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 Julie,
I can't believe that this other vet told you these things....I'm in shock. I can see why you would want to change vets. I think you'll really like VCG - the level of care and attention they give to each and every dog is amazing to me. Mackenzie loves her oncologist - she actually gets down to Mackenzie's level and plays with her on the floor, not to mention that Mackenzie jumps up and down on her relentlessly hoping to scam another treat (which of course the oncologist is happy to provide - she even baby talks to Mackenzie. )
We had another dog that we lost to lymphoma about 8 years ago - the sweetest, most wonderful dog in the world (flat coated retriever). But she did not like her oncologist and every time the oncologist went to touch her, our dog would actually growl at her. That always concerned us because our dog never showed that kind of behavior. So you just never know - it's good that you're following your instincts - as hard as that can be sometimes. Hope everything goes well!
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
I'll just add my comments to the others here.. The most important thing here is to not give up. Etta will let you know what to do, all you have to do is listen.
Mary and I have 2 dogs with cancer. Nikki, who had her rear leg amputated on January 19, and Buddy, who leaves tomorrow for Colorado State Univeristy to begin a limb-sparing study.. We had many, MANY ups and downs with Nikki, but she hung in there and we've turned that corner to where each and every day just gets better and better. In Nikki's case we decided against chemo and have gone the holistic approach, and Dr. Friedly (our Holistic doc) has decreed that he doesn't even need to see Nikki for 3 months!! Nobody has given us any type of timeline, and we're just happy that Nikki can enjoy her life now. We don't forsee that changing for a LONG time.
As for Buddy, after talking it through with the docs at CSU, we are confident that Buddy will be with us for a long time as well.
All of our best to Etta! You're doing the right thing, and believe me when I tell you that there will be many more ups and downs, but as time marches on you'll see that there will be many more ups than downs.
Hi Julie,
I'm so sorry about your experience with that oncologist. Unfortunately, vets are just l ike regular human doctors... some are nice and actually care about their patients and some have absolutely no bedside manner. 
I'm glad to hear that you're going to see another oncologist!
The best news is that Etta is past her 2 weeks of post-op hell, and is feeling back to her old happy self. Whether she stays like that for a couple of weeks, or months, or even years... just enjoy every single day with her. I wish her all the best for a long survival, and help screw up those nasty statistics!!!
Sending you and Etta a big fat 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!
Wow, sorry about your bad experience. Glad you are heading to a new Oncologist, and we hope you have a better time of it there!
Best of luck to you! Our paws are crossed all goes well!!
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
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