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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Hi all,
I found this site after desperately searching for information for my dog Izzy, she's a beautiful border collie that is 9.5 years old, but acts very young. Her front leg was amputated yesterday due to a very large sarcoma tumor. I'll be picking her up tomorrow and bringing her back to my new apartment. She's lived the last 9 years on my alpaca farm that is in the process of being sold, so this is two big changes for her.
I need to buy a wagon to transport her down the hall and into the elevator and outside, phew!!!
I'm really nervous about the care and how she is going to react to her missing limb. I read about that Phaptom pain.
Plus I have to work during the day so I'm trying to find someone to come to my apartment to help get her out and make sure she's okay.
I'm so glad to have found this site it offers some great information.. xo
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry you are dealing with cancer and amputation, but very glad you found us!
I have to run right now but I wanted to get your post approved so others can offer support. I'll check back later.
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
Welcome and sorry your diagnosis brought you here. No doubt you're worried about all the changes to come. Excellent idea about getting a wagon to transport sweet Izzy down the hall to the elevator! Dogs don't really react to missing a limb the way people do. They just go on with life and learn to get around on three. I think we as their caretakers find it harder to deal with. Most dogs are sent home with gabapentin for phantom limb pain and it seems to do the trick. If your vet doesn't give you some ask about it. Most dogs get sent home with an antibiotic, pain medication maybe 2 kinds and the gabapentin. Stock up on things your dog likes to eat because sometimes appetite goes away for a while. Also something to give pills with such as boiled chicken or liverwurst can work. The first few days will be a trial and error period to find what works for you and beautiful Izzy. Stay connected to us here and if you have any questions just ask! You will find yourself settling into a routine that works for you after the first few days. Dogs are amazing in their resiliency and you will probably find yourself amazed with Izzy. Try to relax and be strong for Izzy if you panic she will too. She'll take her cues from you. If you stay calm and act like this is normal she also will. You'll also want to give medication as directed because it's hard playing catch up with pain medication. You can do this!!!! We'll all be here to help you! Hugs!!
Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie
Izzy will likely surprise you. Most dogs recover quickly, adapt well, and handle amputation much better than we silly people do. That's why Tripawds exists! 
Start here for helpful links to get the most from this site. If Izzy is not used to getting in a wagon, she may not have anything to do with it. Jerry sure didn't. As for how she will "react" to missing a limb, she won't. She will adapt. Border Collies are especially resilient and strong. Our best advice is to Be More Dog .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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