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 everyone! Looking for some perspective as we are new to all of this and facing a difficult decision many of you have faced.
Our sweet boy just turned 9, and he is a shepherd/boxer/rottweiler mix, weighing about 75 pounds. He's quite active -- 1-2 mile walks every day, longer walks/hikes on weekends, loves to play fetch and sprint in the yard, loves to swim, constantly playing with his toys, etc. He even loves playing with younger puppies, and we took him dock diving about a month ago where he had a blast.Â
Over the past two weeks, he developed a limp that would not clear up, and we've just found out it is likely soft tissue sarcoma on his upper front arm (confirming with cytology, but the doctor was pretty confident based on the sample; we do not yet know the grade). Our vet recommended amputation of his front right leg up to the scapula. Xrays showed his chest is clear, which we are relieved about, and she thinks he would be a good candidate as he is "orthopedically sound" (no arthritis, though one back knee was a little "crackly" at his last annual so we just started him on joint supplements a couple of months ago).Â
We have an appointment with an oncologist next week to get more information and try to make the best decisions here, but I am just so scared. Anything you all can share would be appreciated.Â
Thank you
Welcome to you and your sweet boy. (What's his name?) Your post is been approved and we look forward to supporting you as you navigate through the amputation journey.
It sounds like your boy jas been confirmed to be a really good candidate for amputation.  YAY for clear xrays! Good news!!
Although he's a vig ,boy, we've had many, many dogs much larger. My own Happy Hannah was at 125 lbs.....some Great Danes come in at 170 lb plus.
Gonna give you a couple of links to start with that can provide you with lots of information about recovery, what to expect, how to best mange the first week or two while recovering, etc. As "-they' say...knowledge is power. Â
 https://tripawd.....-to-expect
https://tripawd.....management
Is he on any pain management now?   Â
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We know all of this sounds so scary right now. You are doing what needs to be done to five your boy a pain free quaility life for more spoiling, loving, hiking and dock diving! We actually have a trip who has participated in dock diving. I'll try and find his story.
Stay connected and ask us any questions as they arise, okay? You are not alone!!!
HugsÂ
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!
Thank you! His name is John 🙂 We will read up on these links!Â
He is on some pain management right now while we wait for his oncology appointment -- Gabapentin 300 mg 2-3x daily, and Rimadyl 75 mg 2x daily. It does seem to be helping, even while he's still limping he's been much more like himself. Any recommendations for what we can do to play with him/keep him happy and occupied while he's resting (as we don't want to strain his "bad" leg right now and cause more pain, but he's clearly missing his walks and activities)?Â
We are so grateful to have found this community. Thank you thank you thank you.
John! Such a great name 😎😎😎
Here's a link for some interactive games to stimulate and occupy his mind
Â
  https://gear.tr.....ain-games/
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For some fun views, take a look at this dog enjoying some dock diving as well as jumping in the water holding his breath and bringing up a tennis ball.
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!
It's so nice to meet you and John! Sorry about the diagnosis but we can hopefully help make it easier for you.
interactive brain games are so fun! And it's super smart of you to focus on keeping his mind busy (which can actually be more tiring and satisfying than physical activity). We just ran a post about scentwork not too long ago, give it a try:
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