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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Eight days ago, our 8.5 month old Australian Shepherd was hit by a car. I was grabbing her leash as my husband was opening the door to our house, and she went flying outside and into the snowy yard. We didn't think much of it because she loves to play in the snow and tends to run a few loops around the yard before coming back to us. This night, though, she disappeared over a hill, where we believe she found some deer... She didn't return to us after that. We searched everywhere for her, calling her name and driving around the neighborhood trying to find her. Eventually we found her about 1/3 of a mile from our house, in the back of a young woman's car who had just hit her, then ran after her in an attempt to rescue her. As we raced her to the hospital, we thought for sure her life was over. It was suggested that we consider putting her down, as she had so many issues and questionable odds of pulling through. We couldn't do it and decided to spend whatever money we needed in order to give her another shot at life.
A few days later, and she was certainly pulling through. She was scheduled to have surgery to repair her fractured hind leg this past Monday, and we were so eager to get her through surgery and home safely. However, the surgeon called me midway through her surgery and said the fracture was much worse than it appeared. While he was willing to try completing the surgery, he was pretty confident it wouldn't fix her leg and she would end up back in the hospital. We made a quick and difficult decision at that point to amputate her leg.
Sadie came home last night after a week long stay at the hospital. It's been an emotional journey, and I'm having a very hard time getting through this. I didn't feel prepared emotionally for my sweet puppy losing a leg, and watching her try to recover is killing me. I'm filled with so much regret and keep playing that night over in my head, thinking about how many things I could have done differently to prevent this outcome. I'm beyond happy to have her alive, but I'm so afraid for what the rest of her life will look like and feel so awful that I could have stopped it. I wish so badly that I could go back in time.
It seems like most of the people on here have tripawds that they rescued or that lost a leg to cancer. Has anyone else dealt with the loss of a limb due to an accident? Has anyone felt the guilt that I'm experiencing and have any advice?
Also, more generally, can I expect that once she's off her pain medications that she will return to her normal personality? So far she has not been herself at all which has been heartbreaking. Lastly, how do people out around your communities respond to your tripawds? Are they kind and understanding, or do they ask tons of questions, or do the laugh at or judge you as the owner?
Thanks in advance for whatever advice or comments you can provide!
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry to hear about Sadie's accident- I'm glad she pulled through. I only have a quick moment to post- but wanted to get your post approved so others could help you out.
The first couple weeks after surgery can be hard, and Sadie has the added hurdle of other injuries. She needs rest and a positive pack leader - she will be amazing you soon and you will wonder why you were so worried!
Back to work for me- I'll check back later.
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
Well, I had a reply all ready to go and then I lost it. We shall try it again.
There are several of us here who have Tripawds due to accidents or birth defects. You can check out their stories in the Beyond Cancer section of these forums. Our Murphy was hit by a car over two years ago. He lost his left rear leg and then had a total hip replacement in the right one. The start of his journey is in that section of the forum. For the most recent part, you can check out the Shout Outs for a video of him digging like crazy going after a gopher in our back yard. He swims, runs all over, jumps over logs in the woods and does just about anything he wants to do.
We have a YouTube channel for him so that he can show others how his life is going on three legs. You can see that under Murphy the Three Legged Dog. Posting videos on this site works well from YouTube, too.
Having non slip floors will help considerably, as well as using an elevated food and water setup. Keep her calm (and yes, I know that will seem nearly impossible), at least for the first few weeks. Gradually build up her strength and her core muscles (check out the Tripawds ebooks for exercise info), and if you have access to a rehab vet, physical therapy will work wonders
Keep connected to us. We have all been through this part of the journey, and there is a ton of help and information here, as well as the emotional support we can all use. Oh, yes, we love to see pictures! And what is her name?
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
I just re-read your post and noted her name is Sadie, so I didn't need to ask that question.
As far as how people act toward us and toward Murphy, the most common remark has been, "Oh! I didn't notice until right now that he only has three legs." You can see from the look on some faces that they feel sorry for him....he doesn't feel one bit sorry, though. The best comments are made by children. Our grandson said that now he doesn't have to lift his leg to pee. And two little boys we met in a campground the summer before last were quite fascinated with him because their Dad was also an amputee. They thought Murphy was pretty special.
So do we.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Well I can answer some of this as I went through the same thoughts... My girl, Shelby, did lose her leg to cancer BUT I can talk about her recovery and what people said (or didn't say). The recovery was up and down. The first couple days at home were a mix between good and bad. Nights were hard. She would pace and refuse to settle. But slowly, as we weaned her off meds, she was fine. She didn't miss that leg at all.
She was able to prance around quickly without that rear (painful) leg. In fact, she was as fast as she was as a pup! she was 13 when she lost her leg and undergoing chemo.
