Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi we are Jo and Paul, proud mum and dad of 6 year old Max the border terrier, our pride and joy 🙂
The last 6 days have been an emotional roller coaster for the 3 of us and I suppose I'm here looking for some positive words of advice on what to expect over the next few weeks.
On Tuesday Max went in for an x-ray for suspected arthritis, sadly the vets called us immediately and said Max had bone cancer. The good news was that there is no signs of spreading as of yet so the vets said we had spotted it early and if we acted quickly we could save Max and still give him a good quality of life. It was very important to us that if we opted for amputation that it was for his benefit and not for ours and after seeing all the test results and having half a day to think about it we went with the vets advice and on Wednesday morning Max went into surgery and had a full amputation of his front right leg. A whirlwind!!
We picked him up and brought him home on Friday morning. I, Jo, was terrified and nervous about seeing the 'wound' for the first time but we were both excited to see Max and get our boy home. I had tried to prepare myself mentally for how he would look but nothing could have prepared me for seeing our baby post op for the first time. We gave him lots of love and cuddles and showed him nothing but strength, but inside the feeling of guilt is so strong. What have we done, thats all I could think. Many private tears shed.
Max has a stomach condition he was born with called Colitis so his tummy is very sensitive, he's allergic to a lot of food and its always difficult to give him medication as it can aggravate his Colitis so the vets have put him on a form of Opium as a painkiller which is making him seem really dazed and wobbly. We have definately seen some improvement in him over the last 2 days but its been so hard and I think the only word I can use to describe how we feel at the moment is devastated. We are being super positive for him and in front of him and he seems to move pretty well already, though he's not really interested in food and he doesn't want to go to the bathroom.
I thankfully found your community on Tuesday in the few hours we had to decide what next steps to take with Max....the information and stories on here have given us hope......please can you tell me it gets easier and how we can make his adjustment to his new three legged life easier for him, we have nothing but love for our Maxie and want to help him in the best way possible. Most of all we want to see him get his sparkle back and race around the woods again
Thanks in advance, any advice appreciated
Jo, Paul and Max x
Welcome Jo, Paul and Max, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
YES, it gets better and easier.
You did this FOR Max, not to Max!
Those things are much easier to see in hindsight, I think most of us felt at one time what you are feeling now. I was sure I had made a horrible mistake by choosing amputation for my little pug Maggie (mast cell cancer, rear leg). Maggie got though it and hopped happily though life for almost 4 years.
Max will get there too.
You are doing things right - being strong and positive around Max is really important. And the fact that he is moving around well is great!
Those pain meds are going to make him pretty loopy, a necessary evil right now as he heals. He should really only be going for short, leashed potty breaks until the sutures or staples come out. Once the sutures are out and the pain meds are gone is really when the full sparkle comes out, but watch for little twinkles as he heals!
I'm glad you found us, lots of information and support here. We have been there and are here to help.
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
Things absolutely get better! Probably quicker than you think. There will likely be some bumps ahead, but in the (not so) long run your little guy will be living his new life as if none of this horror ever happened. Hang in there, and make use of the forum. The support here has been a saviour for me (My kitty and I are 9 days post op...and I can't believe it's 9 days, as I write that!)! Hang in there.
Hugs from Harry and his Mama (Kayla)
Hi Jo, Paul and Max,
What a whirlwind! All of this has happened since Tuesday? No wonder you are feeling overwhelmed.
Yes! It does get easier. This morning I was walking my Meg in the woods, and if you'd seen her tearing after the squirrels, standing up shouting against the tree trunks, you'd have been hard pushed to notice she had three legs. She lost her right front leg and shoulder, same as Max, just over seven months ago now. I can honestly say that her enjoyment of life, running, swimming, chasing, playing, has been in no way diminished by losing her leg. Actually, the reverse.
We were lucky, in that we are not facing Cancer (though you will find that the majority of Tripawds here are), but nonetheless Meg was in pain and the problems she had with her leg meant that she was completely unable to enjoy life and do all the things she loves doing. Bone cancer is extremely painful. In making such a swift decision to remove Max's leg, you have got rid of his pain and done everything you can possibly do to give him a quality, pain free life. that is an immensely loving, responsible and courageous thing to do. You deserve a massive pat on the back. You do not deserve to feel guilty in any way.
The next couple of weeks may well involve a number of ups and downs. You may notice a dip 3-5 days post amp, as the hospital meds leave his system. That's normal. If he seems panting, or restless, or whiny, you may need to talk to vet about adjusting his pain meds. Again, that's perfectly normal. Most people notice a marked improvement at around the two week mark, or when the stitches or staples come out, if Max has them. (Meg didn't, or just internal ones). I think you will be truly amazed at how soon Max regains his sparkle and at how fully he is able to enjoy life on three.
