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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Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
What an amazing dog Ava is!! You are both so lucky to have each other 
I love the visual of her and the tall grass! Too funny And I love hearing about your St. Bernard playing mama with her...you have an awesome pack!
Another good option for photos is facebook, if you have one. You can use the URL from any pics posted there to share them here. That's what I do
~Melinda and Tri-Kitty Angel Kender
Follow Kender's story here
Ok so here we go listen to this part of the story... I went to sleep Thursday night knowing that come Friday morning we were going to receive the biopsy results. So when I woke up (from the two hours sleep I got that night) I had a pit in my stomach, I showered, ate some breakfast (which seemed like cardboard to me) got dressed and got in the car and started to drive I knew I couldn't wait all day so I called and asked to speak to the oncologist and they said he was on rounds and had appointments all day so he'd get back to me about 5 or so...ugh...but I grinned and said thanks. as the morning worn on I couldn't think of anything else and then my phone rang I looked down and saw the hospitals number on my phone, I picked and and he said "Good morning steve, I saw you called I was going to get to you later in the day but I saw that you called about 7:30 this morning, he went on to say that while he didn't know me all that well he knew me well enough that I'd be on pins and needles all day so he couldn't make me wait, so when he took his break he went straight to the phone to call me.
So he starts the conversation by saying the following, " I just want you to know that regardless of this conversation we followed the exact right protocol, meaning amputating Ava's front left leg" so I was a little concerned at this point and asked why he was prefacing his conversation this way. He then continued by saying that Ava's condition was misdiagnosed that it was NOT Osteosarcoma and he apologized for the pain my family went through thinking that she had Osteosarcoma. He asked me to take a breath because he heard the frustration building in me, and went on to explain why they went to the diagnosis of Osteo based on the location of the tumor, the x-rays, the bone denigration, the type of dog she is and that every possible sign pointed in that direction and in 99.999% of the cases that would be the correct diagnosis, but not this time. So I said did I just F-up and remove my dogs leg for no reason whatsoever, he then finally stared to get to what the actual diagnosis was. He explained that the results came back as fibrosarcoma and that given all we knew they would have recommended amputation regardless. He explained to me that fibrosarcoma is pretty rare in female dogs and even rarer in the bone of the leg, and the only way that we could have been 100% sure was to do a biopsy at the time of the original diagnosis. At that time it was explained to me that Ava had 40% bone loss and that removing more of the bone for biopsy would weaken the bone even further, and that they were very confident in their diagnosis and they would not recommend it unless we were adamant about it. On their confidence and recommendation we chose not to do the biopsy. As you know we struggled with the decision to amputate but ultimately came to the decision we did because we wanted to take the pain away and give her as much time as possible with us. Fast forward to yesterday and the results of the biopsy, as it turns out Fibrosarcoma is a local cancer tumor that once removed in 90% of the cases never shows back up again, and in the 10% that it does show back up it's usually quite a few years later. He explained that at this point we had done the best thing by amputating, given the other choices which were a bone graft which is still relatively knew procedure and in many dogs the recovery period could be as much as a year or longer with many dogs going through multiple surgeries do to the fact that the body rejects the new bone, and that in over 60% of the cases dogs are ending up with amputation anyway because of the rejection. So these dogs are having multiple surgeries very long and painful recovery periods and many are still getting amputated in the end. The second option would be to remove just the tumor from the bone, again the problem here is that because it's a fibrous tumor they generally never get all the cancer or cells and in over 80% of the cases another surgery becomes necessary when the cancer comes back, besides that given the fact that Ava has about 40% bone loss the likelihood of her shattering that bone was highly likely in the near future. He explained that the best course is what we had done, we 100% removed the cancer from her body, removed the pain, and didn't put her in a position were she would have to do multiple surgeries or shatter a bone, or have a re-emergence of the cancer in her leg or spread elsewhere. So after many questions and answers he explained that while on the face of it a misdiagnosis is not anything anyone wants to hear in this case it is the best possible scenario, and that once Ava adjusts completely to being a Tripawd she should live a long healthy life and someday pass of old age, my jaw was on the ground. After the initial shock of hearing about the misdiagnosis, and as I wrapped my mind around the fact Ava could be healthy and happy for a very long time with my family, my hear started to pound in my chest a smile started to cross my face and a feeling of complete and utter joy filled my soul. Tears stared to flow, and the questions of...are you sure...are you sure??? he said he knows and trusts the pathologist completely but would resubmit for safety purposes, but after looking at the results numerous times and consulting with other doctors in the hospital he was sure they were wrong about the original diagnosis and grateful that they were and this was what it was. So I said thank you, hung up, took a a few breaths for a couple of minutes and called Michele and proceeded to tell her of course her first question was whether we screwed up by amputating, and I explained the situation, at which point she just broke down crying realizing that what was just yesterday a "Limited life sentence" for Ava based on our belief that she Osteosarcoma, today she was given a reprieve and given her whole life back. WOW...is all I can say right now. I called four other vets just to confirm what the oncologist said about the amputation and they all confirmed that what we did was the best thing and that we can rest easy knowing that we'd have our big girl around for a long long time.
