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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I first would like to thank everyone and their stories here, mine is like so many I have read and it made my decision to amputate easier. My baby is a 6 year old Great Dane, St. Bernard mix weighing in at 140lbs. He was just diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his left front leg. After seeing a specialist, doing much research and reviewing all of the options he will be going in for surgery next Wednesday.
Due to his size, I am assuming that I will need a harness to help him until he can get up on his own. My question is, after surgery can you you use a harness? The ones that I have looked at seem like they would rub or irritate his sutures. I was thinking a sheet or towel would be easier on the incision. I am wondering what others with large breeds did to help with mobility?
Also, any other post op tips would be greatly appreciated. I just want his transition to be as smooth and painless as possible.
And, I am thinking about dying his leg purple, since I can't write on it. I have this horrible feeling that they will take the wrong leg. I think I am being overly cautious and I trust his surgeon completely, I am just a worried mama.
Thank you in advance,
Sally
We did use the RuffWear harness almost immediately with our 110# boy. Max was a rear amp and the harness didn't come near his sutures. I know Dobemom used it too on her front amp Nitro so maybe she'll chime in here on how it works for a front amp.It helped us help him up and after the first couple of days Max fought us if we tried to keep hold on him during his pottying . With the handle at the top we could just stay close and it allowed us to grab him if he needed help. They are also great for helping them with steps uneven ground, and getting them in and out of the car. I also know many here also used a sling of sorts but Max tended to freeze when we tried using it. Im sure it worked for many others though. I'm sure others with large breeds will chime in soon on how their recovery went. I'm so sorry you have to be here but it's a wonderful place to be with people who have so much knowledge, and offer so much love and support. It's natural to be a worried mama this is a journey like no other but the end result is a dog who will be out of pain and living a happy doggie life one day at a time. One thing that helped me was reading the posts on the treatment and recovery page. It helped prepare me for what those first few days might bring. Stay connected to us here and let us know how we can help you. Your boy is beautiful and we will all be sending healing thoughts and prayers to you both next Wednesday. Hugs to you and your boy!
Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max
Hi Sally and Tucker, welcome. We are sorry to hear about the diagnosis but glad you found us. Of course you're worried, this isn't easy! But I'll bet that you will be amazed at how well your pup does after surgery.
For front leg Tripawds, we typically recommend waiting until after stitches are out and using a temporary sling like this, a canvas grocery bag:
Sometimes though it's necessary to use a harness and in that case you can put a t-shirt on under the harness and things should be fine, especially if your vet decides to use vet wrap over the incision. The new Webmaster Plus has a great new Brush Guard that will also protect the belly area from dirt and debris.
We have a ton of tips for you. Star with Jerry's Required Reading List , and our e-book Three Legs and a Spare , and you'll find lots of your questions answered there as well as with this wonderful community.
Whatever we can do to help you, don't hesitate to ask OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just now seeing this! Computer issues right now so just sayi g one wuick thing. I think taking a marker of some sort and sayinf "bad leg" or something like that is a great idea.
My brother had a dog in gfor a knee operation...yep...they did the wrong leg. Called dhring the surgery, said they did the "wrong" leg but it needed the surgery sooner or later anyway...and then proceeded with the other knee....both knees at once...crazy but true!
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!
Otis - 106 lbs, 8 years old - was able to get up and hop on his own fairly immediately. It wasn't graceful at first, but I have not had to help him get up or move around. (Although for the first few days I bribed him with special treats to encourage him to get up when I knew he needed to pee). We also have a light weight collar and leash that I put on him for going outdoors. He now knows what it means when I approach with it.
i have also heard you can paint toenails on the bad leg. Otis' was broken, so we had no fear of mistake.
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.
tuckerstdane said
I first would like to thank everyone and their stories here, mine is like so many I have read and it made my decision to amputate easier. My baby is a 6 year old Great Dane, St. Bernard mix weighing in at 140lbs. He was just diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his left front leg. After seeing a specialist, doing much research and reviewing all of the options he will be going in for surgery next Wednesday.Due to his size, I am assuming that I will need a harness to help him until he can get up on his own. My question is, after surgery can you you use a harness? The ones that I have looked at seem like they would rub or irritate his sutures. I was thinking a sheet or towel would be easier on the incision. I am wondering what others with large breeds did to help with mobility?
Also, any other post op tips would be greatly appreciated. I just want his transition to be as smooth and painless as possible.
And, I am thinking about dying his leg purple, since I can't write on it. I have this horrible feeling that they will take the wrong leg. I think I am being overly cautious and I trust his surgeon completely, I am just a worried mama.
Thank you in advance,
Sally
Thank you all for you help. My baby is going for surgery tomorrow and we are as ready as we can be.
We have the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus - it is working great. Fits Otis well (handle does twist slightly to the side on a front legger) and allows me to exert gentle pressure to help him up. I clip the lead to the top of the harness, which keeps it away from his feet and allows me to control without worrying about unbalancing him. He likes it - does all of his normal stuff in it, including rolling in the grass. I strongly recommend it (plus, he looks so handsome in his bright red harness).
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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