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 volunteer for a dog rescue. At the end of January 2015 I took in three adorable cockapoo puppies. Two out of the three were in perfect health. Lulu walked humped over and I was so worried it was her spine. I took her right in to the vet and they discovered that on both of her knees her luxating patillas were on the side of her knees. It didn't slow this sweet girl down, not for a minute! Surgery was scheduled and we had an overwhelming response of potential adopters! We picked one and the president of the rescue felt lulu could start her life with them two weeks after surgery. I thought it was way to soon but what do I know. We gave her strict instructions and the gal who was planning on adopting her was great, updating me everyday!
Then, in late march I get a phone call, a hysterical call that there was an accident. My heart sank, come to find out their other dog scratched her in the eye, more than scratched. She was rushed into emergency where they could not save her eye. I felt sick... No no no, this poor sweet angel. Two bad knees and now no eye. I thought we should take the puppy back but the president said these freak accidents do happen. She did a just very well and life goes on. Her eye and knee were checked out by our vet and healing was looking good. Until it wasn't. She must have been letting her run because she calls and tells me that she stopped walking on the leg she had surgery on.
I'll shorten it here.. She went back into surgery today to redo the leg. We decided that I will do the after care because you have to be so very strict. Then I got the call that they could not save the leg. There was so much damage that they had to amputate. I am so devastated for this sweet angel. I picked her up and then heard from girl who was adopting her that they will not be able to care for a handicapped dog. I'm fine with that, I want her here where she is safe and taken care of. I'm so scared because she still has to have surgery on her other knee. I truly believe that with proper care we will be able to save the other leg. I just feel so sad and lost and scared for this puppy. I know people say they will adjust and be able to live a full and happy life. I pray to God that will be the case for my sweet lulu.
Hi Kathy, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
Wow, Lulu has been through so much, but what a great twist of fate that you ended up staying in contact with her humans and can now take over where they couldn't. It really stinks that they don't have what it takes to commit but Lulu has you and now she will know what really good humans are capable of.
The good news is that after all she's been through, amputation recovery will be easy. At least I understand its easier than luxating patella surgeries. Check out Jerry's Required Reading List so you can see what to expect, and ask us any questions you have OK? Any idea when she can come home to you?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Howdy and welcome to you and Lulu!!! (love the name)
Can't wait to see pictures of this sweet furbaby. I know she's going to do great as will you!
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Wow...Lulu sure has had a tough time up to this point. I'm so glad that fate or a higher being has stepped in to get Lulu back to your loving home. With any sort of major surgery there has to be strict aftercare for the recovery so that other issues don't pop up. I have no doubt that under your care and love Lulu will make a complete recovery and she will continue to be a happy pup.
And it just irks me that this previous adoptive family now sees Lulu as "handicapped" but it's a major misconception made by the general public. As you'll see and many can attest to here...Tripawds are far from "handicapped" or "disabled". Yes, they may tire a little easier and there needs to be a little more vigilance to avoid major mishaps but they still lead full and happy lives.
Anyway, welcome to you both and we're here to lend support and answer any questions you may have as you both start this journey!
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
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!
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