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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I am new to this site, but immediately found comfort in reading of so many people with the same love and devotion to their beloved dogs. I took Emma in on the 6th of this month for what I believed to be maybe a sprained front leg..........discovered by the end of the day that is was cancer and two days later they removed the leg, we are starting chemo tomorrow and I am nervous about all of it.......hoping it is the right path to take her on, overwhelmed with the thought of having to put her down at some point, mad that she was given this course after nine years of being the most loyal loving lab a family could ever be blessed with.......etc.
Any advice or experience would be so appreciated. I was given this site by Emma's oncologist and honestly got on the other day and cried after reading of so many stories and finding so much compassion and love and of course loss within this community.
Just missed you in the chat room , be sure to post a comment so online users know you're there.
You're experiencing typical human emotions we've all been through. And honestly, the best advice it to try and Be More Dog . Take a hint from Emma and live in the now, focus on quality of life not quantity. Many members have found the book Without Regret helpful in coping with the feelings your having, we did.
Who is your oncologist? We always like to thank referring vets.
What kind of Dog is Emma? Which leg, and what type of cancer? The more members know the better they can help. Best wishes for a complete speedy recovery. Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful links.
Thanks for joining, your future posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and sorry you had to find us here.
I know what you mean about the shock and the fast pace of everything (we found out Abby had cancer on a Monday and by Friday she was having her leg amp'd) and it is all very overwhelming. But try not to worry too much about the chemo. Abby had 6 rounds of carboplatin and did well. After the first session her appetite was not great - she still ate, but we just had to figure out what appealed to her (plain pasta it turned out...).
Remember that pooch chemo is not the same as human chemo. They don't hit the dogs with as hard of a dose as they do humans, so most dogs do well going through it. Also, dogs don't have all the psychological 'baggage' about chemo like humans do. A human knows what they are getting themselves into and can work themselves into a 'sick to their stomach' state before the chemo even starts, but a dog is clueless to all that and simply lives in that moment.
Also remember that if your dog does have a bad reaction, you can always stop the chemo treatments. No one says you have to keep going. There are other things you can try if it doesn't work.
Breathe, hang in there, and give Emma a big hug and kiss from Abby and me.
Jackie, 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!
Wow, you've been through the wringer and believe me, chemo will be miniscule compared to the amputation.
Admin is right, details will help us help you. But I wanted to let you know that Tate did pretty well on chemo, first 2 were a breeze, 3rd was a little rough so they cut back on the 4th and he only had little trouble with pooping for a day or two. Original plan was 4 and 6 if he did okay on it so we're stopping at 4. Details are at his blog, if you are interested.
Most importantly: whatever decisions you make are, by definition, right! Only you know your dog and you're obviously researching and learning so only you are qualified to make decisions and you will make the right ones for your girl.
I was intimidated by the thought of having to put Tate down, too. And I know it will be heartwrenching and one of the worst things we will ever have to do. But reading about other's experiences here on this site have made the thought bearable. People here are so wise and so strong! Maybe reading up a bit on that will help you, too. And then put it out of your mind. Don't get ahead of yourself. You'll do fine.
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
Hi we are only a few days ahead of where you are with Emma Dizzy went in for a plate putting in her wrist a month ago but the xray showed a tumour so she had her front leg amputated. She had her first chemo session Tuesday, and she is ok not great but fine, she is sleepy and not too interested in dog food. Trust me I know the emotions you are going through people on here are lovely and have some great advice, the one I have liked best with chemo is if it doessn't suit you don't have to put her through all the treatments (thanks jackie). Good luck
Dizzy diagnosed with osteosarcoma 24 may 2011 amputated same day doing fine hopping around on three legs giving the neighbourhood cats what for
Hi Emma and family -
Welcome to the club no one ever wants to join. Tate is right - the hard part is over. The amputation is done and you have weathered through the storm of the dreaded "first 2 weeks."
I had either osteosarcoma or fibrosarcoma - the vets are still debating. But it didn't really matter - I went ahead with 6 rounds of chemo (carbo) anyway. After each treatment, my stomach was a little upset or "ooky" as I would say. I didn't want my regular doggie food so I convinced my pawrents that hamburger and rice were needed for every meal. They were happy to spoil me. My oncologist also prescribed some meds for my stomach. Through the 6 rounds, I only had a little set back after #3 or #4, can't remember that far back. I wasn't drinking enough water and got dehydrated. Some IV fluids got my white count back up to normal.
Believe it not - that was months and months ago. I am now 14 months post-amp and getting close to 11 years old.
Good Luck with everything - sounds like you are kickin' cancer in the butt.
We would love to hear more about you and of course, see tons and tons of pictures.
Ginger
P.S. Feel free to check out my blog - my pawrents documented every chemo session there!!!
Welcome to Tripawds- sorry you had to find yourself here.
I think most of us have found that amputation and chemo were much harder on us than our pups. Why? Because we worry about everything and watch the clock. Our pups are happy if they get fed, maybe a lap or place in the sun to sleep. Some time at the park...
I went through two cancer journeys with my pug Maggie. The first one, mast cell cancer, cost her her leg. The prognosis was 6 to 9 months WITH chemo. I initially made the mistake of counting the days- like the 6 to 9 months was chiseled in stone (or date stamped on her butt!). Life became much better for me when I was able just to enjoy everyday I had with Maggie and not worry about what might happen someday, that I had no control over anyway. Maggie beat the odds and lived almost 4 years after her amputation.
We did chemo, but the protocol for mast cell is very different than for OSA. Mag did pretty well throughout treatment- some fatigue and minor nausea- but we had meds for that. You can read her story in her blog if you are interested- the link is in my signature box below.
