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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Trevor's Coming Home
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Member Since:
30 April 2009
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30 April 2009 - 8:35 am
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Hello Everyone!

My Sheltie, Trevor, had his front right leg amputated yesterday due to an aggressive spindle cell sarcoma.   Sadly, we just put him through that trauma of surgery to remove his tumors and had planned to treat him with radiation.  The day he was being prepped for radiation and put under general anesthesia, they found another tumor.   We decided to switch gears at that time due to the aggressive nature of his cancer and opt for amputation - in hopes of saving his life.  Sarcomas are typically more localized cancers, but this particular one has a greater chance of spreading.  Lung x-rays look good at this point, and his amputated leg should give us more info (testing lymph nodes, etc). 

One of the reasons we didn't opt for amputation initially, is that Trevor had arthoscopic elbow surgery on the opposite leg last year and has arthritis in that leg as well.  We weren't sure that leg could hold him up.  I've been looking at a cart from Eddie's Wheels as a way to take some of the pressure of his other leg.  Another factor in this whole thing is that Trevor is 12.5 years old.  Shelties, however, average 15 years it seems, and he is in good health otherwise. 

I'd love to hear anyone's experience with a dog this age and possibly a front-leg amputation.  Also, I'd love to hear comments about carts with an old dog.  It seems that though everyone says 3-legged dogs get around pretty well, that it can be hard on the anatomy to be "hopping" around. 

I'm really nervous about picking Trevor up today.  It was hard dropping him off to have this done, and seeing him this way will no doubt break my heart.   I've been questioning whether this was the right thing to do, but his tumors were SO bothersome to him that even if we wanted to, we couldn't have just left them alone. 

Trevor is a "pistol" and always has been.  We'll see if his strong spirit helps him through this.  The house has been awfully quiet without him "yapping" in the morning wanting to eat!   His nickname is "jaws", so if he doesn't want to eat...I'll know he's not doing well!

Thanks for listening!

Trevor's Mom

Member Since:
25 April 2009
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30 April 2009 - 2:39 pm
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Hi Our Cane Corso Lira came home today, too, after a front leg amputation yesterday.  She is much better today than when I was with her yesterday.  She is eating, drinking, peeing, no BM yet !! Seems a bit painful and sleepy, but happy to be at home with those who love her i think.

Hope everything is OK with Trevor.

Bye for now

Carmen and Lira in Saskatchewan, Canada.

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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30 April 2009 - 2:58 pm
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So glad Trevor is coming home.  Give him a couple of days to adjust and you should find the same 'pistol' you had before.  All of the dogs recover at a different pace, don't get discouraged if it takes a little longer than you expect, they heal at their pace, not ours.

Trouble and I are sending good thoughts your way and hoping for a speedy recovery.

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.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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30 April 2009 - 7:29 pm
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Thanks for joining the discussion! Best wishes to you and trevor for a complete speedy recovery. I bet he surprises you and adapts well. Just try not to be too nervous, at least not around Trevor. He needs you to be a strong pack leader right now.

Jerry was only eight at the time of his amputation, and much larger. We've heard great things about Eddie's Wheels and would love to hear your feedback if you got that route. Try to just take it one day at a time right now. We look forward to hearing more...

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

Member Since:
14 January 2009
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1 May 2009 - 8:58 am
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We are so sorry to hear of Trevor's health problems and amputation. I have a Golden Retriever with Osteosarcoma who has adjusted well to life on three legs. She was pretty sick for about 3 weeks after the surgery and not herself for quite a while, but now (5 months later) she is quite active and much happier than she was with the cancerous leg on. She is 10 years old.

We also have a 4 year old Sheltie that we adopted this year so I know what you mean about their active personality. I'll bet your house in awfully quiet right now; my little Prince is always up to something. Everything that we do or that happens around the house is noted with interest and often commented upon!

I have just been informed it is time for walkies, so got to go!

Jane, Ember, and Prince

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