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'm new here. My cocker spaniel jumped out of my vehicle (in the driveway) yesterday and landed wrong. Her shoulder is shattered in 4 pieces. Options are to do surgery that will leave her with pins and a plate, nerve damage and arthritis - and most likely pain for the rest of her life -- or amputate the front left leg. We've opted for the amputation - and I'm freaking out. I found this website thru google -- and I'm happy to find a community that has "been there, done that" -- I'm sure I'll be around a lot to know what to keep my eyes open for.
My 1st main questions center around what to expect when I bring her home. The vet plans to keep her overnight and that she'll come home tomorrow afternoon. Then what???
Thanks in advance for any and all info you can provide!
Dawn
Hi Dawn, welcome. So sorry about your pup, what a scary accident! How old is your pup? Oh my gosh!
I'm happy to hear that your vet is keeping her overnight. Will she be monitored by a tech throughout the night? You really want to make sure that she is. If there won't be anyone there we always recommend bringing your pooch home if you can do it, since it's far safer than being all alone after surgery. Be sure to ask your vet about pain medications and possible side effects, and who to call if there's an emergency over the weekend or after-hours.
We've developed this amputation FAQ kind of thing, Jerry's Required Reading List , which will really help you prepare yourself mentally and know what to expect immediately afterward. Later, our ebook, Loving Life on Three Legs, is an excellent way to to help her stay strong and fit throughout her life.
Right now while you're waiting for her to come home, look around your house to ensure that she has lots of places she can walk without slipping. Carpet runners or even yoga mats are helpful for providing traction and giving her confidence to move about the house. Raised food bowls and a nice firm mattress are also beneficial.
Try to stay pawsitive; remember, she will look to you for guidance and if you believe she'll do great, she'll believe it too! In the meantime we're here for you to lean on so keep us posted. Good luck!
P.S. I hope you don't mind that I moved your post here, but this is a great section of the forums to share stories about non-cancer related amputations so I thought yours would go here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Dawn!
Oh yeah, we all understand the freakingout part all too well! Scarey times for sure!
So please stay connected to us and remember you are ot alone!!
Do your research here. You'll see that the first two weeks can be a little rough.....or not! It is major surgery and balancing the pain meds at first is iportant. Your vet wil probably give him Tramadol, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory and maybe Gabapentin. Some vets use a Fentynl patch (morphine).
Many dogs here had already been limping prior to surgery as most are here because of a crapy "disease". Walking on three legs is something they adapt to amazingly quickly.
I know it's a "forced choice", but amputation really is a better option than trying to "repair" aleg that will co tinue to cause problems. Once recovery takes place, your pup will be back to her sparkling happy self! AND, your pup doesn't have a life threatening disease!
Try and get some sleep tonight.....you may not get uch the next few nights! Of course, no ju,ping or stair climbing. You may have to use a towel for a sling for a day or so to help himg get around.
Just know we are here...stay connected and we'll help you through it!
When you can, post some photos! We love photos here!
Surrou ding you with calm.....and....oh heah....do't forget to BREATHE!! B R E A T H E.......B R E A T H E.......B R E A T H E.......and stock up on chocolate!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I agree with Sally. Take a deep breath and remember that there are a whole lot of people here who understand exactly what you re dealing with right now.
I posted on the FB page that your Bailey and my Murphy have the same birthday. We will figure out a celebration for them.
Also remember that the chat room is there when you need it. Most times you can find someone, especially at night, who can lend an ear or come up with some immediate advice.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Thank you all so much. It's been a stressful day for me (for Bailey -- she's been on meds all day -- so, I'm sure she's been fine). She is staying overnight at the vet - and will be monitored. I will pick her up tomorrow afternoon -- they wanted to keep an eye on her for a bit tomorrow as well. The doctor said the surgery went really well. I'm working on getting her food bowl raised now - and thanking my lucky stars that we have carpet in most of the house. I'm sure the first few days are going to be tough....but, we will figure it all out as we go -- and I'm thankful that I found this site where I can get advice -- and hopefully someone to tell me "it's all ok". Thank again Everyone!
Welcome Dawn and Bailey-
Sorry to hear about the accident, but I'm confident that Bailey will adapt well to her new normal. The first couple of weeks are the hardest as you are working with pain mgt and the changes, but eventually you will see the Bailey you know and love shining thru. We tend to celebrate the little things around here so know that we are here to support you and cheer Bailey on.
