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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
My special boy, Wooly, became a part of the family about 12 1/2 years ago. He looks like a Chow mix. He was a stray who had been shot. The vet at that time guessed he was about 5...obviously, she was a little off because I highly doubt he is going on 18!
He has been a healthy, happy boy since then...until 7 months ago when he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in a front leg. We believe that is was caught early, contained to a small area. I chose not to amputate because of his age and my regular vet supported the decision.
He had one treatment with Carboplatin, but had a severe reaction to it so couldn't receive anymore. His pain was managed with just a low dose of tramadol. Almost 6 months post diagnosis, he started limping so I took him for radiation, which didn't help, actually became worse. Xrays revealed 2 fractures, which I believe were there for at least a week and missed on previous xrays, which is why the radiation didn't help. I was told repair wasn't possible so he received a splint. He was able to walk fine right away but that only last about a week.
He became depressed and didn't want to put weight on his injured leg, bearing most weight on hind end, which made it apparent that he does have some arthritis. Anti inflammatory meds helped right away with the arthritis but he still wasn't acting right. I took him to the vet and bloodwork revealed slight anemia, which I was concerned about but the vet wasn't. 6 days later, he was sick with diarrhea and wouldn't eat, so back to the vet. A cbc revealed a large drop in his red count and white count was sky high. She thought pancreatitis but I didn't believe it. He was admitted and started on antibiotics and fluid. His counts were worse the next day and steroids were started. She talked about ulcers and intestinal bleeding, possible pancreatic cancer but I wasn't buying any of it.
The other vet in the office talked about the osteosarcoma spreading and causing some of these symptoms. It was so frustrating having two vets with completely different views. His counts leveled by the 3rd day. I was visiting him on the 4th day and asked about his splint not being changed yet, it had been on for almost 3 weeks. She said she hadn't wanted to bother him with it but would change it later that evening.
I went home and about an hour later she called... she was taking off the bandage and discovered the fractured bone had become open, busted through the skin. I was shocked and then mad that they hadn't even thought of checking the tumor sight while he was there. We now had the answer of what was causing his counts to be off, he had an open wound and therefore a bone infection. She still tried to deny that's what was causing the issues.
He was started on different antibiotics and PAIN meds for the first time since he'd been admitted. My poor boy must've been in so much pain those days. His blood counts started to stabilize and his appetite improved. I visited him yesterday and when he saw me, he wagged his tail for the first time in a week. It brought tears to my eyes.
The day after the break was found, the options presented to me were amputation or euthanasia. I keep going back and forth, I just don't know what to do. I never wanted to amputate but I had options before, I don't now. It feels like a life or death decision based on a broken leg. I know he has cancer but he's a walking miracle, with no signs of it spreading. Even his oncologist was surprised with his health.
My locals vets don't know why it's such a difficult decision, "just make a decision and go with it" is what they told me. They both suggest euthanasia, one based on his age and the other based on statistics of osteosarcoma. I've been calling everyone, asking for advice, even a previous vet.
Most people think I should give him a chance with amputation. I've called surgeons but no one will try to fix it because of his cancer. I did some research and found canine prosthetics , which I would gladly order to try for him. I don't want to be selfish and keep him for my benefit, but I just don't think he's ready to quit.
I lost 3 dogs to cancer just last year. I knew with them that it was time, that they were done fighting. I just don't know what to do. Any opinions???
Thanks for joining us, we're sorry you and Wooly have been in such a tough situation.
Don't let his age or the cancer be too much of a factor when deciding. Dogs older than him have done fine on three legs, like Bailey and if his lung xrays are clear even better (you may want to order a CT scan just to be sure there are no visible mets). What kind of outlook do the vets have about his candidacy as a Tripawd? Does he have any preexisting conditions that might make it difficult (ie bad arthritis, hip problems, etc.)? And can you go to another vet besides the one who didn't realize he had a fracture 
Should you choose to amputate, keep in mind that there are no guarantees, some dogs will have ups and downs during recovery but most will need just a couple of weeks to recuperate. After that any time you have left together is icing on the cake. Many dogs beat the odds, you just have to hold a pawsitive attitude and know that every day together is what counts. Wooly doesn't care about tomorrow, or prognosis, he just wants to be pain-free and with the people he loves.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Wooly-
We all understand what a difficult decision this is and there is no right or wrong answer. Shooter was 13-1/2 at his amp and adapted like a champ. He just went on with his life (albeit in a different way). If Wooly is otherwise healthy he would probably do OK, but there are dogs on here that have done well even with other pre-existing conditions (Sampson and Atlas to name a couple). As Jerry said, getting him pain free is the most important thing right now.
