Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So our dog Cooper was diagnosed over a month ago with cancer in the front limb. He is about 8 years old and 150 lbs. male. The vet did not think he would be the best candidate for amputation because of his weight, being a front leg, arthritis, and kinda has a bull dog front on him. They did say it was a option as long the cancer had not spread after a full chest x-ray. He has been doing pretty well except not being able to put much pressure on the front left leg. We block him off from getting upstairs but recently he has started whining at night because he wants to sleep where we are all located. Some how or another he makes it up lately on most nights. In the morning I watch him come down the stairs very carefully one hop at time. So he's getting pretty good on 3 legs at the moment. I know this can be terribly painful for him so not sure how much longer to let this go on? The vet says "when you think he is more uncomfortable then comfortable then that is the time to start thinking about putting him down". So besides not being able to use his leg he's a pretty strong boy making it up two flights of stairs for bed. I guess I am just wondering do we try for amputation? and go through the family/kids watching him recover and not knowing if it will be the best for him? or make him as comfortable as possible until we think it is time? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bloocent
Otis is an 8 year old lab/Dane mix, 106 lbs at time he got a pathological fracture in right front leg due to osteosarcoma. Also very barrel chested. Mild arthritis in hips, treated with supplements for about 3 years. Doing great at 3 weeks post amputation. We are all sleeping on the 1st floor still, but he has been able to go outdoors, to his food bowl and move from bed to bed since he got home without assistance. (A relief since I cannot lift him). First 2 weeks were hard, but now we see improvement in activity and "doggieness" every day. Surgeon did suggest that we try to bring his weight down about 10 pounds to make it easier for him to get around - lots of others here have gotten similar recommendations. I have no regrets! I suggest you talk to a surgeon for a second opinion - not every vet is as up on this. Check out Chloe the boxer for comments on how her Mom's small kids handled it. And there are lots of big dogs on this site - I am sure you will hear from others shortly. Good luck!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
If he is already getting along on 3 legs then I would amputate to relieve the pain. My English Mastiff Tazzie lost her RF leg and weighed 190 pounds before surgery. She lived 14 more months with chemo.
I have amputated legs on Rotties, Bullmastiffs, several English Mastiffs, as well as Pitbulls and other muscular dogs and I have not had one person regret their choice. More often than not people are surprised at how well their dogs adapt.
Pam
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