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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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Just begun this tripawd journey
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Member Since:
21 July 2016
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21 July 2016 - 1:32 pm
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Our 8 1/2 yo sheltie, Tucker, came home this morning after amputation of his left hind leg yesterday. We had a terrific, caring surgeon and Tuck is doing as well as can be expected. Bruising, swelling, on his pain meds so sleepy, but we can tell he is very happy to be home with us. And, as the vet says, Tucker's cancer is cured (it was not osteo). I have been strong until the grief hit me this afternoon. A few tears, but doing my best to not be overwhelmed. My husband is feeling very queasy about the surgery site. We will weather this together. I'm glad I found Tripawds. Thanks.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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21 July 2016 - 2:43 pm
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Hi Tucker and family, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away! (Here's a post about adding images to the Forums, we'd love to see some pics of Tucker!).

We're glad you found us too. It's the club nopawdy wants to join but if you gotta, this community is full of great, caring people.

I know it's hard when we look at our new Tripawd and go "oh my gosh what did I DO?!" But look at Tucker, he's not worried or grieving. Follow his lead. He's just glad that bad leg is gone and he can be a happy Sheltie again! Tell hubby to think of the incision as a battle scar...Tucker is a true warrior and he's hoppy just to be feeling good and back with his pack.

Whatever we can do to make it easier, just bark OK? Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List if you haven't already, it will really put your mind at ease.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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21 July 2016 - 6:01 pm
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Someone wrote early on to me something that helped me a lot.  They said you will grieve the dog you had but now you must accept the dog you have now.  I found those words to be so true.  From that time on I was able to stop looking back and start looking forward to the things Max could now still do.  Tucker will amaze you every day in how he will figure out how to do the same things he always did but maybe just a tad differently.  His resilience will boggle your mind and inspire you every day.  You will create a stronger bond than you ever thought was possible.  This journey is emotionly intense.  But you will get through it because Tucker will show you how.  I'm so thrilled Tucker's amputation was curative.  That is great news!  Welcome to this community we are all here ready to help you!  Hugs to your family and that little Warrior Tucker.

Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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21 July 2016 - 6:50 pm
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Welcome! The others have given you some good advice... it is really hard to live in the now and look at what you did FOR Tucker not TO him. I had a hard time with that but Shelby saw each day as a gift and a new day filled with joy so I followed her lead. You will get there!!! Just look into his eyes with all that love you have in your heart and that will help. I would agree about the bond thing too... Shelby and I had a magical bond - didn't think it could get stronger but it did ... by leaps and bounds! She was my everything and then became even more! Being a caregiver is the hardest and best job in the world.

Keep us posted! 

Hugs!

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



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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23 July 2016 - 7:23 am
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Hi Tucker and family heart

We can all sympathise with your pain and doubts here ... we've all been there ...

You have to remember it is still early days for you and Tucker ... it will get much, much better after stitches are removed.

For now, you have to take each day at a time and be patient ...

Tucker will get better AND his cancer is gone clapclap those are the BEST news !!!

You wil have many moments when you will look at Tucker and your heart will break at the thought of how things have changed but you know what ? He will adapt and will surprise you both, you will have your happy boy back as soon as recovery is over, it's a promise.

Of course life will be different but it is always us humans who have the hardest time accepting the "new normal"

Make each day a special day for Tucker and spoil him rotten, all he needs is your love and lots and lots of tummy rubs heart

Sending you a big hug and ear scratches to Tucker, you will all be ok heart

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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23 July 2016 - 8:29 am
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Thank you all who've written to send Tucker and us love and support. Tuck is such a sweet, brave little guy and he's doing really well. After just 2 days, he's already working out how to hop around, although he looks a little non-plussed at times (What the heck happened?!) We bought an 8 foot runner remnant and taped it to our (linoleum) kitchen floor. He still has to navigate a bit of slipperiness going back and forth to his favorite spots in the house, but the runner has helped him not be so afraid. He's eating well and the incision looks good!

Tucker is my first dog ever. He came to us from a friend who trained and loved him for 3 years, but had to give him up. Tuck was a perfect match for us. Though my husband (retired) is with Tucker all day while I work, I am the "beloved" when I walk through the door. I am so grateful he is cancer free.

Patti

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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23 July 2016 - 10:50 am
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Hi Patti and Tucker and Hubby!

Yes, ditto all the great comments! As you can see, you are certainly not alone! We all understand all too well the up and down emotions of this journey. But to know that your pup is cured is something that makes it all worthwhile!

Also, soooo much fur is shaved by the Surgeons! Tnat makes everything even look scarier! Soon the reness and swelling will subside a dnd the fur will grow back. You'll forget that Tuck even had another leg! If the site still upsets your husband, one thing you could try is putting some boxer shorts on Tuck

Also, you can get some inexpensive non slip scatter rugs for the remaining areas to help Tuck on his "path" to "his" spots!

