Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Now that the swelling has gone down, I noticed these lumps tonight where her leg was. Is this normal? is this just the boney part that is/was left? It doesn't seem to bug her if I touch it but I don't know... I didn't notice it before tonight. Any thoughts?
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
So her vet emailed me back and said that it's most likely her 'bone' since she's gotten skinny. I worry, obviously, that it's the other bumps that you read about here but if I push on it, it feel hard like a bone (and doesn't bug her for me to do that). She looks at me but that's about it. So I gave her extra cookies!!! Since she doesn't eat her normal food, I do worry that she will lose too much weight OR gain. Especially with a dog that had no concept of an 'off switch' when eating (she would eat and eat and eat if I let her).
So I'll watch it and watch for pus or leaking or anything. Her stitches are out so she should be 100% good, right? She has licked at her wound site a couple times but not enough to make me think "phantom pain ". She continues to heal.
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
Alison,
That kinda looks like a bone to me. But its hard to tell with the pictures I would go by what the vet says or if you are really concerned take her in. I would try to continue to try to get her to eat her food with goodies in it. I know she is doing her chemo or just finished it for her other cancer so that might just be a side affect. Have you tried a different brand of food. Sassy quiet eating her food when doing her metronomics so I got the Merrick dry food with chicken, peas etc she ate that. I only bought a small bag to see if she would even eat. It might just be that food isn't palliative to her anymore. I heard with people doing chemo the taste buds can change what they used to like they don't while on chemo. Just a suggestion.
Yes, with her stitches out she should be good. The wound looks good. I would just watch her to make sure she doesn't lick continuously & get a sore.
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hard to tell but yes I would say it's bone too. Wyatt Ray has bony hips too and he's a rear amp.
Of course if you still feel uncomfortable I would let your vet check it out.
I agree with Michelle completely, some new food might get her appetite stimulated. Here are some tips:
http://nutritio.....s=appetite
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all - I think I was worried it was a seroma (sp) and that it was fluid building up in there. But it makes sense - she was bony on that side pre-amp since the muscle had atrophied from lack of use so there is no muscle there at all now (especially with the swelling going down).
I can get her to eat - it's just not what I usually feed her so I worry that she's not getting enough calories. However, she ate 1/2 a cup of kibble this a.m. plus 2 dog cookies and some cucumber slices. That should tide her over until dinner which is usually 1 -2 chicken breast tenders (about 4 ounces) and 1/2 - 3/4 cup kibble mixed w/stock. And another cookie.
Like I said, this dog always acts like she's starving to death (has her whole life) so I am doing the dance between over-feeding and under-feeding since I can't just put a bowl of kibble down like I used to since she won't eat it plain. Agree - her tastebuds change from day to day but she still does love some french fries! 
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
Oh she eats so well! Yeah, unfortunately the dance between feeding too much and too little is even more challenging for Tripawds, since they need to be leaner than their 4-legged counterparts. It's always a learning experience being a Tripawd pawrent!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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