Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My rottie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in May of 2009, and had an amputation of rear right leg in June. She has (thus far) successfully undergone chemo, and seemed to be doing so well. Then one day she just couldn't walk. She was scooting on her rear, and dragging the one back leg she still had behind her. She has now been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and because she only has one rear leg--and because of her age and cancer condition--cannot have any surgery for the hip dysplasia. We are trying medical treatments, and will try acupuncture in about a week, but the vet is concerned that if the dog can't walk, how will she have any real quality of life?
Aside from the unfairness of this--for the dog to fight and stave off cancer and then to end up with hip dysplasia--is the breeding question. We got this rottie through a rescue, but never knew that they were genetically prone to osteosarcoma and hip dysplasia. There is something wrong with the breeding being carried out that these wonderful dogs are so suspectible to terrible diseases. Makes me thing that maybe the mutts are the best.
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Martie, we are so sorry about your girl. Losing the function of the remaining leg on the amputation side is the biggest nightmare that Tripawd pawrents have. It sounds lke you are really doing everything you can to help, please remain hopeful that acupuncture will help. We know it has in a number of instances, and gotten dogs who couldn't walk, back walking and having a normal life.
Have you consulted with another vet about her condition? Sometimes this kind of thing is due to something that is temporary, a slipped disc or pinched nerve. Please don't give up hope until you know for sure what the diagnosis is. Many vets have been proven wrong the first time out. And if it does come to the fact that the situation is permanent, we know a lot of dogs who have led great lives with the aid of wheelchairs. We recently did a post about Doggone Wheels here.
As far as "mutts being best..." well, yeah! I'd say so! I was half border collie. But, you see, I still wasn't immune from getting cancer. There are just so many things that can contribute to various diseases and conditions. Please try not to look back with regret, but look ahead to how you can help your girl live a great life. Remember, dogs don't have regrets, that's a human thing.
Good luck with your pup. Please let us know how she's doing and how we can help OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you, you do always give such a good perspective on things. The xrays pretty much confirm hip dysplasia, the irony being that the leg that was amputed--that hip socket looks perfect. She has fought osteosarcoma so hard. We aren't young and a 75-lb rottie isn't easy to handle, but we really love her and are doing everything that we can--and holding out lots of hope for the acupuncture. Our rottie has a facebook page (it's amazing how many dogs do!) and has lots of rottie "friends", it is just terrible to see how many of them have osteosarcoma. I've posted the link to your web site on Facebook, and I think it really helps people. Thanks again for all that you do.
Martie,
Has your vet tried adequan shot with your girl? Is she on a joint supplement? My Emily also had hip dysplasia in her remaining back leg. Like your dog her hip on her amputation site was in perfect shape. Ironic, isn't it?
I am struggling about telling you this. On one hand ignorance is bliss but on the other hand, information can be powerful. I would suggest that if your vet has not already done so have him or her do an xray furthur up the spine. Emily had similar symptoms and hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis were both indicated on her hip x-ray. What was causing her symptons, however, was the cancer had moved to her spine but higher than a hip xray would show.
I am not saying this to scare you and I am sorry because I know it will. This is only MY experience. I hope with all my heart you will hate me for scaring you and it will be a false alarm. Emily had a lot of pain while we tried so many different things. Another tripawd member had shared her experience with me but because Emily could wag her tail (stumpy really, she was a doberman mix) and had good anal tone (according to the vet) we did not think it was the cancer.
Like you, I struggled with the injustice of it. It is not fair. I have to take comfort in th fact that Emily is no longer in pain and can run free. I always say that she got her wings and regained her fourth leg but truthfully, she didn't seem to miss the leg.
What is your dog's name?
Again, if I have upset you, I am sorry. I am only telling you this because if we had known Emily was suffering so much (she was very stoic) we would have let her go sooner. Yes, we would have missed her sooner but it would have been better for her. Like I said though, this is MY story. It does not mean it is your story.
My prayers are being said for you.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Hi Martie
I am sorry to hear the problems you are now having after having gone through the whole amputation and chemo thing. I hope you have had some great time with your pup so far (as we did following amputation in July, my Tazzie passed in December) and hope you can solve this current hurdle. I am glad that Emily described her situation, even though we do not want to alarm you. That is definitely a possibility about which you need to be aware. Based on an x-ray, my vet too pronounced that my Tazzie could not walk (the hip was SOO bad); even though he was walking and running just fine (She said 'no stairs', no off-leash time' etc). Yet that did not slow him down in the least; he charged up and down stairs and stared the doggy chases at the park. Just because a dog has rotten hips on an x-ray does not necessarily mean they can't walk. If the trouble indeed is related to rotten hips, maybe it is best to wait and see if the acupuncture helps.
For supplements, you are probably already on glucosamine-chondroiton. You might also want to try Power Mushrooms, distributed by Acupuncture Atlanta. They are a general immune system booster, but gave my pup a large extra boost of energy when his mobility started to become compromised - that was due to the cancer spreading.
