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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Hi everyone! We just adopted Penny about a week ago from our local humane society. She had her front left leg amputated on January 24th & then she was in a foster home for a while while she recovered.
When we adopted her, they said she was all finished with her medications, but also didn't really give us any further instructions. How long is the typical healing process? I'm not really sure what is normal and what isn't as far as what the incision site should look like. It doesn't seem to be bothering her at all and she has no problem running around or jumping on things. Should I schedule a vet appointment just to make sure everything looks ok? Or does anyone know of a good resource online that has pictures of what it should look like?
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
You are wonderful for adopting Penny- you will be rewarded many times over!
I hope you don't mind that I moved your post here to Beyond Cancer, I assume you are not dealing with cancer?
How old is Penny, what kind and size of pup?
She is past the recovery period where she would need meds so you should be OK there, especially since she seems to be feeling good. Most dogs we see here are on pain meds for a minimum of 2 weeks, some stretch into 3 weeks. A very few need them longer.
Does she have any of her leg left, does she still have her shoulder blade? You can look at our Gallery Here to see lots of pictures of amps. Scroll down to the Surgery and Treatment Pics to see some pictures of very recent amps.
It would also help if you posted some pictures of your girl's incision scar. Here is how to add photos to forum posts.
You will find all kinds of information on this site about how to keep Penny healthy, strong and happy!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi there, and welcome! Ditto everythingKaren said. Just wanted to add that it might be a really good plan to take Penny to see a certified rehab vet. And, even better, Tripawds will reimburse you for your first visit http://tripawds.....bursement/ At this stage, unless you have particular concerns re the scar, the focus is really more on helping Penny's whole body to adjust to her new posture. Core strengthening exercises are key and an appointment with a rehab vet at this stage would be invaluable in terms of seeing how Penny is doing and working out a program you can do at home to help keep her healthy and strong.
She's one lucky girl to have such a caring, attentive Mum and I'm so pleased you've found each other.
All best,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
What great news! So glad Penny found a home with you!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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