Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, not sure if this is the right place to post this. This is my first time dealing with cancer and it was a shock to hear that my dog has it.
I have a Doberman Pinscher named Nico, who will be 9 years old in September 2016 and has recently been diagnosed with osteosarcoma and I have made the decision to have his right front leg amputated this Friday, August 5, 2016. It started out with a limp and I took him into my vet and had x-rays done and nothing showed up. Two weeks later he was still limping so I took him in again for more x-rays and something showed up on the x-rays but the vet couldn’t tell what it was and asked me to go have an ultrasound done at the cancer center. I had the oncologist do an ultrasound guided needle biopsy and had it sent to Oregon State University, which it came back as bone cancer. Since the cancer is growing into his scapula and might be growing into the muscle I need a board certified surgeon to perform the surgery. While the oncologist was trying to find someone to do the surgery I had Nico do 1 dose of Bisphosphonte treatment called Zoledronate (1 dose per month) on July 19, 2016 . He is currently taking Gabpentin 100 mg 2 x a day, T-Relief (anti-inflammatory) 100 mg 2 x a day, Cosequin 3 tablets a day, and Missing Link, which has the omega 3 & 6 fatty acids with Linolenic acid. I am so glad that we have found a surgeon who will perform the surgery. I plan on doing 2 more doses of Zoledronate and after the third month the oncologist will re-evaluate him.
I am wondering what to expect after surgery and if anyone has any advice for me as I would greatly appreciate it. Also, how would the ruffwear harness benefit my dog if I do not need to help him go up and down the stairs? I was told to make him move on his own and that I would not use this harness until after the stitches are out. I just don't want to do anything wrong or that could hurt my baby as I just want what's best for him.
Nico had parvo when he was 3 months old and I was able to treat him at home and he pulled through. He is a fighter so I know that he is going to fight this cancer and we have got this!
Thanks so much!
Breana
My Otis is capable of getting around on his own too, but the harness is great when we take walks. It allows me to hook the lead to his back, keeping it away from his legs. It is also helpful if you need to assist in getting in and out of the car, or when first learning stairs. Otis likes it, and it leaves him freedom of movement to roll and do his other doggie things. If I need to hold him by my side, I feel more comfortable holding the handle, instead of just the lead, which could put him off balance.
We have a blog if you want to see pictures of him getting around on 3 legs. He cannot take long walks, and we have traction floor mats and rugs down all over the house, but everything else is pretty much the same.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Hi Breana,
Just wanted to let you know that your original post in "Presentation and Diagnosis" has been approved. I'm guessing you posted twice because you haven't seen it yet? Here it is:
http://tripawds.....to-expect/
No need to have two topics going on. So choose one and we can all follow along and help you and Nico better OK? I answered your questions over there.
However I'll answer this one:
Also, how would the ruffwear harness benefit my dog if I do not need to help him go up and down the stairs?
Here's a post that can answer that:
What a Tripawd Harness Will (and Won’t) Do
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Nico and Breana 
Well, we are the opposite of you ... my girl Eurydice is a huge great dane who lost her right front leg to osteosarcoma and one of her best friends is a doberman pincher called Frank, her best friend ever was Frank's mate Sydney, a boxer, who passed recently.
I m sure others will chime in with more specific advice to small breeds but in general everything gets easier after stitches come out regardless of breed size.
I paid special attention to traction to make sure my girl wouldn't slip as that can be a confidence killer whilst they are learning to hop on 3.
The ruffwear harness is fantastic, it helps a lot getting Eurydice in and out of the car and the handle is really helpful.
I imagine even with a "minuscule" dog it will be of enormous help when going up and down stairs until he masters it on his own.
With a small breed, I imagine it's all about building their confidence as they are so much more agile.
Nico is definitely going to surprise you, he will get back into shape sooner than you expect!
We are all right here for you and want updates!
Sending you a big hug and cuddles to your cutie boy
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Oh, I just realised Nico is a regular size doberman so I apologise to him for calling him a small dog ...
I was thinking of Frank, one of my girl 's best friends who is miniature pincher ...
