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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I’m so grateful to have found this community - I could really, really use some advice.
My dog started limping in October 2022, and on Dec/24/2022 he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma based on his age and breed. The tumour in his front right shoulder was progressing abnormally, and they couldn’t give me a definitive diagnosis. My vet steered me away from amputation, she said he might not do well because of his size and breed - so it was something I didn’t consider for awhile.
As time went on, my boy didn’t get worse quickly. His limp got slowly worse over 8 months, and then in the past few weeks, it got to the point where he basically isn’t using it at all - only for occasional balance. His right shoulder has become… pointy? Like he’s not using the muscles so there’s barely any there. But otherwise he’s great! He has no other symptoms, he’s eating well, he loves going outside and still rolls in the grass, he still plays and gets excited and (tries) to run to me when I get home. All of this made me reconsider amputation.
Saturday morning, I called my vet and told them what I wanted to do. I spoke with the vet directly and though she didn’t talk me out of it, she didn’t sound happy. I have him booked tomorrow morning. We’re going to start with another chest x-ray to see if there’s cancer in his lungs (because he likely doesn’t have long if there is), but if there isn’t we would go ahead with the amputation. If there isn’t cancer in his lungs, the vet said the prognosis would change for the better dramatically - she said if he doesn’t have cancer in his lungs by now, he probably doesn’t have osteosarcoma.
My boyfriend, my mom, and my best friend have all said they think I shouldn’t do this. They think I’m being selfish and not putting my dog’s quality of life first. They say he’s too old to have this amputation and have it be “worth it”. It’s going to cost $3000 and it’s money I really don’t have - I’m fresh out of college. I’m terrified I’m making a bad call… That he’ll die in the surgery, that he won’t recover, that he won’t be able to move anymore… I don’t know what to do and I have no support. This is the first time I’ve been a dog mom and I don’t want to let him down.
So… What should I do? Any advice is appreciated.
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I hope you have looked at some of the stories in this forum (Size and Age Matters)- lots of big dogs here who have done fine with amputation, older dogs as well. The first Tripawd I met after I joined this community was a 150 pound Anatolian Shepard who lost a front leg to OSA! Age is just a number- what really matters is how much life is left in the dog, and how otherwise fit he or she is.
I'm a little confused about 'age' and 'breed' being used to diagnose OSA. We see dogs of all types and age get this horrible diagnosis. Did the x-rays show a tumor and was there damage to the bone as well? One way to confidently go forward with amputation is seeing the damage done to the bone by a turmor- if the leg can't be saved anyway then a diagnosis doesn't really matter. So maybe also x-ray the shoulder again to see what the damage is, there are more cancers than OSA that could cause a tumor and bone/tissue damage.
If you are not sure about amputation and how well he could function is there another vet you can see for an opinion? It's old school thinking to say that a dog isn't a candidate for amputation based on size and/or age. What matters is how healthy he is- he's basically getting around on three now, right?
Recovery can make us doubt our choice so it's important that you are as positive and sure as you can be as you move forward. It's usually 2 to 3 weeks for a pup to recover, which is pretty amazing really considering the magnitude of the surgery! We often see here that the more 'mature' pups take a bit longer to get to their new normal. Being positive and patient during recovery is really important.
I'm sorry those around you aren't being more supportive, all the more reason for you to be more confident with your choices.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hello - thanks for the quick response!
As for the diagnosis, I was pretty confused about that too. We've done quite a few x-rays of the shoulder, and there has been significant progression. The lesion, as of Mar/2023, was 50% of the way through his bone. They said it was likely osteosarcoma because of his breed, that rotties are more likely to get OSA. They said the way the lesion presented made it look like it wasn't osteosarcoma, but they felt confident in his diagnosis because of his breed... However, he's a rescue and definitely NOT full rottie (my guess is rottie/lab as the two most prominent breeds). He's about 85lbs, which definitely is smaller than the average male rottie.
I have consulted with a couple vets. The vets in my city are horrible and scared of him because he's big, so I take him out of the city or do online consults. I have consulted with two in-person vets and 2 online vets. The online vets have been much more pro amputation. I spoke to one who recommended I request a referral to a specialist - something my regular vet didn't offer. So I called and requested a referral to the largest cancer centre for animals in Ontario. The specialists rejected my referral because there wasn't an *actual* diagnosis of OSA. I called my vet again and asked how we could confirm the diagnosis. They said a bone biopsy, but didn't recommend it because it might break his bone. The surgeon called me back a few days later and said he could do it, but he hasn't done very many, and he said if the bone breaks, it was gunna break anyway so he didn't mind... That made me really uncomfortable and I decided not to go through with it.
As of writing this, I am now starting to question my vet entirely. I went to them because they handled his reactivity in the beginning really well. When I adopted him, he had reactivity issues, but those have almost completely gone away as I've been working with him on it.
I feel overall really confused, I don't know what to do, and I don't know if I trust my vet anymore. I'm young, I've never had to make these kinds of choices before... This is the first time I have loved like this, and I feel totally lost and like I'm out of time to make a decision.
It makes more sense to me now- many OSA diagnosis' are made with the xray of the bone damage. Even if it isn't OSA it sounds like the leg needs to go no matter what is causing the deterioration of the bone.
I think you are smart not to do the bone biopsy- I understand it is very painful and can still be inconclusive. It's unfortunate that the specialist won't help you because there is not a specific diagnosis.
It sounds like the decision at this point is to get your boy out of pain. My opinion is that you need to be comfortable with your vet- I'm not sure what to tell you about that. Do either of the online vets you talked with offer the surgery?
If you're not comfortable going forward tomorrow can you postpone for a few days? You need to keep your boy from being too active- you don't want that leg to break. Hopefully he is on some pain meds to help keep him comfortable.