Sounds like you jave Tuck's pain well managed and he's doing well! YAAAAAAAAAY FOR TUCK!

Hugs to all!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

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!

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21 July 2016
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3 August 2016 - 5:03 pm
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Tucker had his follow-up appointment on Tuesday and has been cleared to live and love his life with no restrictions. In just 2 weeks, he has adapted to and accepted his missing leg.

He's never liked climbing steps, and now it's even more difficult. Tucker trips and falls because he races up the steps. We usually carry him. Fortunately, we've only got 3 steps to get onto the porch, then he can handle the door step. Anybody know of a type of ramp we could purchase? I'm thinking of metal with treads?

Thanks!

Tucker's Patti

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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3 August 2016 - 7:51 pm
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Awe, glad to hear that Tucker is doing so well!  We have 2 step off our deck and Murphy seems to handle them pretty well - he just hops down them.  I really have no advice about a ramp, but I know some have had trouble teaching their dogs to use the ramp ...the dogs tend to be more stubborn than we are!  lol  Do you have a good harness for Tucker?  Maybe just helping him with the harness so that he has to slow down while he does the steps would work?

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

Donna.png

On The Road


Member Since:
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4 August 2016 - 7:34 am
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tuckerspatti said
He's never liked climbing steps, and now it's even more difficult. Tucker trips and falls because he races up the steps. 

We found the Webmaster harness to be the best solution for helping Jerry up and down stairs. It is also important to work in core conditioning and balance work into your daily routine to help improve proprioception and confidence on stairs.

You'll find many ramp recommendations in the Tripawds Gear blog too.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
21 July 2016
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10 August 2016 - 8:18 pm
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We received the Ruffwear harness today and tried it out on Tucker. It fits really well, and he doesn't mind it at all. He's used to wearing a regular harness because he's got such thick fur that a regular collar always slipped off. I'm wondering if most dogs wear the Ruffwear harness on all the time, or just when outside?

I also need to figure out how to use it to help Tuck up stairs. As I mentioned in my last post, he doesn't like stairs and always tries to rush, which often made him trip on 4 legs, let alone 3. Do I lift him just a bit, or try to slow him down by holding back with the harness? Thanks for any guidance.

Tucker's Patti

Schofield, WI
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13 August 2015
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11 August 2016 - 6:49 am
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Loved the rough wear harness.   Since Tucker is somewhat cautious on steps you may have to do a bit of trial and error.  I think I would try helping by lifting a bit first to show him he won't fall and is secure.  For tripawds it seems like slowing them down too much makes it a bit harder for them.  Just my 2 cents.  We didn't have steps maybe some with steps will chime in here.  We would leave the harness on during the day and remove it after his last potty break and then do a full body massage each night after it was off.  Please let us know what works for you guys because it may help others who have these same questions down the road.  Your Tucker looks like my Riley in mini size.  ( Riley is a tri coat collie).  Tucker sure is a handsome guy.  Glad to hear he's doing so well!   Hugs!

Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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11 August 2016 - 7:20 am
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We also love the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus harness.  Otis can do stairs on his own, so we just use it outside, in lieu of a collar.  I clip his lead to the back, so it doesn't get tangled around his legs.  He lays down a lot during walks, so I can use the harness to get him up and moving again.

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.



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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11 August 2016 - 11:57 am
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Hi Tucker and Pattiheart

We love the ruff wear harness , life would be extremely difficult without it.

My girl Eurydice doesn't go up and down stairs and I don't know if she ever will but I find the harness marvellous to help her stand up or getting in/out of the car if she is tired after hoping around with other doggie friends.

The handle is super useful, Eurydice never had a problem wearing it and seems to be comfortable at all times.

We only wear the harness when out but during recovery she had it on 24/7.

It turned out we didn't need to get a ramp as she jumps in the car but when we were looking into it I was more inclined to get a ramp made of strong plastic material. I'm sure others can give more specific advice reg ramps.

Sending you a hug and cuddles heart

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 :-) 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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11 August 2016 - 12:59 pm
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We're so glad to hear it works for you and Tucker.

I'm wondering if most dogs wear the Ruffwear harness on all the time, or just when outside?

It depends on your living situation really. We keep ours on Wyatt all day, and only take it off at night. That's because he has stairs to navigate in our home. As he gets older it will be especially helpful to assist him in getting up off slippery floors.

I also need to figure out how to use it to help Tuck up stairs.

This video of Jerry and Admin shows how we guided him up and down the stairs.

He didn't always need assistance, like on short carpeted stairs. But the ones in our old house were very steep and slippery so he never navigated them alone.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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