Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
My 11 year old "Etta" was just diagnosed with neurofibrosarcoma in her front left elbow. It's inconclusive if it is in the bone but regardless it would be impossible to get clean margins so the best course of action is amputation. Etta originally was scheduled for an evaluation for a second TPLO as her back right leg started showing signs of a torn cruciate ligimant. However, a few days before the appointment she started limping on her front paw.
After a CT scan and biopsy we got the news. I feel lucky on one hand as I am told that the cancer has not spread and that they believe this will be curative! however, I am still so terrified and sick to my stomach. I keep watching the video of all the dogs playing on the beach in Santa Barbara and it has given me hope. Coincidentally, that is Etta's favorite beach and we often take day trips there. My goal is to get her there after she recovers ... that is the one thought that is keeping me going.... I am so happy I found this website.
Her surgeon who did her TPLO will also be doing the amputation and he is one of the best. We are also looking into rehab for her after and found a place that I think will be good... She is going in for an eval prior to surgery. I fear that we will be again facing another surgery down the road with the second TPLO.... But for now one thing at a time.
Any support or tips is greatly appreciated....
Julie (Etta's mom)
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
I am so sorry to hear of Ella's diagnosis. There are many of us here whe have taken the cancer journey. Your prognosis sounds promising - always a great thing!
Don't worry about the amputation, most of the amputees do very well, even the older ones. This isn't something any of us would have chosen, but we are all here to offer support. We know what you are feeling.
Best of luck to the two of you. We will be here all the way for you.
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.
I'm so sorry to hear about Etta's diagnosis... But you have definitely come to the right place for support and great information!
The first 2 weeks post-amp is always the most difficult... for both the dog and the pawrents... but after that, if there are no complications... things just get better! Make sure you have a sling for the first 2 weeks... you can either make one using a towel or buy one... After the staples/sutures come out (usually about 2 weeks post-op) you can start using a harness. It really comes in handy! Some dogs don't do too well on the pain meds... makes them very loopy and anxious... while others (like my Jake) do really fine. It's a good idea to start looking into some supplements for the joints, since the remaining 3 legs will have alot more weight to bear. Also, good to have a doggie bed and/or several comforters placed around your home... so that Etta can plop down wherever she pleases. A big T-shirt will help to keep her from chewing at her incision until the staples/sutures come out. Some dogs just can't help themselves, and need to wear the dreaded e-collar for a while. They hate it, but it's alot better than having them irritate, infect or open up their wound!
Please keep us posted with Etta's journey... We've all been there... Ask questions, vent, cry... whatever... We will understand!!!
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!
Julie & Etta,
We're so sorry about the upcoming surgery but we're also really glad to hear that the cancer isn't as nasty as it can get. Yeah, amputation is pretty scary stuff and it is major surgery, but like Shanna & Trouble said, even senior dogs older than Etta have done just great. Keep in mind that the recovery process isn't always a breeze, and some dogs take longer than others, but we're betting that Etta will be back on the beach in time for swmsuit season.
We always like to point people to these two posts for starters.
The Top Five Questions About Amputation And Coping with Bone Cancer
Five More Questions About Amputation and Coping with Bone Cancer
Also be sure to check out our most recent videos about canine rehabilitation. You'll learn a lot in them about exercise and the Tripawd lifestyle.
It sounds like you have a great crew on your hands to help you through the surgery and rehab process. That is so wonderful! You live in one of the best parts of the country for dogs. What a lucky pack you are!
And yes, one day at a time is the way to go. Hang in there and remember we're here if you need anything. Thanks for joining our community.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dear Etta's Mum,
I had a 10 year old tripawd, with a sevear arhtorsis in his remaning legs and even in that conditon he did really fine 🙂 So,even though its a shock and many questions go through your mind be sure there is nothing to worry,your old girl will adapt, maybe will take a little more time then for younger dogs but she will figure it out quite soon. Amputation doest sound very scary to us humans, but its something that will take away your girls pain,and thats most important.
Best of luck to you both...keep posting 🙂
Daniela, Angel Don's Mum
Thanks everyone for your kind words... It means a lot to get this kind of support. Everytime I tell someone I almost feel as if I have to apologize for not putting her down. As if I am doing something that will cause her to suffer without any life quality.... Reading everyone's post has given me so much hope! I will let you know how she does and I am sure I will have a million more questions.... julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
Julie and Etta,
Let me first echo the comments from Jake's Mom above and tell you how sorry we are to hear of Etta's diagnosis but assure you that you have found a great community filled with wonderful people who will share their collective experience base, provide suggestions, and give support. Miss Cherry turned eleven the day before her amputation, so I can attest to the fact that even our "senior" companions can make remarkable recoveries. Etta will amaze you.
In addition to the great links that Jerry provided above, I have my usual set of suggestions that may help.
1) Remain as positive as possible around Etta. They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder. I have often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile. It will make a difference.
2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that they love and can still do during recovery. Then exploit that love to give them purpose. For Cherry, it was her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. As the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow. Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool. Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable. View the Fun! Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips. Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary! Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years. View the fun! Help them find a purpose to fight.
3) Consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted much of it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog ,which is also a great idea. This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition. She was even reading it as Cherry approached her one year ampuversary. I have a page of thumbnail photos (with links to larger versions) covering from just after the diagnosis, first days home, chemotherapy treatment, through recent days. View Cherry’s TriPawd photos.
