Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, My name is Casey, my fiance and myself have a 8 year old yellow lab named Tucker. I ran across this site while looking for information on bone cancer and amputation.
Tucker is a sweet, sweet boy. We have three labs and he is the "old soul" of the group. He would rather hang out with us than go running around acting crazy with the other younger ones. Three days ago he was playing in the yard with our other dogs when he started yelping and howling. We noticed immediately that his rear left leg was hanging. We took him to our vets (where I worked for 6-7 years in high school and college), she took him back and did xrays to determine that he had broken his femur. She couldn't understand why he would have broken it as badly as he did just playing with the other dogs so they immediately suspected tumors. All his blood work came back normal so they sent the xrays to a specialist who did not think their was any tumors. With this information we took him to a orthopedic surgeon yesterday. He went in this morning to do surgery and noticed an area he thought might be tumors, he biopsied the area but only stabilized the leg with wire instead of the plate as was the original plan, until he knew the results. Hopefully we will get the results back tomorrow. I spoke with my regular vet and she said the unfortuantly the signs we pointing to cancer and that if it did come back as cancer to let him aputate the leg.
I have never had a situation like this with any of the dogs I have owned before. My concern is that he has mild hip displaysia and I don't know if he will be able to handle the amputation. He did pull my fiance across the parking lot of the vets yesterday and seems to be getting around good the last couple of days on three legs. The vet did said that the chest xray looks clear which hopefully means that it hasn't spread to his chest yet. I am just so concerned about him. My fiance has had him since 2001 and we started dating in 2004 so I have since "stolen" him from my fiance. All three of our labs are our babies and to see one of them hurting and I don't know what to do is killing me.
If he does have the amputation what is the chance the cancer will come back? How long before it does come back? How long is the rehabilitation for amputations? I need some help! I don't know any of these answers and I don't know what I need to do to get ready for him if he does have to have an amputation. Most of the dogs I have seen have a front leg amputation, not a back one. Is there a difference?
Thanks for anyone who can offer some advice!
caseyr said:
... to see one of them hurting and I don't know what to do is killing me.
Thanks for joining the discussion Casey! Sorry to hear about Tucker. We all know how you feel.
Sadly, many people don't discover cancer in their dogs until a bone breaks. Often when this happens, it has already metastsized in the lungs. With clean x-rays there, you're already one step ahead of the game. If Tucker is otherwise healthy – and not overweight – don't be too concerend about a little displaysia. If he can get up and around well, he should be a good candidate for amputation ... Like our vet told us about Jerry, he's already only using three legs.
With osteosarcoma it's not about chances of whether the cancer will come back, but when. With that said, it is all about quality of life not quantity. Every dog is different, we have heard stories of some lasting a month or so – but Jerry was given 3 or 4 months after his surgery and he lasted nearly two years, without IV chemo after surgery.
Read our answers to the top ten cancer dog questions we received, and consider a harness and a good glucosamine supplement for Tucker. Be sure to let us know how it goes with the lab results.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
If he does have the amputation what is the chance the cancer will come back? How long before it does come back? How long is the rehabilitation for amputations? I need some help! I don't know any of these answers and I don't know what I need to do to get ready for him if he does have to have an amputation. Most of the dogs I have seen have a front leg amputation, not a back one. Is there a difference?
Hi Casey - I'm so sorry to hear about Tucker, I cannot imagine the fear and upset you felt when he was out there yelping...they ARE OUR KIDS and we love them soooooo much. Like Jerry said, if the chest xrays are clear, that is a huge pawsitive in the fight against this horrible and cruel disease.
There are a few different types of bone cancer (maybe more, but I just know about Zeus')...if it is osteosarcoma...the likelihood of it spreading to the lungs is high and the time can range anywhere from a month to 2 years or even more...as Jerry said. With everything I have read in books and on this site, I have come to believe that only our Higher Power knows. Our prognosis wasn't the best and Zeus is almost 10 months post op, going to be 11 in March and looks and acts like a puppy! It's just amazing to me.
