Hi we are new to this whole situation
3 weeks ago our beloved Nova a nearly 10 yr old American Bulldog also a very loved and spoiled American Bulldog was brought in to her vet for a lump on her backside only to have it be just fat which is fine the vet said it was nothing to be worried about but he also noticed a lump on her right front arm.
Both my mom and Stepdad play with her every day/night so they knew that wasn’t there the day prior. The lump appeared over night. So the vet did xrays wasn’t fully sure what exactly it could be so he redirected her to a specialist and after studying it on Xrays and bloodwork they know it’s cancer but not being able to take a biopsy they aren’t fully sure what kind but give she’s older it’s most likely osteosarcoma so they went further and did more bloodwork and. CT scans to see if it spread we get those results Tuesday.
We had a meeting with the docs and they feel that the best option is leg removal we are completely devastated by this news. We asked about removing the lump but the docs don’t feel that that can be done because of the close proximity to her wrist and the tumour runs along the ulnar bone. We did the CT scans and tests on Friday and are having her right leg amputated on Wednesday
sorry writing this I’m in sobs she’s our baby. How do we cope? I found your website online and ordered a book on amazon I think by your team called “Three legs and a spare tripawd basics” thank you for letting me share Nova’s story.
Welcome! You’ve taken the biggest step in coping by joining the Tripawds community. You are not alone. For help finding all resources and assistance programs, start here.
Use this community for everything…Questions, Hope, etc. She will be fine…they adapt quite well. It’s scary but you have an amazing support group on here. I have learned so much when I chose to adopt a rear leg amputee 5 months ago. Do the blog and document your new adventures. I have posted so much about my learning experiences with Dudley and have received an amazing amount of feedback and support. Take advantage of the funding that is available. We, as pet parents, have a harder time with the loss of the limb. Go slow with the walks…get a raised feeder and just observe and adjust. It looks like you already have an amazing bed for her. You will need to be prepared to learn new ways of getting your dog in the car and be prepared for a few stumbles with bathroom business. They learn quick! And the walking pace will be different. With Dudley missing the rear leg, he does a kind of loping when he walks. And when he runs, he drops his back end low and goes a bit sideways.
There is so much information on here in the forums and blog posts. Feel free to reach out…I didn’t go through the post-surgery process with my guy but I can give you my observation of regular amputee life. You will be fine, the first few weeks will be the hardest. And there are people who can give you support on this site.
Acupuncture…Keeping things low to the ground, keep an eye on steps. Short walks even after surgery healing. Heating pads (I use K&H heating pads)…Pay attention to her body and her mobility changes. Start treating for arthritis if you haven’t already. Hot weather is hard on amputees. Apply for the frontline harness through the funding on this site. The one thing that I have learned is to pay attention to how the body movements change and adjust. She will find what feels right for her and her body will make adjustments. Dudley is just a few days shy of his year amputation and he has bulked up in his chest and shoulder area. Keep her on the lean side, less stress on the body. Make sure your dog bed is supportive. There is so much information on this site!!! I learned so much while I was waiting for Dudley to come home to Oregon from Texas. Everyone is super supportive and will give you insight.
I am not the best person to ask about post surgery stuff but I can give you my experiences with daily amputee life. There are so many forums that will give you the info you need for post surgery. Feel free to reach out to me about any daily life things! I lost my senior GSD who was my love to massive spinal fusion and bone spurs. He lost his back legs and wasn’t able to use the wheelchair I had purchased for him in anticipation of this type of event. One of the reasons that I was open to the adoption of a mobility challenged dog…plus Dudley was so adorable. He really is like a cat wrapped inside of a dog.
Hello, i have an 8 year chocolate Labrador named Oreo, and we are waiting to see if there are no metastesis for him to amputate his front right leg. Iam terrified with the idea, i live on a 3rd floor with no lift, and how will he manage to go up and down after, will he go for a walk after the surgery? What special needs will i have to provide him? I am very scared, i dont want him to suffer.
Thank you
Joana, we are sorry you and Oreo are facing this situation too. Please join us in the Forums so we can help you OK?
Nova’s mom, we are so glad you decided to start a blog so we can follow along and support you. I think tomorrow, Friday, is the big day right? Keep us posted in the Forums! We are sending tons of Tripawd Power your way!