I think the most important thing I learned from Maggie and our cancer battles is that you stay positive until there is a real reason not to be. Don't worry about stats or prognosis, you treasure and appreciate every day.
I hope Emma does well with her chemo.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Thank you all for your encouragement, experience and the williness to share it with me! I will treasure Emma's time with us and try my best to have a positive, upbeat attitude towards all this ugliness...
It was just short of two years ago that I had to put my dog Max, a wonderful mix that I had adopted and only had the joy of having for almost 4 years, he had cancer in his spine, we did everything we possibly could to give him the most time we could without pain until we had to let him go....honestly, it was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced and I still miss him daily. I guess that is why this diagnosis with my Emma has been so overwhelming, seems just so unfair and too soon, the love for them is so big and I had peace knowing we gave Max all we could but it still seemed unbearable when the time came to let him go from this world into the next.
I am certainly not a computer whiz, so I am figuring this blogging thing out along the way.....forgive me if I am slow to answer back, I check it everyday and read so many stories that touch my soul and feel a wonderful connection to genuine people who share so much with one another, thank you!
By the way, Emma is almost 9 years old, she is a chocolate lab, she was diagnosed with osterosercoma on June 8th, she had her front left leg removed two days later. Thanks to my first visit to the chat room , after she finished the pain medication she immediately returned to her happy self, that stuff was pretty rough! I took her for her first chemo today and my husband is picking her up this evening. I will take your advice and keep an eye on her eating and offer her pasta.......I would have never thought of that!
Welcome, Emma! While we're sad you had to find us, you'll find this site such a great source of information and support. I'm not sure how we would have made it through the initial months on this road without tripawds. Holly also has OS, and went through 6 rounds of carboplatin. We almost stopped a few times, because she had a tough time with it - lost her appetite, and slowed down a bit. I found that requesting anti-nausea meds to bring home for her helped a lot - staying ahead of the nausea seemed to help (thanks to someone's suggestion here on tripawds!), and to give her smaller, more frequent meals. I think her kibble was not always appetizing for her. I found she loves fish, which I never would have guessed! I made her some salmon "popsicles" by taking canned salmon and freezing it in little baggies with about 1/4 c. of water. Once they are frozen you can pop them out of the baggies. She loved those, and when all else failed that's what she'd eat. If you try that be sure to put down a towel or something since it can be somewhat smelly. Holly thinks the smellier the better, though! 
It helped keep her hydrated on warm days, too. For that fact, I think I'll make her some today - we'll all celebrate Emma as she and Zuzu eat them!
Whatever you do, your love for Emma will carry you through this. Keep your chin up, and take it one day at a time. Emma only knows your love.
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
hoping it is the right path to take her on, overwhelmed with the thought of having to put her down at some point, mad that she was given this course after nine years of being the most loyal loving lab a family could ever be blessed with…….etc.
Welcome to you guys! I know it isn't the place you'd always wanted to spend time, but oh how happy you will be to have found this family to help you through.
Your life has just been defined by the same things so many of us have faced. As you get a little time behind you, you will believe two things 1) you make the best decision for Emma you can possibly make with the information you have available and 2) you live each day one day at a time and appreciate it for what it is.
And yes, many of us face having to make that final decision. And we will all be here to help you though that too, but for today, and hopefully the next many days, put that thought out of your head and enjoy the time you have. There is no timestamp on their butt, so just enjoy!
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.
Emma & Mom:
Your have received some excellent advice, which is why this site is so great! It is a real challenge for us to deal with the emotions, decisions and second guessing ourselves. One thing we all have in common is wanting to do the best for our special friend, and that is what counts!
Chuck & Rusty
Rusty is a Labradoodle who was diagnosed with level 3 Fibrosarcoma on January 16th, 2010 and had his left hind leg amputated on January 25th, 2010 five days before his 18 month birthday. Please see Rusty's blog @rusty.tripawds.com. He is putting up one heck of a fight against this terrible disease.
Welcome to the family, everyone has said it so well. The one thing I will say is don't even think about the future, you've done all the right things for her so far, and if you don't know yet, Trouble lived over 2 years, so I wouldn't be spending time worrying about what-ifs. Don't be afraid to ask any questions, I always say experience gives the best answers, 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
djbockman said:
... and if you don't know yet, Trouble lived over 2 years, so I wouldn't be spending time worrying about what-ifs.
And I will add, Trouble beat osteosarcoma. She lived 27 1/2 months after her diagnosis, and in the end we had to let her go due to mobility complications from arthritis. She was 12 1/2 years old. I am so very proud of her accomplishment.
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.
Welcome Emma and family!
Gosh, I'm sorry to hear about your Emma. I hope by now she is doing well.
I haven't been through bone cancer. Actually, I haven't been through an amputation either! I know, I know - it sounds like I'm at the wrong place! 
My Comet was born with a deformed front leg.
I just wanted to welcome you.
And remember: do what you feel is right in your heart and everything will be okay.
Healing wishes!
Angel Comet's mom
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.
A belated welcome to you and dear Emma.
It's been said already, many times, and I'm going to say it again anyways: You have found exactly the right place for information, for support, for empathy and wholehearted acceptance.
Too many of us know exactly what you're going through. Cancer is scary. Chemo is scary. But you'll find your centre and your strength and surefootedness again. Emma will help with that.
Tripawds will help with that.
Hoping Emma does well with her chemo protocol. Although the treatment plan for Catie was six (alternating between carboplatin and doxorubicin), we stopped at five. She had some issues with general malaise and fatigue and loose stools. The doxorubicin had the greater side effects.
Keep your chin up. Breathe. We're all here for you. And we all like pictures.
Sending an abundance of pawsitive wishes your way.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
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