Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
Join The Tripawds Community
Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!
Easy Photo Upload
Private Messaging
Subscribe to Topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!
Log In
Members
Offline
Hi! I have a 7 1/2 year old Northern Inuit who was born with hip dysplasia in both joints. He had a right hip replacement in 2011 but they put the wrong size implant in and it dislocated and shattered his thigh bone. His leg was cemented and fixed with metal. Now it appears the implant has developed an infection which has spread to his pelvis and we are left with no option but to remove his leg and part of his pelvis.
He did have limited mobility in his leg and so I am not sure if he would miss it so much. I do have the following concerns (among many others!!) if anyone has any advice please?
Has anyones dog refused to stand up and walk following surgery? I am not sure if dogs can get depressed and refuse to move.
Has anyone had an amputation with a dog suffering hip dysplasia in their other leg and how did they cope?
The surgery is not scheduled yet as it will cost more than my insurance will cover and so I have to try to get the funds together. I have visited this site a lot and found it to be very reassuring despite shedding a whole lot of tears!! Thank you xx
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
What is your boy's name? Sounds like your he has had a rough go!
The recovery period after amp surgery usually lasts about 2 weeks, maybe 3. My little pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to cancer, she was able to hop the day of surgery. She was a stubborn thing though and was unhappy with her situation for about 6 weeks. Most pups are back to themselves in 2 to 3 weeks.
With the other hip being bad your boy might take a little longer to get used to things. I'm guessing that bad leg is really painful and he will be happy to be rid of it. You should read about Murphy- here is one of the posts on his situation. Sadly Murphy has crossed the Bridge but he did very well after going through so much. Murph's mom Kathi will probably post here.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Maggie's Story Amputation and Chemo
Find me now on Tripawds Circle
Hi there, and welcome. That's a lot you've been through, I'm so sorry you now find yourselves in this situation but you have definitely come to the right place for information and support.
I had some similarities with my girl Meg, only her problems were with her front legs. She lost her right front leg after developing an infection after elbow replacement surgery. She also has elbow dysplasia and arthritis in her remaining front leg. Her amputation was a year ago this week and she is doing remarkably well. Perhaps because she was already pretty one sided pre amputation, her recovery was actually very straightforward, and far easier than after the elbow replacement. Not saying this would be the case for everyone, of course, but for us the amputation was a huge relief, after seemingly endless procedures and problems, endless raising and then dashing of hopes, it meant she could put all that behind her and get on with enjoying her life.
All best wishes to you and your boy,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Thanks guys, this decision has been eating away at me for so long but I guess now there is no alternative as I cannot let the infection spread.
He is used to hopping about on 3 legs already really, although he does use his bad leg as a 'crutch' and leans on it when he goes to toilet.
I am sorry to hear about Meg but it gives me confidence that Oakley will be just as strong. Its hard to know how much pain he is in now but I guess with an infection in his bone it must be awful for him.
Gonna take the plunge and book the op. I will worry about the money later!
Will keep you posted!!
Thanks xxx
It's a really hard decision to make, all the more so after all the hope (and time and money) you have invested in trying to help Oakley. But I think and hope that having made it you will start to be able to look forward to a much more positive future. Do stay connected. We are here for you and Oakley, cheering you on and offering information and support.
It was Meg's one year ampuversay yesterday. I made a short film to celebrate. A year ago, we were in a very similar position to the one you are in today...
Sending hugs,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
I don't know how I missed your story, so am just catching up.
Murphy became a Tripawd as a result of being hit by a car. His hip replacement came after his amp, which was a rear leg. We were fortunate that we were not dealing with hip dysplasia, but Murph had very shallow hip joints that caused his remaining leg to dislocate multiple times. That's why we did the THR.
As you are well aware, recovery from the hip replacement is a long one. In total, from the time of his amp to the day he was released after the hip replacement, Murphy was on leash restricted activity for seven months. Recovery from a rear amputation is not nearly as protracted. You will necessarily need to restrict activity following the amputation, but even with the hip dysplasia, I would think that you will find that recovery isn't nearly as difficult.
I would also recommend that you find a good certified rehab specialist and have Oakley do some quality rehab. Having strong core muscles is very important for a Tripawd. With the dysplasia, I would imagine that a rehab program would be even more important.
