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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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stacy
1
10 August 2009 - 4:45 pm
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Hi All,

I've reading the posts, and I must admit some just make me cry.  It's so nice to have this support as we go through these difficult times.  Today is my Lulu's surgery, a day I've been hoping to avoid.  She's (to use Millie's phrasing) is under the knife as I type.  She has mast cell cancer which had presented in a rather unusual way, none of her doctors, including the oncologists have seen anything quite like it.  Her leg started ballooning a few months ago & the biopsy came back as mast cell.  We tried several types of chemo, but nothing helped, so the doctors all recommended removing the leg.  At the moment, I am writing mostly because I can't seem to concentrate on working and I am a bit scared. 

Lulu came to me from a rescue group a little over two years ago at the age of 8.  She's a little chihuahua, Papillon mutt found wondering the streets of Compton (in L.A.) I didn't know at the time, but she also suffers from heart disease (which makes the anesthesia a major issue too).  Her amazing cardiologist, got the heart under control and as things seemed to be looking good, her leg started to grow.  She is a very tough girl to have survived all she has, and I know she'll get through this too, but at the moment it's very hard.  They will also be removing a second tumor I found last week, a carcinoma (most likely).  I am not sure I am doing the right thing for her, I hope I am.  I haven't been able to find anyone with similar experience with mast cell, so if you have, I would love to compare notes.

Thanks for reading this and please send your good thoughts Lulu's way if you have a moment.  She should be out of surgery within an hour or so, so I will post an update then.  Thanks again for creating & supporting the site.  --Stacy

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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2
10 August 2009 - 5:09 pm
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Oh, Stacy, we are all here for you and for Lulu.  Getting through the surgery is hard for us all.  The waiting is just the worst.  I could hardly focus at all on anything and I was at work...pretty useless looking back 😉  For me there were the weepy tears for several days, not the kind you can stop, the ones that just roll down your cheeks, with a mind of their own.  Of course from diagnosis, to second opinion to surgery day for us was just a little over 36 hours.  My head was spinning, and the raw emotion was on the surface.

You guys will do great.  Hugs from me and Troub for you and LuLu.

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.

Kirkland, WA
Member Since:
2 June 2009
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3
10 August 2009 - 6:20 pm
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Oh gosh, I cried everyday for like, a week.  The thing that helped me was to realize that our doggies don't know what's wrong with them, they just want to feel better so they can get back to life with the pack.  For some it's hard to know if amputation is the right thing, but let me tell you...Jack can do everything he did before surgery including his high-five trick, jump in the air, and speed after his ball.  It's like he's not even phased by the missing leg.  He also loves all the attention he gets as a tripawd.  After Lulu is done healing, I'm pretty sure you'll find that 3 legs are just as good as 4 (even better for some things like snuggling).  Let us know how she's doing and good luck!

Member Since:
20 December 2008
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4
10 August 2009 - 6:24 pm
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Hang in there Stacy.  Just take a day at a time... a minute at a time if you have to.  These amazing pups are so incredibly resilient.  Its always us humans who have the toughest time with it all.  My boy would constantly look at me like "what's the big deal???".  Keep us posted.  There are a great group of folks on here that will provide tons of support and info. 

stacy
5
10 August 2009 - 6:33 pm
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I just spoke with Lulu's surgeon, and it sounds like she is doing well.  There were some issues with her blood pressure at the beginning of the surgery, but they were able to stabilize her and continue. The removed her leg & the other tumor (which turned out to be a bit bigger than they thought) and she's in the ICU recovering.  They don't want me to visit for now as they are concerned my visit might excite her to much & even more so when I leave (I want to be with her so much, I keep hearing her in the house, but she's not here, so much for my mental state).  Thanks for all of your support & good thoughts.  I'll post an update in the morning.

Member Since:
26 November 2008
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6
10 August 2009 - 6:48 pm
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Welcome to this group of very dedicated people where you will be able to find support, advice, and excelent discussions. We all want to tell you how sorry we are to hear of Lulu's diagnosis and hope that you are on the way to a return to the quality of life together that you have known. Stacy, you should be proud of all that you did for for Lulu to rescue her from her previous condition and to now provide such excellent care. The next few days will not be easy but these resilient companions normally bounce back quickly. It is normal to cry at this time but you will need to be strong in front of Lulu. I know that I would have to go outside where I could just loose it totally before returning to my loving little girl. I often suggest that you remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that Lulu loves and can still do as a TriPawd, then exploit that love to give her life meaning. For Cherry, it was trips in the truck/car. These trips have had remarkable healing powers for her and to this day, you can see the excitement grow as the time for our trip approaches. We are approaching the end of nine months post-amputation and life is grand.

Positive thoughts from Northern California and please keep us posted.

Bob & Cherry

Member Since:
28 May 2008
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7
10 August 2009 - 7:16 pm
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Echoing everyone here Stacy - we are sending pawsitive thoughts and energy to you and your sweet baby. She sounds like a true fighter - so does her mom 🙂

Mental states go out the window during this really, really difficult, emotional, uncertain, crazy time - we all have been there 😉

We're adding you to our prayers tonight - hoping that all is good news in the morning. Keep us posted ~

Hugs,

Heather and Zeus

Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together

Livermore CA
Member Since:
24 January 2009
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8
10 August 2009 - 8:09 pm
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Hi Stacy

So now that Lulu's resting and probably on pain meds and pretty much out of it, you can maybe try to get some rest.  Those first days are like being in a tornado--it gets a little better when she's home because the decisions have been made and carried out, but then you'll have some recovery days that may be a little rough.  Be prepared for some grand surprises when your tough little sweetie starts to feel better.  They are amazing creatures, these dogs.