Zeus is a front leg amputee, but from what I've heard, back leg amputees do better because dogs carry more than 60% of their weight on their front legs...and when you have one removed, they have to adjust to putting more weight on the rear legs. Front leg amputees hop...rear leg ones don't. Zeus has developed such strength in the shoulder of his remaining front leg, it's very visable. With Tucker having a rear leg amputation, he is probably better off. As for the hip dysplasia - I'm not sure...? Your orthopedic surgeon will be able to obviously evaluate and recommend. If he/she says it's OK, then I say, "go for it", but ONLY if it is the right thing for you, your fiance and Tucker.
The rehabilitation is relatively quick for such a traumatic surgery...2 weeks. You'll hear that time frame a lot...it's not easy and the road is challenging from an emotional, physical and spiritual perspective...but I can't emphasize enough how worth it, it was to me and I'm sure it will be to you too. You're doing this research because you LOVE Tucker...he LOVES you...give yourselves the chance to spend more quality time with each other. There will always be someone here at Jerry's place to answer your questions and walk the journey with you.
I hope this helps...
Please keep us posted,
Love, Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Casey,
I wish I could show you the x-rays of Calamity's horribly shattered radius & ulna with no cancer. She shattered it while romping in the yard. I too feared cancer, although it did not show on the x-rays. Low & behold, there was no cancer, but we fought for a year trying to fix the leg only to have her break it again 11 months later! Again I feared cancer caused the second break, but there was no cancer then either.
With that being said, I know where you are. I have been there. I will pray that there is no cancer, just an ugly break.
If Tucker has to have an amputation, he'll do fine & adjust well after a healing period. Calamity is a champ now and you would never know she wasn't born as a tripawd!
I'll be praying for Tucker.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Thank you all so much for your messages of support! I appreciate all the answers you have given us! Last night my fiance and I looked all over this website and found so much useful information!
We still don't have an answer on the lab results as of yet (8:30am right now) but are expecting them in today, hopefully!
We spoke to our personal vet last night, she is so sweet and called us at 8pm to check on him! We told her what we knew and she talked with us about the options we had, well rather the option we have. She said she wouldn't be sure until we got the confirmed diagnosis but told us to prepare for it to be cancer (we already have) and that the next step they would take is to amputate his leg. Then we would put him on Chemo. Obviously since the chest xrays are clear she thinks that is a good sign but let us know that if it is cancer it will come back but with this treatment we were giving him a chance to get more time and to spend that time in less pain. That's all we are concerned about right now. I just want him to feel better!
We went to see him at the vet last night and he was so pitiful! We set outside his kennel on a blanket that the sweet assistant gave us to sit on and petted him (he was still very groggy from the medicine). Poor thing would not lay down the entire time we were there! He kept inching his way out of the kennel and into our laps, before long he had a front paw in each of our laps. It was honestly the hardest thing to do to leave him. He just looked so sad that we weren't taking him with us. His leg looked horrible from where they had gone in yesterday and opened it up, already so swollen and black and blue from all the bruising. Now that we know that amputation is the best option, I just want it gone! I don't want anything on him that is making him sick!
We are already making preparations to take him home, we got the biggest crate they make that has doors on each side so he can figure out which door lets him get in the crate the easiest. We are setting it up in the living room (this is a big deal since they are usually never let in the main area of the house, with three 90 lb labs and white carpet it would be a disaster! They have the entire lower level of the house as their play room!). We thought it would be best to have him up on the main level with us so the other dogs wouldn't get him excited when he should be resting and also so he could be with us at all times so we can give him the best care possible. To take him outside we have two steps down from the front of the house. We got a ramp to keep him from having to hop down the steps. I hope he uses it. Does anyone have any other ideas of how we could prepare?
Also, what is the opinion on dog food, heart worm pills and flea medicine? I read on this site where they encourage you to use the least amount of chemicals as possible but how do I protect him from heart worms, fleas and ticks? I currently have him on Interceptor and Frontline. We are currently feeding the dogs Eukanuba Lamb and Rice formula for large breeds.
Thanks!!
