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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Yes, your fears and worries are normal.
I remember the surgery morning I walked the gimpy Genie into the vet hospital, I had a sudden fear of cutting off the wrong leg. I know I should trust the surgeon, and I really trusted him. But you never know, stupid mistakes like this do happen! Then I worried about the vet tech would take my little "hint hint, the right front leg is the bad leg!" as an insult, so I had to think of the most articulated way to convey my message.
I did all I could possibly do, but once Genie was beyond the reception point, I just had to pray to the Almighty God, to look after the surgery team and my baby.
Take one step at a time. Once the surgery date is set, then focus on the preparation mentally and also make ithe house tripawd friendly. After the surgery, then focus on the recovery and chemo.
Hugs to Pez!
Worrying and the unknown are the worst parts about this whole ordeal. I never worried about the surgery, really, but I went through anticipatory grief, where I felt like Jack was already dead, even though he was just sitting right there being a normal dog. However, with the help of some links on this site, I have worked through my feelings and have a totally different view of our situation. I believe the same will happen with you. The beginning is always the worst part, I think. There's so much going on, there's the shock of diagnosis, the "oh my gosh, what am I going to do" feeling, there's treatment options, and everything is so overwhelming. It's perfectly normal what you're feeling, and it's also perfectly normal for those feelings to change. We're here for you!!!
<3 L & J
Hello everyone... It's been a while since I've been on. Well, my wife and I ended up not doing the amputation on PEZ. PEZ has been doing well, still limps but she's still a happy dog. She also has no mets in her lungs. We are still doing the K9 Immunity
, Essiac, Flax oil, filsh oil, sardines, joint suppliments, etc... We are also looking into bisphosphonates
oral alendronate (Fosamax), oral risedronate (Actonel) and intravenous
pamidronate (Aredia) with the Vets to see if we can strengthen the existing bone and create new bone. We have an appointment in May.
Hope everyone is doing well and God bless!
Scott, Charlotte & PEZ
Well that is excellent! Thanks for the update. Let us know how it goes!
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.
Well that is great that Pez is still happy and exceeding expectations. How does she do it with the fracture? Sounds as though the pain has been kept under wraps.
Scott, Charlotte and Pez, thanks so much for the update (and especially for posting it here, it's so helpful for future members).
We're glad you let us know what's going on, because we want you to know that we're behind you no matter what. Amputation isn't always the answer and if a dog is doing well without it then that's all that matters.
We too would love to hear about any pain management procedures you're doing (thanks for asking Tazzie). That's a big concern for people who opt not to amputate and it's great to hear that Pez is doing so well.
As for the supplements and treatment, they sound great. Don't forget we have a great Tripawds Nutrition Blog that always has special deals and comparison shopping ideas going on, and any purchases made through there help to defray the maintenance costs of the Tripawds community site! 🙂
Keep us posted on how things are going, we're so glad to hear from you. Smooches to Pez!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi All…
Well, PEZ took a turn for the worst yesterday after she was doing so well. PEZ feel down and completely fractured her leg in half. In addition, the fracture is a dislocated fracture (ouch). Something even with a healthy bone would require surgery to pin and plate the break. We immediately took her to the vet's office and the x-rays confirmed the damage to the leg. The vet recommended putting her down due to the severity of the fracture. We asked about amputation and she did not recommend it, but gave us the name of a place that specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports injuries http://www.vosm.org/. I wish I knew about this place months ago…ahhhhhh!!!! We sent them PEZ's x-rays, which also included her check x-rays from May (they are still clear… no METs) and will get back to us tomorrow concerning possible amputation. PEZ currently has a fentinal patch on the back of her neck to address the pain in addition to getting 3 pills of Tramadol.
My question to you all, would you amputate at this stage? PEZ is now 12 years old (average life of pit bulls is 12), 60 pounds, she still eats like a horse and loves food, but is 8 months post osteosarcoma diagnosis and with the bone break the sarcoma marrow blood is cirulating throughout her system with greater volume… I just don't know. My wife is a wreck and I find myself in a fog and on "pins and needles" not knowing which way to go…. this just breaks our hearts. 