I send good thoughts and prayers for you and Lulu for the next couple weeks, and I hope to read reports of progress most every day.  Send a picture when you can.

Rest well

Mary and Cemil

Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today

Cemil's blog

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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9
10 August 2009 - 9:29 pm
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Hi Stacy,

Thank you for joining us. We're so sorry about Lulu. I hope you're getting some rest right now. We completely understand the overwhelming feelings surrounding the diagnosis, surgery, and after-care, but hang in there, this doesn't last forever. You will be SO amazed at how well Lulu will handle everything. Dogs are so much more stronger and resilient that wimpy humans are.

Everyone asks themselves if they're doing the right thing, and doubts will creep in during the recovery phase. Hang in there and just keep reminding yourself that it's just temporary. Then, remember to try not to overwhelm yourself with all of the information out there. Take these challenges one pawstep at a time, and always keep in mind that it's the here and now that counts. It's what Lulu wants most, to live for today and not in fear of the future.

We've had quite a few tripawds here who've been diagnosed with mast cell tumors. Here's some good info about mast cell tumors that our resident vet, TazzieDog gave to someone a while back. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask TazzieDog about it again in our Ask a Vet forum topic.

Let us know how things go tomorrow. Hang in there and remember we're all here supporting you all the way.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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10
11 August 2009 - 2:58 am
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You didn't say how long Lulu was going to be hospitalized, but by all means try to get some rest.  Whe she gets home, you'll lose a lot more sleep watching to be sure she's ok.   She will be fine, you will be the basket case 🙂  She will rest a lot when she gets home, that is normal.  When she isn't resting she needs to see a positive, strong, happy, supportive mom.  If you aren't worried, she won't be either.

Remember to live day to day, remember to learn all the little live lessons that soon will come your way.  We have been chosen to help one of these precious creatures through a journey.  You were chosen because you are strong enough, with enough grace to do your very best and make the remaining time however long that may be a wonderful time for Lulu. 

While each of us have a journey of our own to navigate, we have all found the strength within us to support one another and truly, honestly care for one another and our three legged blessings.

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.

stacy
11
11 August 2009 - 9:56 am
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I just spoke with her surgeon and Lulu is doing okay.  She had a smooth night and they are managing her pain. She doesn't want to get up yet, but that is understandable.   I will be able to visit her this afternoon & I hope she comes home tomorrow, but I'll have to wait and see.  

I know I've said this before, but thank you all for your support.  It's your words of comfort & understanding, that have helped get through these first few hours of surgery and recovery.  I'll post on update after my visit with my little girl.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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12
11 August 2009 - 12:39 pm
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Thanks for the update Stacy! Glad to hear everything has gone smoothly. Best wishes for a quick complete recovery!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
20 May 2009
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13
11 August 2009 - 3:45 pm
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Stacy, I have never read anyone say that they regret the decision to amputate.  The amputation will remove the pain and that is always a good thing.  Yes, the recovery will be rough.  Emily did great immediately following her amputation but had her rough moments in recovery.  Once in awhile she will fall and it is traumatic - more for me than her.  The important thing is she runs (hops) as fast as the other dogs and plays and is pain free.  You are doing a good thing for Lulu.  Debra

P.S.  Sometimes I still sob (not just cry).  It is not fair Emily has to go through chemo and cancer.  It is hard to concentrate on the day and not the future but I am trying.

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.

stacy
14
11 August 2009 - 4:24 pm
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Thanks Jerry for the mast cell link.  

I just came back from the vet after visiting with Lulu for a couple of hours.  She can't quite support herself yet (which is to be expected & I know I can't stand up on pain killers without wanting to fall over).  She only ate once in the middle of the night, so when the brought me some food to try to feed her, she inhaled it.  After that we cuddled for the rest of the time, she whimpered a few times, but with the machine giving her a steady dose of pain killers, she was pretty calm.  She seems to be in good spirits, even growled at the nurse at one point who tried to touch her while I was holding her (it's a bad habit of Lulu's that I haven't been able to break her of with strangers, she's extremely protective of me, but she's a sweetheart with the staff when I'm not around) which shows she's still cares about the world around her.  I feel much better now that I've had a chance to spend some time with her.  I will talk to her doctor in a few hours (she was in surgery when I visited) to find out if she feels Lulu is ready to go home tomorrow & when we'll receive the biopsy results from the removed tumor & leg.

Emily's Mom - I feel the same way, it's not fair, Lulu has gone through so much already.  When she was found she wasn't fixed & had a hernia.  The rescue group covered the surgery for both.  Then she has heart disease & three months after I got her she went into heart failure, but thanks to her doctors she came back from that (the following day when we came home, she was walking down the block like nothing happened & I was still in tears).  When she finally seems to be stable,  we discover the cancer  and just before her surgery, I discover another cancer.  Sooo not fair.  But with the help of you & everyone here, I am starting to accept that she doesn't know any of this & she now has lots of love and a really good life (relatively speaking).  I know it was the love & good medical care that brought her back from near death, she wants to live, she's a fighter.   I guess Lulu and I are both lucky we found each other.

stacy
15
12 August 2009 - 6:17 pm
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Lulu is home now (Woohoo), and doing well.  She wouldn't sit still in the car on the way home.  She's working the 3 legs and trying to figure it out.  After some water & quick treat, she finally chilled out and is sleeping in her crate.  I am truly amazed with her progress so far.  I imagine we will have some rough days ahead, but for now we will take it moment to moment.  Smiley

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