Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yampa is a 10 year old Golden Retreiver. He started limping in October, the vet took xrays of elbow and shoulder and told us he had arthritis. A month later he developed swelling in his wrist, this time they xrayed the correct location and found the cancer. Spent 2 days at the CSU vet school getting test and bone scan, no evidence of spread at this time. But, too much damage to have limb salvage attempt. So next week, he will become a Tripawd. I want to thank everybody for telling thier stories. This has helped my wife and I make the right decision for Yampa, to give him the best chance to live a happy life for as long as possible. I will update along the way.
Jeff
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Jeff,
Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry to hear about your beloved friend and his diagnosis. It seems so common that arthritis tends to be the first diagnosis to the older pups. Great news that it hasn't spread. I am sure Admin or someone more savy then I will direct you to what you can expect when Yampa comes home. It is full of great information as the first 2 weeks can sometimes be difficult for some of our babies. It is always nice to know that those issues are short lived and that things will get better.
What a good looking boy by the way!!
We look forward to your updates and sharing Yampa's journey.
Best,
Alisa
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.
Yampa is in good hands at CSU. Don't miss the three part series Jerry wrote about after our tour of the Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center.
We're sorry to hear about Yampa's diagnosis, but glad you find the Tripawds Community helpful. Thanks for joining!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for joining us here Jeff, Yampa's photo is adorable.
We send lots of healing wishes out to Yampa. CSU is one of the best vet schools in the universe, they'll take excellent care of him so try not to worry too much. There are also tons of great people here who can help with advice and tips, so drop us a line anytime.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jeff,
I'm so sorry to hear about Yampa's diagnosis. 
But it's a good thing that you found us here at Tripawds.
My Jake was also a 10yr old golden... and he had been limping on and off for several months before his diagnosis. Of course at his age, we just all assumed it was arthritis and only treated with anti-inflammatories. It wasn't until Sept 1 when he broke his leg and then we discovered his bone cancer.
It's a good thing that Yampa was diagnosed soon after starting to limp and is having his surgery soon after. I can't help but think that if we had discovered Jake's cancer and done his amputation months earlier, that he would have lived much longer... But Jake did really well after his surgery... and when he recovered, he was able to play and swim and enjoyed his life up until the end. We definitely don't regret doing the surgery, as it gave him some quality pain-free time. You can see his story and pictures on his blog at Jake's Journey.
Good luck with Yampa's surgery next week. We'll be thinking of him!
Sending good healing thoughts Yampa's way!!
Angel 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!
Jeff and Yampa,
We are very sorry to hear of Yampa's diagnosis but you have found a wonderful community filled with great people who will share their diverse experiences, provide help, and support. Like Yampa, we first thought that Cherry's very slight limp was arthritis. It only occured at her first rising in the morning and disapeared within minutes. However, one day it appeared later in the day and a week later she became a TriPawd. That was almost 13 months ago. A few things that may help you prepare for Yampa’s return from surgery. Stealing from a recent Jerry posting, I would suggest:
What to Expect Part 1: http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2: http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
Also, there are my usual suggestions:
1) Remain as positive as possible around Yampa. They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder. I have often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile. It will make a difference.
2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that they love and can still do during recovery. Then exploit that love to give them purpose. For Cherry, it was/is her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. To this day, as the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow. Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool. Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable. View the Fun! Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips. Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary! Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years. View the fun! Help them find a purpose to fight.
3) Consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted much it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog which is also a great idea. This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition. I have a page of thumbnail photos (with links to larger versions) covering from just after the diagnosis, first days home, chemotherapy treatment, through recent days. View Cherry’s TriPawd photos.
I know that this is a great deal to digest but we all hope that it will help you prepare. There will be ups and downs during this roller-coaster ride, but Yampa should be able to return to a very good quality of life. Keep us posted.
Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,
Bob & Cherry
Welcome to tripawds. I have been known to say that it is a group that none of wanted to join but are so grateful to have found. Bone cancer is so painful I think you will find Yampa is relieved to have his bad leg off. Just be positive around him, he will look to you for guidance. Is Yampa going to be having chemo as well? Please keep us posted on how things are going. Remember the first two weeks are the hardest but you will get through it! Do you have a surgery date? You and Yampa will be in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
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.
Welcome Jeff, Yampa, and family.
Yampa, with his snow covered picture, looks more like a Wampa. Which, of course, you won't get unless you're big dork like I am (it's a Star Wars reference).
Anyhow... welcome to the forum. We're all here to support you through this.
-Melanie, Peanut (tripawd), Bubba.
~*~*~ Peanut is strength, love, and happiness. ~*~*~ 11/30/03 – 12/26/09
I am glad you found Tripawds you will find so much comfort and caring people to help you get through this ordeal. The first two weeks or so are hard but you will be amazed with Yampa, he will be up and running and be his happy self again.
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….
thank you all for your comments. I will try to work on a blog.
Surgery on the 18th. We went for a long walk today, which is his most favorite thing. You would never know that he is sick, and the limp is barely noticeable. If I hadn't seen the xrays, I wouldn't believe that he needs an amputation.
I just checked out Yampa's blog and left a comment... It looks great and Yampa and Remington (his kittie) are just too cute!!! 
Angel 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!
Hey there Yampa & family,
I just took a look at the photos on the blog......what a beautiful boy, such a sweet face. I am sorry that Yampa and you have to go through this, but glad you found Tripawds. Many of us were blessed to find this web site at a time we were facing devasting news. One year ago we were facing amputation with Paris and I know what a rollercoaster of emotions you are riding!
We will be thinking of you, hang in there and take good care. Be sure to reach out for support on the forum, including the "ask a vet link".
Give Yampa a hug and a pat on the head, remember he doesn't know he has cancer!!
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Hi Jeff and Yampa
Welcome and sorry you have to be here. Just read your blog. Despite your misfortune (OSA), you are very lucky to be going to CSU. Can't get any better than that! It is interesting that they did a bone scan before the surgery. Many vets only do chest x-rays but I WISH we had done some diagnostic work up front. That way you know the story if something turns up later.
I'd be interested in hearing the details, in case CSU does things a bit differently than other places. If you are doing chemo, when do they anticipating starting chemo? Did they give him anything for the cancer before surgery other than painkillers?
Susan
Sending special thoughts for a speedy and pain free recovery to Yampa on his surgery! We'll be thinking of you! Please let us know how he is doing afterwards!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
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