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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We just had our 8 year old Belgian Mal’s front left leg amputated. We found a bulge on the distal end of it. She’s adapted phenomenally. We are going to consult Oncology and take what time we have left. Research and med journals state that amputation and chemo are the best outcomes, so that’s what we did. Our Mila had a pathological fracture as well to that paw. She had a clear chest X-ray and other front limb. We spoke to two didn’t vets at our normal clinic. One said he’d medicate and let her be comfortable and the other said he’d amputate and do chemo and get the most time. Mila is a large breed and she’s done just fine.
Jessica and Mila, welcome! We are so glad you joined us to share your story. Your future posts wont' need approval.
Dogs of all sizes can do really well on three legs, especially breeds like Mals. Good for you for not going with the vet who said he would medicate her only. That is old school thinking! Also, many dogs will get extra bonus time after amputation and chemo, so you just never know. We hope with all our heart that Mila does too.
Let us know what the oncologist says. And if you'd like to include photos of Mila here's how adding images works in the Forums. Let us know if you'd like help. Can't wait to see her!
We know it's quite "upsetting" to hear the diagnosis and then tonjave t0 amputate, deal with with recovery, etc.
HOWECER, you have a great attitude and you have done uour research.
There is no timeframe stamped on Mila's butt and she certainly doesn count days on a calendar. As you noted, basically you'll "take what time she has left" And making the best out of each moment we have is the great lesson our dogs teach us. Mila isnt worried about the tomorrows. Mila loves in the present, in the NOW. We call that Be More Dog .
It's always good to hear how well large dogs do on three. She'll I aspire envies with big dogs and give them the reassurance they need to help in their decision.
And yes, can't wait to see pics!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
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