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 just found this forum/website a couple days ago after looking online to find some information about three legged dogs. Our 1.5 year old puppy Bella, went missing last Thursday morning after her chain outside broke. We searched for two days and finally got her back Saturday morning, but her back leg was shattered. There was no way to fix it so we had to make the decision to amputate it. She had the surgery Sunday afternoon and we brought her home yesterday afternoon.
She seems to be doing well, as well as she can be I guess. She was much more alert and active yesterday when we picked her up than I expected. But I do think after being home for an hour or two, she was getting sore from so much walking and jumping on the couch. She has been very restless and is finally having a nap at my feet as I type this. I'm assuming it's from the meds/pain, but I also think it has to do with her not being home for 4 1/2 days.
I am having a really hard time today, it's like it hit me today especially with my husband not here. It all happened so fast so we didn't get a chance to really prepare ourselves for it and I think that's what is making it that much harder. I work from home so am grateful I am able to be here for her 24/7 these first few days. I don't really have any questions at this point, as I've read a lot on here and that has helped. I just needed to get my thoughts/feelings out somewhere where people would understand what I'm going through. My family/friends are very supportive, but they don't truly understand how hard this is, as she is like our baby. We have no children, so Bella and our two cats, Baby and Girlie, are our children.
Anyways sorry to ramble on, thanks for letting me get this out.
Sorry I was trying to post some pics but clearly don't know what I'm doing. Here's a link to a couple on Flickr, hopefully it works.
Welcome aboard Bella. Thanks for registering!
One thing you'll hear a lot of here is be strong. Bella will follow you, the pack leader. She just needs lots of rest, positivity, and time. You'll also find plenty of support here too. That's why we're all here. So you're never alone.
Don't forget to log in for the live "Ask a Vet" chat session tonight!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the forum. It's so sad how you had the need to find us. Poor Bella.
What a wonderful parent you are for thinking of her and giving her another chance at a long life!
These forst few weeks are tough, but hang in there and take it a day at a time. We'll be here when you need to vent or rant.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Oh, Bella Baby. Thank goodness she has you! You both worked hard to find each other. She worked through the shattered leg pain. She'll work through the amputation too...then best of all...that pain will be gone. They are tough little fuzzbutts and adapt quickly. She'll forget about the missing leg as soon as she is healed and you or one of the cats wants to play.
I have to think that part of what is translating as difficult for you is your overwhelming gratitude that she is still with you. As humans we tend to think of all the "if only's" and "what if's". Focus on Bella, who is saying, "Thank goodness! I'm home. I'm out of that shatter pain. I'm here with Mom and she'll take great care of me. Soon, I'll be able to take care of her again. YEAH!"
Go speed to all of you! Welcome!
I just wanted to thank everyone for welcoming us here and for all the well wishes. We had a much better day today, although we had a little bit of a rough night. Bella was crying a lot when we went to bed and we weren't sure why, but it really didn't sound like she was in pain. It was like she just didn't want us to go to bed. She isn't normally allowed in our bedroom but we have been letting her all over the house while she's healing. So we brought her blanket in our room for her, but we were too nervous she was going to try and jump on the bed and had to put her back in the living room after a little while. After a little bit of crying she was ok and actually slept a lot later this morning, even after I got up.
I am so happy I found this website as its helped know what to expect from her, otherwise I think I'd be calling the vet every hour, lol.
Thanks again. I'm hoping to post some pics later of her from today.
Hey thanks for the update. It seems like Bella is doing pretty well! Sounds like your instincts are right on, and you know exactly what she's saying to you through the crying. Good job! And yes, we'd love to see some photos here. Thanks for sharing her story with us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry, I just can't seem to get the pictures thing to work. 
So here's the link to Flickr, I've added some pictures of her from the last few days.
Hi Bella,
Wanted to wish you a speedy recovery! So happy you found your way home, your such a lucky girl.... just take it easy so you can heal up. You should adjust just fine.... your pictures are adorable! I'm sorry such a thing like this had to happen to you, but you must have an angel watching over you. You are truly a "Lucky Dog"... keep us posted on your progress and your new tripawd status!
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
Just wanted to post an update. It's been 1 week since Bella's been home and everything is going great. I am amazed at how quickly she went back to being the same Bella as before everything. If it wasn't for the cone, she would be running around here chasing the cats just like before. Yesterday she jumped up on my brother-in-law when he came in the door, this was the first time she's done this since she came home and I was quite surprised. She also followed him down the stairs with no problems.
The only time she's shown any pain was when she tried to jump up on our bed and bumped her stitches a couple days ago.
Today is the last day of her pain meds, so we'll see how tomorrow goes.
Thanks Kim & Buster for the well wishes!
Right on, Bella! Wow, did you jump up on the bed with that big cone on your head? You're crazy!
We're betting you're gonna be just fine once the meds are out of your system. You already sound so perky, just one week later. Your recovery is an inspawration to every human and dog who has to cope with the same situation. Thanks for sharing your story here.
Let us know how things are going. We love hearing from you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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