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So we are now one year one month past amputation...what a journey....resilience amazes me still!
Well it may be a whole year on, but I have a new question...Sandy has had some trips and falls, well, face plants I should say! Bless her. She's so tough & gets back up, even if she has knocked her mouth/nose & it looks a little sore after. Lots of TLC given & of course those special mummy kisses!
However recently we've had a few more trips than we're used to. I blame those nails, but I need to ask, what more can i do??
I don't want her falling over, I worry she will hurt her remaining legs. In fact, that petrifies me!! She needs all her other legs & in ship shape condition!!!
You see her nails are jet back so the quick cannot be seen. She HATES them being cut, will climb all over me in a vets to hide from the clippers, and they make her bleed each time which has made it impossible to get them done, as I refuse to put her through the distress of it all. So, I have taken to bribing with nibbles she LOVES, and trimming each nail a little myself. Her nails are really long naturally, so I feel she needs lots off to stop her tripping over them, but the groomer (who managed to cut all three paws before noticing she only had three legs!) managed to cut them all without any issues or stress, stating that they didn't need much off at all. This reassured me that I was cutting them fine, but surely they need more off if she's tripping over them.
Sometimes I file them - when she is feeling in the mood to allow a little extra pampering! But she gets fed up after a few nails..I don't blame her...I too hate files.
Has anyone else had this issue with tripping over front claws?. Sandy is a front amputee.
I don't want to try boots as I think if she's tripping over that's another layer to catch/trip/lift higher.
Please help with suggestions.
Also, Does anyone else see their dogs area of amputation twitch as though they are trying to move their leg thats gone? She's been doing it ever since surgery, and when her ball gets under the sofa, she tries to move the missing leg, making the area twitch, to try to get her ball. Then she asks me to get it for her. Sometimes she even does it when laying down.
I've definitely noticed Jack tripping and falling when her nails are long or when she's tired. Dark nails are so tricky - do her nails click against the floor when she's walking? That's how I tell whether my dog needs a trim. It's possible Sandy is tripping because she sometimes gets too tired to lift herself high enough when taking a step. Others can chime in, but I've gotten the sense that some amount of tripping is normal - it's difficult to carry that weight on the front and start/stop with one leg.
And I have also seen the twitching. Jack's about 18 months post amp and it doesn't happen any more. I think it fully stopped about 6 months after the surgery. I found it so heartbreaking to see that she didn't realize the leg wasn't there any longer, but I don't think it bothered Jack too much.
My cat Mona still does gentle face plants and rolls over on to her amputation side because she goes to rub her cheek on the amputation side on to the floor. She's still doing this after 19 months. It must be very important to rub that cheek on the floor!
I've also heard that an amputee cat's claws should be kept short. Would a grinder/dremel be more comfortable for Dawnie's nails?
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Dawn and Sandy it's GREAT to hear from you! Hoppy Ampuversary! Wow time flies!!!
We're so happy to hear things are overall great. Sandy is truly amazing.
About her nails, try this Calming Cap solution. It's kryptonite for dogs and we can now cut our Wyatt's nails, examine him for skin weirdness, etc., with no problem.
When it comes to her falls. Some amount of spills is normal, yes, moreso with front-leg Tripawds. But it shouldn't happen all the time, say on every walk. Not being a rehab vet, I can only give you my thoughts here, so take them for what they're worth, but has anything changed about her lately? What is her activity level like on a daily basis? Has she put on weight? I know you are super conscientious about her health so I'm just wondering if maybe she's hiding some symptoms of pain? Does she flinch at all if you touch her in certain areas?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone so far for your insights and help. Much appreciated!! 
Jerry - Sandy is drinking loads more than she ever did, but the vet tested her & said she is okay & just drinking on the high end of normal. I think because she drinks so much in one go, and not small amounts throughout the day, its got me worried, but she's snoozy heaps through day so guessing she's too lazy to go to her water bowls dotted about the house.
With regards to walks, Sandy doesn't get far before she lays down...13 1/2 years old it kinda makes things tiring i guess.
Kerren - I will look into a grinder - sounds dangerous but I am sure it is not...if it does the job we will be happy!
Sandy will trip more when she's tired...like when she's got up from her bed excited to greet me too quick. I do think she trips on her claws as they do make a click when she walks on the laminate.
Weight has stayed the same or reduced if anything. Touching, bending and manipulating the area she allows...LOVES a massage!
It's just not nice seeing them fall and not being able to catch them before they do face plant 
Calming cap solution...will look into that, as if its natural and helps calm her I may not struggle so much and could get her done by the groomers that done so well.
SANDY!!! SANDY!!!! HAPPY ONE YEAR AND ONE MONTHS AMPUVERSARY!!! And 13 1/2 also??? OMD!!! It's wonderful to hear from you!!
You've gotten great advice. Also, I'll just add the "senior" factor into the whole equation. That could be "contributing" to all the little "nuances" you are seeing. The aging process has all sorts of little quirs that show up, especially for Tripawds!
Continue to savor every treasured second with this sweet virl. She's clearly very happy a d that's what it's all about!
Love to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Senior love is wonderful, senior worries are dreadful! 
I want to pause time, however I am blessed to be spending some quality time with Sandy 
She has started having some shivers, when wrapped in a blanket and with some TLC she stops so am only left to think it's cold related, even though the heating is often on..she is one to bask in the sunshine in the summer months!
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