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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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3 weeks post-amp tomorrow!
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Member Since:
29 March 2016
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1
3 May 2016 - 9:08 pm
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       Hi everyone. Just wanting to do an update on Hooch, my 10 year old boxer cross boy. Right front leg amputation. He will be 3 weeks post-amp tomorrow, and he is doing very well! 😊 Still slow hopping, but is able to get around good. I do notice his hind legs get a little weak. But I'm thinking it's just soreness from the different muscles? I'm not giving him any more pain meds, as he doesn't seem to be in any pain. Just maybe a little sore. Would the pain meds help for sore muscles? He's pretty much back to his old self. Just not quite as playful yet. Maybe it's cause I'm still holding him back. 

     He can climb the 3 stairs that we have, but still hasn't gone down. (They are in our rear entrance). We've put a ramp out the front entrance, (more room for it there) just so he has been able to go outside with a little ease (for him and for us). I think he'd like to do the stairs, as that's how we've always come into the house... His spirits did seem to get better once things started to get back to normal. Food dish back to its place, back sleeping in regular bed, and me gone to work! 

    Thank you all so much again for all the kind words, amazing support and love. Really don't know how I would've dealt with all this, thus far without all of you. 💛

      Hugs, Lynn and Hooch. 

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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4 May 2016 - 4:27 am
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Hooray for Hooch!  I would just give him time.  He will master the going down part, and as his muscles adjust I bet the activity level increases.  Based on our week 3 experience, Hooch seems right on track!

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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4 May 2016 - 8:41 am
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Hey Lynn that's great to hear!

Going down stairs is especially tricky and a little scary for a front legger, I can't blame him. In time he may get used to them or he may not, I'm glad you have that ramp and he's using it. Smart boy.

It takes a lot of work all that hopping around. Manage his activity so he doesn't overdo things and remember there are lots of things you can do to soothe achy muscles and help him get strong. Our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs has lots of ideas, and so does our Tripawds Gear and Downloads blogs. These posts are a great place to start:

Learn Rehab and Fitness Tips for Tripawd Cats and Dogs, Part 1

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

Michigan
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2 April 2013
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4 May 2016 - 9:10 am
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Yeah for Hooch!!  clap

One of the things that seems to help Murphy is some gentle massaging of his back, hips & back legs.  It helps to relax those muscles and I think he likes it.  When he's laying on his side I start rubbing his back, going down towards his hips.  He starts moaning & groaning, and will arch backwards like a "C" lol. 

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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4 May 2016 - 9:35 am
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Thanks for the update!

HAPPY THREE WEEK AMPUVERSARY HOOCH!! 🙂

Yep, sounds like he's pretty "normal" for three weeks into recovery. Some vets say it takes approximately one month for a dog to adjust to all the mobility issues involved with three legs (muscles, joints, gait, etc).

You can ask your vet about a dose of Tramadol, or maybe Rimadyl, if you think he is uncomfortable. Of coirse, I'm not a vet so your vet can guide you on that.

I'm glad Hooch is able to get back to some of his normal routines. That mea s so much attitude wise...yours and his!

Ice cream and cake!

Hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!

Los Angeles, CA
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13 June 2013
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4 May 2016 - 9:37 am
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Great update!!! Cheers for Hooch! 

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

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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4 May 2016 - 10:06 am
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Good job Hooch! Back to normal sounds great.

He will gain strength now that it is comfortable to hop around.  Do check out the Rehab stuff Jerry mentioned.  Not only is it good for Hooch's body, but it is great for his mind! 

Karen

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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