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 am so thankful to have this channel, tripawds.com to ask people who are able to share experience, advice and comfort to new owner like me. My 15 years blue heeler just had her rear limb amputation. Today is the 7th day from the surgery, she has not yet had #2 or I am not sure if she is still figuring out how to handle it without another leg's support. What are your experience and advice?
Also, she kinda walks but actually hops the only rear leg more than walks. Is it normal?
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca, welcome. Hope you don't mind I moved your post here. With your girl's age and all, this is a great spot to share recovery challenges for senior dogs.
The "Tripawd Hop" is normal, It sounds like her walk is just like everyone elses but watch for signs that she's not in any pain just to be sure. Is she whining, panting or arching her back at all when she walks?
As for no pottying after day seven...that is a pretty long time. Most dogs will go within 3-5 days but with her age it wouldn't be too unusual for this to happen, especially if she's still on pain meds. I would try feeding her foods like steamed squash, canned pumpkin pulp, olive oil and even some bran flakes. If that doesn't work your vet can help. Be sure to let them know what's going on.
Let us know how it goes, we're all doing the hoppy potty dance for her! What's her name by the way? And why did she lose her leg?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jerry, thank you for helping to move my questions/concerns to a more appropriate place. I am very new to this blog but really enjoy reading everyone's sharing and enthusiasm to help.
She did not whine, pant but she did not walk too far, probably 10 feet, then she sits down for a break. We usually walk 10 feet back and forth one time, then go home. According to your experience, the Tripawd Hop will last how long?
Sure, I will let our vet know about her potty situation tomorrow. Yes she is still in pain meds, Tramodol 3 times a day. Also I am not sure if I do not give her too much food each meal. She threw up two days ago after I fed her too much. I am giving her sweet potatoes. Hopefully it helps. I will try pumpkin pulp. How much should I feed her? Any advice?
My sweetheart is Marley, 15 years old. She had bone cancer. We are still waiting for biopsy result some time this week to see what kind of cancer or if she needs further treatment. Certainly, I hope not.
Rebecca
Sure! We are glad you are here. In fact we have a new member who is struggling with the decision to amputate her 15 year old Dalmatian, you may want to chime in there.
Tripawds hop even after they recover. It's their way of compensating for the missing limb. Front leggers hop more, and faster, than rear ones, but even rear ones have a very distinct gait. It's quite normal for a Tri.
As for Pumpkin pulp, just a tablespoon should do it. Not too much or she may upchuck, sometimes it's too much for certain dogs. Definitely call your vet tomorrow, let them know about the vomit too just so they have a record of everything going on.
Good luck and keep us posted! I hope you get a good biopsy report too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
MARLEY!!! We are doing the hoppy potty dance with Jerry! We love first poop celebrations around here!!!
FIFTEEN YEARS YOUNG!!! WOW!!!! Marley is still sooo early in recovery so just going out to potty and coming back in to rest is pretty much all Marley needs to do for now. And I know he will feel better after a good poop!!
I can't get over Marley being a fifteen year old Blue Heeler Tripawd!!! Enjoy every sacred second, stay i n the moment with Marley and take lots of pictures!! We would love to see them!!!
Maybe stick with the same amount you have been feeding Marley...just spread over several smaller feedings.
Let us know what the vet says. And remember, yo are not alone! This is not any easynjourney at first so lean on us for support!!
Sending hugs and love to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Hi Sally, Jerry, Thank you for your hoppy potty dance. She just POOPED hahahaha I can tell why we all are so happy for the first poop!!!
I will report to the vet about her vomiting and the potty tonight. First potty needs to be recorded I agree!
We just found out that she has to do chemotherapy later. Please share your advice.
I am really thankful for this website/blog in which we can find support and comfort.
Rebecca
I'm so happy Marley had her first poop!!! Whew...she has got to feel a little better after not pooping for 7 days...talk about uncomfortable.
It sounds like the Hoppy Potty Dance worked that Sally and Jerry did!
Wow and 15 years old...that's AWESOME!! My Leland was a hind leg amp and the only thing I'd want to mention is to be mindful and careful of the remaining hind leg. If you have stairs you may want to consider helping Marley up the stairs with a belly sling even after she's completely healed. Since there's only one remaining hind leg that leg will be handling extra pressure/stress and you don't want the cruciate ligaments going out in the remaining knee. Since Marley's a little older hopefully she won't get to feisty and think she's Superdog and take flying leaps off things (like stairs).
This is a lovely community full of people who are happy to lend advice and support.
Keeping you and Marley in my thoughts and hope she continues with a safe and speedy recovery!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Woot! Woot! We need an emoticon for a potty dance! That's fantastic!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Potty dance worked!!!
