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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Do you have a smallish room that you can put her in and block the door? Maybe use the crate to block the door and make sure there is nothing she can climb on.
My quad-Pug Obie can not be crated (due to his history) and he has recovered from 2 knee surgeries using ex-pens with our surgeons approval.
The shivering could be a pain sign, or from the meds I suppose. Maggie's reaction to tramadol was agitation.
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
Maggie's Story Amputation and Chemo
Find me now on Tripawds Circle
Hmmm. Not sure about the shivering. Has it happened since? It could just be that she's cold from the bare skin around the incision.
Regarding the crate...First, good for you for sticking to the cone of shame ! It's not easy. Meanwhile have you tried other cone styles? We love this one that we have for Wyatt Ray . It's a big foam disc and it bends slightly when he gets into tight spaces.
Also, what about offering a totally irresistible treat she would do anything for? Lunch meat? A plate of scrambled eggs?
And ditto, thank you so much for your generosity!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi. Popping back on for an update. I tried a bite of steak to get Sugar to get in crate - no way! We have a small hallway attached to the bathroom so this is now her quiet room when we have to be away. Still so pitiful in cone but I am able to telecommute this week so her time wearing the cone is limited to bedtime or when we are busy. She's a crafty girl and I'm afraid she would get out of any other kind of cone.
I also wanted to update on the trembling and bit of anxiousness. I would notice her having a real hard time getting comfortable about the time that the first dose of tramadol would be wearing off in the evening, which I equated to possible pain. Wanting to get a jump on the pain, I gave her the next dose due/on schedule. Then the panting and trembling would start after a bit but she would settle down when we went to bed shortly thereafter. Reported this to vet this morning and we are going to only give the Tram at night for one day more. She is still on the Deramaxx NSAID.
I am grateful for this resource and I'm sure will be using it every step of the way in her recovery and adjustment. Very supportive and have learned a lot. Used a similar one for my own surgery years ago. Happy to chip in.
Woah not even a steak? That girl is too funny! I can't imagine any dog not going after that one.
But...I totally commend you for sticking to your guns with the cone, that is awesome. And you found an alternative place for her to hang out, so that's perfect. Recovery isn't forever, she will get over this hurdle and you'll both get your life back soon.
Sounds like a good partnership with your vet too, I'm glad you are able to work together to come up with some kind of pain control that will help her feel better. It's often a hit or miss thing, but once you know what she needs and you have it dialed in, things get easier.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Here is an update on Sugar who had her rear leg removed 4/25. She is doing great. Still limited to be on leash outside and in the cone when we're not supervising. She is so ready to be free of these restrictions. Penny has not been able to hunt as well without her partner (I do not condone this but it is what it is). Her sutures come out this Friday! Only two more sleeps. Our back yard is mostly wooded so am cleaning it up some (downed limbs, etc.) so she won't have so many obstacles. I know we need to be cognizant of the need to keep her remaining limbs in good shape so wondering if you have any tips? Or do they pretty much figure it out? I'm going to try and attach a pic. This whole process has been so enlightening; was so scared and depressed at first but so encouraged now. Thank you!
malkat said
Not sure how to post a pic - insert/edit image not working for me......
Copy the image file ink of your photo hosted somewhere on line and paste it into the Source field when using the Insert/Edit Image button. Or just past the link into your forum post and it should auto-embed...
Here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts . If you don't already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog any time and upload them there. Need further help? Post in the Tech Support forum and we'll be happy to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know we need to be cognizant of the need to keep her remaining limbs in good shape so wondering if you have any tips? Or do they pretty much figure it out?
Oh do we have tips! You ask great questions and we are ready to help.
Have you seen the Tripawds Gear blog ? We have tons of fitness tips there, as well as in our Tripawds e-book Loving Life On Three Legs .
Sure, dogs can get by without much direction from us, and oh they do try. But the best thing you can do for Sugar is to monitor her activity to make sure she doesn't over do things. And, participate in daily fitness strengthening activities. One big thing to remember is that it's not so much about protecting the limbs but strengthening the core and back muscles. Here are some articles to give you some things to consider:
How to Exercise Young, Recovering Tripawd Dogs and Cats
Why Longer Walks Won’t Strengthen a Tripawd’s Leg Muscles
I'm so glad we could be there for you and Sugar. Nothing makes us hoppier than watching the transition to better days for the Tripawd and their human. By sharing your journey, you are giving hope to so many!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAY FOR SUGAR!!! So glad to hear she is getting her sparkle back and ready to be Sugar again! And it still gets better and better!
Moving out of the fear and onto KNOWING you made the best decision for Sugar possible is so freeing!😎
You can also check jnto a visit with a Rehab Specialist. Even if it's just for one visi, they can show you a lot of things that can be done at home. Just massaging up and down the spine and neck and shoulder area does wonders! Going from sit to stand for a few repetitions is good too. They can show you the correct way to do that. You can alao check into joint supplements, etc.
Keep the great updates coming! Smooches to Sugar and Penny!
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 know we need to be cognizant of the need to keep her remaining limbs in good shape so wondering if you have any tips? Or do they pretty much figure it out?
Good for you for thinking ahead and asking about this! When I had my first Tripawd Maggie I let her do what she wanted and didn't really have an exercise program. Luckily she was a 7.5 year old Pug who's favorite sport was napping so she never had any issues 
I got Elly when she was 10 months old and full of energy (rear amp from car accident at 7 months). She is now a little over 4 years old and very strong. We do some type of balance and core strength exercise every day but I make it fun for her. Some of it is food games and puzzles and playing with toys, but we also do some specific balance and core exercises. I also use trick and obedience training to work on her strength and challenge her mind. I have two parks close to me that have long and often damp grass. We spend time walking up and down hills in the grass which is great for her strength and her balance. Since we do so much 'training' I do have to watch her calorie intake. She probably gets about a third of her daily calories through our games and training.
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
Maggie's Story Amputation and Chemo
Find me now on Tripawds Circle
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