Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I've never posted anything on a site before but this seems to be the most compelling reason I've ever had to try and navigate a forum. It's hard to write anything right now without getting all teared up but the more I read the more I'm realizing that I have to put my sadness aside and make some quick decisions.
The love of my life and my constant companion, Auggie (our 6 year old Golden) started limping two weeks ago. Initially our vet in Gloucester MA said it might be a recurrence of an obscure tick disease that Auggie had last year. She sent me home with Rimadyl and Doxycycline. Four days later the limp was getting worse not better. Back in we went and our vet recommended having X-rays done when their part time orthopedic surgeon was in which was five days later. Rather than wait, I took Auggie up to Dr. Wood at Port City Referral Hospital in Portsmouth NH the next day. Dr.Wood is a wonderful orthopedic surgeon who helped us fix Auggie’s disaster hip replacement two years ago.
Long story short, Dr.Wood found something that he said looked like an osteosarcoma tumor. I knew there was no way Dr.Wood would have said those words if he wasn’t very sure he knew what we were dealing with but he recommended a bone biopsy so we could definitively determine what it was. The results of the biopsy came back positive and we decided to go ahead and have a bone scan done to determine if there was only one tumor and no evidence that the cancer had spread to her lungs or pulmonary system. We picked her up today after leaving her overnight (hated not being with her for even a minute) at the nuclear imaging facility in Portsmouth. Good news is the cancer doesn’t appear to have spread to any other limbs and there was no obvious evidence that it had spread to soft tissue.
I spent this first week crying while my son wasn’t looking, full body sobs. I’ve had heartbreaks before but this one is perhaps the worst because it seems so incredibly unfair to such an innocent wonderful being. Thanks to a vet hospital in Boston, Auggie was laid up for over a year because of a mistake the original surgeon made in sizing her for the joint replacement. It’s a very long story which I had thought had a happy ending until we got this news.
I was hesitant to proceed with an amputation given Auggie is already compromised with her right hip replacement. I’m assured by Dr.Wood that it will likely not be an issue because we are dealing with the right front leg being amputated. Does anyone have any experience with amputation in dogs with hip replacements?
I’ve decided to go ahead and have the leg amputated this coming Wednesday but I’d love some reassurance that I’m making the right decision. I’ve also started Auggie on Beanny’s Anti-Cancer diet (CanineCancer.com) and have an appointment with a holistic vet Dr.Kristin Rennie in Dover NH. I’m willing and able to do anything and everything to give Auggie a fighting chance including chemotherapy. We live North of Boston, is there anyone out there from this area that has done chemo and would recommend their doctor?
Again, I’ve never participated in any online chat group or forum but I’m desperate to get as much information as I can to prepare for what lies ahead. From the stories I’ve read on this site there are lots of people with lots of good ideas and most importantly great support. Thank you in advance for any information you can share to make Wednesday and every day after a little easier.
I'm so sorry what you are going through with Auggie. I'm sorry that you have had to cry in silence. I think a lot of us do that at times.
I can't speak for hip replacement but I can speak of cruciate ligament fixes. Comet, my lab/corgi mix was born without a functioning front left leg. She has had both back knees go out and has had TPLO on both (the kind that has a plate on the knee). Yep, it's scary to think about a 2 legged dog. And for about 12 weeks for each knee surgery, that is what I had to deal with. But it all turned out fine. She's not a great walker with the knees not being as good. But she gets around just fine. She's also over 11 years old.
I'm no vet for sure, but I would guess a hip replacement is as good as a regular hip. It sounds like your vet would know and he is giving you the thumbs up. I can only go by my mom's hip replacement - it's as good as new.
You may be just being scared of everything that is hitting you at once. Once you hear from everyone here that has had cancer amputations, I think you'll feel better.
In the meantime, it is great news that the cancer hasn't spread. (that much I do know!)
Best wishes!
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.
Hi Auggie and Family
I am so sorry for your news. OSA is hard enough. I can see how Auggie's hip replacement would make you worry more. I can't say anything about that, which is your main question. It seems like a good sign that your vet does not think that is a problem. Did you search the tripawds archives for 'hip replacement'?
You aren't alone. Lots of us (most?) never participated in a forum, or a 'chat' (I still haven't tried that blogging thing) until our dogs came up sick. That is a bit of a lie, for I briefly participated in a kidney group years ago but for a similar reason (same dog had kidney issues at that time).
It sounds like you have terrific vets looking after Auggie. I am glad they did such thorough scans at this time. Most of our dogs have chest x-rays but no bone scans, so you have more information than most of us get at the start.
Keep us posted. Hopefully some Boston members will see your post.
Thanks for joining the Tripawds community! We're sorry to hear about Auggie, but glad you found us. You've certainly come to the righ place for advice and support from others who've been down the road you're about to travel.