Scott, Charlotte & PEZ
I'm not asking this to be cold, but didn't your vet warn you the leg could fracture when PEZ was diagnosed? Or didn't he/she educate you on how terribly painful osteosarcoma is?
Eight months ago, my advise would have been to amputate. At this point you are going to have to make your decision based on how well you think PEZ can adjust and how much risk you are willing to take. You already know there is the risk of the marrow transporting the cancer. That said, PEZ is a tough cookie to have made it this far. She may be able to pull it off without a problem.
I am very sorry you are faced with this, particularly if you have a vet that neglected to educate you appropriately.
Sending lots of positive energy for PEZ and strength for you and Charlotte.
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.
Yes, they did educate us about possible pathological fractures and the pain of osteosarcoma. However, her pain was being managed, in addition she was on bone therapy. PEZ was walking on the leg, no noticible turmor at the site, no METs in
the lungs, everything looked positive. The vet said this accident could have happened to any dog, not just one
with osteosarcoma. Plus we were extemely guarded with PEZ in her activities and she was always with us. She didn't even climb the stairs by herself, I always would carry her up and down the stairs and even pick her up to carry her off the porch to go outside.
The reason for not amputating earlier was due to PEZ not having three other good legs (prior ACL surgery in the rear legs and front left has mild displasia). The vets didn't recommend it and we concurred, which is why we decided to take this direction. Plus one of our vets who specializes in Chinese medicine had her on bone therapy in addition to the other western med treatments... and it was working great.
Oh guys, we are so sorry. The pain of a fracture is unbelievably horrible, it must be so hard on Pez right now. But what a tough girl she is, and an amazing survivor. Few dogs make it eight months with amputation, much less without.
You basically have two options at this point; take a chance and do the amputation or say goodbye. Neither are easy considering her pre-existing conditions. But something must be done quickly, because she is in a huge amount of pain. If your vet isn't sure if she's an amputation candidate, get another opinion, STAT. Dont' wait. Dogs are so good at hiding their pain.
We recently posted a YouTube movie with a physical therapist, Dr. Hady, who discusses this very kind of situation and how physical therapy can help after amputation, even for dogs with preexisting conditions.
This is a tough spot, one that we hope nobody ever finds themself in. We send our healing thoughts out to you guys and hope that Pez can go on to live a great life. Please keep us posted OK.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I, too want to say how sorry I am for what's happened to Pez. It's never fair.
I agree with "Jerry" on deciding quickly. She is in horrific pain whether or not she is showing it! Every little tiny movement is bone on bone which is almost unbearable. I'm hoping her body is in shock still so the pain isn't as intense.
Again, I'm so sorry. It's obvious you love her so much. I can only wish you 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.
PEZ is home from surgery.
We took her in on Tuesday morning for digital X-rays of her lungs to see if there were any signs of METs. The surgeons looked over the images and everything was completely clear in her lungs…no METs. So we admitted her and she had her amputation that afternoon around 4pm. Everything went well. The next day she was eating and was up and about going to the bathroom on her own. The pain meds made her a bit sleepy, but it didn't curb her appetite. She still eats and drinks normal. PEZ will go back in 10 days to get her staples removed and for the surgeon to look over everything. Around 14 days post-op we will start PEZ on metronomic chemo and bisphosphonate treatments (in addition to her supplements).
We wanted to thank everyone for all the kind words and support. Charlotte, PEZ and I greatly appreciate it.
Am so glad to hear she had the surgery, has NO mets, and is doing well. That is just a wonderful update. Hope Pez has a speedy recovery and many more good days ahead.
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.
Sending lots of good wishes to Pez for a great recovery! We hope all continues to go well for her.
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
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
Hang in there, Pez. Sounds like you're recovering well! The pain meds for sure will make her a little dopey. What a tough girl she is.
Sending healing thoughts your way
Carmen, Catie and Riley
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
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