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 just joined here.
Tonka is a Bull terrier/ Lab mix 11yrs old. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right front leg about 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately the cancer has eaten away much of the bone so amputation with Chemo was the plan of action our Oncologist recommended. I couldn't have him remain in pain even though he is probably one of the most pain tolerant dogs I have ever met. So the decision to move froward with the surgery was not a problem for me. I am still neverous for him but I think he will do just fine.
I have to say reading the stories here made me feel so much better about our decision. It seems most of our family/friends don't really understand and feel my husband and I are being cruel having his leg amputated. I know Tonka will prove them all wrong.
So again it was very nice to find your site for some support.
Welcome! My dog, Jack, had his diagnosis and amputation 8 months ago (although he was limping on and off for about 8 months before his diagnosis). He runs faster than ever, can still high-five and even shake (YES! SHAKE!) and likes to jump up high walls and catch his ball in the air. Tonka will amaze you. The first 2 weeks may suck, but it's only temporary. Good luck tomorrow!!!
<3 Laura and Jackers
You are right: Tonka will prove them all wrong! Decide to amputate is not cruel, it is great compassion. your dog is suffering and because of your act of love he will get rid of that horrible pain who has harassed him for months. Good luck for tomorrow! I will be thinking of you
Suzanne and Oslo
Good luck tomorrow Tonka! And to Mom, you will not believe the change in Tonka! You are removing a huge source of pain, after the recovery period you will likely notice a happier Tonka. I saw a big difference in my Supai in 3 days and she continues to do well after 8 weeks.
Shaun & Suapi
Welcome! We're glad you're here, even if the reason is a bad one. My Cemil is an Anatolian Shepherd who had his left front leg amputated a year ago because of osteosarcoma. He chose to recover a little more slowly than some of the smaller dogs, but now he does just fine. Tonka will too, after the first two weeks. The two-week recovery period from the surgery is rough, but once through that, you'll have your pain-free dog back.
We'll be thinking of you tomorrow--hope all goes well. Send pictures!!
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Good luck with the surgery tomorrow. I can never understand why people think that it is cruel to amputate a dog's leg when it is the only way to stop the pain from bone cancer! What would be cruel would be to make Tonka suffer or to put him to sleep now and not give him a chance at life. Sometimes the first two weeks can be a challenge but most dogs do very well after amputation. Emily could still run like the wind and could still jump on the trampoline! You will be in my prayers. Keep us informed.
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.
Mom,
Keep us updated! We want to know how Tonka is doing!
Best of luck for a speedy recovery! He a handsome fella!
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.
You are totally making the right decision. My dog Tehya just had her first month ampuversary and we too were torn with our decision. Turns out it was the best decision we ever made. Her tail never stops wagging now whereas before she would just go to her bed and lie down with the pain I guess..we never thought for a moment she was in so much pain. For us the first two weeks were not that bad she did very well and continues to do so amazing us with new things everyday. She loves to have her paws rubbed and yesterday she found a way to balance so she could still get her front leg up to get it rubbed.
This website is an amazing source of support for you as I think the pawrents struggle more than the dogs do. All the best to you and Tonka for tomorrow. I will say the first time we saw Tehya standing it took us back just a tiny bit but when she wagged her tail to say I'm ok it was just fine so just be a little bit prepared for that!
Sending you best wishes,
Tehya and her Mom
Good luck tomorrow!!! Be strong for your pup...you'll need to be very strong for when you first see him - it might blow you away - it did me. I hope your two weeks after surgery goes well!!!!!!!!! Keep us updated!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Tonka, welcome! You are such a cutie! We're really sorry you got diagnosed but so hoppy that your pawrents decided to look for us here online. Trust me, they'll find lots of people who have been there and can help them tell your family and friends that amputation is not cruel. My own pawrents got the same reaction, which is why they started Tripawds. It didn't take me long to show them, and the world, that dogs can live great lives on three legs! And now, you'll do that too. Just think of how many Tripawds you can help by being here!
Good luck tomorrow, we'll be thinking of you. Where are you having your surgery?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thinking of you and Tonka on the surgery day. This is one big decision behind you. Can't wait to see the first update on Tonka's status post amp.
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.
Tonka is having his surgery at Vet Oncology Services and Research Center in West Chester, PA (Outside Philly)
Best of luck tomorrow. This isn't something any of us wanted to go through, but Tonka will adjust better than you can imagine, and we are all here for you whenever you have questions or just need to vent!
-Gwen & Harley
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
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