Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
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Hi,
I joined today after searches for dog osteosarcoma and amputations, and I found these forums. There is 9 yo Dobie at the county shelter who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and the vets decided upon amputation of his right front leg today. Even prior to surgery I was interested in adopting him, because that twist in his life shouldn’t condemn him to a shelter. I know the shelter is anxious for him to leave, for his own benefit, and I think it is best for him to spend a couple of days there post-op to make sure that he eats and poops and can walk with support, if not on his own. I have 2 other dogs, and among the group, there should be no issues. I do have a large crate for him to be in, to be quiet and restrained until he is further along in his recovery.
What would I be facing next? Giving meds is no problem. I suppose I need a chest support sling to help him, but what are the realities? I am in a 1 level house, with a large fenced in yard in FL, but there are 2-3 steps to get outside. I cannot actually pick him up, but with a sling/harness, I can help him stand and support him to move. Do I insist he stay at the shelter for x days post-op for recovery safety? Will he need rehab?
I don’t want to leave him there, because he will not be easily adopted, so what am I facing short term?
thank you all so much!
Carolyn
Hi there, thank you for a wanting to adopt this dog. You sound like a really knowledgeable and smart dog mom and he would be very lucky to have you.
I encourage you to check out our What to Expect articles to see what amputation recovery looks like.
The 2 to 3 steps in your home should be no problem for him, being a big dog.
An recovery can have ups and downs, but if pain is managed right, it goes a little bit easier so that would be the biggest thing I would recommend is once he is released from the shelter.
Do make sure that he has at least an anti-inflammatory and gabapentin. For a dog, his size vets typically prescribe 300 mg three times a day, but they may start him out a little slower in case he's overly sensitive to the sedation effects.
Rehabilitation therapy is super helpful, especially for an older, bigger dog. It makes such a difference that Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit so check out the link. I encourage you to go and take him.
Let us know how things are going!
i'll have more suggestions in the morning but for now check out and also the Tripawds Recovery Shopping List . Thanks for joining.
jerry said
Hi there, thank you for a wanting to adopt this dog. You sound like a really knowledgeable and smart dog mom and he would be very lucky to have you.I encourage you to check out our What to Expect articles to see what amputation recovery looks like.
The 2 to 3 steps in your home should be no problem for him, being a big dog.
An recovery can have ups and downs, but if pain is managed right, it goes a little bit easier so that would be the biggest thing I would recommend is once he is released from the shelter.
Do make sure that he has at least an anti-inflammatory and gabapentin. For a dog, his size vets typically prescribe 300 mg three times a day, but they may start him out a little slower in case he's overly sensitive to the sedation effects.
Rehabilitation therapy is super helpful, especially for an older, bigger dog. It makes such a difference that Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit so check out the link. I encourage you to go and take him.
Let us know how things are going!
i'll have more suggestions in the morning but for now check out and also the Tripawds Recovery Shopping List . Thanks for joining.
Oh I hope I answered your questions. Did you think of any more? How can we help?
Just want to send some more thanks for wanting to give thos sweet Dobie auch a loving home.
Jerry offered her invaluable insight plus gave you some good links to check out.
Generally dogs have some Mobility to some degree within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. Some don't even need assistance with a harness to help them stand, some do at first. Every dog is different and every dog recovers at their own pace. Generally after about 2 weeks your dog will be healed from surgery and within about 30 days he will adapt to the new gate. The first two weeks you'll want to monitor his activity and just have him outside for short least potty breaks. After that, I'm sure he'll enjoy having free rein in the yard.
Deepest posted and let us know how things are going. Have you picked out a name yet?
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!
I am going to add to being grateful that you are adopting! What a wonderful thing to do. You've been given a lot of great answers. I hope you post an update and any future questions.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
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