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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I'm really trying to Be More Dog , but frankly, am failing badly. Last night I thought one of Clyde's back legs looked swollen. He's a fuzzy guy, so thought it might just be the way his fur was laying. Ran my hand over it and there is a hard lump on his hock. On his back right leg (same side as his amputation). He doesn't seem to be in any pain, is bouncing around like he always does. But my heart is broken. I'm going to take him in on Thursday (I can't go until Thursday) and see what the vet has to say. I'm so afraid its another osteo lesion, and if it is, there is nothing more to do but let him go. And I can hardly face that right now - I've been completely spoiled by how well he's done and for how long, that I think I kind of thought he could go on this way to the end of his natural life. This is a big wake up call. I hate this disease.
Okay, okay....some deep breaths. Really! BREATHE.....BREATHE.....
I know it's hard not to tink the worst possible scenario! We all do that really well here! It's hard to remember that sometimes a lump is just a lump, a hiccup is just a hiccup, and a sneeze is just a sneeze! And very, very often that's all it is!
For whatever it's worth, Osteo usually does not go from one limb to another. it does happen sometimes, but it is very rare. You are taking him in to get him check and I think you will find that, in this case, I llump is just a lump! Try and put all the worrying on the back burner for now. The vet will check him out Thursday treat it if it needs any attention.
The fact that there is no pain and Clyde is feeling just fine is great news! That is something to really feel encouraged about!
It's hard to "Be More Dog " 24/7. so give yourself a little break if you're not able to do it consistently. None of us are. However, do try to stay away from thinking worst-case scenarios as they usually don't happen, especially when a dog is feeling as good as Clyde is!!
We'll be waiting for an update Thursday. In the meantime, we need to see some pictures of your handsome boy! We haven't had a Clyde fix for quite a while! Hint!
Love and 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!
You'll be worried until you were at the vets anyway, but I agree with Sally that Osteo doesn't re-occur in the same way usually. If it's the same side as the amp it may be that it's just the extra stress and strain on that leg.
You are way better at 'being more dog' than me, I worry constantly and I'm sure that your way is a lot better for both you AND your dog. We'll keep you in our thoughts on Thursday and you're right: for all involved there is not much that is nastier than this stinking disease.
much love and positivity from
Manni and Tina
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
Update on Mr. Clyde. Basically, we don't know what's going on. Initially, the vet thought it was arthritis. He x-rayed him, and then came out and was asking me how long the lump had been there. Sadly, I have no idea. I never noticed it until Monday. I used to do his grooming most of the time (as opposed to the groomer) but haven't for over a year (he goes to the groomer now because its easier on him than me getting him in and out of the tub, etc.). So it could have been there for a year. He's so fluffy most of the time, that I wouldn't notice it unless I was running my hands down his legs. Which I've probably done, but who knows.
The vet said that its smooth and that the joint (other than where this mass is) is not involved at all, so no arthritis. Does not look on xray or act like osteo (no pain, etc.), and is not in an area where osteo usually shows up. It could be that he bumped himself somewhere along the line and it calcified. He said the lump looks to have been there awhile because it has mineralization. It could also be some sort of tumor. We could do a needle aspiration, but he said it probably wouldn't yield results because its too hard for a needle to actually penetrate. He also said that if it is a tumor, the only treatment would be radiation and I'm not going to do that anyway.
I forgot to ask if there's a risk of fracture, and have a call in to him today with that question. Yesterday, the vet said we could just watch it. So I'm hopeful there isn't a risk of fracture like with osteo.
He's still a happy guy and that's what matters most. 
Well Clyde! You just like to keep people guessing, huh?
Sou ds like the Vet has ruled out anything "horrible" and doesn't seem too worried aboht things. The fact that it could be some calcification from some early bump seems to make the most sense
A d like you said, Mr ADORABLE CLYDE IS HAPPY and that's all any of us need to know!
Keep in rockin' sweet boy! We're so proud of you!! 🙂
Love!
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!
1 Guest(s)
