Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all - Tanner's 5 month ampuversary was yesterday and he is doing great. We had him to the vet a few weeks ago for a general checkup and although they did not do any blood work or x-rays they told us he is fine. His 3rd birthday is the 23rd of this month and we are going to give him a big doggie party. When he was first diagnosed they gave us a prognosis of only a couple months without chemo. We are very close to the six month mark and are not taking one day for granted. We are cautiously optimisitc and every day that he is okay is a good day.
When he was first diagnosed I searched the internet vigorously for any information I could. It led me to this website and I am thankful. If you happen to be in that same situation and are contemplating what to do, please know that amputation is scary for us humans..........not our canine friends. Give your dog the gift of a pain-free life - however long that is. The future is uncertain, sure..........but let them be happy and pain free in the meantime. I can honestly tell you that I dont remember Tanner with four legs. He is quicker now than when he was before his amputation because now that horrible pain is GONE.
So thank you Jerry for bringing us this website...........my Tanner is loving life and living his "bonus" time in large part because of you and your website. You are king tripawd.
Many thanks,
Tanner and Amy
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Amy said:
So thank you Jerry for bringing us this website………..my Tanner is loving life and living his “bonus” time in large part because of you and your website.
No ... thank you! It's wonderful updates and advice like yours here that make this site what it is.
Happy ampuversay! Happy birthday! Happy days! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tanner and Amy,
Let us second Jerry's THANK YOU for the great update and congratulations. I will be approaching my five month ampuversary in two weeks and it is important to those just starting this journey to see the success stories. It is all about quality of life and humans sometimes get very up-tight about a tripawd. When the see us, they often express their sympathy. I understand and appreciate the underlying feelings but they should consider the alternative. I am loved by my family, pain free (except for a recent intestinal bug), get around almost as good as before, get to take daily rides in the car/truck, still get into mischief, and enjoy every day for what it is and not what it could have been.
Dad promises that if I am doing well on my five month ampuversary, he will update my original posting. We want to let those just starting this journey that it will be tough, it will have ups and downs, but that it is a journey well worth the effort. Your story, Tanner, helps all those see the value in this journey. Please give Amy a big hug and feel all the support that exists from here in Northern California.
Cherry and Dad (Bob)
Great post, Tanner. Five months is a great accomplishment. Keep up the good work, we are all pulling for many more wonderful months 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.
Hi
We have a 4 year old Alaskan Malamute named Montana who is currently weighing in at 58kgs that has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front right leg just under her shoulder..(Chest xray clear) Serium ALP Levels were normal.
We have been informed that this is not cureable long term that short term the best option is amputation followed by chemo. Is this correct?
is there no possible way that after all this that there could be a chance of long term survival??
We had reservations about amputation and how she would cope but after reading this site and looking at some video's and pictures of other large dog breads they seem to do quite well. Montana is our baby and we just want to make sure we do what is best by her so i was just after another opinion on the matter.
How long after amputation will she take to recover and be able to get around ok? Is chemo wise to get when from what we have been told it dosen't stop the cancer coming back anyway.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as we are just not sure what to do.
Thanks
Tracey,Stuart & Montana - cherishing every day we have together
Way to go Tanner- that is wonderful news. We're so happy to hear things are going great for you. Love your attitude too- loving life and living in bonus time.
To Trac- with the amputation that is exactly what you get- pain free bonus time with your canine companion. Our Wrigley had a very aggressive form of Osteosarcoma and lost her battle on March 28. She got 3 months bonus time which I will be forever grateful for. I have had several people ask me knowing what I do now, would I do it again- my answer is in a heartbeat. She recovered very quickly friom the amputation. After the 2 week recover period we were back to normal. I cherised every extra day we got with her- and I learned so much from her on this journey. Up until the last week of her life, she lived life to its fullest. There wasn't a thing she couldn't do, or try to do. It was truly an amazing experience enjoying her in that way.
So whether it is 3 months, 6 months, 7 years ( yes 7 years, there is a dog here that has beaten the odds) each and every day is one more day to enjoy. I wish the best. And always remember - whatever decision you make is the right one.
Seanne
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Trac said:
We have a 4 year old Alaskan Malamute named Montana...
Hi Trac. We've moved your new topic for Montana here. You've got replies there, including one from tazziedog (FYI: Pam is a vet).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Happy Ampuversary, Tanner! Nova just had her 5-month too. We are so glad to hear that everything is going so well.
Tracey and Montana, check out my Nova's blog at http://www.trip.....ogspot.com. She is a giant breed Tripawd, a Great Dane who weighs 125 lbs, and last week was hiking trails and climbing mountains! You will be amazed at what dogs can do on 3 legs.
Sue and Nova
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
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