I wish we could just give you an definitive answer, but can only give our insights to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
I'm sure I am late with my reply.. and we all support you on your decision... but since you asked..
My Franklin was 14 when we had his front left leg amputated due to osteosarcoma. And he had torn his right back leg crutiea (SP?) ligament 4 yers prior.. and he did have a "touch of arthritis in his legs as well.
We decided to go for it.. and we don't regret it. It removed his pain.. and gave him an extra almost 6 months of pain free happy tail waggin' days..
Please let us know how your boy is doing.. and you too!!
Christine... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
My girl, Shelby, who just lost her battle with cancer (hemangiosarcoma) last week had cancer and was on chemo PRIOR to her amputation. Her leg broke in June and was plated/pinned because of no visible cancer in biopsies. Only 3 months later did we find the cancer in her spleen and that was removed and we started chemo. Then 4 months later, her leg became very lame and we found out that the cancer was eating away at the mass and the leg had to come off - there was no other choice. Shelby was never in great pain but she wasn't happy. Her leg was removed and she lived 3 1/2 months pain-free till the cancer spread to her brain and she lost her battle.
Shelby was 13 when she had her surgery. I have NO regrets. She did great as a Tripawd. Of course we support whatever decision you make (and I know it's hard - I really struggled) but in the end, I feel at peace with all that I did my best friend. I hope this helpful to you.
Alison and my Shelby
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Welcome Wooly,
Wow. What an ordeal! We've all been there sweetie.
In my opinion, euthanasia is not an option unless all of the other options have been tried. Amputation is such a difficult decision to make, but is helps your dog be pain free and still enjoy life! The pain of the surgery is nothing compared to the pain he's in now, and although you need patience to help them recover, this is a much better option than the alternative.
Two vets were indicating euthanasia to us... and there was just no way! Tyson was still active, happy, and exactly the same! Sometimes, vets are so numb to euthanasia, that they forget about what a big deal it really is.
If I were you, I would go with the amputation 100%!!!! It's true that things can happen during the surgery or recovery time, but those risks that we have to take. In the end, if things don't work out, you can look back and say that you tried everything you could.
Sending you and Wooley lots of love,
Anna and Tyson
Thank you for your replies, stories, opinions, I really appreciate it. Wooly is scheduled for surgery Friday, if I can go through with it. Wooly does have some pain in the hind end that became apparent the more he tried to stay off of his broken front leg; however, he started on anti inflammatory meds and that helped right away. One vet compared the amputation to that of a 90 year old person. I told her that I appreciated her honest opinion but I did NOT need any help in the guilt department. When I asked the other vet his biggest reason for opposing the surgery (I said he couldn't use the "cancer" excuse because that's why he would've had the amputation to begin with, 7 months ago) he said that it was time, that if we couldn't get at least 4-6 months afterwards, then we shouldn't do it. I understand that and would agree with it, but we don't have a crystal ball and can't predict his life span. We would not have had that guarantee 7 months ago either. The life expectancy of a osteosarcoma dog, without immediate amputation and chemo, is 3-4 months. Wooly is just about 7 months post diagnosis. He is a miracle! The latest chest xray at the local vet showed a marble size questionable area but the oncologist said you can't go by just one xray with something like that. The local vet thought she saw something pea size in December but when digital xrays (better resolution) were taken in February at the cancer center, nothing was seen. Even if there is a very small area, he will be going back on metronomic chemo, to help prevent metastatic disease. To be sure, I could have a ct done but was told it would be about $1500. I really can't afford that right now, on top of everything else. I have another cancer patient at home and his meds are pricey. Since Wooly was an adult when I took him in 12 1/2 years ago, we know that he is at least 13 1/2 - 14. He's never been a dog to run around like crazy, jumping up and down. He's a mellow dog, likes to have the freedom to walk around and sniff everything. I have accepted the risk of the surgery and the life expectancy of a osteosarcoma dog; I'm just so worried about his quality of life afterwards, especially being an older dog. It would break my heart if he didn't adjust and became miserable. Again, thank you for your replies. I'm leaving now to go visit my boy at the vet, take a chicken breast for his dinner and give him a massage. Hopefully, he's not completely out of it from the meds. When he wags his tail and hugs me, it just brings tears to my eyes. Everyone who meets Wooly loves him!
