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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Hi, I am new to the board and have found this website very helpful. Last week the vet discovered a malignant tumor on the shoulder joint of my 3 year old lab. Because of the size and aggressiveness of the tumor he had his leg amputated today. I just spoke with the doctor and the amputation went pretty well. He did have to have a blood transfusion and they ended up having to take a large amount of chest muscle. Has anyone ever dealt with removal of chest muscle? or a blood transfusion? We will not know the exact type of cancer until the tumor is sent to the lab. The first tissue sample was too small to produce a good laboratory result.
Any insight would be helpful.
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Wow, you're pup is a trooper! And you are a wonderful human for helping him. Thanks for sharing. We're glad you find the site helpful.
I didn't have much muscle removed, but they did take my whole scapula as they do with many osteosarcoma dogs. Hopefully others will have better insight for you.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Stephanie, I am sorry to hear about your sweet dog. What is his name? I am not familiar with muscle removal but our vet said that after amputation, Abbey's muscles would atrophy. I would imagine your dog will compensate. Meanwhile, be encouraged that you have found a great place for support and information here at tripawds.com Hopefully someone will be knowledgable than me! Welcome~ Diane Riley
Stephanie,
It is not standard to need a blood transfusion or to remove chest muscle for a routine forelimb amputation. Having said that, muscles do bleed a lot, so if muscle had to be removed due to the aggressive nature of the tumor then a blood transfusion would help keep your dog strong. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of tumor that bleeds a lot on its own, so the biopsy will be important!
I am very sorry that your young dog has been diagnosed with cancer. This site is a great place to find support and answers to your questions. Please keep us updated on your dog's progress.
Pam and Tazzie
Thank you for all of your information, unfortunately my little baby Rownik had to be put down yesterday as a result of complications from his amputation. He was unable to clot blood and therefore the bleeding would not stop. Due to this they suspect he had hemangiosarcoma.
This board really has helped both my husband and I so much. Its just so hard.
So sorry to hear about Rownick's complications. If it helps at all, please know that sharing your story may help others prepare ... every dog is different.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Stephanie, are you there?
If you can, please tell us about Rownik, the wonder dog. It looks like he did agility "work", and it looks like he had fun doing it. What a great opportunity for him...and you guys of course. They're beautiful and fun to watch as they manuever the court...all excited and happy to please.
Where did he get his name? It's wonderful. Very powerful. The ridge has another warrior to guard the clan. Bless you both.
My 2 year old golden was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 2 weeks ago. He is scheduled for amputation of the affected limb (hind left leg) next week. My husband and I are nervous but we are finding this site helpful.
Hi Amy,
We are sorry to hear about your pup, but as you can see, there's lots of support here, so if there's anything you need, let us know. Good luck! And keep us posted.
Your friends,
Spirit Dog Jerry, Jim & Rene
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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