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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Hi all, my dog Violet is having her amputation surgery on Thursday. She is having her rear left leg removed. I'm feeling nervous about the surgery, and just wanted to get some advice from others who have gone through this with their dogs. What can I expect immediately post-surgery? What were the most helpful things you did to help your dog adjust? I guess I have a lot of questions, but that's a start 🙂Â
Hi Kate, welcome to you and Violet. Your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry you are facing surgery- are you dealing with cancer? How old is Violet and how big is she?
A good place to start is the Reading List, you will find lots of helpful links there on what to expect with amputation and recovery.
My little pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to mast cell cancer and my current Tripawd Elly, a pug mix, is also a rear amp.
Are you bringing Violet home the same day or is she staying a night or two at the vet?
The first couple weeks after surgery can be full of ups and downs. Our pups are full of lots of drugs and recovering from major surgery, they have to get used to their new 'normal' balance and gait. All my vets said 'dogs do great on three legs' but none of them warned me about the recovery period. Maggie was stubborn and set in her ways, she hated any changes to her routine. She took longer than most here to get used to things and I was convinced I had made a huge mistake. But like just about every dog I've seen her she got used to her new normal and hopped happily though life for almost 4 years.
The only thing that Maggie could no longer do after her amputation was go up more than 3 or 4 stairs at a time, not a big issue since I lived in a single story house then. I now live in a split level house and Elly, who is a bit smaller than Maggie, flies up and down stairs on a daily basis.Â
You will find lots of information and support here. We have been where you are now and we can help you and Violet get through this new journey.
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
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        Maggie's Story          Amputation and Chemo
Karen,
Thank you so much for your response and encouragement!
Violet is a 53 pound 7 or 8 year old Collie/Malamute mix (we rescued her, so we're unsure of her exact age). We are not 100% sure if it is cancer that we are dealing with. However, we have spoken with lots of experts and doctors and all of them believe that the overwhelming likelihood is cancer. We will be biopsying the bone after amputation to find out which type of cancer we are dealing with. You'd never know anything was wrong if her limp wasn't so obvious. Violet has always acted like her playful and sassy self!
Fortunately we will be bringing Violet home the same day, which makes us feel better so she can be in familiar and less scary surroundings.
I'm feeling pretty confident about Violet after she recovers, but it's definitely the recovery period that worries me! She, like your Maggie, is very stubborn and sassy. We are also dealing with urinary incontinence, so I am nervous about getting her to go potty outside during recovery. We are okay and even used to cleaning up pee accidents, but I'm afraid she won't feel good enough to go outside.
We moved pretty quickly on the decision to do the surgery, as the docs had a lot of concerns about pelvic fracture with the already weakened hip bone. This site has been SO helpful so far as we try to gather information in a short period of time. I was able to rush order a harness yesterday so we can help Violet as she re-learns how to maneuver with three legs. I am learning so much and feeling more confident that I can give my pup a quality life as a tripawd!
Hi Kate and Violet! Welcome to the family. Sorry you find yourself here, but under the circumstances, there is no better place to be for support, information and understanding. We know this is a very stressful time full of uncertainty, fear, panic and exhaustion. We also know that once the recovery is over and Violet's Sparkle starts to come back you will be so glad you were able to give her some great quality time. Time for more loving and spoiling and extra treats!
Recovery is no picnic for the first couple of weeks. It's full of ups and downs. valid may not feel like eating much the first several days and she may not poop for several days. The important thing is that she does drink and that she does p. Having her home the first night can be a little rough, but the vet will probably give you plenty of drugs to keep her fairly quiet. Make sure you have an emergency number or access to an emergency vet should anything arise. She may be restless and whiny and uncomfortable for a few nights but that is normal. It is major surgery! And it does hurt! The vet will probably send you home with Tramadol, Rimadyl, and antibiotic and Gabapentin. You may have to tweak the pain meds a little bit until you find the right balance to stay ahead of the pain.
If you have hardwood floors you will want to get non-slip scatter rugs or cheap yoga mats for traction . Slightly raised food and water bowls will help also to prevent strain. When you pick her up, don't even bother to look at her incision. She will just be so happy to see you and you will be so happy to see her. Just keep your focus on each other. Although since you are picking her up the first day, she may not be very awake at all.
Stay connected and let us know when she is out of surgery. If you have any questions, especially those first couple of nights, don't hesitate to post them here. We've all been through it and we understand the intensity like no others can. You are not alone, okay
Post some pictures of your sweet girl when you can. She sounds like a feisty spunky gal and that works in her favor.
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Keep lots of chocolate on hand. You'll need it! It does wonders to calm the nerves.
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!
