Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello, everyone.
My name is Melanie and my boy Brady is an 8 year old blue heeler. On December 9th, Brady and I were out playing ball in the snow and he suddenly started crying and lifting his front left paw. He limped back to the house and I carefully examined him. I squeezed all up and down his leg and he didn't flinch or cry. I thought maybe a sprain. I called the vet and they dispensed some tramadol to get me through til the next day. I woke up the next morning and his "wrist" was swollen. I decided to call into work and take him in. He still wasn't putting any weight on the leg at all. I was at the vet for 3 hours. When his X rays came back, the vet said "I have bad news". I said "Is it broken?". She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said "He has bone cancer".
My jaw dropped. I looked at Brady and burst into tears. Those were the last words I was ever expecting to hear. Brady is my life and has always been in excellent health. I couldn't breath and had to sit down. His vet explained that she was 99% sure it was Osteosarcoma (which is now a swear word in this house).
Never hearing of this, I asked a lot of questions. My vet and I have a very rapport and she explained everything to me. She asked what I wanted to do. I said I wanted to fight this and do everything possible to save his life. No matter the cost. She referred me to an Oncologist in Madison and set up an appointment 2 days later.
I went home with Brady and cried uncontrollably the rest of the day. My parents rushed over to stay with me. My boyfriend came home right away. My heart has never been so broken. I knew I would have some tough decisions to make, but the shock was so overwhelming.
Two days later (a Thursday) I was meeting with an Oncologist. The very next day, Brady was having his front left leg amputated. Everything has happened so fast. His chest x rays are clear thus far. Thank god.
He came through surgery with flying colors and is on the mend. He has been doing so, so well. Tomorrow, the 23rd is his first chemo treatment. I'm scared.
Brady is my life. 2 days ago, I got a red ribbon with a pawprint tattoo on my left wrist. We are going to fight this and beat this.
I am so glad I found this site. He is a happy boy and has no trouble being a tripawds. I would upload a picture of him but I'm unsure how from my iPad.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers! Much love to you all!
Love,
Melanie & Brady
Hi Melanie and Brady,
Welcome to the club that no one really wants to be a member of!
That being said, it looks like Brady (and you) have had excellent treatment so far and that he is well on his way to recovery. And, through this forum, you will become virtual friends with a great group of people!
My lab, Tucker, had his right front leg amputated three months ago due to a localized (yet invasive) sarcoma. Tuck did not have to have chemo as the cancer was localized and for that I am truly thankful.
However, many of the other members here have been through chemo with their furbabies and can answer all your questions and I'm sure will jump onto this thread quickly.
For right now, snuggle your pup tight and know that he is glad that his leg no longer hurts and that he can play easily again.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Hi Melanie and Brady!
Welcome. . And at the same time I'm sorry you are here.. It sounds like you have a great positive attitude going forward and believe me that's half the battle and helps Brady so much more than you know 
keep us posted on how he does throughout chemo and whatnot most dogs do really well on chemo. I know I was scared when we started it. We had some minor roadblocks with his appetite, but got through them. Keep fighting strong! This community is full of some of the best cheerleaders so keep us posted so we can help ya fight this stupid disease along the way
Lori and her Angel Chuck
Thank for the replies! Don't get me wrong, I have my moments when I completely break down. But, I have to be strong. We will get through this. A friend of mine actually took it upon herself to start a donation website for Brady and his donations grew to $400 in a matter of two days! The motorcycle club my boyfriend is a member of is donating a few hundred dollars as well.....the outpouring of support for Brady has been overwhelmingly amazing.
My love to you all! Thank you for being my new family!
Welcome to Tripawds.
My pug Maggie had a different type of cancer, but impact of the diagnosis is the same. It sounds like you have a great family who rallied to help you and Brady- that is so wonderful. And now you have an extended family here who can help as well.
Don't be scared about chemo, most pups have little or no side effects. I would recommend keeping a treatment journal, if Brady has any side effects you can track them. Mag did 6 months of chemo, a dose every two weeks, and she did pretty well (mast cell cancer, the chemo is different). We needed anti-nausea meds a couple times, be sure you talk to the vet about that.
As far as pictures, here are the instructions: http://tripawds.....-photos-1/. The photos have to be hosted somewhere on-line, like photobucket, or you can start a blog here for free: http://tripawds.....com/about/
As far as posting from an iPad, I haven't figured that out, I'm on an iPad now but use my Mac to post pictures. You can always email the pictures to me, or Jerry, or Admin to post for you.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
So sorry about what you are going through with Brady. The way you found out was just about exactly the same as I found out my first Great Dane Valentina had OS. Sounds like you are doing well helping Brady through this and it also sounds like he is doing well. Good luck with the chemo. It is scary but there are lots of people here that can help you through it. I didn't do chemo with Valentina so I don't know what it's like but I have heard that most Dogs tolerate it pretty well. Hoping Brady continues to do well and that he can beat this cancer and have many more years with you! 
Valentina Angel Dane diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in front left leg May 21st 2011. Amputation July 5th 2011.
DOB:11/3/03 DOD:2/3/12 . Valentina was the Love of my Life!!! There is nothing like a Dane!!!
Hi Melanie & Brady!
Welcome to our little family of tripawds! I'm so sorry you have to join us here, but you've come to the right place.
