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 11 year old beloved American bull dog-rot-lab mix (80 lbs) has the dreaded osteosarcoma in right left back leg. After being set on euthanasia, we have come around to amputation. She has been slowing down the past few years but is still a fit, active girl with no known underlying complications. We are working on scheduling the procedure for the next few days... And I am having anxiety over the decision. She is a fairly fo with the flow dog, who is happy as long as she has tasty treats and is by her people. My fear is that the recovery will be too rough. She is in a lot of pain right now but still wants to be part of the action. Any insight/words of encouragement or advice would be greatly welcomed.
Hi Maisy & Mom, welcome. We are sorry you find yourself here but you came to the right place!
By all accounts it sounds like Maisy is a spunky gal who has lots of good quality time ahead of her. If it's any comfort, she is not the oldest or largest dog we've welcomed into our pack. If your vet thinks she is a good candidate than there is no reason why she wouldn't do well. Oh wait, there is ONE reason, and I'll be honest: it's your fears and anxieties that can make or break her recovery. Truly! Hear me out....
Animals absorb every ounce of our feelings. So when the human is in fear of recovery, it sets the tone for the entire experience. If the human can stay pawsitive, and stay focused on the goal, to have more time with their beloved animals, then the recovery is much, much easier.
That's not to say there cannot be complications if you stay pawsitive. Of course there is always that risk. But a pawsitive attitude can help you get through them with your sanity intact, and without causing Maisy to worry about you, which is not good for her recovery or her cancer battle.
So in short, it sounds like age really is just a number to her. And she wouldn't be alone in that attitude, we've had many members who were the same way. Spunky seniors ready to keep enjoying life if they could only get rid of that bum leg.
I encourage you to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books library for more tips about what to expect. And you can ask as many questions as you'd like of us, that is why we are here.
We look forward to helping you and Maisy along!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My 12 year old GSD Malamute mix lost the same leg to the same cancer 6 weeks ago. He was 112 pounds at the time. The first week was very rough. Now he started PT yesterday, and has his second round of chemo Wednesday.
Whatever time I have left with him, I have no regrets about my decision.
Welcome maisysmom! so glad that you found this website. The tripawd family has been a wealth of knowledge and support for Roane and I on our journey.
I can sympathize with your anxiety and that gut punched feeling of wondering if your making the right call. This was me for the first week, Until i realized that it was me that was a mess not Roane. 😉 dogs are so much braver than people!
Please feel free to lean on us. As Roane went through her recovery just typing an update and reading the pawsitive supportive response helped me soooo much!
As far as older dogs go, it sounds like Maisy isnt counting the years. I had a seasoned senior lady who continued to defy the odds for 17 beautiful years. She wasnt a tripawd but had severe arthritis, was half blind and had a million lumps and bumps. Old girls are tough especially when they refuse to be old!
Jerry has some wonderful links here and the blog section has some great reading. Keep in touch, ask all the questions you can think to ask and dont forget to take care of you. Ps. chocolate helps!
❤ Bev & Roane
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
BULLDOGS!!!! BULLDOGS ARE SO DARN CUTE!!! Can't wait to see pictures of Maisy.
You've gotten good input already. Just want to add a few blogs to some Bulldogs who handled three legs just fine!😎
We had a more recent Bulldog named BENDER who never let three legs hold him back. Sorry, couldn't pull up Jo's thread.
y Bulldogs have done great on three legs, check out these member blogs
http://bubbaand.....pawds.com/
http://gracespl.....pawds.com/
http://cadence......pawds.com/
http://sasharua.....pawds.com/
http://bruiserb.....pawds.com/
We are here for uou ecery strp of the way.
Remember, "Go With The Flow Maisy" isn't worried about a thing!! She could care less about any ole' "diagnosis-schmognosis". Means nothing to her. Days on a calendar mean nothing to her. As you said though, treats, rmean a lot to her and being with her hoomans paun free means everything to her!😎 Stay in the present just like Maisy. Flow effortlessly fron ine blissful moment to the next, just like Maisy. That's called being more dog!
We'll watch for your updates.
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!
benny55 said
We had a more recent Bulldog named BENDER who never let three legs hold him back. Sorry, couldn't pull up Jo's thread.
Thanks for sharing all those links, Sally!
Here is Bender's story:
Tripawd Tuesday: Bender’s Myxosarcoma Pain Management Victory
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, all! When I figure out how to post pictures, I will!
Things have moved quickly and Maisy is in surgery right now (faster than we expected). The points about attitude are well taken. We came to the decision Friday afternoon, and not only did we feel a weight lifted- bit I believe she did too (probably sensed relief from our stress as we agonized on the right next step). She was such a happy dog all weekend. Now, on to the next phase....
Thats great news for you both, its amazing how relieved you feel when the planning goes into action.
We will be sending you all lots of love today while maisy is in surgery. While shes in good hands at the vets take a few minutes to breath and rest up. The first few days can be very tiring emotionally.
Is she staying the night at the vets? We'll check in later for updates.
Big hugs,
❤Bev & Roane
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
That's wonderful pawgress! You do sound so much more confident too, what a relief right?
We will keep lots of pawsitivity coming your way, please let us know how things are going and if we can help you at all.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I definitively pulled it together! Surgery went well! She ended up staying the night, but we stopped in and visited for a few minutes. Felt alot of relief to see her. Hopefully she will be heading home in the morning... Fingers crossed. Thanks for the kind words and encouragement.
YAY FOR MAISY! Surgery is done and she'll be home soon!! Now, while she's nice and drugged and seeing pink elephants, you get some good rest, okay?? And even if she stays st rhe Bet a second night, don't be alarmed, okay? That wouldn't be unusual.
We'll watch forn your uodate tomorrow.
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!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Surgery update! Maisy came home around 10:30 this morning. All things considered, she is doing incredible. She is able to stand, walk to her food dish and outside alone, urinate on her own, is drinking a ton of water, is responsive and interested in what is happening around her (like the cat sniffing around her food dish), and is eating a bit. She likes it best quiet, which is understandable... if there is a lot of commotion (like my three year old being home) she gets a little anxious and doesn't quite know what to do with herself. We are struggling with supporting her a little as she needs it (she definitely is showing some expected weakness)... a towel and a sling improvised from a shopping bag both slide down her barrel chest... but we are slowly working it out.
So far, no regrets. It is hard to imagine her getting around with relative ease, despite pain, just a few days ago... Just trying to remind myself that she will get stronger and more confident in the coming days and weeks. 
OMD!!! R U KIDDIN' ME??? EATING, DRINKING, PEEING STANDING 9N HER OWN???? MAISY IS A ROCKSTAR!!!! Humans would still be in the hospital on a morphine drip!!
And yes, Maisy needs quiet qnd resr, lots of quiet and rest. She's still got some good hospital meds in her, so she may not feel quite as "perky" in a day or two when they are out of their system.
She will, indeed, get better, stronger, more of herself as recovery continues!! Based on what you've described today though, Maisy. Stay strong and upbeat and celebrate every step she takes, whether she needs help or not. Your pawsitive energy will help her heal.
You're doing great........and so is she! Looooove her photos! A real stunner of a pup!
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!
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