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.
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Hello everyone!
My name is Audrey and my little girl Ruby is about to be a Tripawd. I'm at college right now, so my mom calling me to tell me that was the vet's recommendation shook me to my core and devastated me.
You see, we got Ruby not just because I wanted a puppy, but also so that we could train her to be a Diabetic Alert Dog for me, since I've had type 1 diabetes since I was three. We found Ruby on a website and she was less money than her brothers and sisters because she didn't have the wavy labradoodle coat that most wanted. We didn't care, because the moment I saw her I was in love! However, we noticed when we brought Ruby home that her back left leg was bowed out quite a bit. She was 9 weeks old then, and now at 14 weeks her leg is very visibly disfigured and she holds it up when she stands still. She can still run and jump, but we noticed that it must be bothering her quite a bit.
We took her to the vet to get xrays and found that one of her growth plates was broken and the other wasn't, which made it so only half of her leg was growing. The bone that was growing was twisting in very unnatural ways and for it to even be possible to fix it, it would take 5+ surgeries and $15,000. Plus, the vet said that she would be in a lot of pain constantly and he had no idea if the surgery would even work. So, we decided against it. My mom then called me to tell me the last option was amputation. The vet said she would be able to still be an alert dog for me and her quality of life would be monumentally better with this option rather than the risky surgeries and much better than leaving it go.
While I understand that, it still upset me a lot to learn of this. I know her life will be better and she will be okay, it was just shocking to me and I feel bad for my little girl.
Welcome and best wishes for Ruby! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
This can certainly be overwhelming, but you've come to the right place for information, helpful tips and lots of support!
Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List and consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to the most common concerns. By the looks of Ruby, she should adapt quickly and do well. Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh, don't feel bad for Ruby, be happy that she will no longer be in pain after her recovery! How wonderful that she has your family to love her and take her even with a bum leg! She will still be able to do all of the same things every other dog can do - you will be totally amazed. Many dogs are not even slowed down in the least, especially since she's just a puppy. Look around on the site, and on youtube, there are videos.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Hi Ruby's Mom---
We all understand how upsetting it can be to think of amputating a dog's leg. But you're right, her life will be better and she will be OK. And the vet sounds like he's giving you really good advice by recommending amputation. She's still so young she'll pretty soon forget she ever had that bad ol' leg. I bet you'll be surprised at how much happier she is once the pain is gone. It is major surgery so be prepared for some recovery time. But don't worry about Ruby, she'll amaze you!
Good luck!
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
What an adorable picture!!! And I love the name Ruby. She is so blessed to have you as a pawrent and it sounds like she's got some outstanding grand-pawrents as well!
Keep us posted!
xoxo
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Well hellooooo Ruby! You are absolutely ADORABLE!!
Nope, not the news you wanted to hear, but it sure beats being in pain like she is now. She deserves to be pain free and get on with enjoying her puppyhood and being loved and spoiled!
Check out the links you were given, look at our tripawd videos, do your research. Ruby will jave a fantastic life!
Is the vet trying to delay surgery so Ruby can grow a little more or does it need to be done sooner? If it hurts, I'm guessing sooner.
We are right here by your side, okay? We've all been through the "process" and are glad to help in anyway we can.
Sending love and hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Welcome. Everyone is giving great advice. Once that painful leg is gone you will see Ruby can run & do all the fun things that a puppy should do. Yes, just because she is missing her leg doesn't mean she can't do her job to alert for you & your diabetes. 🙂 She will do awesome.
If you have any questions let us know we are here for you
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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