These decisions are hard for all of us! Give yourself credit for doing your best for your boy.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Oh gosh! No wonder you are confused and uncertain! So glad you found thos site to help you navigate thrpugh all this.
Obviously we aren't Vets and not giving Vet advice. It's not that we are all out PRO-amputation. We are however, all about QUALITY, and a chance at pain free life for more spoiling and loving.
I can only sayDITTO, DITTO, DITTO to the great insight Karen has given you. As she mentioned, size and age pretty much are not too important in deciding on surgery. What is important is the overall fitness, attitude, etc. It sounds like, other than that bum leg, your Rottie is still loving life. We've had many dogs older than your Rottie who have weighed far more than his 85 lbs.
To clarify, are any of these actual Surgeons you've consulted? The one who called you back meant he hadn't done many biopsies.....NOT that he hadn't done many amputations, right?? Agree that the bone biopsy is often inconclusive, painful recovery,and can sometimes cause a fracture. etc.
While it's good your Vet helped with your pup's reactivity , that doesn't necessarily mean that Vet is the best for amputation. You DO want an Orthopedic Surgeon who has a 24/7 staffed clinic for the overnight stay (or more of necessary). A Certified Orthopedic Surgeon will make sure all necessary pre-OP tests are done to ensure as risk free surgery as ppssible. With any surgery, little or big, human or animal, there is always a small risk. That is the chance we are all willing to take to get to the good results we all hope for.
I know you don't have the support you would like from family and friends. Rem, YOU have done your research. YOU are on this site seeking answers and support for your questions.
Whatever your decide, you are making it out of love and you are doing what you know in your heart is best for your pup. What do you think he would want?
So yeah, it doesn't sound like if you need a few more days to connect with a Surgeon with whom you are comfortable, you still have time to do that.
No matter what, we are here for you and support any decision you make. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, okay???
((((((((((Hugs))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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 both for your advice - I appreciate it.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to matter now… I saw his chest x-ray and it’s an image that will be burned into my brain for the rest of my life. Absolutely covered in tumours. Vet said, delicately, it was the worst he’d ever seen. He said he’s surprised my dog is still alive.
Now it’s just figuring out when and how… I’m once again lost. I’m broken and completely wrecked.
Thanks again everyone.
Absolutely shocked. We know you are gutted and we feel the same kick in the gut.
Okay, I know it's hard....but take some deep breaths when you can, okay? Once you can get past r this initial shock, you will be able to focus more clearly on a path forward.
From what you've described as far as his behavior and attitude, he is still symptom free. And, all thi gs considered, that is good news. The other thing to remember is your pup didn't see the xrays and has no concept of any ole "prognosis-schmognosis", etc. He's already shown he's his own dog and not fitting the "norm" of what xrays say should be happening.
There are some things that can be done to keep him comfortable and enjoying quality time for more loving and spoiling. Talk to your Vet immediately about getting him on some pain meds and maybe Rinadyl.
Also ask about Prednisone (not in conjunction with Rimadyl though) If the mets are causing any inflammation, this will help reduce the inflammation.
I'll share that when my Happy Hannah developed a met (s), the Vet said it was as big as a baseball and he couldn't believe she was basically sympton free. I was able to "manage" it and keep her Happy for several more months of spoiling and loving.
Another thing I want to share. My rescue Bob developed bladder cancer. The way the xrays looked it appeared the "end" was a matter of a week or so. He had some fluid therapy to perk him up so I could take him home for that short time., Outwardly he did perk up, he got his appetite, he regained some good quality. The Bet was amazed as "clinically " it looked like the end was right around the corner. But then when she saw him periodically for check ups, etc. she couldn't believe how well he was doing in spite of horrific xrays of his bladder. Eight months later he did transition to The Rainbow Bridge.
So for now, the most important thing uou can do is stay fully present with your boy. Stay upbeat and con with him and he will feel your pawsitivty. Take lots of pictures, spoil, spoil, spoil and give him any treats he wants!! I bet he would love some ice cream!
Also, I'll PM you my email address if yoj would like to send me some photos. It would be my honor to post them. He sounds like a very handsome boy! Oh....did I miss it? What's his name?
(((((((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Oh my gosh, I'm just now catching up on your story, and so sad that you got such bad news. This is not what anyone ever expects at any time in their dog's life. With you being a new pet parent, it's got to be extra confusing, sad, and worrisome. Many people go thorough several dogs before having to cope with cancer. I had to cope with it in my first dog as an adult, but I was already 10 years out of college and married. I feel so bad for you!
I can't top what Sally wrote. She's right though: clinically, you never know what can happen. We've seen dogs outlive their prognosis many times. Our Jerry had lung mets that were fairly large and we got several more months together as well. What we've learned here is that nobody has a crystal ball that predicts things exactly as they will happen.
What did your vet provide as far as pain management ? Lung mets aren't painful in themselves, it's the tumor that is the source of pain. Stamina also gets reduced. You may hear some coughing later on if you haven't already. There are medications that provide comfort care during this stages of osteosarcoma.
Cancer sucks, completely. But if there is ever anything beneficial that comes out of it, it's that we learn how to become advocates for our pets. You already know your local vets aren't great, you already know that the right thing to do is to seek specialty care when it's needed. And now you know that when the people around you are naysayers, it's so important to do what is in your heart, not what others tell you do to.
You're learning the hard way and I'm so sorry for that, but this sucky situation is going to benefit your dog, it already is. You got thrown into the school of hard knocks with this situation, but you will grow 1000 times faster in your knowledge of how to be a great pet parent.
I'm sorry, not what I was expecting or hoping for.
You are welcome to stay here- it doesn't matter that there was no amputation. Once you join here you are family and we can help you through this part of the journey.
Stay focused on your boy and treasure every moment.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
1 Guest(s)