We have a recent Tripaw Lloyd who is 13yrs old and had his diagnosis on his birthday 1st March and his amputation on the 3rd. He's six weeks post and doing well (pictures on another thread).
Ray and I nearly had him PTS after advice from the vet that he was too old and too big to cope (they now admit that he's doing very well). We have said that even if we lose him now, that we still agree that we made the right decision - seeing him roaching in the sunlight made everything worthwhile.
He's on the metronomic regime as he gets really stressed at the vets and to our mind that won't help his treatment, this includes Metacam which helps with any aches and pains.
Life would be so much easier if we came with foresight.
Hi!
So sorry to hear about Wooly. I hope you find some peace of mind now that you've made a decision - that was the hardest part for us, and the days right before the surgery were the hardest for me personally. I cried every time I saw my Rosco. As soon as the surgery was done, I felt worlds better - the recovery can be tough but the worst is over at that point. Thinking of you in the next few days!
Hey! Welcome to the club of heavy decisions. Thanks for introducing us and giving such a detailed history of your buddy, Wooly.
I'm in favor of trying! If he gets through recovery OK, you may actually see a dog you've not seen for months as the pain of the tumor could (was) impacting his life. Without that pain and fracture and infection, he may regain life! Just maybe!
Since he's more mellow, you may not have to worry too much about his arthritis in his rear acting up. Sure, it'll be there and will get aggravated, but it'd be worse if Wooly were a much more active dog that loved being active. Look into some harnesses and maybe have one on standby during recovery. That'll help him get around with your help and could protect his hind-pain some...until he gets stronger.
Watch his weight!
So back to my support of trying it all before euthanasia: euthanasia will always be an option. His quality of life right now is kinda poor so there's a chance amp'ing will dramatically change his life for the better, or it won't. And if it doesn't, there's euthanasia. That may be a hard way to hear it or look at it. You obviously care very deeply about your buddy so I have no worries that you'll let him suffer (now the vet who didn't examine for a fracture....Grrrr!). This is also about money. Yep. It's rotten. But if you have the finances and if you'll regret not trying the amp, go for it. You'll sleep better AND your buddy may return to you 1000% better! I have high hopes Wooly will continue to prove them all wrong and will be a stellar post-op patient and family friend.
Bravo for the decision! Bravo! Now...get that vet to straighten out!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Welcome,
Sorry to hear of Woolys diagnosis but you've made your decision, and I think no one knows your baby like you do. Our Snoop is coming up to 11 months since his right front amp. He's adjusted well after his surgery, and we have no regrets of our decision. We did 6 rounds of chemo and he is on metronomics
. He's playing with his toys, loving his walks and we are in heaven.
Keep us posted as you guys go forward.
Best,
Esther and his Snoop
Gosh, I'm sorry to hear that Wooly has been through so much. It does sound like he's a fighter though.
