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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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Member Since:
31 March 2015
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20 April 2015 - 10:20 pm
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Well I'm going to schedule his appointment for chemo probably this next week or the one after that... I will keep in mind to remain calm. The Oncologist is next door to where he had his surgery so it should be a trying experience for both of us :

But otherwise, I'm happy to say Tommy is almost back to normal. Before his amputation he was mostly an outside dog, by choice. He hated coming inside and he would only come in when he was scared or cold. Now his outside time is limited so he's having a hard time adapting but he's managing to his new lifestyle.

He goes up the stairs on his own now. He hates when we help. 

And the most exciting news... he has been trying to dig a hole in the yard since last Saturday. Yes, he can still dig! With one front leg! I was so happy! I can't believe it!

Virginia







Member Since:
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20 April 2015 - 10:34 pm
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Great update!!!

Tommy sounds like a very independent and determined fella'! And those are some traits that are handy to hzve in this journey!!

To see him digging .....WOW! There are a xouple of videos floating around here of front leggers digging with their one paw. I think one was a Great Dane (perhaps) and I think his name was Moose. I'll see if I can find it..

It sounds like Tommy's sparkle is comkng back lretth quickly now...and it will continue to get better and better!!

Yes, stay calm and confident! Stay in the moment and let Tommy be your coach for living in the moment!!

Hugs to all!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

Martinsburg, WV
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21 April 2015 - 7:23 am
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That's wonderful news!!!  I have no doubt you were grinning from ear to ear when Tommy was digging in the yard...big-grin.  To see him getting back to the way he was I have no doubt put you at ease some.  And to be going up and down stairs all on his own...he is one independent fella!!

Way to go Tommy...you're doing AWESOME!!!

Sahana and her Angel Leland

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

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21 April 2015 - 7:54 am
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Glad to hear he's doing well. This is when it gets tough- because now they are starting to want to get into their doggy troubles- run, dig holes, roll in mud, and we are supposed to be keeping them calm and clean for two weeks! Easier said than done aw-shucks

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21 April 2015 - 10:58 am
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Well yesterday marked his 2 weeks. His incision is fully healed. I checked it this morning. Along the incision, it had scabbed.. thinly along the line, and this morning I noticed they are coming off and the skin underneath looks great! 

But I wonder, when is it sage to bathe him? He hasn't had a bath since this whole ordeal started back in November.. and with all his digging he's getting dirty faster than ever big-grin

And yes, seeing him start to dig up the yard again is just wonderful! I'm so happy that he's comfortable with his new body, it really helps put all my worries at ease. I honestly feel like this whole thing has been harder on me than on him.

I'm happy I made the right decision and that he gets to live comfortably for the rest of his life. Now all I wonder is, if he's adapted so well so soon to his life without the leg.. I wonder if it was bothering him before? If it wasn't then I'm glad he's such a strong boy! 

South Jersey
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21 April 2015 - 4:23 pm
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astrella91 said
Well yesterday marked his 2 weeks. His incision is fully healed. I checked it this morning. Along the incision, it had scabbed.. thinly along the line, and this morning I noticed they are coming off and the skin underneath looks great! 

But I wonder, when is it sage to bathe him? He hasn't had a bath since this whole ordeal started back in November.. and with all his digging he's getting dirty faster than ever big-grin

And yes, seeing him start to dig up the yard again is just wonderful! I'm so happy that he's comfortable with his new body, it really helps put all my worries at ease. I honestly feel like this whole thing has been harder on me than on him.

I'm happy I made the right decision and that he gets to live comfortably for the rest of his life. Now all I wonder is, if he's adapted so well so soon to his life without the leg.. I wonder if it was bothering him before? If it wasn't then I'm glad he's such a strong boy! 

