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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My 7 12 year old pomeranian has a scheduled surgery next Monday to amputate his hind right leg. After 4 vet opinions the final one has recommended surgery claiming he has a tumor in his upper thigh muscle. The x rays I saw did not show the mass itself but the veterinarian ensured me that is what it was. I am terrified I am making the wrong choice in amputation but do not want to see my dog suffer any longer. His paw has deteriorated and leg has lost all muscle mass but a I want to make sure this is the only choice. I do not know I could live with making the choice of removing my baby's limb. Any advice... racheljameson77@gmail.com
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Hi Rachel & James, welcome. I'm so sorry to hear about your pup. It sure sounds like your dog is getting some great care. What kind of tumor are they suspecting? And was the last opinion from an oncologist? If you're at all uncertain I would definitely make sure one of the vets is an onco doc, that will help ease your mind.
As you can see, most dogs, especially smaller ones, get around great on three legs. Sure there are things you'll need to consider like making sure he stays fit and doesn't overdo physical activity and keeping his weight down, but otherwise Tripawds live happy lives. Have you seen Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books yet? You definitely want to check those out when you can.
It sounds like the vet thinks your dog is a good candidate for surgery. I know it's scary and you have lots of folks you can lean on here, but remember that the stronger you are during this process, the stronger your dog will be. Our dogs look to us for leadership, so I know you can do that!
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Welcome! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, but you're at the right place.
The one thing that helped us make the decision on having Harmony's leg taken was the fact she wasn't using it anyway and we thought that she would get around better by not having to deal with it being in the way. Granted it wouldn't have been a problem if the tumor wasn't causing all the pain, but that was hers and ours reality and that's how we dealt with it.
It will be normal for you to mull over guilt feelings regarding making the decisions, but I'm here to tell you that's normal and everyone of us has gone through the same emotions.
Stay close here. I'm telling you this community will be a life-line to sanity! It was for me!
Pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
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