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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Well, if there's one thing we've learned is that cancer plays a lot of tricks. There are averages and odds and typical presentation but it can vary so much.
As for ramps, hold off. Most dogs don't take to them easily. We've found the Ruffwear Webmaster harness is perfect for lifting into vehicles of any size. For SUVs, the Petloader is pawesome.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We've spent the last month with surgeons and pathologists going back and forth whether our 5 yo GSD has cancer or a fungal infection. The last biopsy was clearly fungal, but now we have to wait to find out WHAT fugus! I've got a very flexible job and my aunt works from home, so I cannot imagine the stress related to wedding prep and what not, but the stress of a mixed diagnosis is the hell we've been living in too. Sheba has not been outside of the county we live in, and since we have no endemic fungus like Valley Fever or Blasto, we've been left to believe she's got one of the rare, harder to treat kind. I'd suggest going straight to the best specialist you can get into.
In terms of vehicles, we mostly drive Sheba places in the compact cars, but sometimes she has to go in the truck instead (my aunt has an F150 supercrew). for that its best to use a harness or sling. we don't have room for a ramp, and depending on where you're going there might not be room there either. We've got RuffWear harnesses from hiking with our dogs, just bought the Webmaster for Sheba. Definitely check out recommendations from folks with the same amputation site. I know rear and front have different needs.
I'm so sorry Rufio's health issues are affecting your wedding plans and I hope you get some clear answers soon! if you want to chat about the fungus/cancer dilemma feel free to PM me, we've run over $4000 worth of tests (90% coverage with Trupanion finally paid off) so I definitely understand the back and forth.
Cynthia
Cynthia and Sheba
Right rear amputation 6/30/16 due to osteomyelitis of fungal origin (Aspergillus Penicillium).
Final diagnosis - systemic Aspergilosis Penicilliosis, being treated with long term itraconazole.
8/15/16 - Probable spinal involvement, loss of appetite, neurology consult in the works.
We're blogging at: The Ongoing Adventures of Sheba
Howdy and welcome!!
Good Lord, I can't imagine going through all this, and a wedding to boot???? All I can say is, "Clutch the pearls!"
Here's my thoughts and I'll try to keep them short: October of last year, our Meesha decided to eat hickory nuts, whole. One ended up being lodged in her intestines and we had to schedule emergency surgery. Add to this; we were right smack-dab in the middle moving from a seven acre mini-farm to a 55-acre farm about seven miles down the road. I was panicking on how on earth were we going to be able to take care of her when we didn't even have a mattress to put our head down for at least the following 4 weeks.
Then it came to me, I'll tell the vet I'll pay him to keep her for a week so she can get top-notch care whilst I move and prepare for her return home. The vet agreed and she spent that first week at his office, sequestered in a holding cage for convalescing. This allowed me peace-of-mind knowing they would be taking good care of her. We visited her everyday to let her know no one had forgotten her (more my emotional need than hers). The bright spot of it all would be they would also give her the best quick start back to normalcy.
This made a HUGE difference in her recovery. I'm convinced she bounced back much quicker because of it.
Now I know we're talking about the difference between abdominal surgery and orthopedic surgery/rehab, but a major benefit would be to your sanity. It would take one thing off your plate while your attention is prepping for your life-changing event. Then, after a week, you bring Rufio home, he will be past some of the worst parts of recuperation. Your next step would be to get him back to his regular schedule along with keeping him "quiet" so he can continue to get better. Then by the time you leave for your honeymoon, it'll be a piece of cake for a close friend or relative to take care of him in your absence, AND, you won't be worried.
Regarding ramps: We built a ramp for Harmony and she wouldn't have a thing to do with it. She would rather hop up steps or just plain jump than walk on the ramp. This really kept us on edge because she also had her spleen removed at the same time as her leg so we really couldn't put anything up under her belly to help. She spent most of her time looking at us with the look of "really?" in her eyes.
I sure do miss that girl.
xoxo!!
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
We love you sweet Harmony. 
I can see a bit of a tail wag going on in that photo.....sweet
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 all for your wonderful advice. Unfortunately I just left Rufio for his surgery but they're worried his other leg won't support him, apparently his shoulder ligaments and his "sprung" toe ligaments may not allow him to use one leg. They're doing some tests and will call me. I'm beside myself. I already made the agonizing decision to go through with the amp but if they tell me I can't I'll just fall apart. Anyone see this before? I'm so scared.
What a blow to hear this at this point! I am so sorry. I think certainly, consideration of the animals overall soundness in terms of the other limbs, etc., is part of the assessment for whether that animal will do well with amputation. But he has been limping on and off for a while now and more decidedly these past few weeks, right? Is he weight bearing at all on that leg? Did they rate that on a scale? They often use a 5 point scale to categorize how lame an animal is. Pofi started as a 3/5 meaning only partial weight bearing and eventually was fully non-weight bearing.
When will you hear back? Today? I am so sorry - this is just so upsetting!
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Breathe breathe breathe. I know it's hard. Oftentimes surgeons will give a worst case scenario and most times it isn't that bad. Take things one step at a time. If they find something, they will have a plan of action for you, they want to see him be happy too.
