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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Well Quixote went in for his amputation today. He was neutered, had his teeth cleaned, and had his leg amputation done. He came thru great and is already at home. He has NOT taken his first steps yet but he has stood up with assistance. He is currently sleeping on the couch beside me, as he needs to be touching me! I had a mild panic attack when I first saw the amputation site, but am surprisingly doing well. I have been back and forth since we booked surgery as to whether or not this was the right thing to do, this morning I woke up and was okay with the decision that had been made. I am comfortable saying WE CAN DO THIS! We will be alright although there will be a period of difficulties.
Last night was rough but not as rough as the first surgery we did a little over 2 years ago. He still has not walked but he will stand. He wants to be touching me at all times so that really hasnt changed lol. Over all I am happy I went ahead with the surgery instead of pills for the rest of his life. The vet said to get him out on onleash walks as soon as today, however I dont think he is going to be up for that so we shall play it by ear.
He used to growl when I went to pick him up, even if he was asking for up. He hasnt done that at all since the surgery. He will whine a bit but I dont think he is in as much pain now. I am so happy I have this group to talk to I honestly would be a mess with out you all.
Alrighty...all the surgery stuff is done and Quixote is on the road to recovery! And with all he's been through, no wonder he does feel like walking!! Owwwweee!
Recovery is no picnic..and he has quite a few "surgeries" involved under that "one" surgery! You have a great attitude! Clearly Quixote is a spunky fella and he will get his sparkle back! He'll be growling and sn a rling with those pearly whites in no time
Sure, he "lost" his leg and he lost his...er..."jewels...but it didn't need any of those things anyway!!
Keep us posted and hang in there! Stay connected and let us know if you have any questions. Sometimes keeping the pain meds balanced once the hospitl meds wear off can be challenging.
Hugs to all! YAAAAAAAAAY QUIXOTE...and mom too!!!
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!
He is less painfull now then before the amputation. He is crying a bit but nothing serious. I think its because he is still high lol. He hasnt peed yet, but he pooped just before we came home from the vet last night.
It sounds like you are on a good path. What Cora went through for her second amputation, removal of the stump, is pretty much the same as where Quixote is now. It starts out rough but it gets better.
He peed He peed and hopped around the back yard. Silly me taking him out in the front yard, they arent normally allowed to potty there lol. He had the worlds longest pee. Hopped around the yard and asked for me to carry him back up the steps and to the couch. He is now sleeping QUIETLY. I have to pee now but he wont let me up and I dont want to disturb him so I get to wait an hour till a friend will come sit with him so I can pee, and eat. I hope I dont have to sleep in his crate with him again tonight that was uncomfortable and slightly cold (he hogs the blankets). The other dogs in the house want to lick the incision site and play with him but they leave him alone on command. I will post pictures of him in a few days when the incision isnt as angry looking. Right now we are just happy to have an empty bladder, a warm blanket and the fentayal patch lol. He has NOT eaten yet but I will offer food again shortly maybe he just had to go potty and didnt want to eat because of that.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR PEE AND YAAAAAAAAAY FOR POOP!!! Not allowed to pee in front yard? Now that's a well trained dog!
I love that you are trying to sleep in the crate with him! And needing to lee your own self, but holding itso you won't disturb him!! Quixote is clearly a well loved dog!!
His recovery seems right on target! Actually, maybe a little above the norm since he's resting quietly. My Happy Hannah whined and paced and wouod not lay down for nineteen hours straight!!
He'll get his appetite back. Maybe coax him with extra good stuff to start with. My Happy Hannah never missed a meal! She didn't want to drink water though and I had to coax her with a scoop of ice cream in it.
Great update! Look forw a rd topictures of cutie pie! Good job mom!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
OMD . . . the visuals!!! I can't imagine getting into the crate with one of my girls. I too think they would hog the covers!!! LOL!!
You're doing wonderfully. And I'd like to add that once you've accepted the fact that you've made the right decision, don't get upset if you question the decision a few more times in the future. It's natural! So don't beat yourself up!
Just like someone said here somewhere, any decision is the right decision.
Go Quixote! Go Quixote! Go Quixote! Go Quixote! (It was hard not typing "Don" in front! LOL!)
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
That's AWESOME!!! That little Quixote has got to feel much better with an empty bladder...
And bless your soul for holding off on your potty time so not to disturb Quixote and jeeezzz sleeping in the crate with him...that is pure love and dedication!!! Just a suggestion...have you thought about putting your mattress on the floor to sleep with Quixote? Hubby and I did that for our Leland as well as our first dog Lucky (when he had to have knee surgery). You and Quixote might get a little more quality sleep on a mattress on the floor instead of cramped in a crate.
Anyway, it sounds like Quixote is off to a good start with recovery. To have peed and pooped so soon is definitely a positive. And it may take a few days for his appetite to come back. All the meds are probably making him feel pretty wonky and food is probably the last thing on his mind. I'd just make sure he's still getting some water in his system. I know with Leland I would take one of those medicine syringes and squirt some water into his mouth because he wasn't drinking to good there at first. Sally always suggests putting some ice cream in the water to coax them into drinking.
Well keep up the good work and I can't wait to see some pics of precious Quixote!!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Lol his full Kennel name is Don Quixote. His entire litter is fictional explorers. He has to be touching me right now. So thats what we are doing just cuddling and sleeping ... well hes sleeping I am watching shows on the web and contemplating playing my video game. Quixote is slightly loved (read spoiled rotten) and gets to have me at home with him all the time. He has a mommy that can stop her life so he can recover. Then he gets to start flyball up again come March 16th (yes the vet has okayied this as long as he heals up properly.) I think I can actually do this I have never had a three legged dog but I can do this.
Absolutely you can do this!!! I know Quixote will be dragging you on lead!
My sister has had a tripawd (lost leg in car accident) for years and I can truly say they make us better humans, I'm very thankful.
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Wow I'm so happy there's been such progress in less than 24 hours! That's awesome, congrats to both of you for getting through that first night and keeping a pawsitive spirit going. Yes you CAN do this, you ARE doing it! YAY for both!!! Sorry I missed you in the chat earlier, you'll find most folks in there during evenings from about 7 Eastern on. I will try to be in there tonight too, would love to hear more!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Such positivity you have will continue to pour onto your fur kid!
sounds as though you are doing so well...well done!
making this choice for them is the hardest decision ever as we question so many things for them as well as us BUT seeing how they are after & learning beside them along the journey, it reassures us we DEFO made the right decision!
That song, "lean on me, when you're not strong" was sung for a reason! Let him lean, build him up & continue to share those steps forwards with us!
Sending lots of tic to you both from Sandy & her mummy.
Murphy is a front leg tripawd and we put a t shirt on him after surgery to keep the incision clean and so he couldn't lick it. Our surgeon also suggested ice packs to the site a couple times a day to help with swelling and pain. Also, massaging around the area to help with the fluid build-up. Murphy had a great recovery! The first few days were definitely the hardest, but by the end of 2 weeks he was back to his normal self 
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
He seems okay. He is hopping around the yard. He POOPED in the yard and is going down the stairs just fine. He can also getting up on the couch and off the couch. I am going to have to hold him back I think. He is a rear leg amp. and he seems happier with out the bum leg. He is sleeping beside me under a blanket as he gets super cold with out it.
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