Please keep this community informed and we will be thinking of you as you move down this journey.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Hi Julie and Etta,
We're so sorry to hear about Etta's diagnosis - but are so glad you found tripawds. This community has often been a saving grace for us as we go through this journey. Amputation is a tough concept for us humans. But I think if Holly could talk she'd say "who needed that ole leg, anyway?". Prior to her surgery she had withdrawn quite a bit - now I can look back and see she was probably in more pain that she was letting on. Since her recovery she has returned to her cheerful, fun, spirited self! For her, removing the painful leg has allowed her to resume the things she loves best in life. Bob is so good about reminding us to feed our pup's spirits - in Holly's case that is taking her for long walks and going for rides in the car. We still need to help her into the car most days - she's a rear leg amputee and she hasn't figured out how to jump up. But if you could see her chase the squirrels in the back yard you'd be amazed!
We'll keep Etta in our hearts, and keep fingers and paws crossed that she will amaze you!
Hugs,
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
I'm so sorry to hear about Etta. But hopefully our little community will help ease your worries. They have offered up some wonderful advice.
Rehab after the amputation will be great! I think she will enjoy it also. The therapists make it fun and relaxing.
I have a 3-legged dog from a birth defect (front left). She has had both (TPLO) knee surgeries. She was around 6 the first time and then almost 8 for the second one. (she's over 11 years old now) She's done very well. The recovery is harder when they only have 2 good legs to walk on but I think it will be fine down the road when you have to deal with it.
Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery for Etta!
Comet's mom
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.
grrranamal said:
Everytime I tell someone I almost feel as if I have to apologize for not putting her down. As if I am doing something that will cause her to suffer without any life quality….
I know a lot of us know exactly what you mean! With my first tripawd (Yoda), who passed away due to osteosarcoma last October, his regular vets (though they offered to refer me to the UW Madison Vet School for treatment options) were pretty pessimistic about Yoda's chances and suggested to me that amputation probably wasn't worth the pain. Yoda did not beat their expectations by much as far as the time he had left (he went about 4 months from diagnosis, when they predicted 3), but his quality of life was fantastic!!! He became dramatically more social with the neighbors. He learned to catch a tennis ball on the fly, which he had never done before. He ran and played chase at the dog park as much as ever. And in the last week and a half of his life, the great hunter still managed to catch a rabbit in the backyard (a healthy, young-looking one no less!). Thank dog I wasn't swayed by Yoda's vets' cautions that it might not be worth the money and that it might be more humane to put him to sleep! And I have Jerry, Jim and Rene to thank for that, because a few months before Yoda's diagnosis we saw them on TV, sharing Jerry's remarkable story. So I at least knew from that that it was worth getting a second opinion. The Vet School gave Yoda excellent care in the last four months of his life, which was worth every penny as well as the stress of the amputation recovery.
Many people who haven't encountered a three-legged dog before won't get it. Hang in there and put your fears that they might know what they're talking about aside. (How could they anyhow? You're the one doing all the research and nobody loves Etta more than you). And the great news is that I'm sure you'll also find this annoyance/discomfort/aggravation will all be balanced out – once Etta is through her recovery and showing off her mad tripawd skills to the world - by all the "Ooos" and "Ahhhs" and "Wow, she gets around so greats!"
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
I'm sorry to hear about Etta's diagnosis. It is scary to make the decision to amputate. However, it would be more devastating to let out puppies go without doing what ever we can to try to save them. Emily only lived 5 1/2 months after her amputation but they were for the most part happy. (Until the cancer moved to her spine.) She could still run like the wind and even jump onto the trampoline. 
Some people won't understand but we at tripawds do, so when you need reassurance there will always be someone here to reassure you. We will laugh with you and cry with you and be here to support 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.
Hi Julie, first off let me say how sorry I am to hear that your beloved Etta is having to go through this. However you have found the best support ever with the people that are on this website. So please feel free to call on anyone of us when you need a virtual hug, want to talk, cry or just vent we are here to share in every emotion you have.
Tehya our 10 yr old Golden had her leg amputated in Dec and did just amazing although we only had her two months after her amputation we would not have changed anything. Her quality of life for those last two months was incredible she too ran, jumped and even played goalie for the kids down the street playing street hockey.
One helpful thing that we found for Tehya was to raise her food and water dishes it helped with her balance when she didn't have to drop her head so far to eat and drink.
Hope all goes well for you and Etta and I look forward to following her progress!
Darlene (Angel Tehya's Mom)
Hi Everyone,
[Image Can Not Be Found]I just wanted to give an update on Etta. Her surgery is scheduled for Thursday. Since her biopsy she seems to be in more and more pain every day. She is currently on 2 tramadol every 8 hours and we are looking forward to having her pain free soon! Although no one, of course, ever wants to go down this road I am feeling more and more resolved with the decision. I know that the resolve will probably waiver as we go through the recovery process....
Thanks to everyone who has responded I can't tell you how much it has meant. I know you can't see the tears and laughter through the message board but trust me there has been much of both (more tears than laughter right now) with all of your supportive words.
I will update after the surgery .... 
julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
Beautiful photos, Etta is clearly a happy girl. Best wishes for a perfect procedure and speedy complete recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I love that little face. She's a beauty. I'll have the two of you in my thoughts on Thursday.
Oh, and by the way, the tears and laughter are the staple of life here. Can't even begin to tell you how much joy and how much sorrow I've experienced being here for the last 17 months. The greatest folks in the world are right here, and we're all blessed enough to call them 'friend'. It doesn't get any better than that!
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.
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