I truly do not know what to say except that miracles do happen and that if you believe anything can be possible. I know many of you still have to deal with your original diagnosis, but do not give in, do not stop believing, do not stop learning, but most importantly believe that in this world there are infinite possibilities and those possibilities are the threads we hold onto to move forward each and every day, and when we wake with love in our hearts and a belief in today anything is possible...believe me I just found out that anything is truly possible.
I will continue to post with regards to Ava's recovery as a Tripawd but with the knowledge that our big girl will be here for some time into the future, and I will take all my positive energies and send them to you and your Tripawds in hopes that miracles do happen
Steven
Oh that's such wonderful news!! As wonderful as one can have in this situation anyway. So great to hear 
Just out of curiosity, does the oncologist still recommend chemo as a precautionary measure with this type of cancer? Or is she in the clear with all of that now since it tends to be localized only? I'm so happy for you and Ava. And will hold onto the hope that Kender's diagnosis comes back as positive as Ava's did.
~Melinda and Tri-Kitty Angel Kender
Follow Kender's story here
Hi Steven, Michelle and lovely Ava,
Congratulations, sounds like they got the cancer! My cat Mona also had a fibrosarcoma (vaccine-related, could Ava's be from a vaccine or other injection?). I'm not sure if dog fibrosarcomas are the same as those in cats but in cats they are aggressive, fast growing and deadly. Mona's vet wasn't absolutely sure the tumour was a fibrosarcoma but wanted to amputate because the tumour grew so quickly. Instinctually I knew her leg had to be amputated to save her life. I believe Mona will be around for a long time, as will Ava. Phew, what a relief. I'm looking forward to some Ava photos.
Kerren and Mona (who has no clue what a dog is, she's used to having deer in our yard)
It's seems from what our oncologist said traditional chemo is out, and perhaps as a precautionary measure he wants to suggest metronomic therapy. I personally still have to do some research, my holistic vet does not believe its necessary but they will be discussing it on Tuesday and I'll have a meeting with them on Thursday, that's the day all the stitches will be removed and the second opinion of the biopsy will be discussed. At this point based on things I've read it seems to me to be unnecessary to start a chemo treatment, even metronomic. So we'll see what they say but my gut tells me no, and that we will continue the holistic treatment and get her immune system back in balance and keep her healthy for a good long life.
Thank you for the well wishes, it was hard for me to write this knowing some of you are still dealing with a tough road ahead, but you have all been so kind to me and instinctively I know animal lovers will be happy for her and for my family and please know that as much as I can I will be here for you all no matter what comes you have become my friends and I look fool forward to our communications daily.
Steven
Wow Steven, I can't even believe what I just read, or even come close to comprehending how you must have felt. That is crraaaaaaazy but really great news for all of you and especially Ava! WOOHOO!
Seriously, please don't feel guilty about your great news. Cancer sucks all around but we are here to support you and most of all congratulate you on avoiding the worst kind! This is pawesome news for the whole community, really.
Please let us know how you decide to follow up with any treatments or supplements or nutritional changes, whatever. The more information here the more others will be helped if their dog has been diagnosed with fibrosarcoma. And also, we just want to see how she's doing and cheer you along on your Tripawd journey so dont' be a stranger.
Give Ava a big smooch from us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much, frankly I'm still in shock and not sure if the full impact has hit me yet. We are still dealing with all the recent post surgery stuff that you're all familiar with and we haven't really had a moment to take a breath and absorb it all. I do know that we are all so grateful for the news we received. We did however ask for a second pathology result just to be certain given the rarity of this particular cancer in a female and in the leg bone, so that will be back on Wednesday. Thursday we will be meeting with the oncologist and the holistic vet to finalize the treatments going forward, so I'll keep you posted on that as we'll.
