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! I'm very new to the forum. Just joined today. My baby Australian Shepherd Shine was hit last night. We rushed him to the vet and he had lost a lot of blood. They apmutated his right front leg between the shoulder and the elbow. His left front leg was scraped pretty bad and he won't put pressure on it as of now, but he will go to the bathroom, move around his back legs just fine, they said nothing is wrong internally. Im very worried at this point. I'm sure he just needs time to try and get around on that leg but I'm beside myself! he is only 10 weeks old. My boyfriend and I lost our other Aussie just 2 months ago and he was our world. Not good luck so far but I hope my baby will make a full recovery! Just sharing my story and good vibes and prayers would be appreciated!
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not require moderation.
I'm sorry to hear about Shine's accident- how terrible!
You might want to read through Jerry's Required Reading list- lots of info there on what to expect with amputation and recovery.
What we often see here is that the young pups bounce back pretty quickly. Many here don't see their dogs personality really come back for 2 to 3 weeks. Most of us had a pretty rough recovery the first couple of weeks- but some lucky pups seem to sail right through. Since Shine is dealing with the trauma of being hit by a car it might take a little longer...
I have a friend that adopted a Rotti rear amp puppy, I think he was about 6 months old. All he really knew was life on three legs, being a tripawd didn't slow him down at all.
You need to be a strong, positive pack leader and show him that everything is alright, and that you love him just as much as you did yesterday.
Keep us posted on his progress.
Karen and the pugapalooza
speedy recovery to Shine & welcome to the group. Don't be afraid to ask questions millions of them if need be. We are all here to support and the chat room
is always open. I am there most evenings 
Michelle & 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."
Hi Shine's Mom,
Just wanted to offer encouragement. My cocker was hit by a car 7 months ago and had his rear leg amputated. His other paw also suffered significant damage. The first week is the hardest. To see them in so much pain and also to see the "dulling" in the eyes and personality which is probably a combo of the pain and the pain meds. I was terribly worried that I had done the wrong thing and would never have my Bud back. I was WRONG. One month post amp he was galloping around the back yard. Have patience. They do adapt. I think it is a little harder if it is a front leg, but I have been amazed at how quickly Buddy adapted. He has NO idea that he is "down one." We walk every day for about 1 -2 miles (although we had to build up to that.) Just give it some time and give Shine lots of love.
budsmom said
Just wanted to offer encouragement.
Thanks for the feedback budsmom! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry you got into a bad accident Shine. That was probably sooooo scary! But how cool that you MADE IT!
Hang in there little buddy. Puppies who lose their leg do fine. Take me for example. I lost my leg at 8 months old, and ou know what? I can't even remember what life was like as a quadpawd. Those four legged dogs now look really weird to me! My life isn't that different from a four legger. Other than my Mom being obsessed about keeping me thin so I can get around better, and not letting me overdo my crazy running games, I've got a great life! I know you will too.
Keep us posted ok? And share some pics so we can have some Puppy Love around here!
Wyatt Ray Dawg . . . The Tripawds Leg-A-Cy Continues!
Read all about my adventures at my Tripawds Blog
Thank you for the support and warm welcome!! My boy gets to come home today, finally! He is putting pressure on his front leg (which has a large scrape on it) and he doesn't have to have a cast on his back leg! Although he's still sore it's amazing the difference I can see in him from the day after it happened! Jerry's Required Reading List - helped out a lot with questions I had and care for him once he's home. I've missed him so mcuh!
I'm already loving the family he has here! 
Thanks to everyone again for the well wishes! As soon as we get home today I'll try and get some pictures up. However, I'm not sure you're ready for how great he looks! 
I don;t want to get ahead of myself, but he's doing great and his incision looks great as well. (knock on wood)
I'm pretty busy myself and I only have my phone for internet at home, but while he and I are relaxing I'll try to post more on other stories as well. Thanks everyone!
Jena&Moon Shine
Glad that Shine is making such good progress! Can't wait to see pictures...I better he's super cute. I LOVE his name, by the way. Very clever.
Hi everyone! Just a little bit of an update on Shine...He is doing well, but it's possible he may have some nerve damage in his front paw. He will move it, and has sensation in it, but he sometimes "knuckles" over the paw. I chatted with someone on Tripawds last night and they told me to ask my vet, so I did! She said the fact that he's moving it is very good and he may have some nerve damage, but it may be able to heal. Although, sometimes they do not. All we can really do is give him some time. This was heartbreaking for me! 
It was hard enough that he has lost a leg, but now he cant start learning to walk when his only front paw that's left doesn't work right all the time.
My boyfriend is very optimistic and says it wil just take time, that's very hard for me! I wish my boy could just start getting used to his new lifestyle! It kills me so see him wanting to get up and pushing with his back legs, but when we pick him up from his stomach, with a towel or just our hands so his paws are on the ground he doesn't always move the front one. He has once pretty well. He was very excited and moved about 4 steps, without knuckling the paw. When we take him outside to potty its a different story. He lets the front paw knuckle and basically nose dives into the ground. Doesn;t even want to try.
I know its very very soon. He just had his leg amputated sunday.. I'm just a very worried Mom! and want what's best for him. If he can't use that leg I want to get him some wheels! Something so he can be a puppy! I just hate to see him frustrated, but I know that's all a part of the process.
It's nice to rant for a bit. I'm done now. Sorry all! Trying to think good thoughts!!!
Its ok to be a worried Mom or Dad. I was always worrying in the beginning. We want the best for our doggies and its natural to worry. It sounds like this is just going to be a matter of time for you. Shine is having to get used to a whole new way of life now. The amputation went really well and that was a major hurdle. Now its just going to be a matter of time for that other paw to heal and Shine will be running around like he used to. Its a good sign that he is at times moving it. I'm sure with each day that passes he will get stronger and stronger. Also, if he is on pain meds still, that can be making him a bit disoriented and unsteady on his feet. I have faith that Shine will pull through this. Try not to stress yourself out. Let us know how Shine is doing.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
You can rant anytime, that's why we are here. It's totally upsetting to know that our pups are having a hard time, we understand completely. Be patient, and know that there are lots of home exercises you can do with your pup to help get the nerves stimulated and get him using his leg again. Here are a couple of links with some ideas:
TopDog Home Rehabilitation Guide Videos List
http://topdoghe.....OySHW9QWAg
Home Vet: Therapeutic Exercise for Pets
http://www.home.....e-for-pets
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So... Shine must not like his Ma "complaining" about him. He is trying to put his front foot to use already! YAaaayy! It was a perfect birthday present for me today!! Last night when I get home he was very excited to see me and almost stood all the way up! More than once! I got behind him and tried to help him, but by that time I was so close he just wanted some love and to lay down and be pet! The point is, he's treating that paw differently already! He still lays it funny sometimes, but he's actually sort of acting like he has more feeling in it.. We have a topical ointment we are putting on a large scrape on that leg and this morning when I put it on it seemed to hurt him a little. He hasn't reacted that way before. I hope this means good news! It sure seemed like it to me! He still needs a lot of rest TLC and recoop but him doing that instantly put me in a better mood!
Just wanted to share! -Jena(the elated Mommy)&Moon Shine(The Miracle Pup)
And thank you Jerry for those links! We will definitely be trying some of them out at home!
Yay! Best. Present. Ever.!
Happy Hoppy Birthday Jena! I hope you have a wonderful day!!! Give Shine a big smooch from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry I'm late to welcome you. And sorry you had to find us here. Sounds like Shine is already finding his way. Love his name and love that breed. Can't wait to see some pics. He sounds adorable.
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!
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