In terms of making his life easier. You need to think about traction , and get some matting or rugs down if you have hardwood floors or kitchen tiles etc. The tripawd hopping gait makes it easy to slip, so it's important to help Max get a firm footing. In time, you will also want to work on exercises to develop his core strength. I would strongly recommend seeing a rehab vet, if there's one anywhere you can get to. I saw one with Meg for the first time only a week or so after her op, and she gave her some laser on her wound to encourage healing, but also showed me some very simple exercises I could start doing with her at home, to develop core strength and help her to adjust her gait and balance. We still see a rehab vet regularly for hydrotherapy etc., and I just find it really reassuring to know that somebody is regularly checking her over and dealing with any areas of tension from her altered gait, before they develop into problems.
Right now though, the main thing is rest, rest, rest. Just potty breaks, and back for more rest. If he's not keen on eating at the moment (again, not unusual at this stage at all) can you try tempting him with his favourite foods, a little chicken or whatever? Or even just some chicken broth?
Above all, stay connected. You have come to the right place. We are here to support you, so please do share any worries, concerns (and triumphs!). You are not on your own with this. We've been there and will be there for you now every step of the way.
Warmest wishes to you all,
Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Ditto what everyone else has said. You are right now at the hardest part. My Otis showed amazing improvement after the staples came out and just got better and better. He couldn't take the long walks he used to take, but everything else was the same. I am so grateful for the wonderful quality of time we had together post-amputation. Hang in there!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Er....in case you hadn't heard...YES! IT GETS EASIER!! Although it doesn't feel like it now, YES, you did this FOR Max and not TO Max!!
I joined this community on day six of my Happy Hannah's surgery. My post title was along the li es of "Help,I fear I jave made a HORRIBLE decision!!" This community became my kifeline, as I hope we are now able to do for you! STAY CONNECTED!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
You have already gotten great advice from your new family!
Yeah, the incision catches your eye, vut once all that shaved fur grows back you won't even know it was there! Boy oh boy! 'They sure shave a lot of fur!
TRY and get some rest! Getting to this point is exhausting emotionally and physically. If you were like me, you are still a nervous wreck at this point. BTW, CHOCOLATE helps!!
You will settle into a routine. And, .most importantly, you will cheer with glee everytime Max's sparkle comes back and he returns to all his normal routine.
You thing you spoil Max now, right? Loving a tripawd takes spoiling to new heights you never even existed!!
Update when you can AND we would love to see pictures of this cutie pie! His avatar is ADORABLE!!
Love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS....Removing a painful leg is DEFINATELY for him and not a selfish act at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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!
Hi Jo, Paul and Max
I am really sorry to hear Max has osteosarcoma ...
I am impressed with you both as you took the right decision very quickly which saved him from pain sooner rather than later.
You've got great advice already, I would just add my girl Eurydice (who lost her right front leg to osteo 5 1/2 months ago) wore a t-shirt to protect her wound until stitches came out and a soft harness on top.
As Max is a small dog you will have no problem helping him so you might skip the harness until he has recovered.
You will find especially after stitches come out his spark will come back and he will enjoy life to the full again.
Plus, being a small breed, he should be able to do everything (and I mean it!) he did on 4!
Maybe you feel guilty about your decision (like a lot of us did) but you just have to remember bone cancer pain is no less than excruciating so no doubts about what a pawrent must do.
Also, we are giving them an extended quality life, full of pampering and love, there is nothing they will not be allowed, jumping on the couch yes! stealing food yes! (within reason) taking up the entire bed so we end up cornered and no blanket to be seen yes! there is NO limit to what they can get away with ... and the pleasure is as much ours as it is theirs !
You can do this and so can Max, we are all here for you and before you know it recovery will be over and your boy will be good old Max again.
Sending you much love and cuddles to your cutie pie
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
YES!!!! It's tough in the beginning; absorbing all that info and the pain that Max is in ... BUT it does. It can be a rough ride (but also an easy one). But we are ALL here for you .. ask away, download the books, call the helpline ... do what you need to do and take care of you! That is key to being a good caregiver!
Hugs and love!
alison with spirit shelby in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
You are in the right place! We got Chance's diagnosis last Monday, amputation last Wednesday. Here I am Sunday and my boy is curled up and happy as can be as a new tripawd.
You are doing the right thing and never second guess what your heart and gut tell you is best for you and your baby. If you need answers there are loads here on the forum - I have found everything very helpful. And everyone here is in the same boat in one way or another and are here for support.
