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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hugapitbull said:
Our sincere wish is to never have another cancer member, but reality dictates that isn't going to happen any time soon.
Heather & Kenzie,
I believe that Shanna has also said that this is the group that no one wants to be a part of. I personally hate that anyone who loves their conpanion like you obviously do, would ever have to join. However, given the diagnosis - WELCOME!!
Gayle & Charon are right that Kenzie will amaze you and teach you so very much. They show so much courage and fight so hard to stay with us. This journey will test you patience at times, but you will learn so very much and the bond that you share will only grow stronger. Cherry also was a left fore-leg amputee. Luckily, she never was heavy and in fact during the chemotherapy she lost all her appetite and we had a real fight to keep weight on her. However, many have absolutely no problems with chemotherapy, so we will not look for problems until they arrive. Emily's Mom also has an excellent suggestion of raising the feeding and water bowls. This will help with their balance and is especially important for front leg amputees.
Miss Cherry and her family may not be on as often as usual for the next month (traveling), but you will be in great hands. Our prayers and thoughts WILL be with you and we wish you the very best.
Spirit Cherry & Dad (Bob)
cometdog said:
(Admin – I couldn't find Not Sophie's Choice blog!)
Thanks for joining hezzer! We're sorry to hear about Kenzer, but glad you find the Tripawds community helpful.
We notice you'fre in Boston, do you know about the 2 Dogs 2000 Miles walk ending soon? Please be sure to check out the Puppy Up! festivities going on in Boston June 19, to celebrate the end of this epic journey to end cancer.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
hugapittbull wrote:
The wonderful thing about this site is 'no squabbling'. Other forums always have that occasional squabble that gets going – Not here. We like each other…
Speak for yourself! Cometdog is itchin' for a fight! 
Heather, I'm going to change the title of your post, so we all know it's Kensington's topic. Don't get confused!
(OH NO! Admin lost his left index finger! Or he's drunk!)
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
cometdog said:
Speak for yourself! Cometdog is itchin' for a fight!
Cometdog, if you're itching for a fight - go find monkeybutt. I know he can give you a run for your money
I'm sticking by my guns on this one - NO FIGHTING HERE! This is the comfort zone, not the fighting zone. Now sit back and chill out - or go find another post to edit, that will keep you busy!
And, no, I'm not angry. I love me some Comet
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
A belated welcome to the family. Gus and myself joined almost eight weeks ago, and I must say this is the best place to be. Don't be afraid to ask ANYTHING.I have mentioned before that experience gives the best answers, I have asked our vet about a couple things I read about in the forums and have actually exposed him to a couple things he wasn't aware of before, but he has been all ears with whatever I ask and is actually quite interested in what I have asked about. A couple things that you might experience once Kenzer has the surgery, as most have said, that first 2 weeks, I call them the terrible 2's is not much fun, alot of up and downs, not much sleep, acting a little differnt sometimes. Gus had spells of phantom pain , that started about 5 days post surgery, and if Kenzer has it, hold on the first few times, they usually all of a sudden sound like they were hit by a car, the spells don't last long but will tear your heart out. A drug called Gabapentin will help, it won't take away the pain but I think might ease it a little, that lasted about 4 weeks, but the last week or so they were more like little whimpers. Gus didn't get along with a drug called Tramadol, he was restless at night, not much appetite and sort of in la-la land, so we took him off and noticed a nice change in about a day, he was on Rimidyl and Gabapentin, but Kenzer might do well with it if that is what your vet prescribes. It sucks to have to make these decisions, but you will be amazed at how fast Kenzer will bounce back and be herself( i hope I guessed right). I never felt guilty about doing it and whatever decisions I have made since because I knew I was giving Gus the best life he can have and if I hadn't done it he wouldn't be here right now, so regardless of the future, he has been one happy dude, after those terrible 2's. Paws up and welcome, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Another belated welcome, Kenzer and family. Having said that, of course, we're so sorry about Kenzer's diagnosis.
This is absolutely the right place for you to be. Cancer doesn't make it an easy journey but believe me, the hearts here are among the biggest you'll ever find.
Carmen, Catie and Riley
(And Comet's just full of old phooey, really. All the cool dogs have an image to maintain. 
There's a heart of gold somewhere under that bravado.)
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Hi Heather,
I'm so glad to hear that Kenzie loves to swim - I'm sure she'll do just great the first time she gets in the water like Mackenzie did. It comes so naturally to them - that's the amazing part. I also wanted to mention that our girls have something else in common.....I'm originally from Portsmouth NH and lived in and out of Boston for many years - until I moved to LA several years ago. My family and some of my closest friends are all in the Boston area too. I still root for the Celtics (even though my husband is a die-hard Lakers fan) and you can bet we'll be watching Thursday's game!
You mention that Kenzie's limping pretty badly. Is she taking any pain meds? Before Mackenzie's surgery, she was in a lot of pain and limping pretty badly too. She was taking Tramadol and Garbapatin for her pain. Managing the pain can be very challenging both pre and post-surgery as you'll discover. There's lots of information on this website about this so just wanted to let you know.
Let us know how things are going. Keeping our paws crossed for Kenzie!
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
I'm sorry to be so late... but welcome to tripawds! As you've already found this is a great community - who will support you and Kenzie in whatever decisions you make as you travel this awful road. The love you have for your girl shines through in your posts, and that love will help both of you over the next few weeks. Holly was also on pain meds prior to her amputation - she was on Deramaxx and Tramadol. You might want to ask about getting something for Kenzie if she's in pain and she isn't taking something or if what she's taking doesn't seem to be doing the trick.
She will amaze you - our tripawds are so full of spirit! Please keep us posted once you have more information. We're keeping you in our hearts.
Sending lots of hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Holly's mom
PS - Comet has one of the biggest hearts around, but she likes to play tough girl. Especially when she's talking about her little brother, Monkeybutt. Uh oh, I'm sure I'll get in BIG trouble for referring to MB as her brother!
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
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