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 All,
Just thought I would join and post to say HI ! and tell you all a little about Breeze.
Breeze is a 8 year old bullmastiff, she started limping about 4 weeks ago and we all thought she had strained her leg. The limping got progressively worse so we took her to the vet's (which she hates).
They took some x-rays and diagnosed osteosarcoma in her front leg, right at the top where the joint meets the shoulder.
The only option they gave was that it would worsen and she would have to be put to sleep.
I spent the next few days researching this cancer and looking into treatments, when I found Liverpool veterinary Hospital here in the UK, they specialise in treating canine cancer.
Having persuaded my vet to refer Breeze, I saw them yesterday.
They did some scans and more X-rays and confirmed the diagnosis, there has been no spread to the lungs so far. I'm advised that the best treatment would be amputation and then chemotherapy, at this point my world started to fall apart. I was convinced that due to get size 105lbs she was to large for amputation and felt that it would be unfair to her to make her suffer surgery and then not be able to walk.
I just want to say thanks to all on this site especially those with large breeds, you have all opened my eyes, I have reconsidered and feel this is the last gift I can give her. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday next week, I hope and prey that I have done the right thing and reading some of your stories on here I feel that life does go on, and that 3 paws are better than none.
I'll try and keep you all updated as to how the procedure goes and how Breeze reacts for now I think I am just looking for some reassurance, I would welcome some of your comments.
Cheers all
Rhys
I am so sorry that your dog has to fight this terrible disease, but there is some hope that she can have a good quality of life for many more months. My English Mastiff Tazzie lived 14 months after amputation and chemo and she did really well! She weighed 185# after the amputation and she was up and walking within 3-4 days and really never looked back. We did keep her away from long flights of stairs and her endurance decreased (no more 2 mile walks) but she was very happy and able to hop around the yard and play with the other dogs.
We lost her this past October after the cancer spread to her spine but I have no regrets at all about any of her treatments. If you have any questions please let us know! You are also smart to take your dog to a specialist where she will get the best care.
Pam
Hi Pam.
Thanks for your kind words, Sorry that Tazzie lost her fight, but I am so glad that you had the extra time.
I just hope that Breeze copes.
Rhys
Thank you for joining Rhys! We are sorry to hear about Breeze but glad you found us.
You have great timing with your first post as we had just published Tazzie's osteosarcoma treatment plan in the Tripawds Nutrition Blog :
Tazziedog Shares her Canine Cancer Treatment
The post includes details about Tazzie's metronomic protocol and other supplements as well as a link to her video. We wish you the best for Breeze and look forward to hearing all about her quick, pain-free recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to our club (that no one wants to have to join 😛 )!!! A cancer diagnosis is devastating and I think I cried everyday for the first month and had horrible anticipatory grief (where I felt like Jack was dead even though he was perfectly fine and dandy). We recently passed our 6 month mark, and he's still doing well! He's only 40 pounds so I can't offer any advice in terms of large breeds, but I'm offering my support and happy thoughts towards you and Breeze. Let us know how he's doing!!!
<3 Laura and Lazy Jack
Hello Rhys and Breeze.
My tripawd is a 160lb Saint Bernard (Peanut). She had her surgery just over 3 months ago. She was mobile the very next morning. We decided not to do chemo, and to just focus on some lifestyle changes to her diet and general care. So far, xrays have shown NO cancer spread. I firmly believe that her great spirit and my positive thinking has gone a long way.
So... I'm sending positive thoughts your way.
Let us know how the surgery goes and prepare yourself for recovery period of at least 2 weeks (adapting to the 3 legs, being on meds, etc).
I know this is probably the last type of forum any dog owner wants to join, but we welcome you with open hearts and hope you'll be a member and friend for a long time. There's a wealth of information, helpful advice, and much needed emotional support on this site.
Take care,
Melanie, Peanut (tripawd), and Bubba (non-tripawd).
~*~*~ Peanut is strength, love, and happiness. ~*~*~ 11/30/03 – 12/26/09
Rhys,
Let me join everyone else in welcoming you to tripawds. Getting a cancer diagnosis certainly is terrible experience. When we found out Emily had an OSA I could hardly breathe. I was so grateful to find triwards and I think you will be too. Emily was only 65 pounds so I can not offer any advice on that front but do want to assure you that you have made the right decision for Breeze. Bone cancer is such an extrememly painful desease and without amputation Breeze would have break after break until you had to put him to sleep. We lost Emily a little less than six months after amputation but they were pain free until towards the end when the cancer spread to her spine. We have no regrets.
Breeze will be in my prayers Tuesday as will you. Keep us informed.
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.
When we got the diagnosis of cancer, the vet suggested amputation as an option my first reaction was NO! He explained things to me and I told him I would have to think about it. I got Tasha out of the office and was letting her go potty before heading home with a broken heart. Looking at her I knew I had to give her a chance and let her remaing time be spent pain free. So back into the office we went and we made the appointment for surgery. Today we are almost 3 months out and they have been wonderful. Tasha is not quite as big as your girl, she weighs 92 lbs. she runs and plays and sometimes jumps into the car, life is almost back to normal, except that we now have one very spoiled dog, but that is fine and she deserves to be spoiled. All the best on Tuesday with Breeze, we will say an extra prayer for you and your girl.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Hi Rhys and Breeze,
First of all I am sorry you HAD to find us, but glad you did. I have one of the smallest tripawds- Maggie is a 16.5 lb pug girl. I'm not much help on the giant breeds except to say I have seen Cemil in action (watch for a post from them), and he is doing fine.
