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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I got Cooper, my golden retriever, last Oct at 3 months old. I noticed within a day or two that he had a front paw injury. It looked like it had been crushed, and the wound on his pad stayed open for months , it seemed like we couldn't get it to heal. The vet said we would see how he grew into it. As he grew you could see that the injured leg was quite smaller than his good leg from lack of use. He started to hold the bad leg up , and usually came up stairs on three legs. A few months ago he began licking the foot all the time, so I thought he had an infection in one of the toes. Their was alot of swelling in his toe. I also thought he would take antibiotics and be fine. I was wrong about that. They suggested we try the antibiotics for two weeks to reduce swelling, then do xrays and he was looking at a possible toe or leg amputation.
I was devastated as soon as the vet said it. Immediate tears followed by a rough week . That is how I came to find this community. I was against the leg amputation, thinking he would be better off to be put down. I would rather let him go than him have a poor quality of life. My husband argued he is young and healthy and would do fine on three legs. I think it took a week or more for me to come around , and this community had the biggest impact on my thinking. I began reading and following a lot of the dogs currently going thru this. It made me see what was possible and see what the recovery would be like.
So we did the X-rays, the vet said he had two toes fused together, one pointing out to the side and his wrist was fractured . So we could not save the paw. He said the leg was atrophied. And surgery was booked for 2 weeks later, which is today.
So today Cooper became a tripawd. he is staying the night at the vet. I called and they said everything went fine and he is doing good. I want to see him for myself, but I guess I have to trust that he is sleeping and too drugged up to feel pain or move around. We will be picking him up tomorrow afternoon. I know it will be hard at first, but I believe he will do awesome on three legs with time. I am hoping for a great recovery.
Arlene,
So glad you made the choice to amputate over euthanasia. As many have said to myself as I was going through Molly's surgery and recovery...dogs are so resilient and they can adapt so easily to any obstacle! Molly is 7 years old, and she is doing very well after her surgery. I know your young guy will bounce back and won't blink an eye to losing that leg! He will feel so much better now that he does not have to deal with the pain of that leg any longer.
The first days post-amp can be rough on a pawrent, but if you need anything, even if it's just a virtual hug, you know where to find us! It will be OK!
Arlene,
this community is awesome, and you will find other cases similar to Cooper's. I'm sure he will do just fine because he is a healthy young pup and only needs to heal from the surgery. Of course, his age will make it harder to keep him quiet for the first few days, but on the other hand his recovery will be faster. If you browse other posts you will find good tips on how to care for him in the first days and first weeks.
Good luck to you both!
Daniela & Johnnie (also a Golden)
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Sitting at home tonight without cooper here, it all doesn't seem real yet. I guess reality will come soon enough tomorrow
Daniela and Johnnie, I have been following Johnnies story. I was curious how others goldens have done with amputation. I loved the photo gallery. On the couch , swimming. The pictures gave me hope that Cooper can still have a great life and do the things he loves
You will be amazed at how well Cooper will adapt to life on 3 legs. Actually, I think he's had a head start since you mentioned he never really used the injured leg (holding it up) and has been hopping up steps on 3 legs for a while. He will be so much happier because he won't be dealing with the pain of the injured leg.
The first couple weeks I think are the most important with keeping the incision site clean so infection doesn't set in. Also, making sure Cooper doesn't sneak in a lick or a chew on the staples/sutures so the incision site heals up good. After that I have no doubt he will be good to go and get back to having fun like an adolescent pup should.
Speeding positive thoughts to Cooper for a speedy recovery!
Sahana and her Angel 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!
Arlene & Cooper, welcome. I'm sorry you had to go through this but you will soon see that having three legs won't get Cooper down! Have you seen Mr. T's story? He's one amazing Golden, check him out:
http://tripawds.....rris-walk/
I hope your homecoming goes great! Keep us posted and remember we're here to answer any questions you have OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Arlene:
So sorry that you're going thru this. My dog Tucker had amputation surgery a little over a week ago and is doing amazingly well. He has mastered the stairs within 4 days after surgery and is starting to run a little bit. Cooper is young and will adapt extremely well. We put a T-shirt on Tucker so that he doesn't lick or bit at the sutures and to catch some of the draining. We also borrowed a sling from the vet this helped Tucker walk. He needed it until he mastered the stairs. The first two-three day will be hard but just remember things will get better.
Lots of hugs!
Melissa
Hey .Arlene and Cooper!
DEEEEP BREATHS Arlene....deep, deep breaths! And KNOW all is well in Copper's world and he will do so astoundingly well it'll knock your socks off!
I KNOW this decison to amputate is agonizing and scary and still unbelievable! SOOOOOO glad you found this site and have given Cooper the chance at a fun filled life of.spoiling and love! Sooooo glad!
Recovery can be rough, but once that is over...ohhhhh myyy.....the joy of having Cooper in your life will be more than you could ever imagine!
Stay connected to us and update when you can. We understand!
Hugs to you and Cooper! Homecoming pictures would be great!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Congrats to you and Cooper! 
So glad to hear he is home with you!
I am a new tripawd pawrent myself - and new user to this site. I was also facing that tough decision recently of whether or not to put him through the stress of amputation, or if it was more humane to go the other way. But after reading all the amazing stories on this site about happy tripawds, I am so glad I made the right decision to go tripawd!
My Vinny boy had his surgery yesterday and is ready to come home in about an hour. I can't wait to see him.
Best of luck to you and Cooper - I hope to hear about his golden recovery.
Love Vinny and his human, KJ! <3 xox
Check out Vinny Boy's progress - PrinceVince.tripawds.com
Cooper got home from the vet less than two hours ago. He jumped up at me when he seen me, he went up the stairs (only three) to the living room, three more to the kitchen and ran to drink out of the toilet with his cone still on. He had kisses for the kids. He went outside and do number one and two, he ate his kibble. He tried to chase the cat, which we tried to stop. He jumped up when someone knocked on the from door and then jumped up on the couch like nothing happened. I cannot believe how good he is doing, I just hope we can get him to mellow out so he doesn't hurt himself. He is lying down now. I will post a picture if I can figure out how. He looks adorable in his blue bandage.
Thank you all for your kind words above.
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Welcome home Cooper! Happy to hear he's doing so well! He does look very cute with his blue bandage! Adorable!
Yay for Cooper the Trooper!!! 
Love Vinny and his human, KJ! <3 xox
Check out Vinny Boy's progress - PrinceVince.tripawds.com
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Cooper is stiill doing well on day three, he has been pretty calm for the last 2 days, sleeping lots. I find he is only going to pee once a day, he has not gone yet today and it is 7 PM. Seemed to have a lot of drainage, but less today. Yesterday it was dripping as we were changing bandages. He jumped up on the bed last night, he had his cone on due to licking and couldn't get comfy.
One thing we have noticed is he uses he head for balance, hooking it on the chair or your leg, as seen above.
He was neutered at the same time as his amp, and those stitches are gone. At little soon I think. But we will call the vet tomorrow to see what they say.
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Arlene: those are good news, and cute pictures!
My Johnnie also used a bandage, and I found it quite conforting because it would keep the incision from getting soiled and also kept him from licking or scratching.
Cooper looks great! Keep on sharing. All the best from Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Just now checking in. Did Cooper ever pee last night? What did your vet say?
Glad he's getting some rest, it will help tremendously. He does look a lot more alert in last night's photo!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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