Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello to all and thanks for the encouraging personal stories. My boy Rocco is a 11 year old boxer. Fri night he was running the fence and fractured his left rear leg. The vets here in Clovis, NM said that only a plate would fix the fracture, but that I'd have to go to Dallas to get it done @ $4K...not even the doc in Lubbock would touch him because he was too old and big (only 75 lbs!)
Fortunately, a vet at CSU in Fort Collins, CO returned my call and asked if the x-rays showed anything near the fracture...when I replied yes, ther was a fuzzy swollen spot, he informed me that it wasa a pathological fracture and that we should proceed with amputation and chemo. To make things easier and more affordable, a vet in Portales, NM said she would amputate and hospitalize him for two days for about $550.
I reluctantly considered amputation at first because the local vets were hinting at putting him down due to his age. However, he's still way to froggy and I'm not going to give up on him when he hasn't given up on me. After talking with the CSU vet, my VERY reluctant wife agreed to go for the amputation.
So now that we're on for tomorrow, I'm really only concerned about one thing for now, and that's his recovery. What are some options to prevent him from licking and infecting the wound site? Also, about how long does the site take to heal to the point I won't have to constantly watch it?
Any advice would be great.
Wish us luck! My boy's strong...in a couple days I'll be hitting you all up again I'm sure...and then there's the question about chemo...?
Thanks!
RoccosDad
Hi Rocco's Dad & Rocco! (Rocco is a special name to me. My family had a doberman called Rocco when I was born and my dad always told me the most wonderful stories about him!)
I know that you are feeling very worried about your canine friend's recovery, but like you said - he is strong! I have only realised the strenght, determination and courage of my Dee after he had his amputation 7 months ago (no chemo). Rocco should be kept still and comfortable so that he can get his strenght back and he wound can get a chance to heal. I know this will be difficult, as Dee was also hopping around and trying to do things he used to do with 4 legs - like lifting his leg when he wanted to wee (after a few falls, he learned to wee sitting down!), etc.
I am sure that with your love and care, Rocco will be his old self again. We did not opt for the chemo route as it is too expensive in South Africa, but it is entirely your decision. My vet recommeded it, and told me Dee will have 3 - 5 months to live if we do not go the chemo route.... And look at him now - still playing, "running", and just being his old self - after 7 months!!
Please give Rocco a big hug from me and Dee. We are thinking of you during this time and wish Rocco all the best on his road to recovery.
Lots of love, Ansunette & Dee. xxx
Can't give you much advice, as our experience is still recent & also not cancer related. But I just wanted to say 'good for you!' for not giving up on your Rocco just because he's getting on a bit. Wishing you & Rocco all the best for the surgery and recovery.
Thanks for joining the discussion RoccosDad! You're in excellent hands with the folks at CSU. We're so glad you got their second opinion. Too many times we've heard stories of people putting their dog through multiple surgeries trying to "save" the leg.
Be sure to check out our top ten answers to dog amputation questions. A t-shirt can help prevent licking, but don't be too concerned. I wasn't even given a bandage and I did fine. Within a week the wound should be well on its way to healing.
You'll find lots of other answers by searching these forums and the blog for specific concerns. Best wishes for a speedy complete recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dee said:
We did not opt for the chemo route as it is too expensive in South Africa, but it is entirely your decision. My vet recommeded it, and told me Dee will have 3 - 5 months to live if we do not go the chemo route…. And look at him now - still playing, "running", and just being his old self - after 7 months!!
After my amputation in November 2006, I went in for a checkup in December, and was due for some vaccines. My vet looked at me and with a heavy sigh, she said "Well, I guess we can just go ahead give them to him, can't hurt." My pawrents knew that her eyes were really saing, "Well, he's probably not going to live long enough to need them." And ha! Look at how great I did, lasted almost two entire years after that visit!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Rocco & Dad,
I'm kind of doing this backwards. I already responded to your wonderful message that Rocco is doing really well and he's already home after having his surgery just yesterday!
I salute you for making the decision to go ahead and proceed with the amputation. Here's hoping that Rocco will do really well through his entire recovery and thank dog you found out that he had a neoplasm before trying to repair his fractured leg.
I sincerely hope you have a warm and peaceful Christmas and a very good New Year!
Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki)
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