My boy has a sensitive tummy and since we got the news I have been cooking his meals and his stomach and poops have been great! Maybe not something you are ready to tackle at the moment but it makes me happy cooking for him and happy to see him gobbling it up.
Hugs!
-Patricia and Chance
I am also new here. My athletic German Shorthair Pointer also has osteosarcoma and an amputation last Tuesday afternoon. I read Patricia's reply about Chance and my experience is much different.
Our stoic, never acknowledges pain, GSP has been suffering greatly since the Fentanyl wore off on Friday. This is a dog that was bit in the face by a rattlesnake and had a gash in his leg sewn up without anesthesia and didn't flinch. It is quite alarming to witness him yelp loudly and whimper with pain. Frequent doses of Tramadol help, but the Vet (at least the one responding to the weekend call, probably a resident in this big Oncology Surgery Vet Hospital) seems unalarmed.
He was eating well, but was uninterested in food tonight. I may take him to the Vet Hospital ER and get another Fentanyl patch to handle the pain, but am loathe to move him. Anyone have any experience with this?
Suze and Bentley, the GSP
Hi Suze and Bentley, welcome. Thanks for sharing your experience, we hope you'll start a new topic so we can follow your story and be there for you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jo ~
It will definitely get easier! Just like everyone else has said, and you have some wonderful tips here. What are you using for pain? I understand with the colitis that you have to be careful, but you might be able to tweak things a bit. You can also use an ice pack covered in a towel on the incision a couple of times a day for about 10 or 15 minutes. You can keep the incision covered and clean with a t-shirt. Murphy weighs about 50lbs and I think we used a men's medium. These first 2 weeks are the toughest - such a roller coaster! Murphy was on 3 different pain medications around the clock and he didn't want to eat, and so many times I questioned whether we did the right thing or not. But I know that we did.
Suze ~
Bentley probably needs something more than just Tramadol! Murphy came home on Tramadol, Rimadyl & Gabapentin. Gabapentin works great with nerve pain, which is one of the biggest problems. You can also try the ice pack that I mentioned above.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
You've gotten some great advice from others here. I will just reiterate that YES it does get better. This is one intense journey and you are at the early hardest days. It is sometimes hard to know if they're in pain or if it's the drugs making them crazy. Suze if the fentanyl patch has worn off you may need to add another pain medication to the mix, Tramadol alone probably isn't going to cut it this early. You know your dog the best go with your gut feeling. Call your vet and let them know you feel your dog is in pain and need to fix it. Most dogs come home with tramadol, gabapentin & Rimadyl along with an antibiotic. You all will be amazed at how resilient your dogs are as the days go by and the bonds you are building with them will be amazing. Good luck to Jo, Patricia & Suze were here for you all whenever you need us. Please keep us posted.
Hi everyone,
Wow!!! Overwhelmed with the replies and the support. Thank you so much for being there for us, the things you have all said have really given us some reassurance and there are some great tips and advice on how to cope over the coming months. Really appreciate you all taking the time to share your advice and experiences.
Max seems to be doing better. He is starting to show some sparkle again and we have even seen his tail wag a few times 
He is on the move and we had a bit of a scary 'tripping' incident yesterday which caused his drains to start bleeding again but he seems to be handling it well. He is currently on Tramadol and the vet is talking about reducing the dosage slightly on Friday based on how he seems.
We saw the vet with Max on Monday night and he was really happy with Max's progress so far and ours! They said that the wound is healing nicely and if all goes to plan the stitches will come out in about 10 days. After that they are going to refer us to a rehabilitation centre so we can all start learning what we need to do to get Max fully fit again.
I have now put rugs and runners down wherever there is a tiled floor and he is managing sooooo much better. We have also put child gates up the top and bottom of the stairs as he keeps trying to go up!!! Max is finally eating again and going outside to do his business. So overall I think we are on the right track. We still find the whole situation extremely sad and worrying but we are coping better every day, all 3 of us. We just want him back fighting fit and living the life he loves chasing anything that moves in the garden, but we know we need to be patient and that, after reading all your posts, this will come in time.
Thanks again for taking the time. We will post some pictures of Max eventually and keep you updated on his progress
I'm sure we will have many more questions going forward.
Take care Jo, Paul and Max xxxx
Hey there ❤️
Lovely to hear the news 👍🏼
Everything is going to be great 😄 just give Max some time and he will surprise you 💕
Sending you a big hug and cuddles to your sweetie ❤️❤️🐾🐾🐶
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
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