Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Gabbar is our 8-year-young Labrador Retriever who first started showing symptoms of Osteosarcoma in his front left leg about a month ago. It has been an emotionally and physically exhaustive journey over the last month through suspicion, diagnosis, and finally amputation. Yesterday, on October 27, Gabbar's leg was amputated, and I am convinced, under the circumstances, it is the best thing we could have done for him. I am thankful to all the pawrents in this forum who have helped me and my family through this. I am now moving Gabbar's thread to this section as he begins his journey of treatment and recovery.
If you are interested in reading about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation, you can do so in this thread:
http://tripawds.....y-pending/
During the amputation surgery, the doctor harvested a lymph node and has sent samples for testing so we can get an accurate idea of the cancer and take steps on how to treat it. I will be posting updates here as the results come in, and will need your advice and draw from your experiences to decide on the best way forward.
Here is a video of Gabbar, 7 hours post surgery. Back on his feet.
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
I can't see the video, Vijay? Am on my phone so it might be that. I'll try again later. If you've uploaded it to youtube, then all you need to do is paste the URL on a line on its own. Can't wait to see how Gabbar's doing.
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
megstamum said
I can't see the video, Vijay? Am on my phone so it might be that. I'll try again later. If you've uploaded it to youtube, then all you need to do is paste the URL on a line on its own. Can't wait to see how Gabbar's doing.
I posted that video via the Tripawds media manager. I gather it doesn't work on mobile phones. I've uploaded his videos to youtube. Here is a quick recap of it all.
Limp before diagnosis.
https://www.you.....Gil7a2nmdU
Actual point of pain
Swelling in leg after needle-guided biopsy:
Gabbar weak and un-energetic at home:
Video of Gabbar on his human wheelchair , before going for a short walk:
https://www.you.....8rrgZNFTEE
Gabbar, still under anaesthesia, after surgery:
A video of Gabbar lapping up some ice cream at the clinic just after his amputation surgery:
https://www.you.....YN6cKbJD7s
Gabbar at home after surgery:
A couple of videos of Gabbar, back home, up on his feet, 7 hours after surgery:
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
These are so great. Lovely Gabbar! He's doing so well now that painful leg's gone, and you can just feel the love he has all around him.
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
When you see all the videos and photos together like this, you really do see how much better he feels post surgery!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
A very basic starting point. Turmeric & golden paste. Definitely not the solution, but certainly part of it.
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
Yep, that's a good starting point. Others here have used rhe Tumeric in so e form or another also.
The pictorial timeline really spells out his journey very well. That first video was really hard ro watch! That painful leg HAD TO GO!! HAD TO!! I know the recovery is rough too, vut once he's over that, you will have your very happy dog back!
I like how Suzy went back to him in that first video as though trying to cheer him on to come to you. She's a good Nurse!
Hugs to all!
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!
Thank you for the excellent article on turmeric. I've read many articles on the benefits but never on how to source, prepare and administer it.
I once read a study on turmeric for the type of cancer my cat has/had. They found in the lab it could be very effective but the problem was the quantity required would be so great that they couldn't get a cat to eat enough of it so the study was stopped.
Gabbar is such a lovely, happy dog. I adore yellow labs and they always make me laugh. I wish you easy days ahead as Gabbar heals and continues to love life.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
By the way, I really like your vet and you and your wife's attitude. I totally agree to "let him figure it out". With my cat I learned to just get out of her way and just give lots of encouraging words and praise.
Good boy Gabbar!! You've got this!!
He looks great! His face looks so happy, and he's clearly figured it out pretty well already. Go Gabbar!
Awesome, thanks for uploading to YouTube! These videos are so helpful. It's wonderful to see him getting around and on the mend.
And the turmeric article brings up food for thought. (getting on soapbox now...)
However, I would like to caution people to look at the content with a healthy amount of skepticism. The article makes some big claims here about using turmeric alone in the diet. I say this because there is evidence that turmeric only provides these benefits in conjunction with large amounts of Capsaicin, a hot chili pepper our pets wouldn't find tasty. Other studies say there are benefits when used alone. Study results vary. As you know we are totally in favor of exploring nutraceuticals like this, but always review the info with a careful eye and go over everything with a holistic one who can guide you if this is the route you'd like to take. Please NEVER replace traditional medication, such as pain relief, with something like this without professional guidance.
More about turmeric/curcumin is in Dr. Dressler's blog:
http://www.dogc.....s=turmeric
(ok I'm off the soapbox!)
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yeah Gabbar, his pawrents too! Rosie the wonder tripawd had hers on Wednesday. She's doing well too. Great videos. I need to figure that out!
Best wishes!! Kellye and Rosie. ❤️🐕🐕
Awesome videos! He DOES look happier after amputation. Crazy but kinda true? Good for you and Gabbar!
Aww...Gabbar! He looks so great! Now time for healing 
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
rnbsmama said
Yeah Gabbar, his pawrents too! Rosie the wonder tripawd had hers on Wednesday. She's doing well too. Great videos. I need to figure that out!Best wishes!! Kellye and Rosie. ❤️🐕🐕
I'd love to see how Rosie's doing. Rosie & Gabbar, siblings in spirit, separated by seven seas.
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
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