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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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Ellie the Berner update!
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Michigan
Member Since:
22 September 2018
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28 September 2018 - 9:55 am
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We are now 9 days post op from the back left leg amputation. We discovered that she has an intolerance to cephalexin, lots of gurgling stomach and terrible smelling gas, along with panting and hyperactivity. So the surgeon discontinued the antibiotic. 

She gets tired easily, that back leg gets tired, but she still insists on trying to do everything herself and looks frustrated when mom helps her get up on furniture by supporting her back end with a sling. 

The pathology came back on the one enlarged popliteal lymph node and it did have an area of mast cell metastasis. The vet wanted to put her on Palladia, which would be life long. My husband an I have always been very adamant about not putting her through chemo. We went ahead with the amputation because the tumor on her foot was affecting her quality of life. So perhaps now we’re deluding ourselves  into thinking it didn’t spread past that lymphnode. 

I know a lot of you on here have chosen to do chemo, no judgement here, it’s just not right for us. We have no human children and are actively trying to have a child, so having those chemicals around and in the yard in her waste is just not something we’re able to undertake right now. 

She’s sleeping on the couch next to me right now, she ate well today and is getting more and more frustrated that she doesn’t have the run of the house everyday. Everyday she is more and more herself. 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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28 September 2018 - 1:49 pm
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I'm so glad to hear things are slowly getting better! And also that her intolerance issue was figured out. That's good to know, I didn't realize those symptoms could be related to an antibiotic intolerance. Hyperactivity? Who knew?!

I totally understand your concerns about having her on Palladia, and can't blame you. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to treating this disease, so you will never be judged for what you do or don't do. All that matters is for your girl to be 100% back to herself and happy again.

Oh about that back leg...yeah she's got a lot of weight to support. Has your vet recommend rehab therapy? If not, I would highly recommend a referral to a good PT. It can make such a world of difference and educate you on how to help her get strong. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first rehab visit soo there's nothing to lose.

In the meantime, I can't recall but does she have any kind of harness like the Ruffwear Webmaster ? That handle on top is so helpful for aiding our dogs (especially larger ones), you may want to consider it.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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28 September 2018 - 4:28 pm
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Everyday she is more and more herself.

That is a great update! 

Maggie, also a rear amp, took about 6 months to build up to half the walking distance she did before amputation. You are only 9 days in, Ellie will get stronger and stronger.  Back when Maggie had her amp I didn't know about core strength or vet rehab or any of those important recovery things. 

Palladia was not available when Maggie had her amp for mast cell cancer, we did a more traditional chemo.  Years later when Mag's younger sister Tani had a recurrence of her mast cell cancer (no amp, multiple cutaneous tumors) I had two oncologists suggest Palladia.  I did some research on it and didn't like the potential side effects, Tani had some other health issues and I felt the Palladia wasn't worth the risk. 

Chemo isn't right in every situation and it's up to each of us to decide what is best for our situation.  No judgements here!

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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