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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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Member Since:
26 May 2015
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26 May 2015 - 3:09 pm
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Hi I just adopted a red headed daschound mix and today is his surgery day I am worried that he won't be ok I just want him to be healthy and happy. I don't know what to expect, I have been reading about the surgery but I am scared he is going to be in pain or I might accidentally hurt him. How do I treat him. Please tell me he will be ok. 

Oakland, CA
Member Since:
20 December 2008
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26 May 2015 - 7:28 pm
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Hi there. I am sorry you are facing this but take a deep breath, you have come to the right place. Its going to be OK.  Not knowing much in the way of details I can only give you some general information right now. First of all, most dogs do just fine with an amputation. There are exceptions to that rule but they are few and far between. That being said the first couple of weeks following surgery can be rough and you need to prepare yourself for that. But once your pup is well into recovery and the sparkle comes back into his eyes then you will know it was worth it! And you WILL get through it! Here are a couple of links to help you get started in the tripawd world:

The Tripawds Required Reading List contains a wealth of useful information. As does the Resources page.

Specifically take a look at these links to start, they will really help you get prepared for those early days in recovery:

Frequently Asked Questions: Learn About Tripawd Dogs and Cats, Part 1

Top Ten Questions: Amputation And Coping with Bone Cancer

Pre-and-Post Amputation: Pain Relief Tips for Tripawd Cats and Dogs

Post-Amputation: Prevent and Manage Pain in Dogs and Cats

Post-Amputation: Side Effects After Amputation

Post-Amputation: Suture Reactions at Amputation Site

Post-Amputation: Fluid Build-Up and Seromas

Post-Amputation: Post-Surgery Incision Care for Dogs (good for cats too!)

Each dog is different and reacts in their own way. This is a major surgery, and yes, your pup will hurt.  But your vet will send him home with pain medications, usually more than one!

And through it all you can depend on the community here to provide you with lots of support and information, so don't be shy, OK? You are not in this alone.

When you have time please give us more details on your pup!

Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack

 

Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!

Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!

Visit Codie Rae's Blog!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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26 May 2015 - 8:35 pm
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When you catch your breath, do tell us more about your little fella! We just had a Bassett Hound here who went through amputation and also a Dachshund. I think that Bassett owner is trying to find a harness or sling to help his pal during recovery.

As you can already see from Codie Rae's response...you are not alone!

When is your pup comingnhome? He maybe whacky from drugs for a day or so. He needs to jist go out to potty and the rest of the time just rest and recover. Certainly no jumping, using steps, etc. If you have hardwood floors, you'll need scatter rugs for traction . The first two weeks can be pretty rough sometimes, but once his sparkle comes back you will be amazed at how well he does!

Check out the links Codie gave you and let us help with any wuestions or concerns.

If your pup is staying at the vet's overnight, try and get some rest! My Happy Hannah was very whining and restless the first couple of nights and had a hard time sleeping.

We are right here by your side, okay? You are not alone!

Look i ng forward to your next update.

(((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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26 May 2015 - 8:36 pm
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Hi and welcome. What is your pup's name? How come his leg is being amputated?

Codie Rae gave you some excellent advice and links to check out. I'll add that it would really benefit your pup to get evaluated by a certified canine rehab vet as soon as you're able. Because Tripawds have an altered gait that affects how they use their bodies, they are more susceptible to joint pain and arthritis. With Dachshunds having such long bodies, their gait is even more altered, and a rehab vet would show you ways to help your pup stay strong and injury free. These videos with California Animal Rehab Therapy explain more.

One last tip: be strong. The more upbeat and optimistic you are, the more your pup will know that everything is going to be OK. Remember, our dogs absorb our emotions. The more pawsitive you are, the more your pup will be.

Keep us posted OK?

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

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
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26 May 2015 - 9:02 pm
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Hi and welcome. Try not to worry too much! ( I know, I know) he will be ok. Try to act as normal as possible when you pick him up. He will take his cues from you. A lot of whining and restlessness comes from the pain meds. Not so sure how a sling or grocery bag would work, but maybe a beach towel would be long enough to go under him and allow you to stand sort of straight, this helps when taking him out for potty breaks.  which leg is he losing? Is it because of injury. A lot of us have Tripawds due to injury and we can tell you that after they heal, there is very little stopping them. I don't treat my Tripawd any different than my other 2, except, I really try to keep him from jumping off high places. Come here with your questions and concerns. Usually someone here has an answer. Lori, Ty & the gang

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. 

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