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 Tripawds Community,
I'm happy to meet each of you and am looking for advice and wisdom.
My 8-year-old Vizsla was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on the interior of her rear leg on July 8. On July 16, she had surgery to remove it. she was pre-treated with prednisone, which shrunk the tumor to nothing. The surgeon (who was a referral for surgery and was not who diagnosed or pre-treated the tumor) didn't see distressed tissue or cancer when doing the surgery. No signs of cancer were present in the pathology report, which was worrisome. Her stitches were removed on August 2 and by August 5, I saw another bump right under the incision site. After seeing a couple of doctors (who told me they didn't see a bump and I might be over-reacting), I went back to the surgeon for a consult this past Monday. He aspirated and confirmed that cancer was in multiple areas of the leg and likely in the muscle. After his colleagues did a consult with Oncology at University of Illinois, they recommended amputation if Libby's organs are clear. She did her ultrasound yesterday, and her spleen and liver show no signs of cancer. (Phew.) I have amputation of her rear leg scheduled for tomorrow morning.
As you can imagine, I'm in shock, since this has happened so quickly. I only have about 12 hours to prepare for tomorrow's amputation. Can you help me understand how to prepare? I know to have rugs on my hardwood flooring. I live in a third floor walk-up. Will I need to carry her up and down the stairs? For how long? Is there a recommended vest or harness I should purchase?
Libby is spunky, resilient, and feisty. She'll likely handle this better than I will, so anything this amazing community can share would be most appreciated. Thank you. And now ... I need to go prepare for this evening's "Farewell to Four Legs" event. Libby and I will be walking the neighborhood visiting her favorite spots ... she'll be wagging her tale and I'll probably be in tears. <sigh>
Hello and welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not require moderation.
My little pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a mast cell tumor. She lived almost 4 years after her amp and did not pass from mast cell cancer. You can read Maggie's Story and see her Amputation and Chemo regimen if you would like.
You should read through Jerry's Required Reading List or consider downloading from our E-Book selection. Lots of info there from this site on what to expect with amputation, recovery and treatment.
I'm guessing that once she is healed up Libby won't have any trouble with stairs. As a general rule rear amps have more trouble going up, and front amps have more trouble going down. After her amp Maggie couldn't make it up more than two or three stairs- but she was pretty little, only 12 inches at the shoulder so she was trying to jump her body height for every step. She would go down anything, including long flights of stairs.
You are on the right track with rugs for traction - other basics are raised food dishes and a temporary sling if she needs help. If the vet doesn't give you one you can make one easily out of a cloth shopping bag, just slit it down the sides and the handles are built in! As far as harnesses go many here use the Ruff Wear Web Master- but there are others.
Don't get discouraged if Libby isn't herself for a couple of weeks. Some pups sail right through recovery, but most of us experienced lots of ups and downs. I convinced myself that I had made the wrong decision when Maggie was out of sorts for several weeks, most pups come around in two or three weeks. Mag was a stubborn pug who didn't like change in her routine. Once she came to grips with her new normal she never looked back.
Good luck tomorrow, let us know how the surgery goes.
Karen
I love vizsla's they are a beautiful breed. My grandparents (from Hungary) had many in the course of their lives. Very smart dogs, I'm sure she will do well. Post surgery recoup can be varying for each dog our fellow Snoop overall did well minus a little pain med changes. Rest is important since its a major surgery for her(as well for you) 2-3 weeks and they start to be themselves again. Sounds like your set with rugs, we have them all over for snoop, we also have elevated bowls for food and water. Last any concerns never hesitate to call your vet for anything. Good luck with surgery tomorrow.
Esther and Snoop
Oh I forgot come to chat, theres always someone to talk to to help and answer questions. It's been wonderful for us,
Thank you, Karen and Esther. You've definitely helped ease my concerns. I just picked up a Ruffwear harness at my local dog shop and adjusted if for Libby's body. Libby's bowls are set up higher now, too. Knowing it may take 2-3 weeks helps me set my expectations. We're going to try and get a good night's sleep tonight because tomorrow will be a long day.
Hallie and Libby, welcome to Tripawds. I hope the surgery went well yesterday, how is she doing? Please let us know how she's doing OK? And meanwhile if you haven't seen his blog already, be sure to check out Bart the Vizsla's blog, he's amazing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Sorry you have to be here, but there's no better place to be for the circmstances!
We ALL understand the fear, the shock, the tears. We also undersgand you are going to develop a bond deeper than you could EVER imagine!!
The recovery is no picnic But once recovery is completeand the sparkle comes back.....ohhhh my! You will be so glad you did this and took her pain away!
You will learn to live in the present. You will learn to live more like a dog, enjoyong just being loved, not having ANY worries, just living in the moment! Your Libby will become yor role model.
Hang tough, your Libby will do must fine! You will be amazed at how well she adapts!
We are here for you. You are not alone. Stay connected to us, okay?
Surrounding you with calm, strength and hugs!!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Hallie and Libby, we in the 'Tumbles' household hope you are both doing well.
Tumbles, who is a 10 yr old chocolate lab had his front leg removed 6 months ago and so far he's doing great. He has also completed his first chemo treatments successfully and is on his 2nd chemo pill treatment. Those first few weeks after surgery are very tough and you will wonder if you made the right choice but hang in there because it will get better!
This forum has been a great resource for information and the community is super supportive.
Best wishes to you and your beautiful pup.
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