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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Hi I found this site last March when my 10.5 year old golden was given a dx of osteo. We met with a surgeon who was impressed that Blaze used all four legs well with no limp. (In January he had a minor off and on limp. He finally had X-rays in February and was dx'd with osteo.) the surgeon didn't think amputation was warranted at that time. Next we consulted with an oncologist who recommended a biopsy which we did. No obvious cancer in the biopsy. The osteo dx has been based upon repeated X-rays reviewed by four vets including a radiologist who all say osteo.
Treatment has been rimadyl and tramadol for pain control. Blaze has had 6 pamimodrate treatments which appear to be containing the tumor. He has no lung mets. The leision is a little larger however. This week Blaze developed a noticeable limp and obvious pain. He bit a family member who accidentally touched his l eg. I added gabapentin three times a day. Blaze is still uncomfortable with 300 mg gabapentin, 150 mg rimadyl and 300 mg tramadol. He also takes Prozac for anxiety which interferes with the effectiveness of tramadol. Attempts to reduce Prozac resulted in anxiety induced lick granulomas on both legs.
Blaze is scheduled for another pamimodrate treatment this week but I fear I may need to discuss amputation. I worry about managing him and his anxiety if we choose surgery. Blaze is not a tolerant dog.
Any thoughts, comments or advice is welcome
Mary
Hi Mary, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval.
Blaze sounds like a very stoic and amazing dog. That's really neat and so cool the pamidronate has kept the tumor under control for so long, and that he has an excellent pain control regimen going on. Your vet team sounds terrific. I'm sorry to hear though that the possibility of amputation is now on the table. It's scary to think about but as you can see here, there are dogs much older than Blaze who did great after surgery. With his anxiety issues it's a tough call. Did this start before he was diagnosed? Could it be the result of the pain meds and the vet visits? If so, then amputation might be such a relief he might not even need it after he heals. What else do you mean by he's not a tolerant dog?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry thanks so much for your response. Blaze has had issues with anxiety for many years. He started taking Prozac 7 years ago when I realized competitive dog sports were just too stressful for him. He bit me and became intolerant of any handling. Since then I have learned his triggers with the help of a behaviorist. When first dx'd with osteo my vet rayed his hips and discovered Blaze has some dysplasia. I believe now that Blaze has experienced pain for many years contributing to his anxiety and lack luster enthusiasm for agility.
I can can see many dogs much older who are doing well as a tripaw. I wonder about the wisdom of surgery and recovery given blazes other issues. Using a muzzle I am able to preform any husbandry he needs, but given the dysplasia would a front leg amputation create an unreasonable burden?
Mary
Mary,
You are in a tough spot for sure but if the pain treatments are not working I sure would do amputation. Between vet visits, pain from his leg and his hip dysplasia I could see why he is anxious. Plus I'm sure you have read that the leg with the tumor is weaker and can fracture which will make things much worse. And Osteo does spread microscopically which is another good reason to get the leg off. There are many tripawd parents here that will tell you recovery is no picnic but sometimes it is the best choice available. And you certainly can't risk him biting anyone else. Good luck with your decision.
Penny
Blaze has sure been quite a teacher for you, and you've handled all of his challenges so well. I'm glad you've seen a behaviorist, have you talked to this person about amputation as an option? I agree that this is a tough spot to be in, which is why amputation isn't always the best decision for every dog. I wonder if the behaviorist can give you a better grasp on how it would affect his personality?
Generally once the pain of osteo is gone and the dog is recovered (and off pain meds) a dog shows a LOT of relief and their personality starts to sparkle again. I would hope that this would be the case with Blaze but it's sure hard to say, especially because he's on such strong pain medication (even though it's not strong for him anymore), which could also be affecting his personality. Perhaps once his leg was gone, and maybe if you want to pursue other non-narcotic meds for his hip displaysia, like Adequan injections, that would help him feel a lot better? It's so hard to say.
I wish I had better answers or suggestions, this is just one of those situations where you have to really sit down with Blaze and have a heart to heart, ask him what he wants and if you're calm and still, you will hear his response.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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