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 just stumbled across this website. I never thought I would be here but my best friend Ozzy was attatcked this morning and lost his front leg. Ozzy is a little fiesty Yorkshire terrier, he is just over a year old. I know he will be okay but I miss him terribly as he is at the vet hospital. He should be snuggled up in bed beside me. I am overwhelmed with sadness that this could have happened to him. I don't know what to expect when he comes home but I will make him as comfortable as I can. Does it get better.
Ozzy and family, welcome. I'm so sorry that you had such a terrible ordeal, I can't imagine the shock you must be feeling. It's a lot to cope with all of a sudden, but we'll be here to help you get through it.
As you know in your heart, Ozzy will recover and do fine. Small doggies are amazing, agile Tripawds who tend to bounce back very quickly. So yes, it does get better, I promise. But a lot of it has to do with you; if you are strong, pawsitive and optimistic, Ozzy will sense that and run with it. Be normal, and he will be too. If you are sad and depressed, Ozzy will sense that too, so it's really up to us humans to set the tone. Yes, he may seem sad like he's depressed but likely that's due to the pain medication he will be on. It's temporary, they get stronger faster than you'll ever think!
What you can do to help him is to make sure he has safe places to walk around the house. Traction rugs are a huge help, and so is raising his food bowls a little. You also want to ensure he has a quiet place to recover. Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of ideas and stay tuned, others will chime in too.
I came across this video last week, I hope this will cheer you up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So sorry to hear about Ozzy's accident. The good news is it will get better, and it may be tough for a little while during the recovery. The first few days were the worst for us- but after Zach got off most of the pain meds he began to act normal. There is also a slight learning curve when relearning how to walk and run on three legs- but it doesn't take that long and once he get a to going he will be fine.
I just met a bunch of dogs this past weekend who have had amputation surgery at various points in life for different reasons and the younger ones as well as the older ones got along fine. I found that I had more concerns than my dog Zach had about playing with other dogs and running or for him more like hopping around. Zach also lost his front leg 2 months ago, and he is doing fine.
The people,here are great and offer a great deal of support so feel free to ask questions and voice concerns you have. Looking forward to hearing about Ozzy's progress!
Cheryl and Zach
OZZZZZZZZY! Even without seeing a picture of you yet, I know n you are adorable! And, as everyone has said, you will do just fine!
Yes, I'm sure you are in shock and I'm so glad you found us so we can help support you. Recovery is no picnic, that's for sure. But my oh my, once recovery takes place you will be amazed at how well Ozzy does! Being such a young feisty little fella, your biggest hurdle will probably be to keep him quiet for the next two weeks. Yeah he may be a little loopy when he comes out of surgery for the first couple of days, but that's a good thing as you want to make sure the pain meds are working and he doesn't feel much pain.
When you go to pick Ozzy up, don't even look at his amputation site because he sure isn't! Just look at that cute little Yorkie face and give him all the love and praise and kisses that his little happy body can stand! Just know that we are here for you and do not hesitate to ask us questions, cry, vent, and also celebrate the wonderful first, the first pee, the first poop! Yeah, we celebrate anything around here!
And the best advice I can offer you while you're waiting to bring him home is to eat lots and lots of chocolate! And then top it off with a great big bowl of ice cream! And don't forget to take great big deep breaths, and just breathe, breathe, breathe!
Sending lots of hugs to you and Ozzy!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Sorry to read about poor little Ozzy being attacked.......very frightening situation for sure, especially for such a little guy. But have no fear, once he recovers and gets past the initial trauma of this terrible event, he will surely surprise you. He is a young guy, so I have no doubt he will bounce right back, particularly with that terrier spirit!
Best thing is, you've found the right place for all kinds of helpful experience and info. Pay special attention to Sally and her helpful advice !!!
Best wishes,
Bonnie and Angel Polly
Ozzie will do fine. I think we as humans get so overwhelmed that we can't think straight. Dogs are resilient. You will see, he will be up and feisty before you know it. We are 10 days out s/p amp. and I could never have imagined how normal life is. It was terrible what happened....but at least he is healthy. Keep us posted.
Laurie aka Jake's Mom
Hi Ozzy's pawrent
It will definitely get better!
The tough part right now (for you) will be getting over the shock of the attack that resulted in Ozzy's amputation and trying to relax while he is still at the vet's clinic.
The first few weeks may be a bit tough for both of you as he adjusts to his new reality, heals from a major surgery and deals with the meds he needs to recuperate.
As Sally said...when you pick him up - look him in the eyes and he will know that everything is okay
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Aww, poor Ozzy. I know everyone has already said it, but I wanted to reiterate that you will be amazed at how well he will do. The first few weeks are crazy. Ozzy will probably seem out of it, or like he's depressed, but a lot of that will be the pain medicine. Just lean on us here and we'll do our best to help you along the way.
HUGS
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Oh, poor Ozzy! What a shock it must be for you. Ozzy will adjust quite well. So glad you found Tripaweds. This site is just so full of wonderful people with wonderful advice. The 1st 2 weeks are the hardest. The pain meds can make them loopy. His age will be an asset to him as well as his size. Keep coming here for support and with any questions. Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Thank you so much everyone. An update on Ozzy. He is still at the vet, they asked if he could stay there a few days so they can keep an eye on him. I miss him terribly but I thought it would be best so I could get all my crying out. I read through this site alot last night and bought the ebooks, I saw about being happy to see them and not being so sad. I am scared because I just want him to still be around for years. He is very fiesty, jumps all over furniture and races around like crazy. My husband said today "And Ozzy thought he got attention before, now it will be laid on extra thick". I will for sure take all your advise and not show him anything but happiness that he is still here.
Well that's great he has some great care at the vet. Don't worry, he will be exactly as your husband describes, Tripawds are unstoppable and they're superstars everywhere they go!
Thanks for ordering our e-books, I hope they helped calm your nerves. We've all been there so if you have any questions or anything just holler.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You will soon get used to hearing 'my god.. its like she has all 4 legs!'.
Dogs don't care if they have 3 legs... really. I'm on my second TriPawd and when it came time to amputate I didn't even thought twice about it.
Take it easy with them for the first two weeks... they will want to run and play but they are still recovering from major surgery.
I feel so much better reading all your kind posts. I just added his picture in my avatar. Can't wait to get him home and snuggle.
Are you kidding me? Do you know what you are in for? Do you know just how damn cuter dogs get when they become a Tripawd? Do you know how much easier belly and/or chest rubs get without that damn leg in the way??
Ozzy.. you look like a little fighter warrior and I don't think losing a leg will slow you down at all!
I'm sorry that Ozzy had to go through such a traumatic situation.. that is horrible! Yet, on the other hand.. think if it this way.. Ozzy didn't have to become a tripawd due to that nasty "C" word.. so you don't have to worry anything about that nasty "C" word invading your space! Ozzy will live a wonderful life as one of the cutest tripawds in your neighbourhood!
It really is amazing how well they do on three legs... and there are things that you can do to prepare them for life with three. rugs, raising bowls, strengthening exercises.... this site is full of information and tips for you... !!
The first few weeks will be a bit tough. They may seem like they have bounced back really quick sometimes, adn that they are doing wonderfully.. but we have to remember that they have been through some major surgery and there are many blood vessels, etc that have been cut. So rest, small exercise walks, and lots of snuggle time are the main rules for the first few weeks!!!
Keep us posted!!!
Christine.. with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
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