We have our paws and fingers crossed for you and Rufio OK? Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Again, thank you again for calming my already shot nerves. So very appreciated.
Long story short, when we got to the hospital this morning the surgeon shocks me with two huge issues: 1) Apparently Rufio has bladder stones and no one told me until the morning of his surgery...wasn't so keen on this surprise. He suggested to do the bladder stone surgery at the same time as the amputation because it'd save us $$. Ultimately, we decided to get a second opinion and roll the dice with this issue (of course, after 3 hours of discussing with everyone who passed by the exam room!) and 2) During Rufio's orthopedic exam they were worried that his good left front food had a ligament issue with his shoulder and his foot had "sprung" toe ligaments. They worried it could be another tumor (highly unlikely), it could be completely shot shoulder ligaments, etc. Overall, his leg/foot had ligament issues that they weren't entirely sure what they were so they couldn't tell us with certainty that he'd be okay relying on that one leg.
Fast forward to when they sedate him and xray his shoulder and manipulate his shoulder - both did not show any signs of what the surgeon was a afraid of and he is back to his "90%" change of Rufio being fine on this one leg. They now think it's arthritis and we can follow up with that later after he recovers from surgery. The relief washed over me like a tsunami! But then it was back to worrying that perhaps he'll be the 10% and I just pray his leg can keep up. Has anyone had experience with arthritis on the one leg they rely on after amputation? Just curious where to do with this...well, and bladder stones too, that's a new situation entirely.
So he's out of surgery and doing well they said and I'm just cleaning the bejeezo out of the house in preparation of his return tomorrow. Has anyone dealt with the surgeon not putting a bandage or covering the wound after surgery? I'm so nervous it'll get infected. Got a raised bowl to help with the cone of shame
and more wine and bourbon than I know what to do with 
I'll figure it out.
Again, many thanks, you all are so wonderful and I see why after you join the club no one wants to join you continue to stick around and help! I hope I can learn enough to be able to return the favor one day.
Thanks again!
Kristie
Hi Kristie - great news that he's out of surgery! My Dobe, Nitro, did not come home with bandages on. I also didn't want to look at the incision, so we had them put on a tshirt. I'd gone to Goodwill and gotten several inexpensive ones that I could cut up, take off one of the sleeves, etc. He wore them until his staples came out - and looked pretty cute too! Get plenty of sleep tonite, you probably won't be getting much when he comes home. Take it one step at a time, and like Sally always says, "breathe"; also the wine and bourbon won't hurt either!
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Good news! I also used a t-shirt, covered the incision and helped keep him from bothering it when I took his cone off. I got a large child size, fit perfectly. Yay for Rufio!
I'm so relieved they reassessed and decided he could have surgery and he is doing well. My Pofi had not bandages on at all - and I never even covered with a t-shirt. He healed just beautifully. I did put fresh, clean sheets over anything he might lie on. He actually healed really, really fast.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Yay!! Lots of dogs come home without bandages including our Jerry. As low ng as he's on antibiotics and you keep him out of dirt he'll be good.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WOW!! And this is why we call this journey a roller coaster ride! Waaay too many ups and downs!
My Haply Hannah didn't have any bandages or wraps either. She never needed a tee shirt or cone. I was lucky in that she never showed any interest in her stitches. The surgeons do love to shave a lot.of fur, that's for sure!
When you pick Rufi up, don't even bother looking at his incision. He sure isn't! He's just going to be kissing your face and waiting for you to tell him what aa good boy he is!
Just keep thi gs chunked down. You can xeal with arthritis, bladder, etc. later. Right niw it's all about adjusting to three legs and recovering from major surgery. Plis, I imagine Rufio's other front leg WILL be sore because the vet manipulated it to test it. Complete rest and wuick potty breaks and back in to rest.
He may not feelmlike eating much or even pooping for a few days. Drinking and peeing are important though. Balancing the pain meds can be tricky, but you'll figure out what's best for him. Most vets send you home with Tramadol, Rimadyl, and antibiotic and often Gabapentin.
STAY CONNECTED! You're doing great!
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!
Again, thank you guys. It's nice to know Rufio is celebrated besides just us here 🙂
So excited to pick him up, it will be hard not to look at the incision but you're right, he's not caring. They're sending me home with everything he was on before the surgery (probably for his fractured leg) tramadol, rimadyl and gabapentin. Although they said to hold off on the gabapentin unless he needs it. No antibiotics to take home either.
On a funnier note, I just called and they said he's a little "funky" on the IV pain meds, lol. Also, he keeps sitting in people's lap - such a lover.
Thanks again all, I'll definitely post again once he's home and comfortable!
Kristie
Aw, Rufio the lap dog! What a sweetheart he is.
A lot of doctors will delay using the Gabapentin, but it can take some time to build to effectiveness. So I would start if you see signs of nerve pain - like sudden yelping and crying out or inability to get comfortable. Panting can also be a sign of pain (if at rest and prolonged).
Glad for you he will be home soon, Kristie. We look forward to your next posts.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
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