I found this site as I was researching suggestions for caring for a tripod puppy.  Our adorable papillion pup, Fury, suffered a multiple fracture (left front leg) early this week and the ortho specialists at the trauma center felt that the location of the breaks would inhibit proper healing and suggested amputation.  Our family (both humans and canines) are still recovering from the shock. My dog trainer has been helpful and we will be starting a new puppy class on the 27th of this month. 

I am hoping to find others who have dealt with small breed tripods.  I have had several small breeds (all with four legs) and a Springer Spaniel who was facing amputation due to cancer (she passed this past spring).  The Springer did have several surgeries but managed to hold onto her leg.  So while I have some experience here and there with surgeries and with small breeds, this is much more challenging.  Any suggestions on dealing with these early post-op days would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to Tripawds! Since Skyler was a golden retriever, we don't have any experience with small tripawds. I have also heard that small dogs do extremely well, as their weight makes it so much easier for them to move around. With Fury also being a pup, and not having cancer, I would say Fury will adjust quickly. Best wishes to you, and post some pics when you can. I'm sure you'll be hearing from many other here! Sending you golden hugs!

Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe

Welcome to the family. Good news, your not dealing with cancer, a big plus. I can't help with the small dog part, Gus was 113lbs when we started his journey, but for tips on what to expect post op, I would think it is pretty much the same. Expect ups and downs. Furys probably not going to be his/herself for a little while, thank the meds for some of that. You probably won't be getting much sleep at times, so if you have the chance to grab a few Z's, better take it. You will find that it is the humans that have way more anxiety about this whole thing than the dogs themselves, and the fact that you aren't dealing with a cancer is fabulous since once Fury heals, it should be life as it was before. Some people have had issues with peeing and " movements ", you won't believe how some people think they just won the lottery when that first crap happens post op, it's quite a big deal here sometimes Gus had phantom pain about 5 days out, he would yelp at the top of his lungs, it got better with time, lasted about 4 weeks. From what I see here, I would say the majority of dogs don't get it, but Gabapentin is the med we used to help control that pain. You might have a day or 2 when you think everything is going well, then the next isn't so good, don't be surprised by that, but the usual " worst" time is the first 2 weeks, but these guys are amazing once that healing process has turned the corner. Some dogs show bruising, the site where the incision is starts to look red after a couple days, don't be too alarmed by that , doesn't look the best , just watch it, if you see excessive drainage or a pussy looking fluid, call the vet. Don't be afraid to ask anything, experience gives the best answers. Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan 

Fury is about four days post-op and had a very good day today.  We have noticed that the pain meds make him very sleepy and tempermental after about two hours and have settled into a routine of sorts.  He is eating like a champ so I am taking that as a good sign.  We do have two other dogs and they seem to be cooperating well.  Tomorrow we are ordering the Ruffwear Master harness and I am hoping that it fits (he is only 4.5 pounds).  Again, thank you for the welcome, encouragement, and kind words.