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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As the weekend winds down reality is setting in that my boy will be losing his leg on Tuesday. I'm so worried for him and terrified of the pain that he will endure. I can't even look at his sweet face right now without getting emotional. I pray that by doing the amputation that his cancer does not come back (anaplastic histocytic sarcoma) It's a 50/50 chance. The cancer has not spread and overall he is a healthy boy. I have gotten many great tips from my previous post and am thankful for that. This post is mainly to get my feelings off my chest and to hopefully get some reassurance that he will be ok after the surgery. I'm feeling guilty about taking his leg and then the cancer coming back (this would just kill me). I hope I'm making the right choice. My main concern is him being in pain and struggling in general. I love him so much and its killing me knowing that he will have to go through this 
First, you have to remember that you are doing this FOR him, not TO him. Right now, he is in pain. So doing nothing will not help the pain to go away. With surgery the pain will at least go away in a short time. Recovery usually takes about 2-3 weeks for most dogs. Is that him in your profile picture? He's adorable!
The doctors are good at giving us numbers. But see, the dogs don't know that! lol Murphy had histiocytic sarcoma - I'm not sure if the anaplastic part changes anything. But he's living proof that a prognosis is just a guessing game! His prognosis was 12-18 months and in 2 weeks we'll be celebrating 4 years.
My best advice is always spacing medications so that he gets something every couple of hours. Murphy was sent home on Tramadol, Rimadyl & Gabapentin. Some are sent with a Fentanyl patch and sometimes antibiotics. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth a couple of times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time. And always feel free to reach out to us, 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
I agree with everything Donna says. You are doing this FOR him. Getting rid of the leg means getting rid of the pain. There is nothing in the world to feel guilty about. This is a courageous and loving thing you are doing for him.
Recovery can be quite full on for a couple of weeks, and, as Donna says, you will need to monitor him closely and, in consultation with your vet, adjust his Meds if he is showing signs of pain. But this is perfectly achievable and we will all be here to support you.
After the recovery period, I honestly think you will be amazed at how fully he will be able to enjoy life on three. My Meg, who lost her leg a year ago, does everything she ever did. Her walks are much shorter but she still thoroughly enjoys them, swims, chases squirrels, even catches the odd rabbit and, most important of all, is no longer in pain.
Your feelings are entirely understandable. Especially as you wait for the surgery. I think that's the worst part actually. But once you are dealing with the reality of it, I think and hope you will find it is so much better than you fear.
Sending you a big hug. We are here for you.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
MarleyWorm said
As the weekend winds down reality is setting in that my boy will be losing his leg on Tuesday. I'm so worried for him and terrified...
Your feelings are perfectly understandable, just please keep in mind that how you feel and act plays a major role in the speed and success of Marley's recovery. In fact, our absolute best advice is to Be More Dog . This isn't just some silly saying—dogs are incredibly resilient characters who cope with amputation much better that their people do. Listen to the Be More Dog podcast for more details and helpful tips about what we mean.
What your pup needs most right now is for you to be a strong balanced pack leader to show him life will be OK. Act fearful and stressed, and he will sense your emotions and follow your lead.
Free yourself of guilt and blame. These are silly human emotions that do no good when it comes to recovery and care for your pup. Sure, it's OK to cry and be mad, just never in front of Marley. That's what these forums, Live Chat and the Tripawds Blogs are for—and why we created the toll-free Tripawds Helpline !
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good advice from everyone! I learned very early on in our journey that Max fed off our emotion. If we stayed calm and acted like this was normal he did too. If we panicked so did he. What you're feeling is totally normal. Everyone here is ready to help you get through this. Dogs and cats are amazing in how well they adapt. Your boy will astound you with his resilience. Will be sending healing thoughts and prayers for you both on Tuesday. Keep us posted as you can. You can do this! Hugs!
As you can see, we are all here for you and we all understand like nomothers can!! Heck, I was so scared out of my mind, I even cancelled the first scheduled surgery for Happy Hannah!! I didn't even join this community until six days after her amputation and I was certain I jad made a horrible decision! This great community threw me a lifeline and I held on for dear life!
So here we go!. Get ready! On the count of three we are going to throw you a lifeline and pull you safely o to firm ground! Ready? One.....two...threee! GREAT CATCH!!! We've gotcha'!
Update us when you can! Recovery can be a bit fough for a week or so, but once Marley gets his sparkle back you will be so grateful you got rid of that bum leg...and so will he! 🙂 🙂
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!
Thank you everyone!!! I will keep you updated on Marley... praying for a smooth surgery tomorrow ❤🙏🏼
Your boy is adorable. I'm thinking of you both today and sending all good wishes & prayers.
I'm on the same journey you are - my feline boy Tabby's surgery is tomorrow.
Gather all the positive thoughts you can and send them to your baby along with your love while you wait - let him know you are with him today. 
Marley is in surgery now, I should hear from the Dr. in an hour or two. I cried my eyes when I dropped him off this morning, but the sweet ladies at the reception desk reassured me everything would be ok. I need to stay strong so that he can have the best and speediest recovery when he comes home. 🙂
Look at that cute face!!! I know that feeling all to well.... the drop off is hard for sure. But Marley is in good hands and we will all be waiting to hear how the surgery goes and the recovery. Stay close to us and keep us posted.... this is definitely a hard part of the journey but you will be amazed at how well dogs adapt!
And lots of positive energy around Marley! I know it helped Shelby w/her recovery!
XO
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper too)
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
You're stronger than you realize. We see your strength! We see how much you love Marley and your love for him will give you strength too! 🙂
((((((((((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!
It's been five weeks to the day since Rocky had his amputation surgery. FWIW, I feel more guilt now about putting him through the biopsy than I do the amputation. It wasn't always easy, but he came through the amp so much better than he did the biopsy.
Marley will do great. You will too. There will be some tough times, but they won't be as tough as you fear right now.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
Bless your heart. Use this time to rest and get centered before he comes home.
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
You did great by reminding yourself about staying strong! YAY! See, you CAN get through this and you WILL. We're all cheering you and Marley on, keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Marleys surgery went good! They woke him up a few hours ago. I have to go get him here in an hour and transport him to over night care. The doctor said everything looked good and now we just need to focus on the pain meds and regulation. I will pick him back up from the over night care place tomorrow morning and take him back to my vet so they can monitor him throughout the day and get meds under control. I'm going to try my best to stay as strong as can when I see him (I'm NOT going to cry in front of him)!! Thank you soooooooo much for all the support, you guys have really been such a help and life line for me I'm making my boy some hamburger now to take to the vet for tomorrow 
I will keep you guys posted...
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