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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So today I found out that my beautiful Molly needs to have her rear right leg amputated! Absolutely devastated!
Our journey began back in September when Molly had an episode of lameness in her back legs. We got referred to a specialist who diagnosed bilateral hip dysplasia and lumbosacral stenosis. Whilst they were doing x-rays they came across a suspicious looking lesion on her right rear leg (an incidental finding). Following months of regular x-rays and 2 bone biopsies they have now come to the conclusion that we need to amputate the leg. The lesion - which biopsies have come back as inconclusive is growing at a rapid rate and slowly eating away at the bone in her leg.
Obviously I'm apprehensive! Everyone keeps telling me she will cope fine with 3 legs but one of my concerns is that she may struggle with her hip dysplasia and stenosis as losing the leg will put extra strain on the other one.
Does anyone have any advice? Tips on how to help her adjust to life on 3 legs?
Would just be nice to speak to ppl who have experienced this with their own dogs.
Thanks for any help!
kirsty85 said
Does anyone have any advice?
Yes, lots! You've come to the right place, and your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tips on how to help her adjust to life on 3 legs?
With Molly's condition, we highly recommend consulting with a certified rehab vet tech (CCRT/CCRP). The Tripawds Foundation may even reimburse you for your first visit from the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab.
Search these forums above, or search all blogs here to find many stories from others about dogs recovering from amputation with remaining limb issues. A few have even undergone total hip replacement. So, if Molly is otherwise fit and strong, she should do well.
Bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of tips or consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns. Drop by the chat room , or feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime if you want to talk.
Best wishes, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks I've already downloaded the books and have started reading them so that I can help with her recovery as much as I can. Deep down I know it's the right thing to do for her think it's me that needs to come to terms with it!
Welcome.... we're sorry you have found yourself here but glad that you are since you'll find the best support ever! What kind of dog is Molly? My girl was also a rear amp and I can tell you - they do get along just fine w/out that leg! It is always a tough and hard situation to be in but the most positive you can be around Molly, the better all around! I used to cry in the shower or my car!
We look forward to learning more about Molly and answering any questions you might have!
hugs,
alison with spirit shelby in her heart
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
Many of us can totally relate to how you're feeling right now. We probably all came home & did exactly what you're doing - scour the internet for information. Thankfully you found us!
Believe it or not, Molly will adapt pretty well on 3 legs, and she will finally be out of pain! Recovery is not easy, the first 2 weeks or so can be a little rough, although some sail through just fine. Look on youtube for some videos, too, just search tripawds.
We'll be here for you 
Donna
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
Sorry you and Molly find ourselves here but, as you can see, this is a great place for support information and understanding. And boy oh boy do we understand exclamation point right now it probably feels like you are stuck in a nightmare that will never end, but it does.
An orthopedic specialist for Rehab specialist can help reassure you if Molly is a good candidate for surgery. We have indeed, had dogs with arthritis and hip issues go through amputation and do just fine.
Recovery is no picnic for about 2 weeks. You probably won't get much sleep and you will drive yourself crazy watching her every move. She will she jist.need rest.and short.potty breaks. Miley may not have much of an appetite for a couple of days and she may not poop for a few days. It's more important that she drink water.and pee.
Does that will most likely send you home with Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. The hospital meds will stay in her system about 3 days. At that point you have to really figure out how to balance her pain meds so you can keep her comfortable.
It may take Molly a few days to adjust to her Mobility challenges. In the meantime you can use a towel as a sling to help her get up and stay steady.
You are not alone and we are right by your side every step of the way. We also have a tripawd help line should you need to speak with anyone. 1 844 TRIPAWDS
You are doing what needs to be done to give Molly the best chance at a pain-free quality life we are forced to make some of these decisions sometimes and they are not easy. But we do what we do because our love is so great for our dogs. clearly you love Molly very much and she knows it. She is very lucky to have you as her advocate.
Love.and.hugs!
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!
Thanks for all your supportive words guys!
Really is helpful having this site and being able to talk to people who have been through the same experience.
Molly is a German Short-Haired Pointer! A very lively one at that! She already takes Gabapentin for her hip dysplasia.
We've been in the same boat, it's always worse for the humans at first. You'll soon see that Molly is such an inspiration, you'll forget she ever had four legs!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and welcome.
I remember the shock quite well- after my vet said 'amputation' I don't think I heard another word.
