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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
One personal thought I have to express, when I first saw him, I was overcome with quilt and still am a little today, I have no idea why, Melissa seemed OK by everything. My brain is just filled with did we do the right thing, are we making it worse for him and us. I know we did the right thing and we did it FOR him not TO him. I'll sort it out, It's nice to see his tail a waggin again.
I will keep everyone updated and thank you all for all your nice helpful encouragement, it is appreciated a lot.
Dave
FAITH IS NOT BELIEVING THAT GOD CAN, IT IS KNOWING THAT GOD WILL
What a wonderful update!
Dave - we all have thoughts - fears - worries - but you really did do it for Lee not to him! This is exactly the right place to vent those feelings though - we get it!
Funny story for you - I had a glazier here about a week ago as I am looking at new windows for my house. I bet he was in the house for about 10 minutes before he even noticed that Tuck is a tripawd. And Tuck is not a gentle beast - he is 85 pounds of exuberant hopping Chocolate Lab. Lee will get more confident and soon he will manage life on three legs beautifully.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
Oh Lee looks great!!! He WILL do well. My Shelby was a rear amp but she pretty much hopped right off the bat. They just know and figure it out and get their new gait down.
If you are concerned about the bruising, I took a daily photo of Shelby's amp site so I could see that it got better and went down. Also, you could (ask your vet) add some cool packs to help reduce the swelling.
The painkillers will be your friend for sure. Also, though, be prepared once the fancy hospital drugs wear off, he might pant or seem restless. I was so worried but was assured the drugs make them see pink elephants! Of course, if you are really worried about what is pain or drug, call your vet.
You did, as you said, the best thing for Lee! Keep us posted and be sure to ask any questions you might have!
Sending healing energy!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
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
Yipeee! I'm so glad to hear that he's home! Isn't that a relief?
Hope you don't mind but I moved your post to "Treatment and Recovery"....you graduated!
I think everyone here who's gone through surgery can relate to your feelings of guilt. It's easy to feel that way, since our animals can't speak for themselves, our responsibility for their health is HUGE and when something like this happens it hits us like a ton of bricks. But that's just the deep love and appreciation you feel for Lee. As you see him recover and life becomes all new again (yes, he will learn how to get comfy and balanced...remember he's high as a kite right now too!), your appreciation for his courage and strength will be more deep thank you ever imagined.
Take it easy and know that this is only temporary, he will get better and you'll all find your new normal soon.
Would it be OK if I posted his photo in our Post-Op photo gallery?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks and we are glad Lee has graduated, a trying time for sure.
Yes you can use the photo for post op.
Dave
FAITH IS NOT BELIEVING THAT GOD CAN, IT IS KNOWING THAT GOD WILL
Lee sounds like he is doing super !! Everything you posted about him is very encouraging, and right on target for post amp......and don't worry, I think all of us questioned whether or not we did the right thing with the amp surgery......once Lee learns to adjust, and is getting around really well, you will forget he is missing a leg. They pretty much forget about that missing leg very quickly, because their pain is gone. Trust me, his tail will definitely wag again.
While he does seem like he is doing really well, it is important to keep him contained, as in nothing more than going potty during the healing process ........most of our fur kids do so well, they just want to GO, but it is best to keep them safe from complications.
Hope he continues on this great path of healing, and also continue to keep us updated on handsome Lee.
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Dave,
Congrats on your boy coming home. The best place in the world for them, because there really is no place like home. He looks and sounds good.
Take one day as it comes, as Bonnie said letting him stay quiet and get good rest is important it was major surgery. He will become more confidant in movement with time. If he needs help use a sling if he's ok with it.
As far as The feeling of guilt you had, so many of us can relate. Looking back I think it's a combination of fear for the change, will they adjust, be happy, have a good quality of life. All those things go through our minds, and honestly the worry of how difficult it could be for our families. We had worries and a sense if guilt, but it passed quickly.
They are amazing how they do. It takes a good month for most to recoup but you'll see how amazing he will be. Lee will teach you lessons, they all do.
Wishes for continued hood recoup.
Esther and her Angel Snoop
Welcome home Lee!!!
