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 All,
I found this forum while googling many things in search for some answers. I guess right now I just need some support....
My 8-year-old Kitty Jill was diagnosed with a very rare tumor on her toe in June (on her right hind leg). Her toe was amputated and pathology came back that it was osteosarcoma, but the margins were clean, and the rest of her leg looked great, lung xrays perfect. Her vet and oncologist agreed that she needed no further treatment.
Now, 6 months later, I find a lump behind her thigh (same leg). I brought her to the vet last week who did an xray (xray looked great, bones all clean) and needle aspirate and it came back bad news, it is some kind of sarcoma. Since a biopsy was not yet performed, we dont know what it is. The vet believes since it is the same leg it is a metasis (forgive my mispellings please 
, however there is no way to know unless we do a biopsy. The vet consulted Jill's original oncologist who thinks we should, at this time, amputate her leg. The vet wants to talk to one more oncologist at the lab where the pathology was done, but it looks like this will be the suggested route we take. We will of course of have to x ray her lungs again to make sure they are clear first.
I am scared to death really. I dont want to take this poor babys leg off if it is only going to give her 6 more months. Does anyone have any advice/help?
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Welcome, your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Only six months? Please try to focus on quality of life, not quantity. Think about how you want to enjoy your remaining time together. Amputation recovery may take a couple weeks, but tumor pain will only continue to get worse.
I'm sure our members with tripawd kitties can help reassure you about how well they do on three legs. Use the search button above or search the blogs to find their posts.
And don't miss Fang's blog for one great success story, complete with video!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for that I will defnitely search the forums and the blogs.
Of course I didn't mean only 6 months, every minute I get with her I appreciate. I just meant that I would not want her last couple of months (if that's all she has, they really have no idea if amputation would give her 6 months or 10 more years....) recovering from surgery. I should also add she is in absolutely no pain right now, she's running around like a little kitten, it's so hard to believe that she has this awful disease 
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Welcome to Tripawds. Sorry you had to find us due to cancer in Jill.
Amputation is a big surgery and should be carefully considered. But it seems that when osteosarcoma is involved it is really the only thing that will bring relief from the bone pain. You never know how much time you will get after, but in almost all cases the time is quality and pain free.
My little pug had mast cell cancer which was not causing pain. It was difficult to grasp that amputation was the best path forward- she wasn't even limping! But it was necessary to keep the tumor from rupturing and the cancer from spreading.
Maggie took longer than most to get back to herself- she was a very obstinate pug who did not deal well with change. Even with that she did get back to herself and was a happy tri-pug for almost 4 years. Most pups seem to bounce back in two or three weeks, some take a little longer. And I do think that Fang was running around like nothing happened about 3 weeks after surgery. Our other recent kitty member is named Xerox- they post as perfectascats, you could search on either to read their story.
I think you were trying to type metastasis? Around here we shorten it to mets. It's easier to type and makes you sound like an old hand 
.
Good luck with your decision, and keep us posted.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Sorry to hear Jill's diagnosis. In addition to our two dogs, Linda & Bernie, we also have 4 cats! As others have already mentioned, I would definitely check out Fang's blog. He seems to be getting along like nothing ever happened! Good luck, and let us know what you and your doctor decide!
Hi all
Just got home from the vet with Jill. Brought her in for a lung X-ray bc I was so anxious and couldn't wait. Good news her lungs are all clear!
My vet consulted with two oncologists who both believe the leg should be amputated followed by a few rounds of chemo. I'm terrified for her but know this is the right move. Her surgery has been scheduled for next week, 12/12. Any helpful advice would be so appreciated! I will definitely check out fangs blog!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Hi Jill and Family, we're glad you found us. Many of us understand how scary and emotionally draining it is to deal with a cancer diagnosis, so we're here to help you both get through this.
I know you'll be very inspired by Fang's blog, it's really our first very descriptive kitty Tripawd blog and will show you how quickly they can bounce back from amputation, whether it's due to cancer or other reasons. In fact it's in my humble opinion that cats do better than dogs with recovery and life on three legs! 
Don't tell my doggie friends I said that!
When you get a chance, do share the chemo protocols that the vets are recommending, I'm interested to see how different it is for cats, if at all.
And yeah, osteosarcoma sucks, no doubt about that. But many many Tripawds here have beaten those depressing odds, so we have all the faith in the world that Jill can too! Keep that hope in your heart, and you can get through anything on this journey.
Let us know how we can ease your fears OK? We're here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all so much - reading Fang's blog helped me a LOT. I'm thinking of starting one for Jill! I don't know if this will work, I'm pretty computer illiterate, but here's my Jilly hugging her vet after getting tonight's "all clear" diagnosis of her lungs:
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Sorry you and Jill had to find us here. Love the pic of her hugging the vet! That's great news that her xrays were clear.
I don't have any experience with cats, but I know at the shelter where I volunteer, the vet said that cats usually do really well on 3 legs.
Keep us posted on how her surgery goes! Hang in there,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Haha! That is a great photo!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Jill is a big hugger, she will hug anyone who will let her
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I would appreciate any good tips for stuff I should buy to have at home for Jill's recovery
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
om my gosh I love the photo what a awesome cat - i cant really help much we havent had any experience with cancer or tripawd kittys but just wanted to wish you luck
Sarah
You know, we have a lot of ideas for assisting Tripawd dogs in our Gear blog , but when it comes to Tripawd kitties, they get along so great, and they're so independent, there are few things that you really need. Here are a couple of tips that might help though:
Traction: Put down traction on your floors if you don't have any carpet. Even yoga mats will help your kitty feel more confident when walking around your home.
Bella's Hot and Cold Pain Pack: This is a great tool to have on hand, we love them.
Basic wound care tools: things like gauze, sharp scissors and bandages with extra tape come in handy. Sometimes the wound will leak fluid, which is usually harmless, but if that happens you may need these things to clean it up. Jill may or may not come home with a bandage, it depends on the vet's preference.
Tempting Foods: Pain pills really cause a decrease in appetite. Find the most tempting foods you can to help her want to eat something, but don't be alarmed if she doesn't for a few days.
Finally, if you can at all keep her confined in a small space for at least a week, that would be helpful. Not sure if she'll put up with that but you'll have to let us know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As you can see it was one year ago today I made my very first post here! It's my tripawds.com anniversary! I thought it would be fun and interesting to resurrect this post to see just how far Jill and I have come in a year and how I COULD NOT have done it without the help if my tripawd family here. So thank you thank you thank you for being my support system, our cheerleading squad, a shoulder to cry on and a pals to laugh with.
All my love,
Erica
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
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