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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We were told on Friday, February 5, 2010 that the bump on our dog Ony's leg (which we thought was just an injury that was causing her to limp here and there) was likely osteosarcoma. I cried my eyes out for several days. The following Monday we took her back to the vet for a fine-needle aspiration. On Tuesday night, the vet called with very good news: the cells did not appear to be osteosarcoma, but rather, most likely fibrosarcoma. Which meant we could amputate Ony's leg and not only would she eventually be out of pain, but she'd live as long as she would have otherwise, since fibrosarcoma is not a cancer that spreads to the rest of her body. We had her leg amputated yesterday and the doctor thought it would be best to let her rest at the hospital overnight, just so that the anesthesia could wear off and she could try walking out of the vet's office on her own. We visited her last night and got to bring her home this morning. She's doing fine, considering, and is just sleeping it off today. I can't help but feeling a little bit of guilt knowing that my husband and I decided to amputate her leg. I suppose that she will understand with time that it was for the best, and will be glad to be out of the pain her cancer was causing her. I know we did the right thing, but it is hard to see your best pal wondering what happened to the leg she'd counted on for over 13 years. I guess I'm wondering what your experiences were and what we might expect in the days, weeks, and months to come. Thanks!
I'm sorry to hear about your beautiful girl. It sounds like Ony is off to a great start - we'll keep fingers and paws crossed that her recovery goes well. You've found a great site - we have had unbelievable support from this wonderful community. From everything we read here, and from Holly's experience - the first two weeks are the roughest, and might have some ups and downs. Give Ony lots of love, and spoil her through these next few weeks. We kept Holly really quiet the first few days, and pretty quiet the first two weeks. Once she got through the first two weeks she's been great. I often think that if she could talk she'd say "who needed that ol' leg anyway?" I was amazed at how quickly she adapted - she's 6 weeks post-op now and back to doing almost everything she did before. Her energy is back stronger than ever, and about the only thing she still hesitates with are going up or down uncarpeted stairs and jumping in and out of the car. I bet Ony will be glad to be rid of the pain. We've never looked back - amputation was the only real option for Holly and it has worked out well for her.
Best wishes to Ony for a strong, smooth recovery! Please keep us posted on her progress!
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
huskymom said:
I can't help but feeling a little bit of guilt knowing that my husband and I decided to amputate her leg.
Sssshhhhhhh! Don't tell Ony. She won't "miss" her leg. Rather, she will just be happy to be free of pain and learn to adapt. Sounds like she's off to a great start. Believe it or not, tripawds are often much better coping with amputation recovery than their humans are. Many members have found the book Without Regret helpful in dealing with their difficult decisions. We sure did!
Welcome, and thanks for joining! Ony is indeed beautiful. Don't miss Jerry's posts covering the top ten concerns about amputation and cancer in dogs. Search these forums and Jerry's blog with any specific concerns. And be sure to complete our new comprehensive care survey. We look forward to following Ony's progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Ony's Mom,
Welcome to the Tripawds family! I'm sorry that Oni had to go through this... but we are all here to help support you!!!
Good to hear about the pathology results... less malignant is always better! The first 2 weeks of recovery are usually the most difficult, especially the first week. I took a week and a half off to stay home with my Jake as he was recovering... We used a sling to help support him getting up and hopping around and going outside to do his peeps and poops. He was really tired and sleepy the first week, probably due to all the pain meds... but by the second week he was doing so much better. He had a good appetite throughout everything (many dogs loose their appetite)... and as soon as his staples were removed 15 days post op, he started swimming in the pool with his little brother Wolfie.
YOu can read about his progress in his blog Jake's Journey. Sadly for Jake (and us)... he lost his battle with cancer a little less than 8 weeks after his surgery... it had metastasized to his spine. But before that, he was happy, and doing all the things he loved to do before...just a little slower...
I wish Holly all the best and a speedy recovery. Post a picture of your sweetie, or better yet, start up Holly's very own Tripawd's blog so we can all follow her progress together!!
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!
Ony and family,
First, let me say how sorry we are to hear of Ony's diagnosis that let to the amputation, but you have found a great community filled with wonderful people who will share their collective experience base, provide guidance, and give support.
There are two issues that I would like to address regarding your situation. First, I totally know the feeling about "willingly" allowing the amputation of a leg. When I mentioned that I felt guilty regarding this to Cherry's breeder, I got an ear full. She told me, in very loving terms, not only was Cherry alive today because of that action, but that she was enjoying a very high quality of life once more. Cherry turned eleven the day before that amputation, and while it was an extremely hard decision, we knew it was the right decision. There was a discussion topic started regarding that decision and you may want to read the nearly universal consensus regarding the decision to amputate. LINK HERE:
Secondly (and perhaps more important), you should be counting your lucky stars and giving thanks if indeed it turns out to be fibrosarcoma. I am not attempting to make light of the health issue that Ony is facing, but rather letting you know that osteosarcoma is so visious that it is the scurge of this site. We have lost so many to osteosarcoma. Again, I am not making light of the battle you will be facing, but Ony should be able to adapt quickly and lead a long and full life - if indeed it turns out to be fibrosarcoma. We will be praying for that diagnosis.