Take care and keep us updated-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
IT'S ALL OKAY!!! BAILEY'S OUTOF SURGERY!!! IT'S ALL OKAY!!!!! BAILEY'S ALL DOPED UP AND FEELING NO PAIN!! IT'S ALL OKAY!!!!!
((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Yup, it's all OK and you will be FINE. Your vet sounds very conscientious, what a great team to have on your side. I know you're terribly nervous and scared right now but things will be so much better than you ever dreamed. Two weeks from now you'll wonder why you were so nervous.
I'm so glad things are good! Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all. Bailey is home now --and doing amazing! She is wandering around a little bit -- barely struggling on 3 legs -- but, a bit loopy still from meds. I think there will need to be a lot more strengthening of her leg muscles before she is totally steady though. She is eating like normal and is wagging her tail. The vet said to keep her calm and quiet for awhile so that there isn't excessive swelling. Bailey doesn't really seem to understand that she is suppose to stay lying down and resting...lol. Thanks again for all of your support. I think we are going to be ok. I will upload pics as soon as I can!
You go, Bailey! After you have recovered and have your stitches out, there are a lot of things you can do to strengthen that leg and your core muscles. Murphy even went to physical therapy for four months. What a difference that made!
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
WONDERFUL UPDATE!! And I ow you are soooooo relieved!
Now you'll stilljave plenty of ups and dows the next week or so. But once the "ups stayup", OMD!! You two will jave so much fun! The bond bec es deeper than you ever thought possible!
Can't wat t see the pics!
Hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Bailey is crying....not very loudly but a low constant whine. She doesn't seem restless -- and she has pain patch and she had 1/2 tablet of Tramadol (spelling?) about 4 hours ago. Pain shouldn't be an issue right now...I think I'm a nervous mom.
Yeah...all normal!!
It's so ard to watch them these first several days and nights.
Pain sympto s....whining, sometimes restlessness, ears pnned back,, maybe panting, maybe tension in tne body...
Pain MED symptons..-..see above!!
M Happy Hannah did not jave the patch and her tramadol doses were more than Baileys But for the first several days it seemed as though she whi ed a d whimpered non-stop. I think the vet added gabapentin to the mix a d tnat see ed tl help.
Many ere will tell youo the patch can really make them whackh! Otheres will tell you its the best for pain.
Jist try amd c fort Baley...maybe a gentle massage will help. Don't pan on mich sleep tonight as this may contine for awhile. I know it is so unsettling t see him suffering- Maybe you could call tje vet in the am and see about adding ore tramadol.
Now go fnd that chocolate you jave stashed away and gobble it down!!
We're here right with you. It will get better!!
Huge, hige hugs to you and Bailey!!
Sally nd Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Hi Dawn,
I agree with Sally about the pain meds. Tucker spent two nights in the hospital after his amputation in September so while I know they used the patch there he did not come home with it.
I do know - that the surgeon and I had a few discussions about the pain meds and the importance of the balance between pain relief and impairing mobility initially - but this does not seem to be a problem for Bailey 
Tucker was on Tramadol as well for the first two weeks after his surgery. I do remember well that he did some whining and it made me wonder if he was in pain - I remember coming into this forum a couple of days after surgery concerned about it just like you are!
As with all the others, I can tell you that the first few weeks will have their ups and downs. Don't be afraid to call your vet, post questions here and/or come into the chat room and ask questions. While not vets, everyone here has the "lived experience" of loving a tripawd!
I will tell you that at the two week check-up when Tuck got his stitches out and the "cone of shame
" removed it was like I had my old buddy back
Give Bailey lots of snuggles - and take care of yourself too!
Linda and Tucker
Day 2: Bailey slept pretty well last night -- a bit of whining...but, she doesn't seem to be in pain. She ate her breakfast and went potty outside (carried out) and is now resting. We've had to put her in a pen "doggie jail" because she keeps trying to follow us everywhere and the doctor said "quiet and calm" as much as possible. I'm so amazed at how well she is doing. Thanks so much for the comforting words that the whining and whimpering is normal and expected -- that really eases my mind. So...how do I post pics on here? I've posted a couple the the facebook page already - but, I can't figure it out here.
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