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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I have a dog who will be 9 in March. A few weeks ago she was diagnosed with a spindle cell tumor. The tumo is in the hind hip area. It is larger then a softball. Other then the very large tumor, she is "healthy" as far as I can tell. She has the same spirit she always has. The vet I have been dealing with has spoken to a surgeon and many oncologists. They say amputation is the best option. Here are my issues......she is almost 9 years old. She is overweight. I live in a 2nd floor apt. I have another large dog and a 3 year old. My husband and I work full time. We both had been out of work for a while and still are not on our feet. I just don't know what to do! I want to save my dog but don't think I have the time and money to give her the recovery and support she would need. They are telling me debulking the tumor is probably not a great option due to where it is and she may need skin flaps to close the wound after. Please give me some advice. I am just so confused!
Many people here will tell you that older dogs do just fine (although I don't really think of 9 as particularly old). Poodle Cherry had her amputation the day after (or before?) her 11th birthday. Trouble the pit bull was overweight before hers. What kind of dog is she? I lived in a 3rd floor apartment (with no elevator) and had to carry Jack up and down the start for a couple weeks (he is about 43 pounds). While some members here have taken a couple days off work, many have had to go back to work after the amputation. I'm sure you will hear input from all of these people 🙂 You may qualify for Care Credit which is a way to charge the vet bills and pay them off in monthly installments. Others here will comment on their personal experiences, but I just wanted to let you know that people here have experienced what you're going through and will offer excellent advice. Best wishes in your decisions...it's a difficult thing to be faced with 
<3 Laura and Jackers
I'm not sure what type of dog she is. We have always said a Shepard Mix. She weighs 55 lbs. Carrying her isn't really an option b/c of my 3 year old and other dog.
Welcome and thanks for joining ladyj! Dioes your pup have a name?
Everyone here can certainly understand your situation. Keeping tripawds fit and trim is a must for trouble-free recovery. The Ruff Wear harness can certainly help navigating stairs. And the AST Get A Grip harness is especially helpful for heavier dogs. Have you spoken with your vet about the possibility of postponing the amputation during a diligent weight loss program.
Cost of course is also a major concern for everyone these days. Just remember that your dog does not understand such things, and only wishes to be free of pain and enjoy life. It's quality of life that matters to them, not quantity. Best wishes in the decisions you face.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry to hear about your dog's diagnosis. Things sound really hard for you right now and I am sorry. Even if your dog is nine and overweight amputation is probably a good choice if you can afford it. It is awful when such important decisions have to be made based on finances but unfortunately things are as they are. I feel for you and want you to know that we are here for you no matter what decision you make. What is your dog's name? Another person on this site is having a fund raiser for her dog. Would that be a possibility for you?
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.
I can't offer any advice on treatments since I haven't dealt with cancer. I just want to say how terrible I feel for you. I'm so sorry you've lost your jobs and were able to recover only to have to deal with this. Under these troubled times, it's hard to go to your new boss and ask for time off. Even if it's only a small amount.
My dog was born with a deformed leg and I've never worried about stairs and such. She's done fine. There are some slings/harnesses that can help carry her, also. Dogs adjust fine. I promise you, the weight will come off of a 3-legged dog rather easily. Mine has never had a problem with weight and she gets sweets all the time. It would be like doing aerobics all day!
Only you and your family can make the decision for your situation. I'm just so sorry that it's bad timing to say the least. But then again, when something bad happens, it's never is good timing!
Wishing you all the best!
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.
First off, THANK YOU ALL for your kind and encouraging words. It does help. Her name is Kona. And it isn't bone cancer but spindle cell, which is soft tissue cancer (I think).
I am going to talk to one of the oncologists my vet has spoken with and may go in for a consult. But yes, finances are a huge factor into this decision, unfortunately. That's why I am having such trouble making a decision.
THANK YOU AGAIN.
LadyJ,
Sorry to hear about your predicament. We have all been there. You can only do the best with the resources that are available. Some Vets offer a credit program, I think it is called PetCare?? There is the fund raising, Just be realistic, in what you can handle money, time and effort wise. If you put yourself in a stressful situation trying to do more then can be handled Kona will sense that. We all would like to do more to make our dogs feel and/or get better but we have to work within our means.
Make Kona comfortable, enjoy every minute you can, get all the info you can and then make the best decision you can. Kona only wants to know that you love her! The toughest thing is making the decision, don't second guess yourself after that.
Good Luck
Shaun & Supai
Ladyj you are so smart by weighing the pros and cons. Only you really know the right answer here. Know that whatever you decide, it is the correct thing for you and your family. Maybe not what I would do or so and so would do. Each of us has our own personal limitations and to be able to think as clearly as you are under this stressful time, I commend you! Nine is not old for a dog but when does cancer just hit the oldies? Some things and reasons are never answered....
