear blog.
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Great News!!! Bozzie is doing much better. After the surgery he was on a lot of herbal medicines. I do believe that they helped fight the cancer, but right before thanksgiving, I had some blood work done on Bozzie. The blood test came back with high calcium in the blood. That usually happens due to different types of cancer, or from high doses of vitamin D. Being a positive thinking Chiropractor, I chose the issue to be the Vit D and A that we had him on. I took him off all of the herbs and vitamins, and within 2 days Bozzie did a turn around and started eating much better, and even seemed to be more comfortable. We still do accupuncture every 3 weeks, and physical rehab 1 time per week, and of course he gets adjusted and massaged. It is now 5 months post surgery, and 7 months since he was diagnosed, and he is doing great!!! Incredible appetite, and playing and getting around beautifully. Bozzie turned 12 on November 4,2009, and you wouldn't know it. It has been a long haul, but I finally feel like it was all worth it. Bozzie's quality of life is as good as most 12 year old labs.
I'm so happy to hear that Bozzie is feeling so much better!!! Nice to hear some good news for a change...
Post some pictures of your sweety when you get a chance!!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Great update for Bozzie! Hope you and he have many wonderful years ahead. We did need good news today, thank you for lifting our spirits.
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.
bozzie said:
Great News!!! Bozzie is doing much better.
I chose the issue to be the Vit D and A that we had him on. I took him off all of the herbs and vitamins, and within 2 days Bozzie did a turn around and started eating much better, and even seemed to be more comfortable.
Yipee! We sure needed to hear good news like this today, thanks for letting us know. We were worried about him when you posted a while back. What a lucky boy he is to have an awesome pawrent like you.
Just curious, how did you know that Vit D and A might cause something like this? Can you point us to some information online, just in case ayone else runs into this problem? Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It's good to know Bozzie is doing much better! That's excellent news!
I am also curious about the Vit A&D issue!
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