I haven't been on in a while so I'm glad to see he's doing so well! On the bath front, our vet said as long as the incision is healing as it should and the staples are out, right after the 2 week check up so today! I don't know about him, but Jilly stunk I'm guessing from the anesthesia and just laying around! LOL Just be careful! I kind of figured bathing would be the same, but she was slipping and falling all over the tub and when I went to grab her out, I forgot about the leg and she yelped which made me feel AWFUL! So maybe stick to outside if it's nice enough? Or put down towels to help him. She is a fighter but she literally just laid down and admitted defeat! laughing

Norene, TN
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22 April 2015 - 7:12 am
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Kong puts out this waterless bath in a bottle. I've used it several times on my girls when I don't feel like hefting 60-70 pound dogs into the bathtub. It works really good and makes them smell better. Maybe you could use something like that until you have a solid plan together for a bath.

We typically bath ours outdoors in the summer with the garden hose. We use the waterless bath during the winter.

Love the good news!!!

pam

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

On The Road


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22 April 2015 - 10:59 am
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Thanks for the great update! It was actually the video of Tripawd Great Dane Moose digging up gophers that encouraged us to proceed with Jerry's amputation.

Regarding bathing, please consult your vet with any medical concerns. But if the incision is healed, it should be safe to sponge the area gently with warm water and carefully bathe the rest of the body as usual. Here's an old Tripawds News blog post with more information:

2011/08/14/amputation-wound-care-for-post-surgery-dogs/

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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27 April 2015 - 11:16 pm
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Tommy is doing fabulously! I often forget he's missing that leg! He's back to his old self, he loves all the extra attention. His incision is barely visible and his hair is growing back!

Well he's basically healed now so I ordered a harness for him now. And I'm thinking about ordering the boots..  Tommy's never worn shoes before so I'm a little apprehensive lol.

I'm also going to ask the vet about bone supplements because I noticed he had a little bit of trouble going up the stairs yesterday. He didn't slop but it seemed like his legs were a bit shaky. I figure he needs something to help him build up some strength in his remaining legs. Any suggestions?

Should I take him on longer walks? Before the sitgery he usually didn't walk much, just short walks and play in the backyard. But since his amputation I haven't let him out except to potty. I let him sit outside and sunbathe but I don't let him play anymore. I'm scared he's going to hurt him self or jump.. am I taking this too far? It's been a bit short of a month since his surgery.. I know it's best to ask the vet and I will but I feel much more comfortable hearing it from you guys, because of your personal experiences.

Thank you! 

On The Road


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28 April 2015 - 9:12 am
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Yay Tommy! You are really rockin the Tripawd Lifestyle!

OK to answer your questions:

And I'm thinking about ordering the boots

We just wrote about this subject last week, see: "Do All Tripawds Need Boots?"

I figure he needs something to help him build up some strength in his remaining legs. Any suggestions?

Absolutely, but supplements won't do the trick yet, longer walks won't do it, and it's not about focusing on the legs, it's about strengthening the core muscles; stomach and back. Kinda like why yoga and pilates is so good for humans, we also need good strong core muscles for balance and strength. Have you checked out our Tripawd Fitness book, Loving Life On Three Legs ? We talk about ways you can accomplish this, and also have many of these tips in our Tripawds Gear blog , like this: Best of Tripawds Gear and Fitness Tips.

Should I take him on longer walks?

All dogs are different but in general even Tripawd in the best shape should go on shorter walks, 10-15 minutes each, three times a day. Shorter, more frequent walks is far better than a longer walk.

You are not taking things too far, you're being very conscientious and asking all the right questions about how to keep Tommy fit and injury free. Too many dogs get injured right after surgery because we as pet parents get all excited that they can do things again, and we let them overdo things. It's up to us to ensure this doesn't happen. Focusing on strengthening games and fitness exercises is a great way to spend time together without getting hurt.

You're on the right track! Go Tommy!

P.S. You've graduated from  this "Presentation and Diagnosis" Forum, why not start a new topic somewhere like "Hopping Around"? You did it!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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