Casey,
So sorry to hear about Tuckers diagnosis and want you to know that we are here for you! Max is a 19mo old Black Lab that just had his hind leg removed Dec 18. 2 days ago he jumped into the back of our Explorer (I was talking and not watching......bad Mom!) sat down on his mat and looked at me as if to say "WHAT??"! I of course was trying my very best not to go into cardiac arrest...and to act normal so he wouldnt think he did anything wrong. Typically we lift him in....which apparently he is tired of. I bought a ramp yesterday....LOL!
You are on the right track with the big crate, but dont be surprised of he picks a spot on the floor or somewhere cool. Depending on the meds that the vet gives him he will probably act groggy, might not eat or drink like normal and may not go outside like normal either. The 2 week recovery period is a roller coaster of emotion, lack of sleep, calls to the vet. You will ask yourself if you did the right thing about a million times...but let all of us answer that for you from our own experience.....YES! Tucker will be so glad to have that pain gone! Max has had his first chemo treatment and is getting ready for #2 the frist week in Feb. He had very little side effects from it....we gave him some anti nausea meds because I thought he was acting sick to his stomach and that was it. After starting those, by that night he was much better. I hope your news comes back that it is not cancer...but if it does turn out to be and you do amputate just lean on all of us. We can give you advice and our experience which will make it a little easier on you. We humans are SO emotional! Remember, the dogs live in the moment and dont think about the past. Tucker will depend on you to stay pawsitive and will need your energy to get through the first few days.
I feed Max Natural Balance sweet potato and fish dry food. It has no grain in it and is for allergy sensitive dogs. I also give him the venison and rice wet food when he takes his meds...or his favorit..velveeta 
Heartguard for heartwors and K-9 Advantix for fleas and ticks. We also have him vaccinated for Lyme disease every year since we live near woods and have a cabin at a lake.
Good luck to you and Tucker. Please let us know how everything turns out!
Paula
Paula and Spirit Max
caseyr said:
Also, what is the opinion on dog food, heart worm pills and flea medicine? I read on this site where they encourage you to use the least amount of chemicals as possible but how do I protect him from heart worms, fleas and ticks? I currently have him on Interceptor and Frontline. We are currently feeding the dogs Eukanuba Lamb and Rice formula for large breeds.
Thanks!!
Casey,
We'll try to answer this as best we can . . .
Check out our Health Tips page for my diet that I followed. We believe that no-grain, low carb diet is best for dogs with cancer. Stay tuned for more about this in the blog, coming soon.
About flea medicine . . there are two threads going on about it, here, and here. While there is some discussion of heartworm medicine there, feel free to start a new thread about it.
Meanwhile, when it came to treating me with flea/tick and heartworm meds, Mom and Dad were undecided at first. Knowing that the chemicals in flea medicine are so toxic that it's not even safe for humans to touch them, they figured that it probably wasn't a good idea to keep me on Frontline. So they tried the au naturel route, and guess what? It worked! Well, I think they found one flea on me once, but it was a hitchiker, and they didn't find anymore.
The reason they feel that the natural stuff worked is because I had a supremely awesome diet that kept me healthy and fit. If you research my diet, you'll see that the number one thing pawrents notice when their dogs are on a diet like this is that the fleas go away. Fleas hate healthy dogs with good skin!
About the hearworm stuff, well, they felt that the risk of heartworm was too great, especially with me traveling all over the country, so they continued to give it to me until my lung mets started. At that point, my oncologist felt that by the time heartworms did their damage, chance are I wouldn't be around for it (yes, it was hard to hear, but it was true). My oncologist thought that the less drugs I had in my system, the better, so Mom and Dad stopped that medicine.
All in all, sounds like you are on the ball with preparing for Tucker's surgery. Don't forget raised feeder bowls help, even if you just put his bowls on a cardboard box. Also, stock up on lots of yummy foods in case he doesn't have much of an appetite. And, get a good bottle of wine or other treats for yourself too. You'll need the comfort food!
We know how hard it is to see him like this now, but after he recuperates, he will be like a new dog. Hang in there, and remember, we're here for you! Good luck.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ok so a little bit of bad news. We didn't get the biopsy results in today so it looks like we won't get them back until Monday at the earliest.
