Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello,
Our 10 year old Golden Retriever "Max" has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left rear leg. Our vet did not recommend surgery due to severe hip dysplasia and spondylosis in the spine. The surgeon who did the biopsy said it should not be a problem as he is already getting used to putting weight on his "good" leg and seems to be doing fine with it.
Does anyone have an experience with a rear amp with these types of issues? The dysplasia is actually not as bad on the right (good) side, but is still a big concern for my wife and I about weather or not to go ahead with surgery.
Thanks - Max
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Good question. But a tough one indeed.
Spinal issues can be a major issue with us tripawds, since we tend to throw our weight around to walk on three legs. Hip displaysia can be difficult on us front leg amputees since the rear legs take up the extra weight.
If it helps any, I do have hip problems. My first vet told my people to "run him while he's young" after diagnosing diysplasia in my hips at a young age.
We are strong advocates for amputation as a way to improve quality of life for for bone cancer dogs. It's not about quantity of life. With that said, my people and I tend to lean toward the advice of your surgeon. Especially if his remaining rear leg is in better health anyway! Remember - we dogs carry 60% of our weight on the front legs.
We'd love to think Max could bounce back and enjoy his remaining time pain free. And chances are quite good that he can! But we are not veterinarians, and we have no personal experience with spondylosis. Hopefully Lalla or another of our rear-leg tripawd contributors may be able to help with this one.
Thanks for asking. You have our best wishes.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Jerry. We are leaning towards the surgery as he seems to be doing pretty well right now on three legs (he does not put much weight on the bad one). His chest xray is good. We will keep you posted...
Hello Max here,
We have had time to catch up on some of the recent posts and are sorry to hear about the recent losses.
I had a chance to visit with the Oncologist this week which reinforced our decision to do surgery and chemo. I met some very nice people who let me lick thier faces and gave me treats. I see that I am in good hands and this is the best way to go for me. We realize that the first days after surgery will be tough and it should get much better after that. I am scheduled for the operation next Tuesday. The pain is getting worse and I am limping pretty bad so it will not be any to soon. Wish me luck.
Sites like this one really help with our situation.
Thanks for the stories and support,
Max
PS I registered to the site, but still see myself as guest. Maybe I am conflicting with "Max" from Scottland? Changed my display name to Max C.
Thanks Max C., you are now definitely registered, and your comments will appear without needing approval.
It sounds like you and your pawrents have made a lot of progress this week. We are hopeful that things will work out great. Good luck on Tuesday, please let us know how things are going. If we can be of any help whatsoever, let us know. We'll be thinking of you.
Love,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well yesterday was the big day. I am now offically a tripawd! Everything went well and my pawrents are coming to visit me today. I willl probably stay at the hospital one more night and come home tomorrow.
It could not have come to soon as I have not been myself. I was hiding in the backyard and not using my bad leg at all (so I am pretty good at moving on three legs already). My hip dysplasia does not seem to be a problem thus far. Let's hope for that.
Here's to a quick recovery!
Max C
We were all waiting for your update!
So happy to hear that the surgery went well. Tell your pawrents not to worry, and you all rest well, to prepare for yet another big day tomorrow - homecoming day!
Wish you have a speedy recovery.
Hugs,
Jessie
Max, we are so glad to have some hoppy news today. Good for you! Thank you for letting us know how you're doing. Take it easy my friend, and rest up. Good times are ahead. Please tell your pawrents we are here for them if they would like any questions answered.
Paws up!
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey MaxC,
So glad you're doing so well. Good luck. Can we see a photo? Lalla's father was a Golden Retreiver, so we've got a soft spot...
All love,
Hi Max - glad to hear that your surgery has gone well and that you'll be back home very soon.
Bev & Darcy
x
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Hi Max C - welcome home pal. Take it easy the first few days (well, actually the first few weeks). I was very woozy and anxious (panted a lot and kept mom up the entire first night) the first couple days home post amputation. Our Vet (and mom's best friend) told us that it was the anethesia wearing off and just adjusting to the MAJOR surgery that I just had. We dawgs recover pretty quickly though and adapt very well to life of 3 legs...who needs the fourth one anyhow?
The first couple weeks were not easy for mom and me as we needed to "tripawd proof the house", figure out the stairs to get outside (a harness was a huge help) and adjust our routine a bit. We focused only on the day we were living - not yesterday (no regrets) and not tomorrow (no worries) - just "today". We made it through together and here we are.
I'm a 10 year old golden retriever with osteocercoma, 9 weeks post amputation of my right front leg. I can jump in and out of the back of the car and on to the bed at bedtime, I can chase the tennis ball and go on 15-20 minute walks. I can climb the stairs and I love to sunbathe outside with my sticks...I chase my tail and can still wrestle with my brother...and win :-). I sometimes trip over myself if I'm too excited and forget that I'm a tripawd and occasionally taken a chin dive on the stairs when I lose my balance, but I just pick myself up and keep on going because nothing is perfect except being happy that I'm alive and loved.
We're here to help you through this...please keep us posted
Paws forever!
Zeus and Heather (can't forget Buddy too)
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi all,
Thanks for the encouraging words.
Mom and dad came to visit today and I was very excited. It was a bit surreal for them to see me as a tripawd, but they will get used to it. I was already hopping around like a pro. I was a bit confused that they did not take me home, but they wanted to give me one more night or two with the pros before taking me home.
Lalla - I am actually a retriever/shepherd mix. That is me on the left. Also, here is a picture of me with my new best friend Adam...
Love Max
Hello everyone,
Hope you are all doing well. Here is an update:
I was very happy to come home yesterday. My doctor says I am doing great and adjusting quite nicely. My pawrents are even a bit surprised as how well I am doing so far...let's hope it continues! I was just a little restless last night, but nothing compared to when I did the biopsy and had the pain patch (no pain patch this time). I think the biopsy was much more painful than the surgery if you can believe that. I am already eating better and am in good spirits...just a bit tired. Funny to note that it was actually easier to get me up the ramp into the car with three legs and my new "sling" than when I had all four legs!
Taking it easy...lotsa licks
Max C
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