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 late but I wanted to say welcome.
Could have, should have, would have....that stuff really can slow us down weather dealing with a cancer diagnosis or an accident. Learn what you can from what happened and move on. Axel has already moved on!!
I had a small pug who lost her left rear leg to a mast cell tumor, Maggie was about 17 pounds after the amp. She hopped along happily for almost 4 years before another kind of cancer got her. She had a tough time with recovery after the surgery- mostly because she was very stubborn and didn't like it when things in her world changed. But on her own timeline she got used to things and never looked back.
It was hard for me sometimes- missing what she couldn't do anymore. But I got over it when I realized that Maggie wasn't missing anything, she was just getting on with her life! We figured out how to do all the things that needed some accommodation: stairs, furniture, getting in and out of the truck. Three months after Maggie's amp I had my first shoulder surgery- so I couldn't pick her up to get on the furniture or in the truck. I got a basket that was open on one end and added a strap/handle. I would tell Mag to 'load up' and she would hop in and I could get her up on the bed or in/out of the truck.
Axel is dealing with more than the amp with the other wounds. Be patient, and diligent about watching for signs of infection. He will be amazing and inspiring you very soon!
Karen
Axles mama,
I am afraid I am going through a very similar situation. This past Saturday my 1 year old border collie jumped from our car and was badly injured. He will need his front left arm amputated as the nerves have been broken. He just came home from the vet on Wednesday, but I can attest that the days before that were some of the worst in my life. I can relate to the guilt you are feeling, as I replayed all the events of that day in my head, wishing I would have done something differently. I can say however, with only 2 or so days of having him back, that it does get better. The first day was rough because he was so weak. But to my surprise, today he was running up and down the stairs, playing with his brother, and chasing our cat- all on 3 legs.
I know it is hard to see how the dark times will end, and if life will ever return to normal, but please stay strong. Axle will be home soon, and with your love and care he will never even realize he is anything but normal.
Hi Koda's mom- thanks for the input here. You might consider registering so your posts won't need moderation (after the first one).
And if you want to start your own thread here about Koda and tell us more about him and you!
Karen
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Goodnews everyone! Axle is home! He's still real whiny but I'm thinking its a side effect of the meds along with being uncomfortable. He has no interest in playing but has eaten plenty of snacks and been dri king. He went out twice to potty and did Fantastic. He his ownever being very stubborn and refuses our help getting on furniture untill we ket him try once on his own.(with close hands of course) he also decidedhe was going to takeoff and try stairs on hiz owb when mok lookwd away for a second.little axle is very happy to be Home though and is resting soundly on the bed with mama. I've been telling him all about you guys and all the kind things you have said and he gave a small wag and little axle smile. We I will upload a picture of him sometime tomorrow once I figure out how to do it from my phone. Will be updating again tomorrow, but for niw I'm gonna spend some much needed time with m little boy.
YAY AXLE!! Surgery is over and our are home!!
Pooping and peeig already? Another YAY!:-) 
Now, mom and dad have to realize yo may still be high as a kite from hospital drugs and ma feel like doing ore than you should! You may still have several nights of whiningg and pacing ......or....may not!! Every dog is different!!
Stay connected with us and know that we are ere to help in any way. You really are going to amazed at ow well Axle will do!
Give him a treat for us!
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!
Welcome home Axel. Now your life starts again and I am sure you are glad to be home. Sending you ear scratches and tummy tickles.
Little late, but as promised a picture of baby axle. Still sore, but looking great!
Better late than never! He is SO cool looking!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks! I love his spots. It's one of the things that caught our eyes. That and his amazing energy.
Handsome, handsome boy........he looks so gentle and sweet and "puppyish". What a cutie:-)
I know you are bursting with pride...and you should be:-) Hard to get much cuter than that:-)
And his surgeon site looks really, really good!
More pictures please:-)
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!
As reqested, another picture of baby axle. Also some exciting news! Its been exactly one week since little axles amputation and he's already feeling well enough t climb the stair and run down the sude walk! Even first thing in the morning before it's time for his meds! Baby axle is slowy but surely becoming his old swlf again. We also made friends with a little Boston tosay, another exciting accomplishment for normally over protective axle.
Axle doing the stairs. Please ignore my childish voice. I swear I'm 20. (Haha)
Axle is a little spitfire! He's so spunky!
Careful with the stairs though; if he doesn't have his stitches out yet he might tear the incision.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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