Hugs to you and Kona,
Gina
I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I'm in a similar situation. Abby is younger, almost 6, but she's overweight and I live on a 3rd floor apartment with no elevator. I also was laid off last year, have a single income home and am still trying to get back on my feet. Abby was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 2 weeks ago tomorrow and we decided amputation was the best option. As far as being on the 3rd floor its not easy and I certainly cannot lift Abby (she's 80lbs) so I invested in the Ruff Wear Harness which has a handle so I can help her up and down. I was fortunate that Abby was walking on her own 20 hours after surgery so a little assistance seems to be all she needs. If you cannot take off work you could consider leaving your dog with the vet or a dog daycare with special facilities where she can be monitored and separated from the other dogs (we have one down here). Care Credit (someone mentioned above) is an option if you qualify and I am in the process of organizing a fund raiser. It takes some time and effort but you'd be surprised at how many people will donate time, money and items to auction. I'd be happy to give you some suggestions if you'd like. You'll be blown away at how quickly Kona rebounds. There's always a way to make things work...it may not be easy but everything works out in the end. Abby and I wish you the best of luck!
gina said:
Only you really know the right answer here. Know that whatever you decide, it is the correct thing for you and your family.
LadyJ,
Gina's words are so very true. This wonderful community can share their collective experiences, give advice, and provide support. However, in the end, only you know your dog and the full extent of the conditions. Rest assure, you will make the best decision and this community will support you regardless of that decision.
I believe that you will be amazed at how quickly they will adapt to the conditions and the recovey that many have made is nothing short of remarkable. Just watch the video of Captain Jack to get some idea of how great it can be. I wish that I could give you more affermative advice regarding you options, but it sounds as if the conditions are beyond my experience base. While I would pay attention to the weight issue, especially if you opt for the amputation, I was always trying to put the weight on Cherry. Her only complication was a loss of appetite during the two months of chemotherapy and it did not really return to normal (what ever that should be for an older Standard Poodle.) If you opt for the amputation, we have some postings that may help.
Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
You have definitely found the most supportive group of folks you will ever encounter. We are happy to have you join us although none of us ever wish for a new cancer member. The best advice I can think of is to listen to your heart. You know what your finances can withstand, you know whether or not you can make payment arrangements, and you know what your physical capabilities are. You, as all of us do, will make the best choice you can make based on the information you have.
We have the easy job, our job is to support and encourage you, regardless of your choice. Take a deep breath, do your soul searching, do your research, and be confident you've made the very best decision.
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.
There is always the option of asking your vet to let you make payment arrangements. I know it's not a good feeling to do so. But I can tell from my own vet's office that business is really bad for them, too. It's dead every time I walk in. It used to be very busy. As a business owner, I'd rather get money in installments than no money at all. I'm sure a VCA wouldn't do it since they are publicly traded. But a private company probably would.
You'd be surprised how people will rally behind you when you ask for help.
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.
I'm so sorry to hear about your doggie's diagnosis. My hubby and I were also in a bad financial situation when our Jake got diagnosed with bone cancer. We could not qualify for any loans due to our circumstances... If our vet hadn't agreed to let us pay in installments, I think that we probably would have put Jake to sleep. I feel awful when I think about that... Luckily, we were able to go ahead with his amputation... and I was able to take a week and a half off from work to stay with him. Jake only lived about 8 weeks post-op... but it was a wonderful 8 weeks (well, except for the first week post-op)... He got to play, eat and swim... do all his favorite things... and get lots of love and kisses from us and his brother Wolfie... His life was much too short after his diagnosis (less than 8 weeks)... most dogs seem to live much longer... some even a year or two.
It all depends on you... Whatever you can do will be the right thing. The fact that you are here asking for advice, shows that you love your dog and just want to do the best thing for him... I don't think there is a right or wrong decision. If you can afford it, then take a chance at giving him more pain-free and quality time... but if you can't afford it... then you would just feel miserable during his recovery, and that wouldn't be good for him. Sorry I couldn't give you any better advice...
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time... We have all had to deal with this... It's not easy!
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!
So sorry that you are having to deal with this horrible disease. It is very stressful even when someone isn't facing some of the hardships that you have. As far as the stairs issue I can offer some experience and hope. Tai is 8 years old and 80lbs (plus a bit that we're working on shedding). Carrying her up and down stairs was NOT an option. She had a front leg amp and therefore the carrying harness wasn't a viable option. There was no alternative...she had to do stairs. We just took it slowly and I supported her as best I could. I kept an arm in front of her so she didn't tumble forward when going down the stais, and we rested frequently when going up them. Within a couple of days she was managing to go up and down a full flight of 12 stairs with little apprehension. Within two weeks she could beat me to the top and bottom. It might be challenging for the first few days but it will get better so quickly that you'll be amazed. Perhaps someone in the community might have a harness that you can borrow???
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
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