Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everybody,
Just found out a few days ago that my beautiful 10year old best friend Scooby has appendicular osteosarcoma in his front left leg. When he began limping I thought at first he had just hurt himself like he normally does being such an active dog. So I thought I would give it a few days with rest to wait for his paw to heal. After a few days it didn't get better but worse until one morning I woke to him unable to walk at all and shaking in pain. I quickly rushed him to vet for xrays. They came back as some sort of lesion on his bone, biopsy done and came back positive to cancer.
My first vet was totally against amputation and basically told me to take him home and wait with pain relief untill the cancer takes him. I got a second opinion and this vet was very positive that Scooby would have another 2-3years with us with amputation and will adapt very well in having 3 legs. As soon as I heard this news it was decided.
So this morning I made his appointment which is scheduled for next Tuesday. I am expecting him to be back home within 3 or 4 days.
My question is what sort of preparations do to organise for his return home? Should I be prepared to be with him nearly 24 hours a day to assist with drinking water, toilet visits and just general loving support whilst he heals from his operation? Should I purchase a special harness to assist him in walking? Any special food to have ready in case of loss of appetite? What will it be like when i pick him up from the vets? Any tips on his return home that could help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 
Hi Scooby Doo & family, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away!
I'm so sorry you got diagnosed but VERY happy that you got a second opinion. Your story is not uncommon; unfortunately there are still too many vets who instantly think that amputation isn't an option for an older dog. 3-paws up to you for seeking help from a more enlightened vet, give them our thanks & 3-paws up!
You'll probably find that recovery isn't as bad as you envision it to be. Generally dogs do much better than we think they will and things usually go with a few ups and downs but nothing too bad. The first two weeks are hardest but after that Scooby will start to show signs of his old self.
To answer your questions I highly recommend checking out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books if you haven't already. Lots of good stuff in there and I know our community will be here soon to answer your questions as well. For now, remember, be strong and know that whatever feelings and energy you put out there about this whole thing, Scooby will reflect that. Dogs are so good at reading us!
Thanks again for joining us, we look forward to following your journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HI Scooby!
Welcome! I am so glad you got a second opinion. I can't tell what kind of dog you are - Jindo mix?
Anywho.... my girl was 13 when she had her amputation (*she was about 25 pounds) but she did great and proved that age is just a number! Shelby has since passed but I have no regrets. She did GREAT on three legs! I would download Jerry's books for sure. They were so helpful!!!
Shelby stayed at the vet for a couple days post-amp due to my work schedule but once we got home, she was fine. Kept her movement minimal for the first 2 weeks to heal (basically outside to potty and that was it). I did get her raised water dishes but didn't know if that made a difference (she was a rear amp). Also got her some comfy bedding and a crate to keep her secure when I wasn't home. She was pretty loopy from the drugs and I didn't see her sparkle for about 2- 3 weeks so be prepared. It's the meds that make them loco! 🙂
Good luck and stay close to us. We are here to help!
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Hi Scoobydoo, your pup surely is a handsome boy, and welcome to the Tripawds. This is a wonderful and very loving, helpful community.
So sorry for your ordeal of dealing with the ugly "c"........and I am glad as well that you got a second opinion. No lie, this surgery is very scary, and stressful, but I also know that our strong, and courageous fur babies do way better than we think they will. My sweet 9 year old Lab Polly lost her front right leg to a rare presentation of hemangiosarcoma, and never missed a beat immediately after her amp. Our pups and kitties are all different, and have different reactions to the surgery, but they all do very well, just some take a little longer than others.
One thing you will need in your house unless you have wall-to-wall carpet, is runner rugs wherever he needs extra traction . Alison mentioned raised food and water bowls which is much more needed for front amp pups, and also pups that are a bit taller. Others will surely be chiming in with other helpful ideas and support.
Keep us updated on sweet Scooby, and keeping you in my thoughts,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
So sorry for Scooby and you! My Jake is 11 days out s/p hind amp. He weighs ninety pounds (or he did with 4 legs).
The 1st few days I or my family was around to keep a close eye on him. We did little things like serve him water...1st one to the refilled bowl, he prefers it before the other two slobber in it. I gave him ice cubes, carrots and biscuits just to keep his energy up and make sure he stayed hydrated. His appetite wasn't great for the first couple days. I did not buy a harness- I once used a cut shopping bag (heard it on this web site) to help him steady himself. He may need some help at first rising to stand, this is awkward at first but becomes second nature. Currently Jake has learned to rise and lower and place his hind leg in the center to balance him. I have hardwood and tile. We put down area rugs to help with traction . Let Scooby be your guide. Try to treat him as normal as possible... that's very hard. I have 3 dogs and have assorted dog beds all over- 6 to be exact. The special king size memory foam that we bought him has gone unused. Now that he is feeling better he does explore and lie on the other beds. His elbows are a red and sore probably because he constantly lays on the opposite side. I rub both hips for him...the affected side because I'm sure it is uncomfortable and the good side because it is now taking on all the weight. Wishing you luck! We are here for you!
Laurie aka Jakes Mom
Sorry for what Scooby is having to go through with cancer. It will be tiring the first couple of weeks but it does get better. I downloaded the ebooks offered on Tripawds and found them very helpful in knowing to what expect when we brought Leland home as well as how to manage our human emotions regarding the amp.
Leland's hind leg amp was done on 6/2 and by the afternoon of 6/3 we were able to bring him home. Like others have said the meds they're given at the clinic are pretty powerful so Leland was pretty much out of it for the first couple of days. He also did not have much of an appetite and would pick at whatever meat (chicken, pork, or beef) that I grilled to entice him to eat. He also drank a lot of water which we just attributed to all the meds he came home with and just the stress on the body from the surgery. We also would help him get around with a belly sling (that the vet provided when we brought him home) for the first 2 weeks. We didn't want him falling and messing up his staples as he wasn't bandaged like front leg amps tend to be.
Good luck to Scooby with the upcoming surgery and we're sending well wishes to him for a safe and speedy recovery.
Sahana and Leland 
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Hi everybody,
Thank you all so much for your help and support, it sure does help knowing that there is this wonderful community to provide assistance in this world of tripaws.
Alison Scooby is ridgeback/kelpie/bull mastiff cross and weighs 30kg.
I am in the process of making changes around the home for his return from the vets.
I will keep you all updated on his progress.
Thank you again
Kerri and Scooby
Hi Kerri and Scooby,
So glad you got a second opinion! Check out the Size and Age Matters thread for lots of good info; I put some similar questions to yours there and got some good responses. And Jerry's Required Reading List is a must...will help you feel much more empowered about your decision.
Fwiw, I wished I had gotten Dr Dressler's cancer book sooner. If you go to Amazon and order it from this site you'll also be supporting. Tripawds, which you can already see is a great community.
Good luck, and keep us posted!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
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