As far as people in our community, we live in LA so we spend a lot of time outside. No one really ever noticed her leg. They noticed her limp but once the leg was removed, she walked 100% normal and nothing was ever said. Two weeks after her amputation we went to the pet store for toys and it took people a long time to even notice that missing leg! No one ever judged her or me.
I now find myself (now that Shelby has passed) "counting legs" when I see dogs! I have a new dog who has 4 healthy legs and I can already tell if, heaven forbid something happens, that she would do great on three.
Dogs are amazing!!! They don't feel anger or hurt or regret. They just feel love and lots of it! So love on Sadie .. upload some pictures so we can see how beautiful she is and know that it's only a matter of time before she's got that sparkle back!
Hugs!
alison with the spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little jasper too)
PS - totally look up Murphy's YouTube.... most of the time I can't tell which leg is missing. He's amazing and fast!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
My Tanner is a tripawd from being hit by a car as a stray as a pup. Recovery can be really hard and sometimes its hard to see the future when your little pup is having a hard time. Tanner recovered in a foster home, but I heard he had a rough recovery. He was in foster for 6 months before they put him up for adoption. My other pup Jake was an amp from cancer so I've been down that road too. The pain meds are really rough on them. You can talk to your vet and see about maybe switching them up. We had to switch Jake's in the beginning because he was not at all himself. Once we got his pain meds under control things were much better.
I haven't had anyone ever say a bad thing to me. If anything I think it changes people's minds about dogs with disabilities. Tanner is a rock star at our dog park and I can't tell you how many times someone new has said to me after they've been there for an hour that they didn't even realize he had 3 legs. We get a lot of questions about how he lost his leg, but everyone has always said they can't believe how well he does. He's become quite the famous dog and whenever we are out with him someone always stops and says LOOK ITS TANNER! I truly think there is a misconception about tripawds (I was guilty of it too before my Angel Jake became one). We think of them in human terms, and how its really hard for humans who lose a limb. It's not that way with dogs at all. Once they get past that recovery period, you'll really be amazed. You can see some pics of Tanner here, he'll be 3 this summer:
http://myblueey.....pawds.com/
He hikes, he runs and he's crazy...it's impossible to contain his energy. Hang in there, recovery is the worst part, but you'll get there and in a couple months you will be amazed!!
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”
Welcome, and best wishes for a speedy recovery! You concerns are valid and common among most new members here. Search these forums and visit the Tripawds Featured Blogs or consider downloadingthe Tripawds e-books for fast answers and lots of care/recovery advice.
As far as the Guilty feelings go, Without Regret is a great book to overcome such feelings. Our best advice, however, is to Be More Dog . Sadie needs you to be strong and balanced to assure her all is going to be OK. She will follow your lead. If you want life to be normal again, you must act as though it is. And it will be normal again, just a new normal.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi there
Jasper was also hit by a car and had his R. front leg amputated. We are just about 3 weeks out of surgery and he is doing amazing! He is running and playing ball like nothing has happened. The hardest part was waiting for the ok from his vet for him to play again. His personality came back pretty quick especially once he was off the pain medication.
I feel a lot of guilt for him getting hit by a car. And there is always the "what could i have done to prevent this" but you can't dwell on what happened you have to be strong for your puppy (all dogs regardless of age is a PUPPY to me).
Our community has been really positive in regards to Jasper. When we are out and about most people are very sympathetic and ask what happened. But just today at the groomers (Jaspers 1st bath since surgery) some lady had to voice her very rude opinion about my decision to not put him down this was my 1st run in with some one who was rude to us. But I am guessing that it was something with the lady and Jasper's just triggered some deep down feelings she had! I dont know.... but most people are very sweet.
Be strong and know that the 1st few days after surgery are the WORST! it gets better and every day you will see Sadie get stronger and stronger. And soon she will be up and moving just like before.
My cat Mona had her leg amputated. Of course not many people meet her - we don't go for walks 
- cats are kind of lousy at that. I received lots of emotional support from others when going though the amputation process. Only one kind of rude comment was about my choice to spend a lot of money on a cat. My response was that I was rich! Rich with love for my pets.
One of the greatest things that happened was when Mona escaped from the house and was gone over 24 hours. Well, that wasn't the great part, it was only a few days after her surgery. But the great part was that strangers on facebook were sending out search parties! This kindness of strangers truly warmed my heart. I think people are especially touched with our "special" unique pets and our tripawds can promote the discussion about pets with special needs and differences and how resilient they are. I have learned so much from my tripawd Mona and have also learned that I can rise up to the challenge of nursing a pet through a major surgery.
Happy healing. Sadie will surprise you and embed herself deeper into your heart.
