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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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!
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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
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
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 video of him running post amp. Keep us posted!
Jenna and Spirit Chili Dawg
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
Wow...Chili is awesome! What a great inspiration for me to see. My cocker just had her leg amputated Thursday. I brought her home last night. She did great last night and seems to be doing fair today. I am glad to see their is alot of support on this site. It sounded scarey to see my dog for the first time, but Layla will be so so excited to see you. It is amazing how fast the walk on 3 legs.
I just purchased the book, and am excited to read it. Any advise is welcomed as I have not idea what to expect. My vet didnt tell me anything.
Will keep Layla in my prayers.
Koko and Karen
Layla and family, I'm just now catching up on your story, my apologies for the late arrival. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this, and that you just lost a pup to osteo. Wow, your pack has been through a lot.
I hope today went smoothly and Layla is doing well at home. There are often ups and downs after surgery (lack of appetite, pain medication effects, constipation) but remember these things are temporary. Layla will be fine when she is all healed up, and back to loving life.
As for the running part; she will probably try to continue doing what she has always done. But please keep in mind that while it's important for you to let her do the things she loves, it's equally as important to monitor her activity so that she doesn't put additional stress on her body. Watch for signs of fatigue, like sitting down during walks, and remember to take things slowly. She will get back to running but there's no rush. And once she's there, you'll want to keep your sessions very short, no more than 15 minutes a piece when she is 100% healed. Tripawds have additional stress placed on their joints, and it's up to humans to help minimize that stress in order to have pups around for as long as possible.
Good luck with the recovery, please let us know how she's doing.
P.S. Koko and Karen, we hope you are finding the book helpful! Thank you for downloading it. Let us know if you have any questions/challenges in a separate post all about you OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Uh oh, you've probably gotten enough convincing that your Layla will still be a runner, but I can't stop myself from taking the opportunity to brag about my speedy tripawds and show there videos! Results do vary, and you do need to be tough about making her take things slow until she has finished healing (follow your vet's advise, but both my two tripawds were zipping around the dog park a month after amputation with no problems). I'm not sure either or my tripawds lost any speed, they just don't have as much stamina and can't keep going as long, or especially in too much heat. BUT they still had/have more stamina than I!
Here's a link to Yoda's video first - just scroll down to the end of Gerry's blog entry to find it. I lost him to osteosarcoma about three years ago. This boy caught a rabbit in the yard even after the cancer had gone to his lungs and it happened to be only about a week before I had to let him go. But he was a happy three-legger til very close to the end! Speaking of ends, be sure to watch this one to the very end, cause that's when he really flies. Sorry the quailty isn't so great:
http://gerry.tr.....in-action/
And below is a link to one of Gerry's videos (only have to scroll a little ways down to find it). It's a compilation of videos I took over his first year as an amputee. This way you can see a front-legger and a rear-legger, since I don't think you mentioned which leg Layla had to lose, or I missed it.
http://gerry.tr.....18/1-year/
The recovery period can be very difficult and stressful. Both Yoda's and Gerry's scared the hell out of me, but you can see the evidence above of how great life was once we got past that. So hang in there!
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
Thank you for all your support, but there is bad news. We got her back and during the weekend things turned for the worse. She has an infection and it has eaten a lot of skin around the incision and she actually had holes in her skin to where you could see inside her. She was rushed in this morning. She was too weak to do surgery today, she has not eaten and has been throwing up. They are keeping fluids in her and are going to do the surgery tomorrow and they are keeping her until wed. I'm not sure what is going to happen, the Dr. seems to be positive. We are hoping for the best!
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