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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My teacup Chihuahua, Taco Bella just came home yesterday from having her right front leg amputated the day before. She has developed a new walk and is getting around ok even spinning in circles as she walks just like she did pre-surgery. I'm at work today and she's home with Daddy but keeps going to the back spare bedroom and lying down there and he can't figure out why she is doing that. Does anyone have any insights for me?
Sorry we just missed you in the chat, welcome! And best wishes for Bella.
Everything you describe is pretty common post-op behavior. All tripawds will develop a new gait to compensate for the missing limb. That's why we say it's better to hop on three legs than limp on four. Lift up on of your legs and walk around to see how your gait would change... 
In the wild, sick or injured dogs will usually run away from the pack to heal on your own. Otherwise, they may get kicked out (or worse) by dominant packmates. So, don't take it personally! Allow time to heal, focus on healing the body and once stitches are out you can start working to rebuild strength. This is why we often recommend creating a "recovery room" of sorts to prevent wandering so you can monitor behavior, prevent licking, keep them off furniture, etc.
In the meantime, while you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm not sure about little dogs but cats like to have quiet dens where they feel safe to recover. My cat Mona had a recovery room where she slept on a mat under a shelf in the closet. I'd slide her out by pulling on the mat. When she was ready for another nap she'd hop back to her cozy den. I slept in Mona's recovery room and she'd cuddle up with me at night and go back to her den during the day. Maybe Daddy can spend some time with Taco Bella in her room.
Every day Mona would spend more time out of the closet and would require less supervision. Things got back to "normal" once her stitches were out.
Taco Bella is so smart! I think she is being your guide for what she needs in her recovery.
Hugs to all,
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Welcome to you and Taco Bella.
Why the amputation?
If she wants to be in the back room I would make that her recovery room. Some dogs seem to want to be by themselves during recovery. Block it off so she can't wander too far and make sure there is nothing she can get up on- so she can't jump down on that one front leg. Be sure there is good traction for her- put rugs or yoga mats on any slippery floors.
What pain meds is she on? pain management the first couple weeks is very important.
The most important thing is to stay positive around TB- she needs you to be a strong pack leader and show her everything is OK.
What other questions do you have?
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
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