The history of dog-breeding is not a pretty sight. The goal has been to breed close relatives, e.g, grandparents with grandchildren, to fix certain traits. Anyone who has taken a basic genetics course knows the problems with that strategy. The appearance of traits that would otherwise have remained rare has resulted. Rotties and golden retrievers unfortunately are highly disposed to OSA, as you can see on this website. Of course they are not alone and giant breeds are highly susceptible too.
There are still many mutts like me, or even muttier dogs like Caira Sue and Jackers on this site (no offense - I LOVE mutts). OSA is a common affliction. In my case, I think I had too much Great Pyrenees in me, because I started to have health issues typical of pyrenees this summer (torsion and then OSA 5 weeks later). It is definitely worthwhile looking into a breed's health issues before you adopt a dog. Many people have favorite breeds and will get those breeds no matter what. But being aware of those health issues can help people select an individual (e.g., a smaller great dane) that might lessen the risk and to be alert to symptoms if they appear. I love having a larger dog, but might be scared into adopting 'one size smaller' next time around. It is all too fresh to say.
As Jerry taught us to say, "please register on this site so your posts appear without having to wait for moderation."
Best of luck to you and your pup (what is her name?)
Hi Marti,
I can't imagine the agony you are going through. I've dealth with hip dysplasia with many dogs from years ago. It can be any of them. A full blood chow, a lab boxer mix and another big dog mix, two of them had surgery.
I'm with Debra, try the adequan shots. Some dogs see a fast improvement.
Also, there is now stem cell therapy. "75% of these dogs with arthritis have an improved quality of life after Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell therapy."
http://www.vet-.....allanimal/
I don't know if it works. I know my dog's specialist vet is schooled in it but I have never talked to him about it.
Best of luck -
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
The stem cell research sounded really good to me and before we knew that the cancer had gone to Emily's spine we were going to check it out. However, Tazzie's Pam said that it is not for cancer dogs because the stem cells might turn into cancer cells. I don't really understand the science but Pam is a vet so I know she knows what she is talking about.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
HI Marty,
I'm so sorry that your rottie is now having problems with her remaining back leg. I totally agree with some of the other members here about having the vets check his spine. My Jake was 10yr old, so when he started having some problems with his back legs several weeks after his amputation surgery, we just assumed it was because of the extra weight he had to bear on his remaining 3 legs, and with his senior age... dealing with arthritis or hip dysplasia... but it progressed very quickly and at one point he was no longer able to move his back legs and was in extreme pain. In his case, his cancer had spread to his spine and we had to let him go.
Again, none of us wants to scare you... just share with you our stories, and hopefully, you'll find out that your rottie's problems are not due to her cancer spreading... But if it really is hip dysplasia and they can't do surgery... then perhaps they can try the adequan injections, as well as high dose glucosamine/chondroitin supplements.
Keep us posted, and don't forget to let us know what your baby's name is! You and your sweetie are in my thoughts and prayers...
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Hey,
Just wondering how your girl is doing?
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Thanks to all of you for your comments. I never thought of the cancer, the vet always checks the lungs but not the spine. I will ask the vet about checking. "Killer"--a misnomer if there ever was one--is on the adequan, and will see the acupunture vet tomorrow. So far the adequan isn't having any effect. She seems to be in a lot of pain, and has started urinating in the house--she will be flat on her back and out it comes--and has never, ever done that before. That can always be cleaned up, but she seems to be in so much pain. She has never cried before, not even when the tumor was in her leg before the amputation, so it is quite upseeting to hear it all the time. We'll see what the acupuncture vet says tomorrow.
Emilysmom said:
I am struggling about telling you this. On one hand ignorance is bliss but on the other hand, information can be powerful. I would suggest that if your vet has not already done so have him or her do an xray furthur up the spine.
This is what we love so much about our Tripawds family. Words cannot describe the care and compassion you show toward others. And when we can't remember everything to suggest, someone else here always does. Thank you for being so courageous in offering this kind of scary, but necessary advice.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
martie said:
We'll see what the acupuncture vet says tomorrow.
Martie, we send our love and hope that things get better. You are an awesome pawrent for showing the kind of dedication and love that you do. Please give Killer a big Rottie hug from us. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
(This is the 3rd time I'm trying to post this--connection problems--so please ignore if a repeat). My rottie "Killer" had a really interesting experience with acupuncture. Though she didn't jump and and dance on her one "bad" back leg, all the stress in her seemed to just melt away. What started as a deep growl as the vet rubbed her neck, "pinned" her head, and gently massaged her back leg==well if Killer were a cat she would have been purring. I have no idea if this will cure her hip dysplasia, but it sure unwound her. The vet was noncommital, and we go back in a week.
Interesting her response to acupuncture!!! Hope it helps her HD.
Maggie LOVES acupuncture as well....she konks right out..sleeps and then awakes about 20 minutes later, take the needles out and she's like in a stupor like she doesn't realize she went to sleep and doesn't know where she is! She LOOOOOVVVES needles 😉
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Jerry melted during his first acupuncture session too! We believe it worked wonders for his ACL tear and hope it also helps for Killer. The video we linked to includes tips for massaging the spine which should help in between acupuncture sessions.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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