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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My dogs name is Cooper, 8.5 yr old shepherd mix diagnosed with digital adenocarcinoma after 8-9 months of suspicious bump on front left middle paw pad.
Last Monday our consultation with surgeon at specialty hospital, we ran CT scan along with tests of other lymph nodes. Everything came back clear suggesting the cancer was localized, which makes sense since he hasn’t displayed any other symptoms other than obsessing with getting to this paw and licking his wound raw.
We followed doctors advice to proceed with front left leg amputation, especially considering the recovery time and wanting to get clean margins. I had been an absolute wreck all week after having to make this decision for my baby but I need to do what is best for him and to pray for a long healthy life after we get through this. last Friday - He got out of the hospital from surgery and hopped right towards me, has been eating well, still working on potty time, but he went straight for snuggles.
Wondering if there are any suggestions as far as tools, diets, supplements and especially treatments to ensure having only one front leg is comfortable.
Also, pending oncologist input, if I see no signs of distress or cancer - how often should I touch base with an oncologist/specialist? Should we get regular checks on his solo front right leg to ensure that doesn’t turn into a pain point?
Also is digital adenocarcinoma still as rare as it seems to be?
Hi Jacqueline, welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away! I'm sorry you and Cooper had to join our club but so glad you found us. Sounds like his recovery is going really well, it's the type of recovery we all hope for!
Yes we have tons of recommendations for you! Best place to start is with the Tripawds Recovery Shopping List , which gives you a run-down on ways you can help him be more comfortable and enjoy life.
Also, do check out our Tripawds Foundation Rehab Reimbursement program, which can pay for your first rehab visit ! Physio for a new Tripawd is sooo helpful, and will educate you about ways you can help Cooper get strong and stay injury free! It's the best way to know what his needs are, but in general:
- keeping him slim is super important. The leaner he is the better he will move around and have less stress on his joints.
- Supplements can be helpful but orthopedic surgeons tell us that weight management is even more impactful than a supplement.
- low-impact activity is best. Any kind of "explosive" activity like ball chasing and disc catching puts unnecessary stress on his joints. Focus on balance work and proprioception activities instead. They're equally fund, build a strong bond, and help him get in shape. A physio can show you some good exercises for him. Also check out our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs , which focuses on life after recovery.
As for his cancer, yes, you want to make sure you have talked to an oncologist so you can get a better idea of the likelihood of the cancer returning. We've only had a few members post about adenocarcinoma amputations over the years, so yeah, it's not all that common.
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