I can relate to your anxiety about Wooly's amputation surgery. Honestly, handing my sweet angel Jersey Girl (a 9 year old yellow lab) over to the vets for amputation surgery was the hardest decision I've ever had to make - in MY life not just in hers. Harder than sending her in for ACL reconstruction surgery and even harder than deciding to put her to sleep when it was time. In fact, I canceled her amputation the first time it was scheduled but did follow through the second time. The reason I canceled the first time is because I thought "SURELY there must be another solution, I just need to find it." I'm sorry to tell you, there isn't. Osteosarcoma destroys the bone and makes it impossible for a fracture to heal. It just won't happen. That's usually the "worst case" scenario vets give. While my Jersey Girl never fractured her osteosarcoma leg, by the time she was diagnosed with the disease (it took nearly a year, they kept saying her limp was from elbow dysplasia!), the tumor had grown so big that her bad front leg was twice the width of her good front leg. They said if it tumor grew much more it would break through the skin and cause an infection. That's what I call "the other worst case" scenario and it sounds like this is where you are with Wooly.
As scary as amputation is, it does eliminate the dog's pain like nothing else will (pain meds stop working after awhile). As everyone else in this community has said, most dogs bounce back from amputation surgery fairly quickly. I've only been part of this community since the end of December but that's definitely what I've noticed. It doesn't happen for everyone though and it didn't happen to my Jersey Girl. She DID heal but it took longer, like 2 weeks, until she would get up for more than food or potty. Those 2 weeks were REALLY hard and at points I thought we were going to lose her. (Looking back, I can see that wasn't likely. I was just scared.) She had to stay in the hospital 4 nights versus the typical 1 or even 2 nights because her blood wasn't clotting properly and she was very weak. She wouldn't even stand up much less walk like many of the other dogs in this community. What my vets didn't think about is that Jersey Girl had been taking Deramaxx (an anti-inflammatory drug) every day for 3 months to help ease the pain of her so called dysplasia and they think that drug prevented her blood from clotting. Honestly, my vet has a stellar reputation and is nationally recognized for his work, but I'll be the first to acknowledge he sounds like a boob in this story. To be fair, the manufacturer of Deramaxx INSISTS their drug is NOT an anti-coagulant but my vet says they've had other patients on Deramaxx who've also had trouble recovering from surgery and they can't attribute it to anything else. After their experiences with Jersey Girl they say the manufacturer lacks credibility and, to be safe, they'll start doing a wash out period. Hmmm, right? The bottomline is they should have done that with Jersey Girl if they had even an inkling the drug would cause problems. They didn't and that's bad. What does this mean for you? Make sure Wooly is off NSAiDS before surgery, and anything else that might cause him problems! And whenever you have a gut instinct, stick with it because it's probably spot on. Paw parents in this community who have done that have saved their furkids from serious problems, even death.
So I don't leave you hanging, Jersey Girl recovered beautifully from her amputation surgery once we got past those first 2 weeks. She was back to running after balls, insisting on walks (even though she tired easily) and swimming like a champ - her favorite activity. She seemed very happy on 3 legs! I'm sorry to say she didn't make it long as a tripawd - just 39 days - but a tumor in her belly is what took her down, NOT osteosarcoma. I hope that's comforting to you.
Good luck with the surgery. If Wooly is otherwise healthy and has spunk and fight in him, I'm sure he'll do fine. Lean on this community if you have questions or need support. Everyone here understands that what you're going through is mighty scary. We're here for you!
Claudia and Angel Jersey Girl
I think your attitude is terrific, and you sound very, very grounded. Kudos to you for following your heart and making this decision with wisdom and compassion for Wooly.
The thing to remember is, dogs don't keep track of days or weeks or months. They live life day to day and as long as you both make each day count, then that's what makes Wolly happy. If it helps, in all our years here even when a dog "only" gets a month or two after surgery, all but about 3 or 4 people have said they would do it all over again in a heartbeat, that that time together was extremely precious and pain-free. The survey that discusses it is here.
Good luck this week, please let us know how we can help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just wanted to say that I know of a 94 yr old woman who had a hip replacement and is going strong at 98! Tell your vet that. Every person and every dog is different. Magnum was a very active dog but simply adjusted to 3 legs and as the cancer spread she continued to adjust. She loved nothing more than to sit at the front window or sit at the park and watch as her mobility lessened. She was happy. Every dog is different and there are no guarantees. But while she was relatively pain free her quality of life was worth fighting for.