So, the traction and ruffwear advice is more relevant as he is a big breed.
Big hug
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Welcome! As you might guess, I also have a Dobe - named Nitro - who had his right front leg amputated 2 years ago due to osteosarcoma. Nitro will be 11 on Halloween, and is doing great! It was a ruff 2 weeks after surgery, and there were many times I questioned our decision. But he slowly recovered, and I now know it was the best decision ever!
If you have slippery floors, make sure they're covered with either a runner or yoga mats work too. We used the Ruffwear Harness by Webmaster right from the time we picked him up at the vets - some will say wait till the staples come out, but we had no problem. We put it over a t-shirt, and it didn't interfere with the incision at all. We needed it, as he had trouble getting around at first, due in part to the pain meds making him foggy. We slept on the floor with him the first few nights; maybe got 15 min the first nite! In fact, our bed is still on the floor 2 years later. Once the staples/stitches come out, you will really notice an improvement. Keep up on the pain meds; I made a chart and set alarms for the various times and meds. He was on gabapentin and tramadol, and also came home with a fentynl patch. (which he didn't tolerate at all and had to take off early).
Today he is happy and hoppy, can go up and down stairs, and can run like the wind! Good luck, and keep us posted....live chat is great for advice and support, and our helpline is also good when you want to talk to a live body who's been where you are.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
We also have slippery floors everywhere downstairs (cork or hardwood). We opted to go to Home Depot and buy carpet. We bought some carpet that is just 55 cents per sq foot, and comes in 12' wide strips. We bought a number of 2' strips for the main pathways through the kitchen and hallways, and a 4' strip for the landing and near his favorite spot by the slider, and a wider piece for the family room. At 55 cents per sq foot, a 12' by 2' strip is just $13.20, cheaper than many runners. And we were able to pick a berber style that looks ok and should help hide the dirt.
Milo snuck upstairs to start Day 4. The ruffwear harness was huge for us getting him back down the stairs. We haven't used it much other than that because of where his incision is and the shape of his chest. I'm figuring as his incision heals, the harness will help us get him into and out of the truck, and as he learns to master "down the stairs". Milo was about 80 pounds pre-amputation, so carrying him has never really been an option.
Please stay in touch. We just found this group and it's been so incredibly helpful. I hope you find it the same.
Peace,
Jenifer & Milo
Hi All,
Thank you so much for sharing your stories! I'm so glad to hear all your pooches are doing so well! I just joined and I'm amazed at all the great advice and information.
My best friend, Medziah (a 9 year old 40kg Husky/Shepherd mix) was just diagnosed with an osteosarcoma. After an agonizing weekend I have decided to go ahead with amputation and chemo. Breana, my girl is also scheduled for surgery on Friday so it looks like she and Nico will be on the same schedule.
I think I'm mostly prepared (well my house is, my brain isn't). But one major thing i'm not sure about is how to manage my work schedule and being home with her. I work long hours (we have always relied on a fantastic doggie daycare but that is obviously not going to be an option for a little while) and unfortunately i don't have the flexibility to take a big chunk of time off. I can definitely cobble together a group of folks (starring a very kind, semi-retired, doggie-grandma) to help me but it would be helpful to know what kind of timeframe I will need to plan for. How long did you guys find that you needed someone to be home with your pooch?
Thanks very much! Your advice is so appreciated.
Best,
Rebecca & Medziah
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE NICO's avatar picture! Cannot wait to see more!
As you can see Breanna, you are certainly not alone! You've come to the right place for support, information, understanding and a whole.lot of first hand experience!
I really don't have much to add, you've already gotten great advice. As far as not helpi g him up and "making" him do it on his own...nah, that's not what most of us here would recommend. It IS major suregery and it hurts. Plus he's trying to adjust to three legs and having lot.of sore muscles at first...plus he'll be druggy. So if he needs help, and many dogs don't, then help him with a towel sling.
I never had to use a sling or harness with my Hzppy Hannah and she never had to wear the cone. We were lucky in that respect.