Your vet knows best, but if Auggie's hips are now healthy, he should do well. Yes, they will take on a bigger task after amputation, but dogs carry 70% of their weight up front. So it his remaining front limb that will be doing most of the work. Best wishes for a perfect procedure and complete speedy recovery. We look forward to following Auggie's progress. He sounds like quite a trooper!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to tripawds. I am so sorry to hear of Auggie's diagnosis. I remember all to well the pain of hearing the word cancer. Please let me assure you that most dogs can do very well on three legs. If your vet feels secure that the hip replacement will not affect Auggie's ability to recover than I would say go for it! The first two weeks can be a challenge but for most dogs after those weeks they can do anything on three legs that they could do on four. Emily could still run like the wind and jump on the trampoline. I didn't realize how much pain Emily was in until she felt better right after surgery than she did before. Good luck with everything. You will be in my prayers.
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.
Thank you everyone for your messages. While this may sound strange, it’s nice to know that you all have faith and trust in the opinions of your vets. Prior to Auggie’s botched hip replacement I never second guessed any doctor, MD or Vet.
Auggie’s pain is definitely getting worse very quickly, despite the tramadol. Given everyone’s comments about the pain relief that comes with the amputation I’m glad we have the surgery scheduled for Wednesday. I’m going to spend today putting down every spare rug I can find. We have a fair amount of hardwood flooring and from what I’ve read on this site slipping can be a big issue. I’m planning on spending a week by her side most of the day post surgery. Will I be able to leave her for a few hours during that week or the next? Any other suggestions for making her homecoming and recouping successful, other than lots and lots of love?
My husband and I both work and at the time could not take much time off work. After picking Emily up from the hospital on Wednesday I went back to work and my husband stayed with her for the rest of the week. Five days after surgery she had to stay home alone. I checked in with her on my lunch break but other than that she was on her own. She did fine. We have two other dogs but the crazy one was in her crate and the lab was protective of her but very laid back. If you have other dogs you may need to separate them while you are gone but that depends on their temperment.
I may have already suggested this, and if I have forgive me, but I would start a good joint supplement if you haven't already. My only other suggestion is to raise your dogs food dish. It will help Auggie with balance if she doesn't have to lower her head all the way to the ground. You don't have to pay for one of the expensive food dishes. We just used a stool and it worked fine.
Good luck on Wed. It really sounds like with the pain Auggie is in she will feel better after the surgery, even when she is recouperating.
Actually I guess I do have another suggestion. Remember that dogs do not have the emotional baggage that people have about amputation. She is, however, still a pack animal so she will be watching the alpha (you) to see how she should react. Be positive around her even if you don't feel very postitive at the time.
Anyway, you and Auggie will be in my prayers and thoughts. Post when you can and let us know how it is going.
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.
I am so sorry to hear about Auggie's diagnosis... 
It's a good thing that you can take some time off after Auggie's surgery... I took about a week and a half to take care of my Jake... I was able to leave the house for a little while, here and there. Just make sure that when you do have to leave the house... to keep Auggie in a limited area while you are away... and make sure to use an e-collar, so that the stitches don't get removed while you're not there.
The first week is usually the worse... Auggie will be very tired, confused (pain meds), have problems balancing (use a sling whenever you can)... but afterwords... things should get easier... if there are no complications, that is. Most of the time (at the beginning)... they will spend sleeping at first, until they need to go potty or eat...
I know it all sounds so drastic... but many dogs have done very well after an amputation... after all... they have 3 more legs left, to help them balance... and the cancer leg is very painful, so once they recover from the surgery... that painful leg is gone and they fell alot better.
I'll be thinking of you and Auggie on Wednesday... Good luck and keep us posted on your sweetie's progress!!!
Sending you all a big hug!!!
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!
Hi, Auggie's mom-
I am sorry I did not read your post until now. We went through some of the same questions you are now going through when our Calpurnia was facing the amputation questions. Cali was (at the time) 12 years old, had severely fractured a rear femur requiring extensive pins and plates, and was facing a front leg amputation. We anguished whether to put our old girl through a surgery that might leave her debilitated, in pain, and unhappy. We ended up getting a second opinion from a surgical specialist who assured us that in her opinion, Cali would be physically capable of being a tripawd. Ultimately, I decided to do the amputation with the thought that if I suspected she was NOT happy or was in worse pain, I we would take the next step and release her.
She surprised all of us with how well she did, and now, two years later at the old age of 14, she is still a happy girl who is getting around just fine. I have her on glucosimine and we do lots of work to keep her fit and flexible. For us the previous fracture repair was not an issue at all.
Good luck to you and Auggie. We're thinking about you.
Gosh, if you went through hip replacement recovery (2x), I'd say you got it made!