And I was SURE I had done the wrong thing choosing amputation for my little pug Maggie. I spent several weeks wondering what I had been thinking. Mag was a stubborn little thing that did not adapt well to any changes in her routine. But she came around and hopped happily through life for almost 4 years.
I hope Lee's recovery is smooth, but don't get discouraged if he has some down times or it seems like he regresses. It happened to most of us. Stay strong and positive around him- you did the right thing!
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Dave and Melissa,
I'm so glad that Lee has made it home. Lee will figure out how best for him to move around and get up/down. It may take a bit but he will get it…they all do.
The guilt and questions you're feeling are normal. We know in our logical brain that it was for the best and what was needed but our emotional hearts tend to question. Once you get used to seeing Lee as a tripawd and he starts getting more mobile your heart will know it was the right thing to do and then the guilt and questioning will fade to the background.
Just hang in there…you and Lee will do great.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Welcome home, Lee! Dave, just know that you're worrying more about things than Lee is now. When you need to feel better, look at some of the success story videos. Lee will get there! Hang in there and and keep leaning on us. We're all here for you.
And keep the pics coming! 
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Well we got confirmation that it was Osteosarcoma, they did however mention that they also looked at how it microscopically travels and found that, that rate was very low compared to normal, ( I have no idea what that means) but they thought it was a good thing. Chemo is still the next step. He will have his stiches out next Wednesday and then to the chemo guy, We will see what they recommend.
As to Lee , he is doing very well I think, we have lowered his pain meds and he seems to have perked up from that. When he wants to get somewhere he gets there pretty quick. but I have noticed that when his mother is around ,he seems to play the,"i have three legs now" card, so bring the treat to me. None of that I say, if you want something come and get it yourself, a little touch love I guess.. He is eating well and is going to the bathroom well, even though I have to carry him out yet ,cause of the three stairs. Overall it has been over a week and I think he has been recovering very well. The next step is what we are dreading, the Chemo part, heard nothing but bad news on this, like I said we will have to wait till next week to see.
On a personal note again, I have been feeling a lot better about the whole thing, although we both are more exhausted from worry and fear, than he is. We did the right thing for him and will do the right thing next, keep a positive attitude I guess.
Thanks to everyone for all your insights and encouragement, we appreciate it.
Dave
FAITH IS NOT BELIEVING THAT GOD CAN, IT IS KNOWING THAT GOD WILL
Hi Dave,
Yea- that tough love...here is what happened with my little pug Maggie. When she would spend time at my parents house the took to carrying her outside to do her business, then carried her back inside. She was a rear amp, but quite small, only about 12 inches at the shoulder so she never really could climb a lot of stairs after her amp. She could go down just about any number of stairs on her own. Not a problem at my house as there are only a couple of stairs off the deck but my parents do have some stairs. She could get outside just fine, but once back in the dog door needed help on the stairs. Anyway, she really liked the 'service' of being carried, especially back inside. After she did her business outside she would sit on the lawn and wait for someone to come get her, my parents were happy to oblige. She decided that I should also provide that service at my house. We had several standoffs, well actually sit offs, where she would sit outside and wait for me to come get her. It took several times of 20 to 30 min of her waiting outside before she got the idea. After that it was not a problem at either house.
I'm glad Lee is healing so well!
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Dave,
Sounds like you guys are on a good road beginning recovery. As far as the chemo, don't worry about it. In that all the dogs are different as humans are. Our Snoop went through 6 rounds of carbo, only was off after the first which was delayed the second treatment by one week. After that he continued through the rest without any problems. He had a good appetite, good bowels.....so I wouldn't worry unless there's a reason. Easier said than done, right...oh to Be More Dog
.
Good thoughts,
Esther and her Angel Snoop
Dave,
So happy that Lee is on the upswing. Tough love works. When Jake came home everyone was doting on him. Finally I said enough, he wants to be treated NORMAL (whatever that may be in this house). When we began the normal treatment things progressed beautifully. Take it all a day at a time... Lee isn't worried about the chemo, you and your wife are. Deep breathe and try not to let him feel your anxiety. Keep us posted.
Laurie
1 Guest(s)
