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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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Scout gunned down
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Member Since:
10 March 2015
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11 March 2015 - 8:22 pm
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Thank you everyone for the supportive words and advice. his checkup went amazing today, it's weeping still but it's a healthy amount of drainage so we are still on the right track! 

We are giving him more tramadol to keep him calmer and as pain free as possible. Sorry I didn't respond sooner, alot on my plate. Working almost full time, full time college, a baby, a husband, all the other pets (3 cat's  and Rusty), and now this.

Yeah when I called the police I had no clue there would be a pet ambulance!

I am letting Scout and his puppy brother visit, but closely supervised with me in the middle incase they get too playful. Most of the time we are still rotating them where one gets a few hours in the room while the other gets a few hours free in the house and vice versa. It's cutting down on the crying a little more.

I don't have pics since his surgery but will take some later tonight. Until then here's some from before the surgery :) ...or I guess you can go to his page because it isn't letting me upload direct from my computer :)

On The Road


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11 March 2015 - 9:38 pm
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jmscoutmj said
...you can go to his page because it isn't letting me upload direct from my computer 

His Page?

FYI: here are instructions for adding photos to forum posts .

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Michigan
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2 April 2013
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12 March 2015 - 8:49 am
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So sorry your baby had to go through this!!!

We have 3 dogs and we were worried about keeping them separated when Murphy had his surgery, but we let them just do what they wanted to do.  Murphy really wasn't very active the first little bit, just walking around a little.  Cassie tends to be the mother of our pack, so she needed to be near him.  And Max is the baby, so we just kept an eye that he didn't rough-house with Murphy.  It all worked out just fine.   Murphy is good at letting everyone else know when he doesn't want to be bothered.

We used t-shirts to keep his site covered, it worked well.  We just changed them whenever there was any oozing.  You can apply an ice pack to the site once in awhile to help with swelling, and massage around the area to help the body re-absorb the extra fluid.

On the Tripawds Gear Blog you'll find some great products for use later, after Scout heals.  We love the Ruffwear harness !  It has a handle on it that is great for helping to get him out of the car - we always worry about Murphy landing on his good leg.  We also bought the Pawz boots...they're like balloons for on their feet, and they're great for keeping them from slipping on tile floors.  I use them when I take Murphy to the vet, he always pulls and slips a lot on the tile. 

The support on here is amazing!  If you ever have any questions or just want to vent (I had a night like that recently!) you can come here and there will be someone who can understand how you're feeling or can answer your questions.

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

Donna.png

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14 March 2015 - 7:21 pm
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Thank you for helping me figure out how to add pictures to post, I'm going to try it out now :)  

The first 2 are post-surgery, the last couple are before. And please, does anyone know how to help with phantom limb pain. He hasn't had any issues until tonight, he was sleeping and just let out a screaming howl/whine that I've never heard come out of him before and it scared the living $%!* out of me. As soon as it came it was gone after a few seconds but he got so tense and I could see it all over his face.  His puppy brother got scared too and started crying when he heard it (Rusty had anxiety to begin with).Image Enlarger

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Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
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14 March 2015 - 8:21 pm
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OMG .... could he BE any cuter?!? I am still so angry about your story but Scout is a total love so I'll be more "dog' and be kind and loving like he is. I love the one where he's smooching the baby!! So CUTE!

There is a drug of phantom pain - since i lost my girl to cancer and we didn't deal w/that  we never used it but others will weigh in. I think it's gabatron or something like that. ... I'm bad w/drug names. 

Hang in there... he's doing great and so lucky to have you! 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14 March 2015 - 8:41 pm
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Almost Alison! Gabapentin is a drug considered effective for phantom pain . Sme say light massage or just cupping your hand gently over the incision. I'm not sure about compresses, whether hot or cold or rotating.....others can chime in. Happy Hannah was lucky in that regard and di not have ro deal with it

Anyway, ask your vet about Gabapentin and it should help greatly. Your description sounds exactly the way others havr described the symptoms. Loud chlling yelp...trying to "move away" from the pain...fortunately it only lasts several seconds, but they are an awful several seconds!

Now, on to a brighter subject....the ADORABLENESS OF JILLY!!!! OOOOMMMMMDDDDDD! Those pictures of her with the baby...I'm a blubbeing pile of mush

PLEASE call your local news stations and alert them of this brutal and barbaric act of cruelty these sick SOBs did to sweet Jilly! They MUST be caught!!! They will do it again!!!

If anyone who sees these pipctures of this loving and preciius dog and knows who did this, surely they will turn them in

Almost all of us here are here because of that cruel piece of crap disease. It angers us that it can attack our innocent beloved cats and dogs like this. These despicable excuses for a human being are just as brutal as this poece of crap disease.....and at least they can be stopped if found.

Okay, off my soapbox....and back to smiling at these precious pictures!

I just LOVE this dog!! We are all cheering you on sweet girl!

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
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15 March 2015 - 11:08 am
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Oh my gosh thank you for sharing those photos, I'm so happy you did. What a sweet doggie and your baby is adorable!

So sorry you are going through this, I still can't believe it. OK, here's some info for you

And please, does anyone know how to help with phantom limb pain.

