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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I took my 8 year old Rottie , named Tasha, to the vet yesterday she is having her leg amputated this morning. Our story, or I guess I should say nightmare started 3 months with a limp. She was at first diagnosed with bone cancer of her left front leg , she was on the table ready to have her leg amputated when the Dr. found leasions in her lung. Surgery was canceled and she was sent home. One month later we took Tasha back to the Dr. and she seemed so healthy the Dr. began to doubt cancer. They did blood work and more x rays and said blood test came back as Valley Fever. We started her on a anti fungal which made her sick. After a few weeks on the anti fungal there was no improvement so back for more x rays this time the x ray showed it was cancer, the bone was almost all destroyed. This all has been heart breaking and we have lost so much time since the first diagnoses of cancer, she has been living on pain meds for 3 months. So today she will become a tripaw and I pray she will be able to recover and her horrible pain will be gone. We will be bringing her home on Sat. We are very scared for her and don't really no what to expect.
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
OMG Tasha... I'm so sorry!! 
I'm so glad that you found this forum, though... All of us here are going through similar situations, just at different stages. It is a wonderful place of support and information!! My Jake is a 10yr old golden retriever and he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of his front right leg, after it broke suddenly almost a month ago... After a bone biobsy we got the horrible diagnosis, and he had his leg amputated exactly 14 days ago. He is recovering well, though some days are slower than others... and of course I'm paranoid at ever single one of his symptoms... but this forum (and the blogs) have been an incredible support for me and my husband.
I'm sending Tasha lots of good thoughts and prayers for her surgery today... Please keep us all updated on her progress... and feel free to ask tons of questions... and to vent all your fears and frustrations! That's what we're here for!!!!
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Awww man! How discouraging to live thinking you dodged the cancer bullet only to find out the original diagnosis was right! We went on for 6 months being told Jack had a shoulder strain then a possible infection, only to discover a bump where the tumor had completely destroyed his bone. His 4 month ampuversary is in 2 days and he is doing better than he ever has! I hope Tasha has a speedy recovery, although don't get down if she takes longer than the mandatory minimum 2 weeks to recover. Every doggie is different 🙂 Keep us posted and I can't wait to see pictures!
<3 Laura and Jackers
Hi Tasha and family—I’m Polo’s dad, Mike. Polo became Tripawd last Tuesday. He too was diagnosed out of nowhere and my wife (Jenny) and I were devastated. However, I was really touched when I picked him up the day after surgery—happy tears!! It wasn’t easy as you are learning because you don’t want your baby girl to suffer or lose her leg. However, when I picked up Polo he was so happy to see me that he didn’t think twice about missing a leg (front left as well). Our doctor told us that many dogs walk out the day of surgery, which I found hard to believe. I think the pain of walking on a cancerous leg is greater than that associated with surgery and recovery (I’m guessing). I think Polo is glad the leg is gone. All positive things are emphasized and Polo is getting some big time pampering. There are lots of new challenges but he is surprising the heck out of us.
What we have experienced: Polo tires easy, he breaths heavy at times, his incision area is bruised because he’s a little over active, there is some seeping (normal--doc will explain) and his right elbow is tender from supporting all the weight while getting up and down—our doctor gave me a foam wrap that he cut a hole in to surround the spot (so it isn't covered) which I can wrap with "sticky bandage stuff" into place as needed. The incision is gnarly--that's the toughest part for my wife, be prepared. I have to hold Polo back.
Until he recovers from surgery and adjusts to three paws, we covered all the tile and wood with carpet runners (the role stuff at Lowe's was $1.97 a foot) and laid rugs and blankets over the carpet (to catch seepage). My wife converted our front living and dining room into our bedroom/living area and we cordoned the area with baby gates for better control.
Tasha will do good and you guys just press on. You found an excellent support group! Tripawd dogs and their people are awesome and you have tons of experience and tips at your disposal. I’m new and I already feel like part of the family. You’ll get lots of good advice.
Hang in there and we’re thinking about Tasha and your family. Polo, Mike and Jenny
Polo Jones, Golden Retriever, Shalimar FL
Tasha and Polo. This is Gerry, Dakota's dad. He was recently diagnosed with a nerve root tumor on his front right leg/shoulder. He will be having his amputation this coming week as long as all goes well (still a couple docs to see Monday and things to confirm). He just turned 11 and has some complications (moderate hip arthritis, thyroid tumor) but all in all is doing well.
I have never been a person to look for help and support but I have to say that you are lucky, as am I, to have found tripawds.com. The pets, and pawrents too, are so very helpful and supportive and have great ideas, advice and wisdom when it comes to helping you on this difficult and unexpected journey. I have not been here long but instantly felt like part of the family and have found it to be a HUGE help in facing and dealing with the unexpected. I'm sorry to meet you this way but am happy to help in any way I can. It's good to see you here!
Dakota and Gerry..
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.. Please know that deciding to do the amputation will be the absolute best option. I had second guessed myself at times as you may see in my posts, but Shilo is back to herself and is living pain free. There are options out there to buy precious time, and time is really all any of us had.
Shilo (our girl) just turned 6 and was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 9/1/2009 and had the amputation and struggled a little at first. But today I don't regret the decision at all..
We will keep Tasha in our thoughts and this is the best place to find support.. I know they helped me regain my sanity!!