You are doing an EXCELLENT job of providing great supplements for Nico, as well as so e of the additional treatments. Nico has pocked a really good human as his companion! 🙂
Stay connected! We are right here bynyiur side, okay, '
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!
medziahsmom said
Hi All,Thank you so much for sharing your stories! I'm so glad to hear all your pooches are doing so well! I just joined and I'm amazed at all the great advice and information.
Hi Rebecca, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
I'm sorry to hear about Medziah. I know this is a tough road at first but as you can see you have an amazing community ready to help.
When it comes to recovery times, all dogs are different. Some need more time than others but generally at the two week mark they're pretty OK to be left on their own while their people go to work so they can pay off the vet bills 😉
Is there any way you can board her at the vet clinic for a few days, just so you can start whatever time off from work you can get a little later in her recovery? Just thinking out loud.
As long as your house is "Trirpawd-proofed" and she has someone to check on her a few times a day, she should be good. Odds are she'll sleep all day while you're off at work so try not to worry too much.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I stayed home for 7 days - two weekend days included. I left Otis alone for the first time a week after his surgery - he was fine. Thereafter someone just checked on him during the day. I think you will be fine with your group of babysitters, as long as you can keep Medziah in a single room or a pen, with stairs and furniture blocked off. and you might want to keep a log book - daily med schedule, when Medziah eats, drinks, pees and poops, etc.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Hi Rebecca and Medziah!
I'm sorry you have to be here, but as you can see, there is no better place to be for understanding, information, support and first-hand knowledge. We are right by your side the whole way, especially recovery time.
I know getting to this point is extremely stressful and scary. Oddly enough, there is a sense of relief once the decision is made to amputate and you can move forward.
Remember, Medziah doesn't give a rip about any ole diagnosis ir statistics. He doesn't count days on a calendar and he doesn't have a timeframe stamped anywhere in his butt! He lives in the moment and has NO worries about tomorrow. All he cares about is being by your side getting loved and spoiled!
Stay cconnected! You are not alone! And would love to see more pictures!
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!
My oncologist states that Zoledronate is an osteoporosis therapy that might have anti cancer effects but helps control bone break down and therefore bone pain. It is given through IV so it goes everywhere in the body to treat the primary tumor and any itty bitty metastis sites. It also has a low chance of side effects.
Amputation takes care of 98% of the disease and we are left with 2% which can grow new tumors. Therapy addresses this possibility and slows it's appearance in the body.
She also said not to use supplements with greater than 50 IU of vitamin E since it can inhibit the activity of many chemotherapy agents and these are often a vital part of the therapy protocol. Many pet foods are using vitamin E for a preservative. Based on amount of vit E in these foods each meal is typically below the point where it can cause problems with response to drugs.
She says consider adding caffeine free green tea extract as another supplement as this has been shown to have suggestive positive influence on cancer survival in humans. Use the smallest milligram dose capsule available. We recommend Life Extensions Decaffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract. Give one capsule by mouth once everyday. You can find this at Super Supplements or Amazon (to name a couple).
So, the Vet clinic that is performing the surgery is going to keep him there and I will be able to pick him up on Sunday or Monday. I am going to stay home for two or three days and then work half days for the next two to three weeks depending how Nico does.
I just wanted to thank everyone for all their support and awesome advice! I am just waiting for the big day now (which is tomorrow) and I will keep you all posted! I am excited about all of this as I know that this is going to relieve the pain for him and make his quality of life so much better!
Thank you,
Breana and Nico
Thank you so much!
Breana & Nico
Hi Jerry,
My oncologist is Lisa Parshley DVM, Ph.D DACVIM (oncology)
at Olympia Veterinary Specialists - The Cancer Center
115 Eastside St NE, Olympia, WA 98506
# 360-339-3596
She is awesome!!
Thanks for taking the time to share some good information in supplements, Zoledronate, etc.
You have a great attitude. I know getting to this point is stressful to say the least! It may be hard the first week or so of recovery, so stay connected. We are right here by your side.
Deep breaths....eat bags of CHOCOLATE....Nico will do just fine!
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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