I just want to say that I have no intention of going anywhere I intend to keep you all posted on Ava's journey. This site has meant so much to me in the last few weeks and the people I've been communicating with have been so supportive and kind I feel like I've become part of a very special family of people who share and hold similar beliefs when it comes to our four legged friends ( in all our cases three legged friends) and I have renewed hope not only for Ava and my family but in people as well. as we look around the world today and listen to the news it seems like we as humans are going backwards not forwards and sometimes it's so hard to believe in the goodness of people. But then I found this site and and the people I've met have given me renewed hope in people in their kindness and I am so grateful for that. Thus far this experience has given me so much to think about, so much to talk to my children about and as they say "things happen for a reason" well sometimes we don't know what that reason is but I do know at this moment in time that I am so humbled by the lessons Ava is teaching me and my family and for the friendship and compassion I have found on this site. So I won't be going anywhere it's a time for me to share her story in hopes that it may help someone else in their journey.
Steven
Awww, that is so wonderful to hear. We are so glad you'll continue sharing her story, she has a remarkable one to tell and when it comes to giant breeds, people really need to hear how things go after surgery. So many vets out there still think it's a hopeless case if a dog over 100#s has to lose a leg, Ava proves that's not true.
I know exactly how you feel about believing in people once again....before cancer and this community, we had a hard time believing people could be so kind to total strangers and we especially never would have believed cancer could bring good things into our life. But in the end it did, our lives are changed for the better, and we want to keep paying it forward to make this world a better, kinder place. Thank you so much for being a part of the Tripawds universe!
Hope you guys are having a fabulous day.
P.S. good idea to get a second path report.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Day 11 post surgery - Saturday which was day 9 was a pretty good day, however the night was a little rough she was panting heavily all night and seemed to be very uncomfortable and whining a bit, her body was hot so we were all a little unnerved. She really didn't eat anything at all and wasn't drinking either. I called the vet and he said she may just be having a bad night just monitor her and if her not eating and drinking continued into the next day we were to bring her in. Finally she fell asleep and seemed to be comfortable through the night. Then came Sunday morning and the problems of the night before were gone completely, so woke up happy and full of energy she ate a good breakfast drank tons of water and right after waking up went right outside peed and pooped. She went right down the stairs, into the yard was walking around and going in and out of the bushes which she loves to do ( i was a little concerned about that I didn't want her to catch her stitches on anything, but we've had a t-shirt on her since she came home so the other dogs wouldn't lick the wound so she was ok) anyway stopping a 160lb Great Dane is next to impossible if she wants to do something, and she seemed to be enjoying herself. So after a while of walking around, she decided to make a bed for herself under the bushes and sleep. That seems to be her new place (i guess it's cool and a way to stay out of the other dogs way as they ran around the yard) So after a nice long nap, she came inside had a little more to drink and walked over to the door that leads into the garage (thats the area where we had the ramp built so it would be easier for her to go out...she used that for a day or two and that was it) anyway so I opened the door for her without realizing the the garage door was open when she that she bolted down the ramp, jumped off and went straight into the front yard, at almost a full run. when she got outside she saw one of my neighbors who she loves she bolted straight over to him and his daughter and was so excited to be walking around visiting people. She continued to just walk the neighborhood and visit people, as if to say "yeah thats right three legs and I'm still happy as ever" she seemed so proud of herself (I know it was just me feeling so proud for her) getting all over the place she did this for about 45 minutes. Then she stared to get tired and we walked home, she went straight to the bushes and laid in there again. She had a wonderful dinner and seemed to just have an all round great day. which continued into today as well, going for a walk again, eating well, peeing pooping and moving around very very well. So it's all good so far, maybe we turned a corner and now it'll be about building strength in her right front leg, getting her healthy (which means losing about 10-20 lbs) and her starting to live a "Normal" life again as a Tripawd.
See you next post
Steven
Hi Steven and family.....
Just catching up, and reading all your posts from the beginning.....first of all, I am happy to read that Ava has been doing well overall, with just a few normal healing bumps in the road......second, I am ecstatic that her diagnosis is better than what was first feared; nothing makes us all happier, than to hear really good news regarding a prognosis for the ugly "c".......any good news is what we all want to celebrate.
Keeping Ava, you, and your family in my thoughts, and hoping she continues on the path of happy, healthy recovery.
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Awww! There are so many joys in seeing her do the 'normal' things again! All those things we take for granted, we suddenly realize how special they are (even if they occasionally freak us out!). How great to know she is feeling so strong, thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
AVA!!!! You are magic, pure magic!!!
What a miracle, an abso l ute miracle! They do exist, just ask Ava!!!