While it is true that most all dogs cope with three legs you have to be aware of the recovery period. My pug Maggie had her amp before Tripawds was here so we went it alone. All the vets assured me that Mag would do fine, so when she was a slug for a few weeks I was sure I had made the wrong decision choosing surgery. Maggie was a stubborn little thing that did not do well with changes in her routine- so in hindsight it made sense that she took her time getting used to her new normal. After being at Tripawds for awhile I learned that all dogs heal and deal at their own pace so don't get discouraged!
Traction and core strength are my two pieces of advice. Traction is huge for Tripawds, especially new ones. Molly needs to be confident when she is hopping around. You should cover any bare floors with throw rugs or yoga mats. Core strength is also very important. And an advantage of working on core strength is that it tires out a pup and has limited impact on the other limbs. I do all kinds of exercises and games with my current rear amp Tripawd Elly. She is a pug/beagle mix who is only 16 months old and has quite a bit of energy. I find puzzles and food games really work her mind and tire out her body.
Do you have a surgery date yet? Keep us posted.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Molly is booked in for surgery on Thursday 12th May - got it all booked and sorted today!
thanks to everyone for sharing your stories and for your advice! It all really helps in preparing for her recovery!
benny55 said
Sorry you and Molly find ourselves here but, as you can see, this is a great place for support information and understanding. And boy oh boy do we understand exclamation point right now it probably feels like you are stuck in a nightmare that will never end, but it does.An orthopedic specialist for Rehab specialist can help reassure you if Molly is a good candidate for surgery. We have indeed, had dogs with arthritis and hip issues go through amputation and do just fine.
Recovery is no picnic for about 2 weeks. You probably won't get much sleep and you will drive yourself crazy watching her every move. She will she jist.need rest.and short.potty breaks. Miley may not have much of an appetite for a couple of days and she may not poop for a few days. It's more important that she drink water.and pee.
Does that will most likely send you home with Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. The hospital meds will stay in her system about 3 days. At that point you have to really figure out how to balance her pain meds so you can keep her comfortable.
It may take Molly a few days to adjust to her Mobility challenges. In the meantime you can use a towel as a sling to help her get up and stay steady.
You are not alone and we are right by your side every step of the way. We also have a tripawd help line should you need to speak with anyone. 1 844 TRIPAWDS
You are doing what needs to be done to give Molly the best chance at a pain-free quality life we are forced to make some of these decisions sometimes and they are not easy. But we do what we do because our love is so great for our dogs. clearly you love Molly very much and she knows it. She is very lucky to have you as her advocate.
Love.and.hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Thank you so much for this. Hearing what you have to say makes me feel "normal" and that I'm not alone. It doesn't make it any easier, but knowing others are feeling the same, helps to give a little light at the end of the tunnel when I'm having a very hard time seeing right now.
So had a really sleepless night worrying about Mollys operation next week - anyone any suggestions and how to stop my anxiousness?? A lot of it seems to be that I keep trying to imagine her with 3 legs and I simply can't! I know she will be fine and still be the Molly that I love just don't think I've really come to terms with it all yet!
I was so nervous, too. There were two things I remember helping: first, our vet tech brought in her two 2-legged dogs and we played with them for a while. It was amazing to watch them get around! I also watched as many YouTube videos to see how other tripawds get along. Seeing so many other dogs do well helped me feel a lot better.
The second thing was something I saw here- if you can, try to be light-hearted and brave for Molly. She's going to be looking to you for guidance on how to react in her new situation and if you're calm, she'll know she can relax, too.
Honesty, don't try to imagine it. You probably can't. Just trust that it will happen. Dogs don't sit around feeling bad about their "disability." They just figure out how to do what they want to do. It took Otis at least a week to stand in a proper tripod stance, but now he does it routinely. He has even learned to lean slightly against a tree to do his business in a male dog way, even though one leg up means only two on the ground. He comes down stairs in a series of very controlled hops - I wouldn't have thought he could fit his body onto a step in that way, but he does. They are amazingly adaptable. Burn off your anxiety by going for walks, playing and snuggling - and know that you will do those things post-amp, but maybe a little differently. Now is also a good time to Tripawd proof your house - there's a task to keep your mind busy! 😀
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.
chibiscuit said
Thank you so much for this. Hearing what you have to say makes me feel "normal" and that I'm not alone....
You've come to the right place chibiscuit! Consider starting a new topic od free Tripawds blog to share your story.
Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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