Reading your post really took me back. I felt exactly the emotions you were describing. I had never even heard of osteosarcoma before I got Jill's diagnosis (especially being that she is a cat and it's rare for cats to get it). I cried for hours, just holding her, my parents rushed to me....but, like you, I decided we were going to fight this thing.
Last week we celebrated Jill's one year ampuversary! Not everyone is so lucky, but you will find tons of stories of hope here and lots of support along the way. If it weren't for this site, I never would've made it through this last year!
You have a battle in front of you, I wont like, we often describe it like a roller coaster....but you get through it! There are great days and there are hard days, but the good news is you aren't alone, we're all here for each other!
Let us know whatever questions you have in the coming days about recovery, chemo, anything!
Wishing you the best!
xoxo,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Hi Melanie and Brady!
Yeah, felt like I was stuckin a nightmare durng this initial process. Like you, cried fr days and days! Actual scheduled the amputatio surgery and cancelled the first time!
Happy Hannah is celebratng her ten month ampuversary and we are mocng forward to many more (knocking on wood over here)! Best decision ever!!!
Happy Hannah had four rounds of chemo carvoplatin. One reason I went ahead with it was that I could always stop should she have any isses. She sailed through them jjst fine! Almost everyone here will tell ou their pets had either no problems, or very few. At the very most, maybe some nausea' which haddled by Cerenia, or maybe a day or twoof tiredness.
Remember, Brady s living in tne moment and not worried about a thing! That's oneof the major lessons ot this joirney, It's called being more dog. Stay in tne present with him and let NOTHING rob you of your tme together!
YO ARE DONG GREAT! Realy good attitude!
Your tattoo sou ds great.....we'd love t see a picture of it...and Brady!
Hugs to all!
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!
Thank you all for your kind welcomes. You are all so nice and comforting.
I had a small breakdown tonight. I was lying with Brady on my mattress that I had dragged out of my room and put on the living room floor. I was petting him and his eyes got so heavy and he started to doze off. I began to cry. I can't believe how fast things have changed. He suddenly has no leg and I'm taking him to chemo. 2 weeks ago at this time, we were none the wiser. He's so brave. Much braver than I. I'm nervous about chemo tomorrow. He also might get his staples out tomorrow. It will be 10 days since his surgery. He's so handsome.
He did so well out in the yard today. I let him out to go potty off leash like we would have normally done. He did great. He was throwing snow at me like always. He's been very good about being calm and quiet while in the house. I know he is bored oiy of his mind, but I think he just knows he has to play cool until he is healed.
I will post tomorrow to let you all know how his appointment went.
Much love,
Melanie & Brady
Hi Melanie! I know it's so overwhelming. The only thing Brady knows is that his leg doesn't hurt any more. Our tripawds adjust much quicker than we do. We didn't do IV chemo so I can't address your fears other than I've read so many stories here about how smoothly pups go through that process...very few side effects. Brady is handsome boy and you will both do fine. He'll be rockin' the tripawd life in no time! Good luck tomorrow.
Amy & Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Melanie and Brady, welcome! I'm so glad you hopped over here to say Hi. I saw your tattoo last week and thought "WOW!" It's so cool!
https://sconten.....5418_n.jpg
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this disease, which supposedly is a "big dog" disease but we've seen dogs from Chihuahuas to Cane Corsos diagnosed with it, it just doesn't play favorites to any breed. But I'll tell you what, dingo heelers are tough little doggies, Brady will kick cancer's butt!
Hang in there. You're still in the early stages but at least you caught it early and you have a great team on your side. And you have us of course, we are always here to help. Oh we have a great member, Gerrys Mom, who is in the Madison area. She's a long-time, twice-over Tripawds pawrent and member, if you ever want to meet up for a pawty when Brady is recovered, I'm sure she'd love to meet you!
Good luck this week and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I LOVE the tattoo! Very, very nice reminder of the eternal love you and Brady have for each other.
It's okay to have melt downs..we all do and we understand! Sounds like you're doing a great job staying positive in front of Grady though and that's real important!
Now go out with Grady and play in the snow.....he has a lot of snow thowing to do!! We MUST have video of that...PLEASE!!
Will look for your post tomottow. So glad he's feeling good!
Stay strong.....because you are!
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!
Welcome Melanie and Brady!
I'm a little late to the pawty, but wanted to let you know we are all here for you and understand the many emotions you are going thru. Hugs to Brady - he is lucky to have you for his Mom.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
jerry said
... Gerrys Mom, who is in the Madison area. She's a long-time, twice-over Tripawds pawrent and member, if you ever want to meet up for a pawty when Brady is recovered, I'm sure she'd love to meet you!
The above is absolutely true! But no pressure either, 
. My Yoda was treated at UW Madison too. We didn't have the best of luck with treatment (though had good quality time left post-amp, at least), but he loved the staff, so I always felt comfortable taking him in. And hopefully Yoda's bad luck leaves only GOOD statistics for Brady to fill!
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
Hi! Yes, I would love to meet you!!! Brady is actually being treated in Middleton at VCS. They are wonderful there, but I had also called the UW for information as well. My primary vet (I live in Platteville) had referred us to Middleton. I'm so sorry about Yoda 
I'm sure he's watching over my Brady right now, though. Brady's next treatment is January 13th at 3.
Merry Christmas to you all!!!! Brady had a great day yesterday and he's very sleepy today. He came to my parent's with me and played the whole time
I will check in soon
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