Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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After much careful thought and consideration we have made the decision to surgically remove his dozen bladder stones, amputate the leg and hope and pray for the best outcome. It is extreme, but he can live with three legs and I just don't want to gamble on the high probability of the wound not closing or it coming back in in the same location with a vengence. He hates having a cone on his head and repeated treatments/surgeries would make his life miserable. I just don't want to do that to him.
I work for a department that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. Making the decision to "disable" (for lack of a better term) my dog was not made lightly. It took forever for me to make the painful decision, but people and animals live long happy lives with a disability and I wanted to give him that option.
For a number of years I also cared for a parent with Alzheimers before making the painful decision to put her into a nursing home. I know all too well what the words "quality of life" mean. I believe he would have a far better life adapting to three legs vs. nursing a wound that could bring endless months of recovery that may lead to amputation anyway. I'm also aware it may come back somewhere else, but it's a risk we're willing to take.
This weekend I brought "adaptive equipment" stuff for him to help him through the transition. I got an orthopedic bed that is easy for him to get in and out of, a lambswool lined harness (used in cars) to assist him with getting up/doing stairs and some dog socks that have rubber on the bottom to put on his front right paw (to avoid slipping). I also bought a raised food dish (so he doesn't have to lean down so much) and changed his food to Dr. Harveys Miracle Dog Food (the testimonials are true, I'm amazed at how much he loves it).
I know some folks may not agree with my decision, but hope there will be support available. His surgeries are scheduled for tomorrow. I'm not a very religious person, but I do pray he will come out ok and hope you will keep him in your prayers as well. I will post pictures (both pre and post surgery) once I get them from my daughter.
Thank you so much for your kindness and support.
You have done your research, consulted professionals, and made a decision based on what will work for your family and what will help Willy. Good for you!
Now it's time to move forward. Surgery recovery has it's ups and downs for sure. Make sure to get plenty of rest (you and Willy). You sound super prepared with some new Tripawd gear! You may want to wait until his incision is healed to use the harness. We kept a T-shirt on Bo for a good 2 weeks to keep the incision clean and to keep him from scratching it. Also, the meds after surgery can make them loopy and mess with their appetite. You may play "what will the dog eat today" for a few days.
I know the feeling of thinking you are "disabling" Willy by amputating. He will soon show you that it is not at all the case. Willy will amaze you and teach you wonderful life lessons. Listen to them. Life throws us these wild curve balls sometimes and we don't always know why. I do know that having a tripawd is a true blessing and you will cherish every moment.
Good luck to Willy and keep us updated!!
I'm glad to hear you have reached your decision and are moving forward with everything. It's hard to know what to do when you have such different options, but it sounds like you made the best decision for him.
I hope the surgery goes well. Will be thinking of Willy tomorrow. Once he gets through the rough recovery period, I'm sure he'll begin amazing you.
All the best,
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!
We all know how hard these decisions are to make, especially when there are extra health issues to consider.
The only people who have to agree with your decision are you, your daughter, and your vets! I don't think you will find anything but support here. You have chosen your path forward with Willie's best interest at heart- therefore you have made the right decision!! I hope making the decision has brought a little relief, now you can move forward with the next phase of your life with Willie.
You sound like you are well prepared and ready to bring Willie home after his surgery. Please come ask any questions as they come up. While only a few here have dealt with mast cell cancer, most everyone has dealt with making these tough decisions, amputation and recovery. There is a lot of experience here to share.
I will be thinking about you and Willie tomorrow- I hope the surgeries go well. Please post an update when you can.
Karen and the pugapalooza
p.s.- you might think about starting a new topic in the Treatment and Recovery forum (that's my moderator voice!). It makes it easier for members to follow Willie's progress.
Is it selfish of me to not want to put him through the pain of multiple surgeries, save myself from going into a financial hole and opt to amputate?
No! It is not selfish! Just remember, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. We are here to support and would never tell you what is right for your situation! It's totally understandable from my perspective...you want it behind you! The thought of future surgeries do suck!
And yes, dogs live long happy lives hopping along. Mine was born with a deformed leg and she lived a full long life!
Sending lots of healing thoughts your way. Let us know when everything is okay. (Perhaps you should start a topic)
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.
I'm coming really late to this post, but I'm wondering how things turned out for Willy. I'm brand new to the forum, and it looks like my 5-yr-old golden mix, Bailey, will be losing a leg due to spindle cell cancer in the next week or two. We're waiting for an aspiration (?) test of a lymph node to come back, but all other tests show no spread.
Michelle said
I'm coming really late to this post, but I'm wondering how things turned out for Willy.
Welcome Michelle, your future forum posts will not require moderation. Hopefully Willy's folks have subscribed to this topic and will check in with an update. Please consider starting a new topic to share your stories and ask any questions.
Best wishes for Bailey, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello. My 6 year old Belgian Malinois was diagnosed Sept 9 with a very large mast cell tumor that has embedded itself inside the whole upper leg muscle, wrapped around the femur and has poked out a baseball sized tumor inside the knee area. We tried radiation and Palladia, tumor is static but did not shrink. He does have abdominal lymph node involvement. After a second opinion, two different vets suggested amputation to get rid of the main source of the tumor and then to continue treatment for any cancer remaining. I was originally told he wasn't a good candidate because it was in his lymph nodes. I was give 3-6 months keeping the leg and doing radiation/palladia. I was just told maybe a year if I do amputate. I am scared and struggling with this. I want him around for a long as possible. He has no idea he is sick and is as normal as ever. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thank you.
Michon Mills
Michon Mills said
Hello. My 6 year old Belgian Malinois was diagnosed Sept 9 with a very large mast cell
Hi Micheon. I have some thoughts for you but before I share, please start an all new topic here (this one is very old). That way we can better help you and your Mal OK? Also consider registering as a member so your future posts won't require approval.
Mals are such strong, stoic dogs. I've become very familiar with that breed!
If he is otherwise healthy, there's no reason why he couldn't do well on three legs. And when it comes to cancer, it's all about quality over quantity. Yes, cancer could return at any given time, but to a dog, as long as they are pain-free and enjoying every day with their favorite people, that's all that matters. Amputation can provide that pain-free time. Nobody really knows how long any of us have, with or without cancer, and nobody has a crystal ball. Some dogs will outlive the prognosis, some will not. But if you can spend extra time with your buddy that is pain-free, amputation can provide a great quality of life.
OK I'll look for your post in the Presentation and Diagnosis topic now!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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