Last, we want to wish you well. I have a usual set of suggestions that may help Ony's return home and would refer you to one of my previous posting to review that list. LINK HERE:
Please know that the feelings that you are going through are very typical for everyone within this community. We totaly understand and want to tell you that you are doing the very best possible for Ony. Your Ony will be home soon, and return to normal quickly.
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
Hi Huskymom, I'm really sorry to hear about your girl Ony. I'm a new member as well. My boy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on January 23, 2010 and had his right rear leg amputated on February 03, 2010. I must say that this is a fantastic community and I have really recieved a lot of great support and advice. Family and friends mean well but don't always understand what you are going through. This community certainly does.
In regards to what to expect I can only speak to the first week which appears to be where you guys are. That said I'm probably not going to be much help. I'm sure you will recieve lot's of post from other guest and members. Keep checking. If I discover something that I am doing that seems to be working to help my guy through these rough times I will make sure to pm you.
Love & Prayers,
Brett
Please don't feel guilty for amputating Ory's leg. Be grateful that we live in a time where we can make that decision instead of putting our dogs to sleep to stop the pain of cancer. Ory will most likely be able to adjust well to being a tripawd. We have had some dogs on this site that have had a harder time adjusting but for the most part after the first couple of weeks Ory should be doing great. Emily could still jump onto the trampoline as a tripawd!
My two suggestions are to 1) raise Ory's food and water dish so Ory doesn't have to lean her head all the way down to eat and drink (This should help with balance) and 2) if you are not already doing it add a good joint supplement to her diet. Oops, I lied. Three things. 3) Remember that Ory is first and foremost a pack animal and she will watch you, the alpha, to see how she should react. She doesn't have the same emotional issues as people do about amputation. She will just be glad to not have the pain.
Good luck with it and I am really glad it is not an osteosarcoma.
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.
What a beautiful girl!
Sorry to hear of her problems. But as you can read, they don't really care about the leg part. They only care about being with their family (and being pain free is a bonus)!
I hope you keep us updated! We'll eventually get your girl's name right - I promise!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
No guilt.....no regrets.....you love your beautiful girl, Ony. You are doing the best that you can in a tough situation!! You will be amazed at how she will adapt to her "Tripawd" status. She will be better the day after amputation because the pain will be gone, and remember she doesn't know she has cancer!! She will follow your lead and pick up on your mood.
Just love her and fill her life with all her favorite things and know that you do it all for love.
Keep us posted on her progress,
Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Hi Ony,
Welcome to tripawds- You have lots of good responses so far. The one thing I would add is that you have to let Ony recover at her own pace. While most of us seem to have had a tough time the first two weeks, that is not always the case. And many pups have bounced right back with in a week or two and were their old selves again.
My experience with my pug Maggie was different. Maggie healed fine physically, but mentally she took a longer time to adapt. She could get around pretty well, but if she fell I had to coax her to walk again. Hopefully Ony will be one of the quick bounce back types- but if not don't get discouraged. Assuming she is healing fine you just have to be patient, loving and have lots of treats. Maggie was pretty unhappy at first, I wasn't sure I had done the right thing. But she came around and has thrived.
Good luck with the healing and I lookforward to more pictures and stories.
Karen and the pug girls
Thank you for all of the supportive posts. Ony is still pretty tired, but tried to stand up today and managed to sort of move herself on the bed of blankets we have set up for her in the tv room. She's not eating much yet, but I have a feeling that after a night's rest at home she'll regain her appetite. In the meantime, we've offered her all of her favorites: scambled eggs, salmon, dog treats. She took up on a tiny bit of salmon and then expressed some interest in our pizza, so we gave her a few bites of cheese pizza which she gobbled up. It's not ideal dog food, but I was glad to see her interested in eating something, and it's bland enough for her that it won't cause any problems with her digestive system.
I know that we're extremely lucky that it was the "good" kind of cancer, and I am thrilled, but I think it's only natural to look at your sweetie pup and think: ah, the poor dear. We haven't shown any weakness since we learned it was fibrosarcoma, a few days before her surgery. So, I think she has a strong alpha (my husband) and second in command (me) to let her know that everything will be okay. We're encouraging her with love and affection, and I think she gets it, despite her sleepy state. I'm 8 months pregnant and home with her full time, looking forward to introducing her to the newest member of the pack, and feeling very blessed that our little one will be able to know her big sister, at least for a couple of years, we hope.
Thanks again for all of your messages. I'll post with her progress as things go, and I wish you and any recovering tripawds the best--especially the dog in Austin who's onto his second week of tripawd-dome. Good for you!
Hi Huskymom
Your Ony is beautiful! Love the smile. You've probably gotten a pretty good idea of what to expect by now--two somewhat difficult weeks and then (slowly or quickly) back to normal.
A lot of the problems of the first two weeks are because of the pain medication, and then there's healing from the surgery and re-learning how to balance and do all the things they need to do a little differently. Watch it and be amazed. They seem to adapt much better than we do.
Ask all the questions you want, as you go along. We're here to help.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Did your vet perform a biopsy after the leg was amputated? I only ask because a fine-needle aspirate can often miss the deeper cancer cells in the bone, and OSA is much more common than fibrosarcoma. Amputation is the first line treatment for any bone cancer but if your dog does have OSA then you might want to consider chemo (oral or IV). Hopefully the results are correct and your dog will not need anything else!
Pam
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