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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2 years ago my little JRT pup was attacked by a German Shepherd. In the attack his femoral head (the ball joint) was broken and Quixote developed Legge Perthes. We did a Femoral Head Ostectomy (although I wanted the leg removed then) Well he never healed properly from the first surgery. Now the vet says he needs his leg amputated. I have been fighting for the amputation for 2 years and now its real. I feel so depressed and lost. This takes away all hope that he will get better. I have never had a tripawd before, I dont really know what to expect! I mean he is essentially three legged now (the injured leg rarely touches the ground) But removing the leg is hard. I am so conflicted now, its whats best for him but its scary. 
His leg will be removed at the hip joint. So its an upper amputation which carries more risk of bleeding ect. He will be coming home the day of the surgery as well. I hate to leave him at the vet where he is super stressed out. Tips tricks advice. Equipment or beds you recommend?
Hi Quixote, welcome to the club nobody wants to join! Your future posts won't require moderation. Hope you don't mind I moved your post here, but t his is a good place for situations like yours. What is your dog's name?
It was nice chatting with you yesterday. Have you had a chance to check out Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books Library? We've got loads of tips and suggestions in there, and the good people here will also be read to answer your questions too.
Why is he coming home the same day? Is that because the vet doesn't have 24/hour care? Because other than that reason, it's best to leave him overnight if they have 24/hour monitoring. The first couple of nights can be very stressful for the human and most dogs do stay overnight to make sure things are good and the vet comes up with a good pain control plan.
I'm going to bet you'll find that he adapts so much better than you think. While most dogs and cats need about 2 weeks before they really start to get their sparkle back, and there may be some ups and downs in the recovery process, you'll find that by being strong and h aving a pawsitive attitude, you'll find that your pup will follow your lead and reflect your behavior.
I hope this helps! Stay tuned more folks will chime in soon, and if you stop by the chat during the evenings you'll also be likely to find folks in there too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I used to work as a vet tech and personally feel more comfortable with him coming home. I know what to expect and he can de stress faster this way. I also am a strict raw feeder and they would feed MEDI-CAL food which would make him ill. 
I guess I am one of the lucky ones Quixote does NOT have cancer. He is young active and healthy. He in theory should come out of surgery and be fine. We shall see how that goes.
Ohhhh fabulous that you have the background, it didn't even occur to me to ask! He's a lucky dawg! We have a few other vet techs here who were able to give that level of care to their new Tripawds post-op, it's such a bonus.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
JRT VS GSD...NOT FAIR!!! Of course, all JRT think they are German SD!!!
Quixote is one of the lucky ones because this is a CURE! This IS him getting BETTER!!! Now, does that make it any easier on his human? Heck no! Amputation, major surgery, recovery time...no picnic!!!
Glad you clarified why he wasn't staying overnight. He'll be seeing pink elephants anyway, so you might just want to reconsider just si YOU can get some rest before he comes home!!! He may not even feel like eating til the next day anyway.
You lrobably slready know this, but you'll want scatter rugs if you have hardwoods to prevent slipping. His bed should be "supportive" as opposed to too squishy so he can lift himself up easier out of bed. Add the loving and spoiling that I'm sure he's already getting in abundance...and you'll have the sparkle come back in no time!
His avatar picture is adorable! When you can, we'd love to see.more photos!
Sending you lots of hugs! Eat chocolate! It helps!
Sally and 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!
So sorry that Quixote is having to deal with an injured leg and an upcoming amputation. I have no doubt he'll come through with flying colors!! Since he's a smaller dog his recovery may be a little easier (my Leland was a 108lb Dobie boy with a hind leg amp) but there may be some bumps along the way. Thankfully Quixote isn't dealing with a cancer or other illness but an injury. As Sally said make sure you have plenty of runners/rugs with rubber backing around if you have hardwood/tile type flooring. Also, be careful with stairs for the first couple of weeks. My husband and I had moved our mattress out to our home office to sleep/live with Leland during recovery as our home is a split level with nothing but stairs. Although with Quixote being smaller you'll probably carry him up any stairs if need be.
Also, I wanted to let you know I had downloaded the e-books offered on this site and found them to be really helpful with what to expect and how best to help our fur baby.
Good luck with the upcoming surgery and sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery!
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!
First of all.. glad that you found us here.. you will get many helpful hints and tips on how to deal with a Tripawd...
secondly.. throw those thoughts out the window of.. "you don't know how to deal with a tripawd!!" As far as they are concerned.. they are the same.. sure.. there's something missing.. but they deal with it.. they run... they jump.. they play.. their tails wag.. and damn if belly rubs don't get much easier without that fourth leg in the way!!
lol
Good to hear that you have some background... that will be helpful for you. And... there is a light at the end of the tunnel with amputation!! Good thing is that you don't have to deal with that cancer shiet that most of us do... you don't have to worry about that part! Their recovery is pretty good for the most part.. the first two weeks will be the most stressful for you.. and him too!
He could bounce back really quick and be walking within a day... and we as pawrents have to put our paw down and say.. uh huh.. no running and jumping!! They really should be confined for a week to 10 days to help heal. As a vet tech, I am sure you know how many blood vessels, etc get stitched and you don't want to chance anything bleeding inside.. Little pee breaks.. etc for the first bit! Lots of snuggle time!
And then, some of our furkids have had a bit of a struggle getting through the first few weeks. Man oh man, that is when you shake your head and wonder if you did the right thing. But, before you know it.. they start to recover, the spark comes back in their eye and they are happy again.. AND painfree!
Quixote is not using that leg anymore.. so it will not bother him at all!!
Good luck with the surgery.. and recovery!! Keep up posted here and feel free to come back and ask questions, etc.. even if you just want to chat with some of us, there is a chat room too!!
Christine.. with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
p.s. The chocolate Sally told you to eat is for you... not Quixote!!!!
lol
Christine... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
I think he knows. It it possible he knows? I am so glad he does not have cancer but its still so hard to be going thru. Forme that is I doubt he will care. This is him back when he had the original diagnosis of Legge Perthes BEFORE his first surgery 
I'M IN LOVE!!!!!!!! OMD!! ADORABLE!!!!!!! !
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!
What a cutie patootie!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OMG ... how adorable!!!!
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
he is adorable. You said that he isn't using that leg already so he won't even know that its basically gone. Everyone has given you great pointers and like you said its harder on you at this point than him. You were prepared for the surgery before because you were fighting for it now you don't. It is a scary surgery infact a major surgery. The biggest part of what to expect is the 1st time you see him. Yes, you are a vet tech and have probably seen this before but the thing is this time its your own baby.
try to keep him as quiet as you can during the recovery that will help.
don't hesitate to ask questions during the recovery time.
Michelle & Angel 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."
Aaawww!! He is just sooooo darn cute!!!! Those eyes just melt the heart!!!!
He will do fine as a Tripawd because he has a strong mommy looking out for him.
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!
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