I have a large male lab that is I have no lcue what i am in forbecomming a 3 legged friend today. I would love anything to help him. He weighs about 110 pounds back left leg is going today. I need help advice and anything else!! Prayers too!!

We're so sorry to hear about your boy.  I think what got us the most were of course the 1st two weeks, but even more so…that first night home from the hospital was pretty rough.  Comfort him as best you can and be there for him.  I sat on the floor all night, leaning against the couch, with Skyler's head in my lap.  She cried a lot that first night and it scared me something awful, but by morning she wasn't crying any more and started slowly becoming more like her old self.  It's pretty scary, but you will get through it.  I can't really speak for help for his size.  I have no idea how to help a dog that big, but I'm sure lots of people on here do!!  Check back here often as I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice.  Keep us posted!

Jane, Cathy, and Angel Skyler

Hi Amanda,

Welcome to the tripawds family! What is your sweetie's name?

I hope everything went well with his surgery today. You will need a sling to help him get around when he first comes home… Either buy one or use a large towel… If he is a rear leg amputee, then I think you're able to use the ruffware harness right away. You'll need to follow the instructions and measure the width of his girth (chest) so that you know exactly what size you will need.

Let us know how he's doing after he gets home. The first 2 weeks are pretty stressful, for both the dog and the pawrents! You will probably not get much sleep (worrying about every single thing). Be sure to call your vet if you have any concerns… and of course, you can vent and ask questions here too!

Sending you a big hug!

Angel Jake's Mom

Hi Amanda

You'll get through this.  My Cemil is about 145#–way too big for me to help him much.  Fortunately, he was able to do a lot more by himself than I thought he could.  Your baby probably can too, so try not to worry.  Just give him a chance to show you.  The first couple weeks are tough because he'll have to figure out how to do everything in a different way.  Let him, encourage him and love him.  You'll be amazed. Also know that he just had major surgery, and it takes a little while to recover.

Let us know how it's going, and send pictures when you get a chance.

Sending prayers for healing and confidence.

Mary and Cemil

Welcome to the family. As stated, hold on for the ride. Gus had a his left front off and he was so strong he didn't need any help . He came home the next morning and was using the steps that night. He had trouble with phantom pain, when it hits them you'll think he was hit by a car, it loud and will tear your heart out, but by four weeks it wasn't much more than a loud whimper. Gus didn't get along well with Tramadol, so he was on Gabapentin and Rimidyl. I would think adjusting to one back leg might take more than a front, I can't offer any help with that, but it will probably be harder on you than him. As they say, if you get a chance to sleep, take it, cause nights aren't much fun for awhile. Each dog is different, so you have to roll with the punches, but this is a great place to be. Don't be afraid to ask anything, experience gives the best answers, and this place hasn't let me down yet!!!  Good luck, Paws up, Gus and Dan 

Amanda:

     We're all sorry to hear your baby has to go through this, but as someone else said, we've all been through it before.  Most important is to take care of yourself, because your dog needs you at 100% to help get him through this.  And don't hesitate to post even the slightest question, no matter how silly you think it might be.  It isn't.  You've found the one place on the internet that's full of people who probably have the answers to your questions. 

One thing I didn't see in your post – why is your dog becoming a Tripawd?  Cancer? Accident?  The reasons for the amputation might be important when it's time to answer some of your questions.