Please keep us up to date on Oakley's progress.
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel...and the Labradork
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!
Wow, she doesn't sit still for long! Looks like she is having a great life, what a little character. Certainly giving your other pup a run for their money! I will try to upload some pics of Oakley. Just waiting to speak to the vet and see when they can book him in. Thanks, I appreciate the support. Not so easy to speak to family sometimes. They just don't understand! xx
I will try to upload some pics of Oakley
Pleeeeeeeeeease! 
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Oakley and family, you've found your tribe, we totally get it here.
I'm sorry you're in the situation, it's not easy that's for sure. But try not to worry. Just yesterday I spoke with Dr. Brian Beale, aka Animal ER Vet, and asked him about Tripawds undergoing surgeries on remaining limbs, and dogs who undergo amputation after an arthritis/dysplasia diagnosis. He said he has rarely had any issues with recoveries for these patients, and his patients go on to have great qualities of life. I'll have a full report on that soon, but meanwhile do stay strong and let us know how things are going OK?
And here's a post about adding images to the forums. We can't wait to see Oakley's photos!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi guys,
Its so reassuring to read your comments. Thank you for taking time to reply.
So, Oakley is booked in next Thursday. He is going to Fitzpatricks so guess he will be in good hands. I will worry about paying for it after!
Is there any specific equipment I would need? I am going to get him a new orthopaedic bed and a harness but does anything else spring to mind which may be useful?
Still working out how to put piccies on so watch this space! x
Just catching up! Sorry you and Oakley find yourselves here. As you can see though, there is no better place to be for information,support and lots of first hand knowledge!!
The Vet will keep Oakley at least one night, probably more since he is having part of his pelvis removed. He'll most likely come home with Tramadol, an antibiotic, Rimadyl and Gabapentin. Some dogs come home with a pain patch, some don't.
When you go to pick him up, don t even bother to look at the incision! All Oakley wants to know is you are happy to see him and he gets to go home! 🙂 Just tell him what a good boy he is!
Every recovery is different. Every dog is different. My Happy Hannah was uncomfortable and whiny and restless the first couple of nights. We harldy slept a wink those first several days. Some dogs, however, come home and either sleep a lot, or feel somewhat "okay" because they are still high on hospital meds!
Oakley will need complete rest and only shoukd get up to go potty and come right back in. He'll need to drink water and pee, but may not feel much like eating or pooping for a few days.
Talk to the Vet about a harness or towel sling. Since his pelvis is involved the Vet may give you some ideas on how to help him up without hurting him or bothering the incision.
You'll need non-slip scatter rugs for traction if you have hardwood floor or vinyls. Some people use inexpensive yoga mats work really well.
Maybe put his food bowl and water bowl on a couple of books so he doesn't have to strain.
Keep lots of yummy food around to hide his pills in. And keep lots of CHOCOLATE on hand for you!!!
STAY CONNECTED!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
pedrosafan26 said
Is there any specific equipment I would need? I am going to get him a new orthopaedic bed and a harness but does anything else spring to mind which may be useful?
Don't miss all our best dog bed recommendations for Tripawds. Check the Tripawds Gear blog for the best harness recommendations too.
Pet gates and exercise pens will help with confinement during recovery. Elevated feeders help when eating and drinking and adding some sort of traction throughout the house is a must if you have any slick floors.
Regarding payment, you might consider checking out the Tripawds ASAP fund to see if you qualify.
Best wishes, please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He is going to Fitzpatricks
Didnt realise you were in the UK too. Whereabouts are you based?
Ditto the others re preparation. You have been through so much already, I think and hope you will find this a quicker and more straightforward recovery than after the hip replacement. That was certainly our experience after having dealt with Megs elbow previously. Stay connected. We will all be here for you.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Hi guys,
we are down in Dorset. whereabouts are you based? I'm sure this op is going to be worse for me than Oak. He has been a bit wingy the last few days, so I'm sure I am doing the right thing by him. The nearer it gets the more guilty I am feeling! I'm sure they know something's up!! X
A harness is also a good idea, and many rear leggers can use them almost immediately. We are big fans of the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus harness - you can see pictures of it in the gear blog.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
1 Guest(s)