And Steven, you and your family have been unstoppable in believing Ava would come out.of this a winner! Well, she's already a winner, but she has beaten the odds and is shining her beacon of hope on everyone in this community. And this is a community, a faimly.united by ourlove for our dogs and cats and our universal belief that the power of our collective consciousness CAN make a difference.
This journey is chock full of life lessons. And we have the best Zen Masters in the Universe.....our dogs snd cats!!!
Your most recent posts are just about the most uplifting news anyone could hope for
I.love.how you've chronicled the various ways.her sparkle.is returning...the visit with the neighbors...laying under her favorite bushess....using the gifts of nature's plantings to give herself s ok me go o dscratches.....this Ava is a very, very special soul! But y o u already kn o w that!!!
So glad y,ou are here...well, I mean I wish none of us hsd to be....but, under the circumstances there is no better place!!! Thank you for contributing in s o many ways!
REALLY, REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF THIS MAGNIFICENT GIRL!!!
Soooooo happy! Your good news will inspire so many for years to come!
Namaste!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Good news again today, as I stated in one of my other posts I had requested a second pathology report due the fact that they said fibrosarcoma was rare in females and even rarer in a female leg. So since they misdiagnosed the first time (and believe me I hold no anger towards these doctors they have been great with her....and what good would it do anyway) and I didn't want to be blind sided a few months from now I said to them please rerun the pathology report with another pathologist who knew nothing of the first result, I wanted no bias as to the second conclusion. Well it came back again as Fibrosarcoma and the cells weren't aggressive at all( I don't know how they know that exactly but that's their business to know I guess) they did say 1 in 10 dogs have a reoccurrence but I'll take those odds any day compared to what we were facing. So we are all very relieved at this point and can rest easier that it is not osteosarcoma. Thank you all for your support and kindness it will never be forgotten.
So Thursday she gets the staples removed and then we meet with the oncologist and holistic vet, the oncologist has already told me that chemo will not be necessary, so they will discuss an approach that is both right for Ava and comfortable for my family. Primarily it will be a purely holistic approach it will about getting her immune system in balance and allowing her body to get healthy and fight off anything that may come and we hope there is nothing more to come.
Another good day for Ava and our entire pack.
For all of you out there who are scared and uncertain, positive belief in the future for your dog or cat and a belief that anything can happen is so important in finding a way through this. hold tight to your four (or maybe now three) legged friend and hold on tight to your family it can be a bumpy ride many of you know better then me because you've gone through so much more then I have. But for those of you unfortunately just starting this journey please please open your eyes to the possibilities of life, and know that through this adversity so much good can come into your life if you stay positive and allow the the strength and courage of your friend to show and teach you things you may not have thought possible. Take it from me miracles do happen and the lessons Ava has taught me are beyond any words I could describe, but I know that this happened for so many reasons and while I wish she still had four legs and didn't have to go through this, but given the circumstances we were faced with the current outcome is beyond what I could have ever wished for and the lessons of life taught by her to me and my family are gifts beyond measure, and I promise if you believe and have an open heart this could be a journey for you that you could never have imagined even through the saddest of days. I hope that the chronicling of Ava's journey will find a way into your hearts and make you a believer in the power of positive thoughts and the power of living in the "now".
I will keep you all posted on this next step in this amazing journey.
Steven
Steven,
Very good news, indeed......All your posts on sweet Ava are very inspirational, and I wish nothing but happy, healthy times ahead for her and all of you. And you are right about keeping hope alive for this unwanted journey.......I lost my own precious Tripawd girl, Polly, just this past February from a particularly nasty, vicious cancer, hemangiosarcoma, which she lost a front leg to. When we got the definite diagnosis, I was first extremely gut-punched to my knees, as I had just lost my sweet black Lab Maggie to this awful cancer a mere year and a half earlier, and she only lived for 46 days from emergency surgery and diagnosis. I was bound and determined to help my Polly fight this crappy cancer, once I got my emotional strength back which was fairly quick. I knew we would definitely lose the battle with her type of cancer, but I was not going to give in, and go kicking and screaming all the way to the end. Well, we did beat a 5-6 month prognosis, for almost 14 months, and Polly had very few bad days. It could have been just luck, but I don't think so.......a positive attitude, and determination surely go a long way, and I do have to say, this wonderful place gets a lot of the credit for keeping me sane, and uplifted.
Continue to keep us updated on Ava, looking forward to reading more happy post in the future!!
Bonnie & Angel Polly
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