Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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100 pound Golden, front left leg amputated yesterday. Second cancer - last year was just a lump removal on his rear thigh. Yesterday he nearly pulled the vet tech off her feet when I came to pick him up at the clinic. He saw/smelled my car in the parking lot on the other side of the building and made for it. But now he can't seem to manage walking so well and I can't help him because he's such a big boy. He's falling and stumbling.
The house has two steps to the yard but he's not supposed to do steps so I made him a ramp. But it's freaking him out and he tries to avoid it and use the steps. He is completely uncoordinated with his back and front legs. And then he just collapses and won't even use his back legs.
I can't use a harness or even a towel to help him because it would press on his left side where the incision is. It's not like I'm helping him balance himself, I'm lifting him.... which isn't so easy since I'm 5'2" and 140lbs myself.
He isn't doing like the other dogs on this forum who are up and running around. What can I do to help him?
I'm on the east coast so in about an hour I'm going to bed. But I'll check here in the morning.
Hi Mardi and family, welcome. I'm sorry you're having such a tough time, recovery is not always easy especially when you feel like your dog is the only one who isn't getting around so well. But I'm here to tell you, you're not alone, many dogs need more time and extra help, and things DO get better. Here's my suggestions:
Don't force him to use the ramp if he doesn't want to. Many dogs instinctively are freaked out by ramps (it's called "the visual cliff" do a search and you'll see what I mean). Two steps isn't a big deal, what your vets don't want is for him to run up an entire flight of 12 steps or so.
He should be doing anything but resting and occasionally going to the bathroom. He doesn't need exercise, he doesn't need to walk for anything but a meal (when he feels like it) and a potty break, at least until the stitches comoe out.
What pain medication is he on? I'm thinking that based on his uncoordination, he might be too doped up. Oftentimes dogs are high as a kit when they're still in the clinic and just home from surgery, but then they crash at home and seem really out of it. If he's on super strong medication, talk to your vet about adjusting it. There's a fine line between too much and too little pain medication, you'll figure it out.
Don't panic, and don't compare his recovery with other. He is a very big boy (but not the biggest we've seen here, not by a long shot), and will need some time. Don't rush things, let him go at his own pace and breathe. Things DO get better. He will bounce back and in two weeks you'll wonder why you were so worried.
I hope this helps. Check out Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of tips and stay tuned, others will chime in soon. Your future posts won't need approval so you'll get help right away. Also, stop by the chat room in the evening, you'll see others are in there ready to help you OK?
Good luck, let us know how tomorrow goes.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Mardi. I know this part is hard. My Molly J is 2 1/2 weeks post amputation. At first, when we picked her up, she was trotting around, acting like nothing had happened. Slowly, those surgery drugs wore off, and she was less coordinated and very dopey. She didn't want to move much for days. And that was okay. She did what she could handle, and your pup will too. Do you have rugs/ runners down on all wood or tile floors? That should help a bit with balance and stumbling. During these first days, just try to keep him comfortable and let him know he's loved. If he continues to have difficulty, you may want to ask your vet about adjusting meds. Maybe a smaller dose at more frequent intervals. Sending you some positive energy. Stay connected with us here. This group is amazing in helping a worried pup parent get through this.
You are not alone - the first couple of weeks are the toughest. All dogs are different and while some may be back up and going quickly, it takes others a little bit of time - two steps forward and one step back. Remember your dog just had major surgery and it would take most humans twice as long to adapt. Hang in there and check in to the chat room as someone is usually there to help with answers to your questions.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
HI Mardi.....sorry you had t o find yourself here but, under the circumstances, there is no better place to be!
You've alrew gotten so.e great adice.
I know how rotten it feels when you feel like your dog isn't recovering as fast as other dogs here. I ca relate as I felt very c o ncerned because my Happy Hannah wasn't progressifng like others.
As has already been said.....every dog is different, every recovery is different! Your pup is most likely pretty loopy because of the hospital meds. The excitement of seeing you and the adrenaline rush he was experiencing because he was going home temporarily masked how high he is on drugs!