And I don't blame you about questioning a vet or MD. I started doing it after my vet of 10 years alluded to me overdosingmy dog with people medicine that killed him suddenly. He died within 3 hours of collapsing. In fairness, my vet said symptoms seemed like he may have gotten into people medicine. He actually died a unknown cancerous tumor on the heart that burst; with all the symptoms of hemangiosarcoma, not an overdose! Thank goodness for the autopsy.
Keep your chin up!! Let us know how it's going!
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.
Mom & Auggie, we are so sorry you got diagnosed, but thank you for making that big step and coming here to share your story. What an honor it is to have you here.
Yep, cancer is darn scary. My pawrents cried a lot when I got diagnosed too, but they did their best to hide it from me. There would be plenty of time for tears later, I told them. And as for "right" and "wrong" decisions? Well, there are no rights and wrongs; just what feels right in your Mom's heart. Go with your instinct, because you are your own pack and nobody else can tell you what should or shouldn' tbe done.
You're so lucky you have a family that loves you so much. And a surgeon you already know? Wow, how cool is that? Not too many dogs get a full scan like that to check for other mets (we've talked about that quite a bit here on Tripawds), that's also really fortunate and great that you live close to such an awesome team of docs.
Stay pawsitive OK? We will be thinking of you this week. Remember, we're here if you need anything. Good luck!
We are
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wow, thank you all so much for the kind words and great advice. While the people in my life are trying to be supportive I think a number of them think I’m being cruel putting Auggie through Wednesday’s surgery. I think the common sentiment is I’m doing it more for me than for her. Knowing what you’ve all encountered helps a great deal in dealing with it all.
Calpurnia is my new inspiration to keep the faith that she will be alright despite her other orthopedic challenges. Thank you.
I took Auggie to the beach this morning, walking in the woods is out because the beautiful New England snow has turned to nasty New England ice. You know your Golden isn’t doing well when she sits down and stares out at the water instead of sprinting down from the car and hurling herself into the fridge waves. More evidence that Wednesday’s surgery is the right thing to do.
Auggie’s been taking Cosequin for her hips for a few years now but we’ve started on a whole bunch of other supplements including this awful smelling Essiac Tea (smells a lot like bourbon but tastes a lot like swamp water). I guess it’s great for boosting the immune system but it is a huge struggle to get Auggie to take it. I’ve resorted to bribery by pouring it over wheat bread which works but I don’t think she should have the calories from the carbs. From what I’ve read carbs and sugars fuel cancer cells. I’ve ordered the K-9 immune vitamins featured on the home page. Hopefully, the holistic vet I’m meeting with this week will say we can discontinue the stinky stuff in lieu of the vitamins.
Luckily Auggie’s nemesis, our Garfield wannabe, Kitty K. Kat (my son is in charge of naming: Augland P. McDoglin and Kitty K. Kat) has picked up on Auggie not feeling well. Normally, Kitty’s day is spent trying to ambush Auggie but yesterday I found them curled up together taking a nap. There is never a camera around when you need one. Anyway, I’m hoping the goodwill continues so I don’t have to separate them during Auggie’s recovery.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. I will be forever grateful to Auggie’s Doctor for recommending I check into Tripawds.com.
Kitty K Kat will be an asset to Auggie when it comes time to heal. You will be amazed. We have rescue kittens who always wanted to play with Caira Sue, but when she was sleeping and trying to heal, they (one in particular) spent a lot of time just cuddled next to her. Nemesis or no, I think they get it.
Kudos to your doctor for recommending this site! If ever there was a greater support system, I haven't seen it. Have you started a blog yet? We would love to see more pictures of Auggie when you have time!
mary
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
I’m completely hopeless when it comes to the computer. It’s a small miracle that I’ve figured out how to post a comment on the Forum page. I tried to start a blog and got nowhere. Maybe while Auggie’s at the hospital having her surgery I’ll distract myself with making another try.
I have to thank everyone who has posted videos. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to prepare my son for the surgery and the videos were invaluable. We just finished watching about ten of them and his first thought was “it looks like Auggie might have a lot of fun hoping around” and off he went. Once again, dear old Mom worrying too much.
I’ve just gotten an email from my vet about Auggie’s diet. I started her on Beanny’s anti-cancer diet (CanineCancer.com) and according to my vet’s nutritionist he strongly recommends against it and in favor of Hills n/d, which I guess is specifically designed for canine cancer patients. I decided to go with making my own food for her so I could control the quality of what she’s eating, am I crazy? Do most people go with a brand name or prepare their own food? She’s thrilled with all the chicken and eggs she’s getting!
Kids are so cute. They certainly don't see disabilities like we adults do. ~~Just add an eye patch and now Auggie will be a peg-legged pirate!!!!~~
I can't add anything on a cancer diet. But one thing to keep in mind with too much soft food, it is really bad on any dog's teeth. We like dry Blue (Buffalo Co.). I think Hills is good - which also manufactures Science Diet. I'm not sure why, but a lot of vets sell Hills.
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.
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