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
Tasha,
Wow, what a story. How awful that you had to go through a misdiagnosis like that. We've heard of vets suspecting Valley Fever before diagnosing Osteosarcoma, but you're the first we know of who got treated for it. Grrrrrr... Many hugs....
As you've read, lots of us here got misdiagnosed at first. I personally spent almost two months being told I had arthritis, and was put on so many meds before my pawrents took me to a different vet where they caught the cancer.
Well, you can see that the pawrents here are incredible, and helpful, and so supportive. What we'd like to add to their suggestions is just be sure to check out:
What to Expect Part 1:
http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2:
http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
And then after that, well, tell your Mom to try to hang in there as much as pawsible. There will be ups and downs, and nothing is guaranteed except once you get through the surgery, any pain you feel recovering will be nothing in comparison to what you've already been though.
Then, take things one pawstep at a time. Examine all of your options about any treatments you want to pursue, talk to people, decide what is right for you. Try not to get overwhelmed, and rememer, there are no "wrong" decisions. Everyone's situation is different, and all that really matters is that whatever you guys decide to do, it's done in the name of love and in your best interest, not what anyone thinks you "should" do.
I think I'm rambling now. I hope this helped. You Rotties are tough cookies, I know you'll do just fine.
Thanks for joining us here. Keep us posted OK?
xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am in awe of what you have been through. How awful to watch your best friend go through all that and then to find out you had made the right decision to begin with! How many thousands of emotions I went through just reading your post. How many thousands more you must have been going through the minute you found out. I hope that everything turns out positive after all this! Please keep us posted.
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
Hi Tasha and Mom,
Welcome to tripawds.com. When Emily was diagnosed (correctly and quickly) I posted that I was so scared and couldn't breathe and the wonderful people on this site helped me pull it together. Emily didn't run out of surgery but she did run out of the hospital, down the steps and jumped in the car when we picked her up. I think the pain from the cancer is so much worse than we know. Having said that, remember she was on some strong pain meds. Expect that Tasha will probably have some bad days. The pain meds can really affect them in strange ways. Try not to second guess yourself. Your choices were amputation or death following extreme pain. Dogs can and do go on to live happy, good quality life on three legs.
Are you doing chemo?
Good luck with Tasha. She will be in my prayers.
Debra
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.
I'm sending many healing thoughts for your fur baby as you start the tripawd journey. You will be blessed in ways you never imagined, although early on it is really hard to believe.
We have never doubted the amputation is the best thing we could have done for Trouble. It was apparent from the day she came home the source of pain was gone, even with the major surgery to heal from.
Hang in there, the folks here will pull you through. This is a great support family.
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.
We have talked to the Dr. several times since yesterday, they said that Tasha is able to get up and even went for a short walk to go out and go potty. When she came in was wagging her nub and wanting pets from the staff. They feel that she is doing good. This has been going on for so long that she was somewhat use to being on 3 three legs already. Thank You for the replys the prayers and thoughts, it does help during this terrible time.
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Sounds like she's doing well. Great news!
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.
Oh that's wonderful to hear!
Yes, it's pretty amazing when pawrents realize that we were tripawds long before our leg actually came off. Tasha will amaze you, just wait.
Keep us posted on when she comes home and how she does. Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tasha and family,
As you can tell you have come to the right place for support. While it breaks all our hearts to hear of the delays, medicine is not an exact science and from here we look forward. You will be suprised how quickly they adapt and Jerry's postings of what to expect are an excellent source. A few suggestions: 1) Remain as pawsitive (tripawd positive) as possible when ever around Tasha. This is one of the reasons why knowing what to expect is to helpful. Our companions are so quick to pick-up on our feelings and if we show panic, they will pick-up on that feeling. 2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that Tasha loves and exploit that love to help provide a purpose in her life. For Cherry it was the daily trips in the truck/car. One can see the excitement build in her as the time for these trips nears or if our actions suggest that we are going somewhere. Tasha will need something to lift her spirits and help provide a reason to recover. Cherry is ten and a half months post amputation, and we still go on our trips. I just love to see her excitement when we go. 3) I found that keeping a journal was extremely important. For us the chemotherapy was far worse than the amputation and a journal allowed me accurately measure the progress from a day/week/month ago. There will be ups and downs during the recovery but the general trend will be up and a journal where you attempt to accurately document the conditions will help you see this steady improvement.
Lastly, Cherry is ten and a half months post amputation and doing extremely great. We are looking forward to the annual month long trip to Yellowstone this comming June. Cherry will turn twelve the day before she celebrates her year ampuversary.
Good luck and nothing be pawsitive thoughts from the west coast.
Bob & Cherry
Tasha was happy to see us when we picked her and as afraid as I was to see her I was surprised that she looked so good, wiggling and the incision as big as it is wasn't even as bad as I had made it out to be in my head. She went potty when we got home and then in for water and to sleep. She does cry some and I can tell she is uncomfortable at times, she can not at this time lay in her favorite spot as it would mean that she would have to lay on her incision, but she will be able to again someday soon. She has a long way to go but I believe she is going to recover. I no we are so new to all this, I had made it out that it would be so much worse than it has been so far. The best part is that she is back home with us because had we not done this she wouldn't be her ever again. We will bless everyday and be
thankful her always.
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
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