My Happy Hannah would not move if I tried to use a towel as a sling. Happy Hannah was 125 lbs. at time of surgery and I was her only human,so it's not easy help i ng a dog keep their balance without a sling when they are whacked out on drugs! Is he on a morphine patch or just Tramadol and or Gabapentin?
You mentioned y ou were going to sleep shortly. Okay, I know we all just said not to make connections! HOWEVER, if you are able t o get a good night's sleep the next couple of days, your pu p is waaaay ahead of the curve!
Remember, you are not alone as everyone has already said. Stay connected..we'll get through this rough part!
Sending hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Where on the East Coast? I'm in Virginia.
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!
Thank you so much everyone. I was just crying last night. When he fell on the hard patio I knew it really hurt. And yesterday he just lay on his bed and peed himself (and everything around him) twice. My husband has to work (resort work is worst this time of year) so I took off work (university work is light this time of year) to stay with Buddy during the day.
He is on 2-3 tabs Tramadol 4 times a day (I'm giving him the max right now) and Rimadyl 1 tab twice a day. Yes, he can't get traction on bare floors and his legs just slide out in all directions - though as a 4-legged guy he never had problems with the floors. Today I'll put down long rugs from living room (his convalescence room) to the front and back doors to help just getting to the door.
I'll take your advice (thanks) about the ramp. Though in his younger days he loved the agility stuff at the park which included a big ramp up and down. But now he's old and freaked about his situation.
Yesterday my husband tried to just hold him from the back while I held his collar from the front but it just didn't work. This morning my husband held the back with a sling I made sewing two pillow cases together and I guided the front and Buddy did much better. Yesterday we were trying to get him in the front yard (closer to living room) but he only associates front yard with going in the car and so would just run for the car. This morning when we got him into the backyard - his usual domain - he hopped right out to the back fence and had a long pee and hopped right back.
This morning I'm feeling much better and thanks to you guys some better ideas and feeling your kindness and presence from a distance. Thank you so much for being there.
Hi, I don't have much more to add, everyone has given such great advice......I do just want you to know that you aren't alone, and you have plenty of support here. It is tough in the beginning sometimes, but it does get better, and our sweet pups do figure it out. I am glad to read that your guy seems to be better today, and he will get better as each day goes by. Give him a big hug for me......
Keeping you in my thoughts,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
mardi said
He is on 2-3 tabs Tramadol 4 times a day (I'm giving him the max right now) and Rimadyl 1 tab twice a day. Yes, he can't get traction on bare floors and his legs just slide out in all directions - though as a 4-legged guy he never had problems with the floors. Today I'll put down long rugs from living room (his convalescence room) to the front and back doors to help just getting to the door.
The tramadol dose (3 tabs) does seem a little high but talk to your doc before lowering it. I didn't even think to ask about bare floors, that is exactly why he is slipping. Tripawds do have additional challenges on them but even older dogs with four legs do, they are horrible for exacerbating joint and hip problems. Please place carpet runners throughout your home, you can get them inexpensively at Costco for some $10 each. It will save Buddy's hips and joints from any damage and give him his confidence back.
Meanwhile do check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books , you'll find tons of tips for helping him to get around and live a great quality of life. I'm glad you're feeling better. Don't stress, we're here to help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
SOOOOOOO glad you're feeling a little "sigh of relief! No, it's not pawty time yet, but it will be soon
As Jerry said, traction rugs and, if your vet agrees, a change in the Tramadol doseage.shou l d hel p greatly.
CONGRATULATIONS HOPPING ON HIS OWN TO PEE.....YAAAAAAAY
Hugs to all!
Sally and 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!
I second the congrats on hopping out on his own to pee!!! The first couple of weeks are tough and front amps have a little bit of a tougher time than the rear ones. He just has to find his balance and the meds sure can make that a bit tough. Hang in there!
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”
Hi Mardi
It WILL get better!