I had a chance to talk with Tuckers surgeon today on my daily trip to the vet. While I had talked to my regular vet and she seemed to think Tucker was a great candidate for amputation, his surgeon advised us that if it was cancer to put him to sleep. I am a little upset about this since it seemed like he didn't even want to explore that option. When I asked him about it he said that Tucker may only live 3-4 months longer and putting him through the amputation surgery would be hard on him and "did we want to have him suffer through the pain of a traumatic surgery during his last few weeks". This of course kills me because I would never want him to suffer needlessly, however when I saw him today I almost cried (in a good way!) he was standing in the kennel and walking around (three-legged) and when he saw me he started wagging all over and jumping up to greet me (yes on his only hind leg!) he wouldn't stop giving me kisses and when the kennel assistant came to bring him dinner he about knocked me over to get to it. I just can't see putting a dog to sleep that is acting like that! He is acting like his normal self! It is so heartbreaking! I am so torn over this because what if I do put him through the surgery and he passes on right after it? Then I will have made him suffer for just the little time remaining! On the other side, what if I don't do the surgery and miss out on the few months of loving and pampering I could have had with him?
This is so hard! My fiance is at the fire station (he is a fire fighter) tonight and I can't stop worrying about him, it seems like every time we get our hopes up a little they get smashed again. I was upset about having to take his leg but at the same time I was so excited that he would be out of pain and that we would get to spoil him and love on him for a few more months. I don't know what to do and my fiance is as torn as I am but he will do whatever I want to do and I don't know if I am making the decision because it is hard for me to let him go or if because it is the right thing to do.
I don't like to give advice because each case is so different, BUT if it were me, I'd find another surgeon and get a second opinion. With the lungs still clear, I can't really understand why the surgeon would be so negative. This journey is hard enough, make it with a surgeon who can at least allow for hope.
Knowing what I know now, I would still do the amputation even if I thought it would only buy a few short months. Why? Because after the initial two week post surgery hell, you will see a dog that is back to being what he was before the pain. What better way to live those months than pain free.
Trust your judgement. Weigh your choices, ask more questions, consult your primary vet, see another surgeon for a second opinion, be in tune to Tucker (what would he want), and make the decision that is right for you and for Tucker.
My heart is with you as you make your decision. It isn't an easy one, but in weeks to come, you will be amazed at how far in the past this will seem to you. Hugs to you and scratches to Tucker.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
How are you doing? any better.
I am wondering if the vet offered any other reason , a clinical reason perhaps why he felt that amputation was not the right path for Tucker. If his only reason is to prevent him from "suffering through the pain of a traumatic surgery.... then I would ask for a more clinical opinion. Does this vet know your dog well? Has he been around Tucker like you have?
We amputated our 3 year old shep. mix's left front leg right before Christmas. We were told the same thing. If we did nothing she would only have about 3 months until the cancer took over her lungs. At the time she could not walk at all. She was at the point where she was up some nites all night long yelping in pain. For us it was either amputation or euthanasia. I was lucky our surgeon and my friend at our regular vet both felt Wrigley was a great candidate for ampuation. We were in a position where we could afford it, our jobs allowed me to be home most of the time so I could be with Wrigley especially during the recovery period. So for us, we felt that we owed it to Wrigley to give her the chance- there were people along the way, including one vet at our regular practice who did not agree.
We are doing chemo with her as well and see how that goes. There are no guarantees as to how much time we have. I do know that today Wrigley is a very very happy dog. She is as normal , minus a leg, as she was before the cancer came. For me even one more day with her being this happy is well worth what we went through to get to this point.
As far as the surgery being "traumatic" . Yes it is. And we did have some complications along the way- some hemotomas, seromas...and I made several trips back to the vet during the 2 week recovery period. But that is all it was - a 2 week recovery period. That was traumatic I will not sugar coat that. But with the support of everyone here you can get through it. Like Zeus' mom says it is a relatively quick recovery and so worth it.