What I can offer is on the adaptability side- when you have a chance, and if you are interested read Maggie's story in her blog. She is not an adaptable dog, one of my biggest fears was that she would not adapt well to being a tripawd. She took longer than most to come around- but she did, and I have not regreted the decisions I have made for her.
The first two weeks or so can be tough, with recovering from major surgery, adapting to new balance, and all the meds- so don't get discouraged. Most of us had many ups and downs those first few weeks, it is normal under the circumstances.
You have found a great resource here and a wonderful support group who have been there and understand completly.
Good luck with the surgery- looking forward to more posts.
Karen and the pug girls.
Hello and welcome "across the pond".
I am so sorry that your girl is fighting cancer. I am glad that you got another opinion. I don't think you will regret it…..most of us haven't. Breeze will amaze you with her spirit after surgery,
The first 2 weeks can be tough but our pups usually do better than the humans!!
Once again welcome and take good care,
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
krun15 said:
...Cemil in action (watch for a post from them)
FYI: You can use the Members search button at top to search for members by name and find all topics they have started, or posted in.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to welcome you and tell you we're sending healing thoughts your way for Tuesday. It is a tough decision, but we've all made it and know how you feel. This isn't the journey we've always wanted, but it is the one we will make each and every day with our faithful friends.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Rhys and Breeze,
Welcome to our Tripawds family!! I'm so sorry to hear about Breeze's OS diagnosis. We all know how devastating that is...
As you've seen from other member's posts on Tripawds, large breed dogs can also do well with just 3 legs. Prepare yourself for the first 2 weeks post op. Have some doggie beds and/or comforters placed around the house, wherever you all hang out, so that Breeze can just plop down and be with you, wherever you are in the house. When you are not there, she should be confined. She will definitely not have too much energy soon after the surgery... and she'll be plenty doped up on pain meds. So, she will probably have a hard time balancing, at least the first few days, or week. Have a sling ready to help her walk (well, she's gonna hop more than walk afterwards). Once the stitches come out, she can wear a harness... it is a tremendous help!!!
She'll have meds for post-op pain, as well as antibiotics, and/or anti-inflammatories... a bunch of pills! If you're not comfortable with popping pills, have some cheese, peanut butter or cream cheese available to hide the pills in (or anything else you can think of to hide the pills in). Ask your vet or vet tech to demonstrate how to give pills yourself, in case she figures out what's in her treats! 
She needs to take ALL her medicine..
You should probably have a few big T-shirts on hand for her to wear until her stitches come out... you definitely DON'T want her to lick her incision! If she still licks throught the T-shirt, then maybe she'll have to wear an e-collar... at least while you are asleep and can't watch her. No jumping up on couches or the bed, no climbing stairs... Make sure she eats and drinks, and if she has no appetite, then anything you can add to her food to coax her would be a good idea.
And last (but not least) give her plenty of love and affection!!! Spoil her rotten!!! 
And try not to cry in front of her... She won't understand what's wrong, and may even think it's something she's done...
There will be so many ups and downs while she recovers... and throughout this whole journey... but don't worry... we've all gone through it! And we'll all be here for you every step of the way!!! So you won't be alone!! I don't know if I could have ever gotten through any of this without the wonderful support of all the Tripawd members!! They are awesome!!! 
I'll be thinking of you and Breeze on Tuesday!!! Keep us posted!!!
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!
Hello Rhys and Breeze
Cemil is an Anatolian Shepherd, 148 lbs, whose story is very similar to Breeze's. Limping, x-ray, osteosarcoma diagnosis (also near the shoulder) and a recommendation for amputation. I was resistant at first, but after some research, decided that would be the best solution. Cemil's surgery was on January 26, almost 11 months ago, and he's getting around fine.
You know the first two weeks can be rough, but after that, you'll see your dog transformed into the dog she was before all the pain started. She'll figure out ways to do all the things she did before and maybe some (video-worthy) new ones.
You'll meet Bob and Cherry, who preach that treating the spirit is as important as treating the body. Cemil's motivating activity is going to the dog park. His happiness blossomed as I started doing that more. It's something to think about as you're planning your new life.
Looking forward to the continuing story of Breeze!
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Rhys and Breeze,
We are very sorry for the diagnosis but as you can tell you have found a great community filled with wonderful people who are willing to share their diverse experience base, provide suggestions, and be there for support. We did not log on earlier this afternoon and you can tell from the excellent comments above that you will get support. Pam and Tazzie should provide you optimism that Breeze can return to a very good quality of life. In the end, this was our only concern with Cherry and tomorrow she will be 13 months since her amputation. We will not sugar coat the journey that you are facing but normally they will amaze you with their ability to adapt. For Cherry, the chemotherapy was worse than the amputation, but even that did not have many of the complications that are associated with human chemotherapy. A few things that may help you prepare for Breeze’s return from surgery. Stealing from a recent Jerry posting, I would suggest:
What to Expect Part 1: http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2: http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
Also, there are my usual suggestions:
1) Remain as positive as possible around Breeze. They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder. I have often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile. It will make a difference.
2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that they love and can still do during recovery. Then exploit that love to give them purpose. For Cherry, it was/is her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. To this day, as the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow. Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool. Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable. View the Fun! Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips. Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary! Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years. View the fun! Help them find a purpose to fight.
3) Consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted much it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog which is also a great idea. This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition. I have a page of thumbnail photos (with links to larger versions) covering from just after the diagnosis, first days home, chemotherapy treatment, through recent days. View Cherry’s TriPawd photos.
Tuesday is penciled on the calendar, we will be sending positive thoughts, prayers and we will adjust for the time change.
Bob & Cherry
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