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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my 9 y/o chihuahua mix Laci had her front right leg removed at the shoulder. She had a nerve sheath tumor. She's been asleep since we got home. I'm worried about upcoming days.
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry cancer has brought you and Laci here, but this is the best place to be for information and support.
How big is Laci? Did she have surgery today or yesterday?
Sleeping is great- it is what she needs most. She should only be taking short, leashed potty breaks for now. What meds did she come home with? Getting the pain meds dialed in sometimes takes a little tweaking. Most come home with Tramadol, gabapentin and an anti-inflammatory like rimadyl and maybe an antibiotic. Some also have a pain patch like fentanyl.
Traction is also really important. Be sure you have throw rugs or yoga mats covering slippery floors. At least pathways across the slippery parts, that's what I did for my little pug Maggie. She lost a rear leg to mast cell cancer and would only cross the kitchen on the pathways I made for her.
What specific questions do you have?
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
She had surgery on 13th. She's 8 lbs. came home on Tramadol, antibiotic & I can't think of the yellow liquid they drew up in doses. I'm just overwhelmed right now.
Next two weeks or so will be hard. She should sleep alot for the next couple of days - short leashed potty breaks only. Watch for pain signals . She has hospital meds in her system now, but they should wear off about days 3 - 5. Never be afraid to call your vet if she seems to be in pain. Many, but not all, of us worked with our vet to adjust pain meds about that time. Let her sleep as much as possible - try to stay in the same room as much as you can so she doesn't try to follow you around. Its ok to bring food and water to her, but many dogs start going to their own bowls sometime in the first week. She should be peeing. Sometimes poop is delayed several days, which is ok. Make sure you have good traction on the floors of your home - nonslip rugs, industrial floor mats or even yoga mats work great. And don't forget to put traction down over the kitchen tile. Many of us used a T-shirt to protect the incision site and lose the cone of shame . Laci is so small, maybe a cotton doll shirt or something for a premie? Some cats used baby onsies. It also helps to keep a log book of meds, food, water, pee and poop. The med schedule is tough at first and this whole experience is like being a new mom in all of its sleep deprived glory. And reach out to this community at any time for questions or just to express frustration or worry.
Pofi had the same form of cancer. His mom will likely see your post and can provide more details on the treatment choices they made. For now, however, just worry about the recovery. The good news is that most dogs really perk up once the staples come out, about day 10.
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.
Hi there, you've had great advice from the others. Not a great deal to add, other than to just say welcome, and ditto OtisandTess on reaching out. We are here for you. I know it feels overwhelming at first, but it will get better. Each day is a step on the road to recovery, so just try to take it one day, one half day, one hour at a time. And try to set a strong example for Laci (I know it's hard) as she will take her cues from you. This means taking care of yourself, leaning on us and, as Sally would say, eating plenty of chocolate. You're going to be absolutely fine. You are not alone. We've all been through it and we are here for you now.
Sending all best to you and Laci,
Meg, 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...
Pofi's Mom here. As Christine (Otisandtess) said, Pofi also had a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. His was in the brachial plexus and his entire left front let was removed including shoulder. Gabpentin was a major part of pain management - perhaps that is the liquid med?
I am happy to answer any questions I can and I am rooting for your Laci. Let me know I can help in any way. Will there be a pathology report from the amputation?
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Okay, deep breaths! As you can see from the great support, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
This is scary, for sure. You are exhausted physically and emotionally! You are sleep deprived! The first couple of weeks, especially the first week, is rough. It is major surgery and it hurts! Getting the pain managed is crucial and takes some tweaking sometimes.
Drinking a dd peeing are important. Eating and pooping may take a few days. Try to get some food in with the meds though.
How is she todah? How are you?
Hugs!
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!
Checking in for an update- how are things?
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Ditto Karen. We are thinking of you x
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...
She's is doing better today. Went in for check & her incision looks good. They tried e collar & she freaked out so I got a dog t-shirt. She is ok with that. I'm trying to figure out how to upload pics since on iPhone.
I can't even change profile pic with iPhone. Anyway we have Laci's littermate Katie, 11 y/o chihuahua P-Nut, 1 y/o pit mix Diamond & two cats that are also littermates Sushi & Shimi (3 y/o). My 15 y/o chihuahua Jenny died in July. So I have my hands full at home. I work night shift also.
Glad she is doing so well! And glad the T-shirt worked - most dogs hate the cone of shame .
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.
Glad she's doing good!
Here's a post about instructions on adding images
to the forums.
Changing your avatar is done in your Forums profile. See this post: http://tripawds...../avatar-1/
If you'd like help just private message us, we're happy to assist and would love to see your pics.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know recovery is no picnic, but it sounds like Laci is doing "okay".
You really have your hands full with all yohr lack! Can't wait to see pics! 🙂
Stay connected a d let us know how things are going a dd if you have any challenges. We've pretty much seen it all here!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Sorry to hear about Jenny. 15 wonderful years, WOW! I know she's watching over Laci and all the pack.
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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