Tucker stayed in the clinic two nights when he had his surgery....but I know from the vet that he had a bit of trouble getting around at first too.
Tuck is a front amp too - right front - and he weighed 102 pounds the day of his surgery so I do understand your stress. Tuck was very slow moving at first and I remember going into the chat room a few times the first week after his surgery because I was sure he had hurt himself or....something!!!
Tuck is now 10 months post amp....he weighs 85 pounds (he needed to lose weight so there would be less stress on his remaining joints) and my house still has scatter rugs everywhere. Tuck actually looks for them now 
The first two weeks are definitely the hardest part of this journey - the pups have to adjust to their new reality, the meds (which they really need) can make them "woozy" and everything seems to be such a struggle at first.
You've already had one great success - he hopped out to pee - the best is yet to come.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Hi Mardi! these first few days are really the hardest.
My Johnnie Walker is a 90lb Golden, and when he came back from the vet hospital, the first time he tried to pee he landed on his face in the lawn. I got really nervous, but he managed to get up again, and it didn't happen a second time.
I live in Brazil, and my vet gave our dog Tramadol for 4 days AND also a non-steroid pain medication which is not available any more in the USA - metamizol - for up to 10 days, + an oral antibiotic for 10 days and Maxican for 5 days.
My dog acted a bit weird while on Tramadol, so I stopped is as soon as I could. He would hardly sleep at all, sometimes would just sit and look at a bare wall for hours.
My advice is to take good care of the incision to prevent any infection, even after the stitches or staples are out. I cared for my dog's incision for almost one month. There are plenty of tips here in the forums.
Tomorrow we will be 2-months post-op, and he is doing fine. Hang in there for this first week and you will see that skies will start clearing above your head. Keeping a positive atitude is essential to keep your dog feeling secure.
Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Thank you all for your wonderful support. I'm checking in here regularly to keep my spirits up. With the sling under his middle and the trail of rugs to the back door I can take him out into the yard to pee. This evening he fell in an awkward place and couldn't get himself up and I couldn't lift him. Fortunately my husband was watching from the house and hurried out to lift him up onto his feet. We led him to a more open part of the yard and he pooped without falling over!
Buddy and i are both lying out in the grass now watching the evening coming in with the insects and birds all buzzing and chattering in the trees. His whole front is wrapped up so no danger of contamination of his surgery. Our orange cat is on the other side of me.
I took away the ramp and I can get him up and down the two steps to the house by myself using the sling to help him along. He gets to have his stuffed toys since we're keeping him away from the other dogs who destroy them in a matter of minutes when they get hold of them. He has the living room to himself with his people close by and his toys. And he has his happy Golden smile when I talk to him; and his tail started going when he heard my husband drive up from work.
Yesterday he ate a small bowl of dogfood, but since then hasn't wanted to eat. I guess that will improve over the next few days?
thank you all so much for your encouragement.
Hi Mardi
My golden had a front left leg amputation on Thursday as well. His was because of an injury when he was a pup, he will be one year next Week. He was use to only using 3 legs a lot of the time, so he is getting around amazing, much better than I thought. Our problem is trying to get him to do less, so he won't hurt himself. We have had to change his bandages a few times because of drainage, which is hard on him. And he was going outside yesterday to do his business, but he hasn't today. Seems kind of strange, everything is a worry for the humans:)
Anyways, I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and your golden and wishing you good luck with your recovery.
Arlene and Cooper
I'm just catching up... yup, the first few days are definitely the hardest and the drugs in their system make it even harder to navigate. My girl was a rear-amp so I can't help there but I can say that stay close to us and we're a great support system and there is a ton of collective wisdom. It WILL get better!!! He will find his groove.
As far as the eating thing, our vet told us that Shelby could go several days w/out eating and she would be fine. It still bugged me but I added some chicken stock to her kibble and she ate that. Shelby also got really spoiled w/wet food at the vet so she turned her nose up at the cuisine served here! 🙂
Hang in there... you guys are doing great!
XO
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
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
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