Sahana, thank you for your advice. You are right. We do have stairs but definitely will take your advice to use sling to help her later. Right now, we are still carrying her down to potty, 3 flights up and down with 60lbs puppy. It helps my husband to build up his muscle.
Next step, she needs chemo. I am not sure if she can handle it. We will meet her oncologist in 2 weeks when we go to remove stitches. Any sharing about chemo?
Rebecca
rebeccaho105 said
Any sharing about chemo?
Plenty!
See all Forums search results for chemotherapy
forums/tips-and-resources/costs-of-amputation-and-chemotherapy-for-cats-what-did-you-pay/
forums/treatment-and-recovery/regrets-about-chemotherapy/
forums/tips-and-resources/chemotherapy-options-for-osteosarcoma/
tripawds.com/2014/07/09/how-many-chemotherapy-sessions-are-best-for-osteosarcoma-in-dogs/
tripawds.com/2011/07/19/bone-cancer-tumors-and-treatment-options-for-dogs/
Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HOPPY POOPY CELEBRATION DANCE GOING ON ALL OVER TRIPAWD LAND!!!! GOOD GIRL MARLEY!!
And I LOVE her avatar picture! What a sweetheart!
Ya'know, as far as chemo, give yourself a bit of a break and put it on the back burner for another week. Most oncos like to start it in a two or three week window after amp.
My Happy Hannah did four rounds of Carboplatin and had zero side effects. Some dogs do experience lethargy and maybe some loss of appetite. On rare, rae occasions side effects can be more severe. Luther Bear is a Rottie who had a real k y rough time after the first treatment and did not pursue it further. One thing about chemo, y ou can stop it if there are issues.
It real k y is a crap shoot...some dogs do no chemo and have great extended quality time...some do not. Some do chemo and have great extended time...and some do not
Re g ardless, the whole objective is pain free quality life. Does Marley mind going to the vet or does it stress her out? She would be going in everynthree weeks for chemo and approximately every two weeks for bloodwork, as wel l as some xrays. It really boils down to you knowingn y our Marley better than anyone and how she would want to proceed. After recovery takes place, her pain will be gone. I think t o give her any extended time pain free at her age is magical!!!
STILL DOING THE HOPPY POOPY DANCE OVER HERE
Hugs and love to al!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and
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!
You are right. We are taking a week break. The vet appointment is next Wednesday, 9/17.
Do you think that she is still in pain after amp?
Every recovery...every dog...all so different when it comes to pain management .
My Happy Hannah stayed on a reduced amount of pain meds about three weeks. Many dogs, but not all, seem to be weaned off about two weeks.
Just watch for signs of pain...ears pinned back..restless...panting...whining....just "off".
I also didn't didn't start her chemo until the third week as I didn't feel like she had recovered well enough from surgery. I have to say...and as weird as it sounds...her first chemo treatment seemed to make her feel better! From that point forward, her sparkle started coming back full speed ahead!
So how is Miss Marley doing? And you...are you okay? Probably pretty tired...both of you!
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!
Glad she'll be seeing the vet. Yah, take it easy until then. It's hard to say if she's in pain but you can watch for signs of pain in dogs like this article describes, which should help.
How Dogs Signal Pain:
- Limping ALWAYS means your dog is in pain
- Doesn’t want to be touched
- Resistance to using a certain area of the body.
- Bunny-hopping (it looks cute, but it’s not normal)
- Vocalizing (whimpering, whining, yelping) for “no reason,” particularly when lying still or standing still
- Unusual Panting
- Unusual Trembling
- Resistance to climbing stairs or getting up on furniture
- Guarding: hunching over as in a stomach ache
- Straining to urinate or defecate
- Listless or apathetic behavior
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of engagement (isolating, withdrawn, refusing to play or walk)
- Aggression
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
Glad she'll be seeing the vet. Yah, take it easy until then. It's hard to say if she's in pain but you can watch for signs of pain in dogs like this article describes, which should help.How Dogs Signal Pain:
- Limping ALWAYS means your dog is in pain
- Doesn’t want to be touched
- Resistance to using a certain area of the body.
- Bunny-hopping (it looks cute, but it’s not normal)
- Vocalizing (whimpering, whining, yelping) for “no reason,” particularly when lying still or standing still
- Unusual Panting
- Unusual Trembling
- Resistance to climbing stairs or getting up on furniture
- Guarding: hunching over as in a stomach ache
- Straining to urinate or defecate
- Listless or apathetic behavior
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of engagement (isolating, withdrawn, refusing to play or walk)
- Aggression
Marley just finished her 1st chemo. She is a strong baby. She is doing great, just a little bit tired than usual. She has 3 more to go.
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