As Jerry says, follow your heart and you will know what is best for you and Wooly.
Good luck.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
I had assumed Wooly's bandages were being changed daily, but while visiting him yesterday, I learned that wasn't the case. So, after leaving there, I had the idea, the desire, to bring him home for a day before his scheduled surgery Friday. I called the vet this morning to ask if there was any reason that I couldn't do this. She said, "He's your dog, you can do what you want with him" which kind of irritated me. I asked if his pain meds were injections, given multiple times a day. She said no, that he was on pills, given twice a day. Once again, different procedures from the two different vets. The main vet had been giving him buprenex (morphine) injections but the other vet was giving him tramadol pills. I have taken tramadol for my back and it doesn't phase the pain, so I don't know why she would give Wooly this when we know his pain has to be severe. I was told that after taking him outside this morning, he just collapsed and wouldn't get up. The kennel girl thought something had happened to him. After finding out what little pain meds he was on, I can understand. He was on 1 tramadol twice a day for the tumor, bumped up to 2 pills twice a day with the closed fracture, why wouldn't he be given more with an open fracture?? After the surgery, I plan to have a chat with both of the vets because I'm not happy with them. I usually like to get different ideas from them, but not with something as serious as Wooly's case. They differed on their opinions as to what was wrong with him (before the open fracture was found), the tests he should have, his treatment, everything...except that he should be euthanized. I was told that they would support whatever decision I made and help me in anyway they could but that hasn't been the case. They've made me feel guilty, confused and alone. Finding this site has helped, reading stories and getting advice. Anyway, I've got my boy home and feel better just having him here, spending time with him. As I said, Wooly came to me as a stray, so he was an outside dog. I've tried to make him an inside dog but he hates it, paces all night. I think he feels confined and it's definitely warm for him. Before anyone gets mad or judges me, let me explain. I had a pole barn built with kennel enclosures in it. The building is climate-controlled, has a bathroom and kitchen, everything needed...if I could only teach the dogs to use the toilet, lol. So, I carried him in the building, set him down, went outside to close the vehicle door and walked back in the building. He was standing there, wagging his tail, which I took as a good sign that he was happy to be home. I had a dr's apt so I put him in a kennel with his doggie bed, sleeping bag and pillow. When I got back, he was shaking a little bit and seemed a tad confused. My paranoid thoughts kicked in...omg, the cancer has gone to his brain. I left his kennel door open and walked to the other end of the building, to the kitchen to get his food. When I turned around, he was standing there, wagging his tail. He had gotten up and walked about 50 feet. I was impressed, especially since the vet kept saying that he didn't want to walk. I opened the back door of the building and out he went, into the yard to do his business, walk around a little bit, sniffing everything.
When I picked Wooly up this morning, I told the vet that if I changed my mind at the last minute I'm sure the other vet would be irritated with me (the one doing the surgery) but I didn't care. This is SO hard. I'm sorry I'm rambling, I've been doing that all week, talking to anyone who will listen, give advice, about Wooly. My own family (father, nephews, who claim to love Wooly, spent years with him) hasn't even bothered to call to find out what's going on. They don't know if I went ahead with the surgery or if he's with my Mom. So, he should be in surgery in about 12 hours....if I can go through with it. I'm sure I won't sleep tonight, toss and turn all night, maybe fall asleep for a while, have terrible nightmares. I'm SO worried about making the "right" decision for Wooly. I read someone's story on here, about what to do with the leg. She was joking about it, her way of dealing with it I guess but it made me realize that I have no idea what happens to it, hadn't even thought of it. I'll have to ask the vet if he'll keep it in his freezer so that it can be cremated with Wooly when the time comes, which hopefully isn't for at least another 6 months. The vet's office is about half an hour from home but I plan to hang out over there, even if I have to wait in my vehicle, until the surgery is over. If something goes wrong during the surgery, I need to be there for Wooly. Ok, I'll end this now. I need to go check on him and then give my cat his sub q fluids. Then, I'll at least try to get some rest.
1 Guest(s)