You need to do what is right for you and your fiance. Close your eyes and ask yourself what does Tucker want? Ask yourself is ampuation the right path to take for Tucker? What are your first responses? Follow your heart. Only you know Tucker, only you know his demeanor, his personality- can he handle it- does he want to handle it. Just follow your heart- don't let other doubts sway your decision to one that may be theirs and not yours.
I am sure your vet means well in his "suggestions" but only you will know what is right and whatever you decide is OK.
Keep us posted, and don't forget to breathe
Seanne and CA Wrigley
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
I would agree that if Tucker is already on three legs then he should do fine as an amputee. I have personally seen dogs with OSA live 2+ years with surgery only and no chemo of any kind. It is true that the average survival without chemo is 3-6 months but with chemo the average jumps to 1-2 years. There are no guarantees but at least your dog will be pain-free, even if it is only for a few months. Most dogs get through the 2-week period relatively easily and honestly it is probably harder on us than on them! Our dog Tazzie is about 5 months post-amputation and just finished chemo and has done very well. I would ask your regular vet to recommend another surgeon or at least talk to your current surgeon to see why he/she feels this way....
Pam and Tazzie
Having just gone through this situation (our surgery is scheduled Feb 2), i STRONGLY suggest a second opinion. Our first opinion was that our 12 year old lab was not a candidate at all for amputation (age and apparant knee issues)--We went to another surgeon today that said she was a great candidate and saw nothing unusual in the right knee (after physical exam and x rays)--Two very good surgeons with two very different opinions--
Thanks so much for all the advice. I spoke with the vet and he seems to think the saw a "strange" spot on the chest x-ray (different x-ray than the one that my regular vet took when she said she didn't see anything) and that's why he recommends the euthanasia. My question is, if it is only one spot and not something that looks like "typical cancer on the chest" then how long is Tucker's life expectancy? Once curious spots start appearing on the lungs, is that a sign to not do amputation?
This is so tough, I don't want him to suffer any longer than he already has but I can't see putting a otherwise healthy dog to sleep! This is why I didn't go to veterinary school as origninally planned! These decisions are so hard!
I would make sure that a board-certified veterinary radiologist looks at both sets of films for comparison. Most vets are able to send them either by mail or if they are digital rads over the internet for a second opinion. I hope that your vet took 3 views to adequately evaluate all lung fields. This is a pretty important issue since dogs that have mets present at time of amputation might only live a few weeks to a few months after surgery, so it might change the outlook. It does not mean that you can't amputate but you should have realistic expectations. If the spot was not there a week or two ago but now is present then the cancer could be highly malignant. Some tumors spread more slowly and dogs can live a bit longer (Jerry did great with a lung met but I believe it didn't show up until after surgery). A single spot could be nothing but multiple spots more serious.
I'm not trying to scare you but I think it is important to check everything out! Amputation will still take the pain away and will allow more time with your dog, and many dogs will exceed expectations or statistics.
Pam and Tazzie
Thanks to everyone for their advice and support!
Unfortunately we found out today that Tucker has Osteosarcoma. We have decided to go through with the amputation. We still know that he may have spots on his lungs (we sent the x-rays to a radiologist, although they were the ones that told us they didn't see a tumor on his leg when he did have one) we still feel like amputation is the right choice. He doesn't have another alternative. Its either amputate or put him to sleep and we just can't give up on him! If he was suffering we would know that putting him to sleep would be the best option but while he is jumping around and playing with everyone I can't see "giving up" hope. I know its not going to cure him and I know that if he does have spots on his lungs then his time will be a lot shorter than if he didn't but I know that I can do a LOT of spoiling and taking care of him in a few months!
I am getting ready to leave work and am going to go pick him up at the first vets and take him back to our regular vet where he can have the surgery tomorrow. He is going to be in great hands and they are absolutely awesome! They all love Tucker so much that they are going to come in early tomorrow so they can get all their "scheduled" surgeries done earlier and still have time to do Tuckers!
Thank you all so much for helping me through this huge decision! I really feel like its the best option. Even if we don't have but a few more weeks with him at least we can spend it loving on him and taking such good care of him!
Ill keep you posted but until then, if you have anything you want to share with me to prepare me for what it is going to be like when we bring him home so I don't panic, please do!
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