Just wanted to add that she may, indeed, have accidents in her bed while she so drug. Just put some puppy pads down and know that it may happen. Getting her out to pee for short potty breaks is all she needs to be doing right now. The rest of the time she just needs rest. You may find that a towel sling is helpful getting her up and out. Some dogs just freeze up though and won't move if they have a sling. She'll figure things out in the next couple of days, no worries
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!
Kate I'm sorry to hear about Violet. Many of us had to move fast on amputation as well, we know what that feels like. As long as you stay strong during her recovery, I'll bet it won't be as bad as you imagine it will. You also have us to lean on too ok? Petscare such mirrors of our emotions and the more pawsitive you are the more she will be able to reflect that back. Stay strong!!Â
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you, Sally!
Great suggestion about the puppy pads--I didn't even think about that! I will have to have my husband pick some up tomorrow. I've also read on here that wrapping the incision in a t-shirt or boxer shorts is helpful, so we will have to get some boxer shorts too!
Fortunately we have an emergency vet less than 5 minutes from our house, so if anything goes awry we should be okay. I also plan to "camp out" upstairs with her while she is recovering, too, as she usually sleeps in our bedroom which is down a flight of stairs.Â
I will definitely keep everybody posted and get some photos up (there are just so many to choose from)!
Thank you again for your support and encouragement!
Thank you, Jerry! I'm so glad our surgeon told us about this website. It has been a lifesaver during this scary, stressful, and confusing time. I find myself spending a couple hours on here reading about all sorts of things--I've learned so much!Â
Thank you for your support. I'm glad to be in this with so many other pawrents!
You've been dealing with incontinence and don't have puppy pads on hand! When Maggie became incontinent every bit of my house had a 'crinkle' when you walked or sat on it 
I made towel pockets for the puppy pads. I folded bath towels in half and sewed the side edges together and left the end open, then I put a pad inside the towel pocket. That way the pad stayed in place and were more comfortable for Maggie. Another thing I used was human incontinence pads. They come in larger sizes and I found them useful on furniture and to cover larger areas like my bed.
Sally mentioned it but be aware that most pups stay at least one night at the vet after surgery. Coming home the same day is certainly doable, and the best idea if the vet isn't staffed 24 hours. Just be aware that pups can be very wonky and vocal coming off the surgery meds. Be sure you are clear on the pain meds and understand the dosing schedule.Â
You sound like you are really in tune with Violet and I'm sure you guys will be fine bringing her home. Its good to know what to expect.
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
Â
        Maggie's Story          Amputation and Chemo
Hi tripawd family,
I dropped Violet off for surgery first thing this morning. She was the first patient of the day I shed a few tears when she had to be taken away by the surgeon, but otherwise I feel strong and confident that this is the best thing. I'm expecting a call from either the surgeon or the doctor in about 30 minutes here. We were told that they may keep Violet overnight, but it all depends on how she is doing on all the drugs. The thought of an overnight stay makes me more nervous, but if it comes to that I know she is in the best hands. I love our vet!
Yesterday was a gorgeous Colorado day and we were able to go on our last 4-legged walk. Today it's cold, snowy, and icy, so I'm glad we were able to get a good walk in yesterday before the storm hit. Violet's Ruffwear harness also arrived yesterday and we tried it on. She's not quite sure how she feels about it, but she sure looks pretty in it!
Last night Auntie and Uncle dropped by with a gift for Violet, including a new pizza squeaky toy. She loves it! They also included some treats that Violet REALLY wanted to taste last night, but she will have to wait!
I picked up some puppy pads and boxer shorts yesterday and got all of our hardwood covered with yoga mats so Violet will have some traction when she's walking around. We're feeling slightly more prepared, but we'll really start learning once Violet comes home.Â
I'm trying to attach photos of Violet here but I can't seem to figure it out! I'll keep trying so you can all see what a sweet girl she is.
Alrighty, you're abput as prepared as anyone could be! And what a great roy for her ro start playing with. Now, she may not be interested in her toys at all at first, but she will eventually be playing with them more than ever!!!
If this is a 24/7 clinic where someone will be in attendance, by all means let her stay the night!! If not, then bringing her home is a better option than leaving her there unattended. Make sure you have the Vet's home number and very clear instructions, proper pain meds, etc.
Will look for more updates when you can! We are here for you!!
Someone will come along and give you links on photos embedding. For me, I jave an Android Tavlet and have to go to photobucket, them tap htlm, put it on clipboard, then put it in my post. Clear as mud, right?
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!
Kate said
I'm trying to attach photos of Violet here but I can't seem to figure it out!
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!
FYI: Since you created Violet's blog, you can upload your photos to your Media Library!
NOTE: Please be sure to publish at least one blog post (or upgrade the site) or you may be at risk of losing any photos you upload when we clean up unused blogs. See the many Help Videos in your dashboard for lots of assistance.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awww . . .she's beautiful!!!!
Keep us updated!
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
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