Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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In November 2011 Bouncer, a 6 year old Sheltie, was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma (right front paw). We consulted with our local teaching hospital and they suggested surgery and then radiation treatment (expensive, $5,000.00, but worth it). Each day for 30 days they administered radiation treatment (we drove to/from each day). After a period of time he was fine.
A couple of weeks ago the STS showed up again in the same place. Surgery was not an option and neither was radiation. They suggested amputation.
My wife and I discussed it—no, agonized would probably be a better term but we felt we had no choice. It’s been a long two weeks in making the decision.
Yesterday Bouncer and I made the hour drive to the vet hospital and surgery was completed this morning. All went well. It was a long drive to and from the hospital.
We really agonized but as of now we know the cancer is gone and Bouncer is coming home on Friday. Honestly we feel that a weight has been lifted from us. There is no metastasis (low risk). Now we enter the next “phase” of recovery.
I have been reading stories on this site and they have been a great help to us emotionally. We have missed Bouncer and look forward to Friday. We purchased a new dog bed for him, some blankets, and some new toys to keep him company.
Dogs (we have five, some rescue)—as a friend told me years ago, “Dogs are the only thing I know that can bring a grown man to his knees!” So true.
We look forward to a restful and quiet weekend, all of us together again!
Bouncer and family, welcome! Your future posts won't require moderation. Sorry we missed you in the chat earlier today!
It's so great you took the time to tell us about Bouncer's journey to becoming a Tripawd. I'm sorry you had to go through it but glad that you're comforted by all of the great stories here. If there's anything we can to do help you prepare for his homecoming, let us know we are here to help.
Can't wait to see pics of your boy. With a name like Bouncer, I can only imagine he's a fun little spitfire!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Bouncer and family! I'm glad to hear Bouncer's surgery went well and can't wait to hear about recovery and see some pics!
Come on over to the chat room if you get a chance, there's usually a few of us in there in the evenings!
Welcome again to our little family 
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
Great news! Fabulous news! That blasted tumor will be gone and you'll not have to worry about it anymore. The next few weeks will be rough. There will be some great moments and some down times. Try not to focus too much on the downs, because sooner than you realize, Bouncer will be better than ever! He'll astound you! Enjoy your weekend with the whole pack intact. Stop by CHAT or post with additional questions/concerns. We're here.
I'm SO happy for Bouncer!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
BOUNCER, yoj are one strng and determined up! And you have a wonderfulpack as your support team! A lot of love in that house!
Can't add much that jasn't already been said! Sounds like yo're prepared as ne can be. You've naviagted this site and nothe recovery is not exactly a "picnic" for many dogs at first. But boy oh boy! Once recovery takes place and Bouncer _bou ces" back.....you will be astonished and thrilled!! You've already done the hard part...made the decision and moved on with it! Good job!
Now get so e rest while you can. Stock up on chocolate and indulge til he comes home! It works wwonders for the nerves!
You are not alone, okay? Awe are here for you! We look forward to celebrating the first pee nd poop!! Not only can a dog bring a grown man to his knees.....but a tripawd recovering from surgery can make you celebrate all his bodily functions!!
Yake care!!
Sally and Happy Hanner
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 Bouncer!
Sorry about the need for surgery, but I have a feeling you will be bouncing right back!
Make sure and put down rugs on any hard surface floorsto help with traction .Also, being a front amp, an elevated dish really helps. It's just so much easier for them.
Get some rest the next few days as it can be in short supply the first week they are home.
Sending happy thoughts your way! Keep us updated.
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.
Thank you all for your compassionate comments and suggestions. I really did not expect to receive so many replies and we are touched deeply by your sympathy. It made an old “tough” guy like me get a bit “misty eyed” when I read them.
Good news. The Vet Hospital (University of Tennessee) called early this morning. They have taken Bouncer off of IV pain medications and started him on some oral meds. His wound is doing very well. The doc said they got a sling and took him outside for a “walk” where he did very well. He has a bit of diarrhea (probably from all the stress) and they put him on some antibiotics as a precaution.
Originally he was scheduled to come home tomorrow (Friday) afternoon but they said if we can handle a bit of diarrhea (yeah, like we have never had to handle THAT before) that we could pick him up this afternoon since he is doing so well!
We’ve got a few things to do today like getting some additional non-slip rugs, elevated food bowls, new dog bed, new dog blanket, etc. then it’s off to go get him.
Yes, we expect some ups and downs over the next “phase” and we are prepared for that, but the source of all of this pain and agony is gone. True, I feel making the decision was the hardest part but as we used to say in the military, “difficult decisions are the privilege of rank” and that’s all behind us now. Whew, what a firefight!
Again, thank all of you so much for your support. It has helped more than you know. We will update this thread and let everyone know how Bouncer is doing. In the meantime know that all the other tripawd’s and their masters (or is it the other way around?) are in our thoughts prayers.
Bouncer, Tom & Judy, and the other “pups” in our home…
Yay Bouncer gets to come home! My Sheltie mix, Chance, is two weeks post front leg amputation and is doing GREAT! He started chemo yesterday for osteosarcoma. I have a purebred sheltie as well so I join your love for the breed. They are agile and resilient dogs. He will surprise you how fast he is jumping around and going up and down stairs. You will have to monitor him closely the first few days because Chance was ready to run after his frisbee the second he got home and then realized he was still in pain from the surgery! Take it easy the first 2 weeks or so, but really he will amaze you!
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
"DDifficult decisions are the privilege of rank".......I like that! Certainly puts a positive spin on a difficult ddecision. It's difficult...and it's out of love...and that's always a right decision.
PLEASE keep us posted, okay? I know you'll have your hands full but just know we are here for you, okay?
You are going to be sooooo hapy to have him home!! Now, do't even look at his incision.....just look in his eyes and praise him for an amazing job and feel the love!! Bouncer is coming home!!!
Photos will be coming soon, right? We love photos!
Best wishes to all the paxk!
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!
yay Bouncer! Best of luck on the homecoming! It's the best feeling in the world getting your baby back home!!
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
Always a relief to hear that the surgery is over and you are on the road to recovery.
You have a great attitude and sound like you are well prepared for the homecoming. Just remember to be a strong, positive pack leader and Bouncer will be amazing you in no time!
Let us know how Bouncer is doing at home.
Karen
We picked up Bouncer yesterday afternoon and brought him home. The surgical wound looks good and he’s trying to walk (and does pretty well, all things considered).
He was restless last night and neither one of us got much sleep. He is eating and drinking but hasn’t really urinated or defecated. It seems when he tries to urinate he gets a bit apprehensive since he cannot do it the “old way”. I spoke with the surgeon a few minutes ago and she wasn’t really concerned (said that many times dogs can go several days before defecating after surgery).
So, all in all we are all doing pretty well and look forward to a restful and event free weekend.
Another "Yay Bouncer" from Murphy. You will be amazed by him. And yes, we need pictures!
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
I think it took Chance 2-3 days to go and he still gets frustrated when he tries to hike his leg! Don't worry, Bouncer will learn to adapt. Also, the pain meds can cause constipation so just keep an eye on him and make sure he is eating and getting plenty of water.
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
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