Kerren and Trikitty Mona
My Quixote is also an amputee as a result of an accident. I was loading up the dogs into the car. I didnt think to check my front yard for the neighbors dog. Everyone got in the car just fine. Everyone but Quixote, the German Shepherd that had been around the corner (stalking my daughters pet rabbit that was out on the lawn in a portable cage), attacked him. The GSD broke Quixotes hip, it took 6 months for the injury to show up on x rays though, by then it was too late surgery was the only option.
Quixote spent 2 years in pain while I found a vet willing to amputate, then a few months while I gathered the money up to pay for the surgery (I still owe the vet money).
I find people feel bad for him (he still is shaved so its really obvious) and he plays it up. He is a better dog now then before the surgery and I do NOT regret taking the leg off (although in the days and weeks leading up the surgery I almost cancelled it numerous times I cried and was depressed)
Just wait she will be up and going in no time and your going to have to hold her back..
What medications is she on? Quixote had ONLY the Fentayl patch and wow that worked for him. We had the surgery Feb 24th and already he is great. No pain meds and the last of the staples come out on the 10th. He even LOVES this vet will go in with out crying ect. He hates the vet that did the original surgery (10 grand later my dog was still in pain grrrr) and screams when we go there so we dont go now lol.
Take time for yourself, what your going thru is insanely stressful and you need to process it. Picture all the amazing things your going to do with her once shes back to her old self.
Just wanted to jump in here as well.
Our sweet Harmony lost her leg (and life) to cancer. However, my sister's fur-baby lost her leg to a car accident and has been on three legs for at least 5 years with no issues. Like others have said, most people don't even notice she's missing the leg but that's probably due to the fact she doesn't miss the leg.
The guilt thing is normal. That just shows your love. Once she's up and going again, those feelings will fade. Don't be hard on yourself.
Shoulda-coulda-woulda just eats up time and positive thoughts for your fur-baby and just ain't good for you or her.
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, thank you all for the great advice and encouragement. We've had Sadie home now for about 4 days and it gets a little better each day. I'm pretty certain that the hardest part of it for her is wearing the dreaded cone until her staples come out next week. Other than that, she seems to be managing well on 3 legs, as far as I can tell.
The vet put her on so many pain meds, and I've been trying to ween her off them so she can get back to normal life. She had the fentanyl patch but that came off yesterday. She's also on tramadol and gabapentin. She's getting Carprofen as an anti-inflammatory, and amoxicillin as an antibiotic. Hopefully she'll be off everything in the next 3 days or so...
Truthfully, I seem to be the one taking this the hardest. I'm slowly coming to terms with everything, and I'm sure once she's finished recovering and has returned to her energetic self, it won't feel so strange anymore. I'm doing my best to stay positive for her and encourage her through her recovery. She's truly the sweetest dog I've ever known, and all I want for her is a happy, healthy life.
Here are some pictures before this whole ordeal as well as the week following her accident. The last one is from this morning, resting post-amputation. Enjoy 
AWE.... she's beautiful and she looks great!!!! Which leg did she lose? Is she a rear amp? Shelby was a rear amp so I can maybe help there if you have any questions.
I know it is HARD to see them out of sorts and not being themselves but Sadie is looking for strength in you so try super hard to be really strong for her. She will feel your energy and take her cues from you. I promise ... it DOES get better!!! those drugs do a number on them. 
We are all here for you and there will be some bumps in the road but hopefully we can help you navigate through.
Hugs!
alison
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Ohhhhh my gosh what a sweetie! I'm just now catching up with your story and want to say "welcome!" Sorry of course that you even have to be here, I know how awful this all is and I'm so sorry. But hang in there. She will just amaze you with her perseverance and determination. If you haven't already be sure to hop over to "Beyond Cancer" for examples and stories of other Tripawds who had accidents that caused the amputation (it's the #2 reason why people join here, sadly).
Also, consider joining our upcoming Tripawds Rehab & Conditioning online course, it starts 4/1. Details are here.
Hugs to you both! Welcome home Sadie!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sadie is ADORAVLE!! What a cutie!!!
Youvew already gotten great advice and you know recovery is no picnic. My Happy Hannah (lost her leg due to osteosarcoma) never did have to wear that dreaded cone as she never bothered her stitches. A lot of people here though end up using the softer "blow up donut" and it appears to be much more comfortable.
As far as pain meds.....and I'm no vet so talk it over with your vet.....but most dogs here are on the pain meds you mentioned for about two weeks. They may be tapered off a bit going into the second week, but a dose is still generally necessary through those first two weeks...not always, but generally.
You're doing a great job! Stay connected and let us know how we can help you. The bond with a tripawd is truly a sacred privilege! You are going to learn so much about resiliency and determination and courage.....and finding more joy in just being together and staying in the moment than you could ever imagine!
Sending lots of 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!
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