Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Last week my 1 year old terrier mix was hit by a car, we thought we were going to lose her. Luckily she only had a severely broken leg that said they needed a $3000 surgery (which there is no way I could afford that), so they said that they would splint it and cast it and she would be just as good. Well we went to take her back today to have the cast re-wrapped and after dropping her off, we got a call. The vet said that her leg had died, the blood supply was cut off and needed to be amputated. They said they would call us later to let us know when it would take place, shortly after we got another call saying they had already done it because it was pretty serious. Sadly a dog that lived for running is now down to 3 legs. Not sure what to do, we have not been able to see her, we are told that we can see her tomorrow. I'm not sure how to feel or care for us, they said they would let us know what to do. BUT if anyone has any advice i would greatly appreciate it. It is her front left leg. My poor baby, I feel horrible!
4:18 pm
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not require moderation.
I'm sorry about the accident- is your pup named Layla? How big is she? She has a couple things going for her- she is young and she is not dealing with cancer.
You should read through Jerry's Required Reading list, or down load the ebook Three legs and a Spare. Both have good information from this site on what to expect with amputation and recovery.
Take today to be sad about the accident and amputation. When you see her tomorrow it is important to be a strong positive pack leader. She will look to you to see if everything is OK.
The first couple weeks after surgery can be hard with all the meds, and your pup recovering from a major trama and surgery and learning how to walk on three. But we have often seen here that the young pups do really well- I hope that is the case for you. Don't get discouraged though if your girl is not herself for awhile.
Let your girl heal up before you start missing things she used to do. I did that with my little pug Maggie for awhile after surgery, I spent time worrying about what she couldn't do anymore. Then I realized she wasn't missing anything- she didn't care! She could do almost all the things she did before amputation, her limitations were really based on how small she was. If your girl was a runner before, she will be a runner again!
One big thing for tripawds is traction . I used throw rugs on the slippery floors in the house and on the deck stairs. It is really important right after surgery to build confidence walking.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Yes her name is layla she is a sweetheart, about 17 lbs. and full of life, long lean legs. They said that the hit was a really bad one her bone was REALLY broken, looking at the x-ray broke my heart! About 4 months ago we put our Rott/St. Bernard mix down because of bone cancer, they were going to amputate, but it had spread throughout his whole body within the matter of a week, they said it was best to put him down. So this is our first experience with something so serious with a pet. I've heard great things about the outcomes, I just want to make sure that I am equipped to take care of her. We got a call about an hour ago from the vet, saying she is doing wonderful and will be ready to come home tomorrow. The main thing I worry about is her love for running, she was incredibly fast...will this effect her, I don't want it to upset her.
8:55 pm
Maggie was about 17 lbs- but was stocky like pugs tend to be, only 12" at the shoulder.
You should look through some of the Videos Here of tripawds getting around on three. They will inspire you and maybe take care of some of your worries.
I'm sorry you lost your boy to OSA- cancer sucks in all forms and species.
Karen and the pugapalooza
9:06 pm
29 October 2010
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Hi and welcome to you and your pup. Sorry you had to find us here. Sorry to hear about your last pup. Cancer sucks.
At least you are not dealing with cancer in Layla. She should do well as a tripawd. Her light weight will be a big advantage. We're here if you have questions during the recovery period!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
10:51 pm
14 September 2011
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Hi there, sorry to hear about Layla. Karen has already given you lots of wonderful advice. The other thing you may want to look into down the track is a good rehab vet/physio to help keep Layla in good condition. Jerry also has some good advice on this site about how to help tripawds develop and maintain good strength.
The first few weeks are tough and you may questions whether you did the right thing. BUT.... I can tell you, it still brings tears to my eyes when I picture how happy and full of life Magnum was about 1 month after amputation. Until the cancer started coming back again she ran, she swam, she loved life.
Layla is young and not fighting cancer. That is a wonderful start. And we are here to help you with any questions along the way.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Thank you all so much! I am so excited to be able to get her today! After looking through some videos and reading some stories I am feeling a lot better about this adventure ahead of us!
6:31 am
28 November 2008
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Welcome to the group. You will have the recovery period that overall isn't a lot of fun, but once that is behind you, there should be a slow and steady return to the feisty little terrier you knew before. And you have the added bonus of not dealing with cancer!
There is so much wonderful information here, and if you aren't finding what you need, just ask. Somone can point you to what you are looking for.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
7:27 am
17 September 2012
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Belle and I are so sorry to hear about Layla. I just wanted to chime in and assure you that you can do this! Our Belle may be 7, but she was a wild woman before her front leg was amputated 2 1/2 weeks ago. I was so worried she would not be able to do all the things she LOVED to do. Our brave girl has figured out how to use a doggie door with 3 legs, how to swim in the pool and how to chase the birds with her big brother Apollo. I will not lie, the first 2 weeks are tough, but she amaze you EVERYDAY!!! Keep a pawsitive attitude and I am sure you guys will do GREAT!!!
Shari
Belle's Mommy
12:27 am
7 November 2011
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aww what a great name our girl is called Kayla 
Its heartbreaking right now but in a couple weeks you will wonder what you were worrying about. Layla is so young she willbe back to her old self in no time. losing a leg doesnt seem to slow then down for long at all. But the recovery might be tough at times so if you need any advice or support dont hesitate to ask. All the best to you both and keep us updated.
Sarah
1:11 pm
15 May 2011
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Aww, what a sweet girl! So sorry about the break and amputation 
The first couple weeks are the toughest, but once you get through those, you will see that your special girl is back to her normal self. My Chili Dawg was 9 when we amputated because of cancer, but here's a <a href="