See:

Dr. Petty Shares Pain Management Tips

And also listen to him on Tripawd Talk Radio

http://download.....your-pets/

One more thing: if you have a sec (I know your hands are full!), your answers to our phantom limb pain survey would be so helpful. Deadline is 3/28

http://download.....in-survey/

Hugs to all of you. Hang in there!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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15 March 2015 - 5:25 pm
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Murphy took gabapentin for the nerve pain (it's another name for neurontin that people take)...It's been almost 2 years now since his surgery, so he doesn't have issues with phantom pain anymore, but he did yelp out like that once in awhile.  Sometimes too I think it's just as the healing is happening, or maybe as sutures dissolve..I know when I've had surgery all of a sudden I would get pain once in awhile.  Ice to the area sometimes, too, will help.  He'll do great...Murphy was last week's Tuesday Tripawd of the week if you want to see his storybig-grin

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

Donna.png

Member Since:
10 March 2015
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18 March 2015 - 10:13 pm
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We went to the vet and pretty much were told that it's going to happen either way because of the amount of physical trauma his nerves have been through. If it keeps happening then they'll consider giving him the drugs. His real bandage is officially off and he is doing much better and no more phantom pains yet so fingers crossed. The only thing is he is still very "drippy" so I have him rigged with a diaper (yes a baby diaper) over the leaky part so it doesn't go everywhere and to keep it clean. It's like they left a tiny portion of the wound slightly open at the bottom on purpose for it to drain. And he's getting itchy now, so it's fun trying to keep his dirty feet away. He is so so lucky I am not squeamish. We go back Friday again to see if any staples are ready to be removed.

It feels like this part is never going to end, I am just overly anxious to see it healed and for him to be able to play happy like he deserves.

P.S. All of your furry babies are ADORABLE too! I'm sorry if I've come off as rude by not complimenting them before! I've been in my own head a little too much lately with everything that's been going on. All of us here are trying to get back to some kind of normal and it is HARD!

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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19 March 2015 - 6:52 pm
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Don't be hard on yourself.  You have been through a LOT.  It will get better.  Some take longer, and Scout has a lot of trauma to overcome, not just the surgery.  Scout is a real beauty.  Love the coloring, and that awesome loving face!

There is not a person here who hasn't at some time become so involved in their own circumstance, they didn't respond to the others around them. It isn't something to be ashamed of.  It is completely normal.

You and Scout will find your normal, and day by day build that new routine. Keep fighting and keep asking if you need support.

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.

Los Angeles, CA
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13 June 2013
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19 March 2015 - 8:02 pm
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I want to add too... don't worry about not checking in on all of us! Like Shanna said ... we've all been there and those of us that stick around are here to support and help those that are new! It's my mission ... and Shelby's legacy! 

Glad Scout is on the mend.... things WILL get better!!! I love his sweet face!

Hugs! 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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19 March 2015 - 9:29 pm
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Yeah, ditto Alison and Shana!

Scout jad major surgery for amputation, plus all the other wounds he's dealing with. My Happy Hannah justnhad the amputation surgery. For the first weo, almost three weeks, all I coukd thingk is, "What jave I done TO my dog?" But one that sparkle started coming back and all jer pain was gone...I knew I jad done this FOR my dog!!

Heck, if a human had gone through everything Scout has, they would still be in the hospital and on a morphine drip!!

Let us know how the Friday appointment goes. We're all cheering for Scout and we are all members of Scout's Fan Club!!!

Hugs!

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!

Virginia
Member Since:
26 January 2014
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20 March 2015 - 4:37 am
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I'm just catching up and I have to say that Scout is absolutely adorable!!! You're in the roughest stage right now, they all recover at their own pace. Hang in there!

HUGS

Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”  

      

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10 March 2015
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22 March 2015 - 9:14 pm
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THANK YOU ALL! I just have to keep telling you all how amazing you all are. This has been trying and it showed me how horrible people can be, You and all of Scout's supporters are reaffirming my faith in humanity. I needed that.

His appointment Friday went well. They took out most of the staples and a lot is already healed closed. There are a few spots where the staples are staying in until Wednesday because the top layer where the fur is isn't fully closed. I am just so happy because it has been such an improvement the past few days even! I no longer have to "rig" him with a diaper either. He's only leaking a few drops a day, if that, so we have moved on to just t-shirts! And he is lucky, no more phantom pains so far (crossing fingers)! The next appointment is Wednesday to get the rest of the staples out and to do another checkup. He did have a slight fever but it doesn't look like it was from an infection thank god. I'm guessing he was hot from the heat being on blast in the van on our way there.

I plan on sticking around for along time too! All of these furry babies are inspirational and their stories give hope to others!

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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22 March 2015 - 10:46 pm
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Oh YAAAY! I'm thrilled to know things are going so well, you guys REALLY deserve that kind of break. Sounds like he'll be back to his old routine in no time at all.

I'm so glad that this community is able to help restore your faith in humanity. It's been that kind of journey for us too, we never knew there were so many amazing, good-hearted people out there until Jerry got sick and we started Tripawds. It's incredible how a heartbreaking situation can bring like-minded people together. 3-paws up to pet pawrents!

Keep us posted on how things are going, we're always here for you.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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