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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In March my husband and I made the decision to add a chocolate lab to our family, naming him "Lambeau"--Beau for short. We adore him! Hr was instantly loved, and accepted, and spoiled!
Tragedy struck on Easter, when he jumped out of the back of our truck, chipping his shoulder, and "pulling" the nerves in his leg. The vet diagnosed him with paralysis, and suggested putting him down, or amputation. We were stunned that our perfect puppy was now "broken." We tried everything we could, including putting electrolysis therapy on his leg for as long as he would stay put (he got up to an hour of sitting still on his own!) After almost two months without full function returning to his leg, we decided that amputation was the best option. His shoulder and elbow joints functioned perfectly, but he didn't have the nerves to make his paw sit the right way when walking or running.
This morning I dropped him off at the vet before work for his surgery. I got so anxious that I hurried to check on him at lunch! I was so excited to see that he was already up and walking! We brought him home to be with us this evening! So far he's just laying around resting, but I'm so relieved to have him be HOME!!
So I need advice, what should I do for Beau? What should I not do? We're first time dog owners, and first time Tri-pawd owners as well! Any and all advice will be appreciated" 
Hello and welcome to Tripawds. Please consider registering as a member so you can take full advantage of this site, and your posts will not have to be moderated (after the first one).
I'm sorry to hear about Beau's accident. He has a couple things going for him: he is young, he has been a virtual Tripawd for awhile, and he is not dealing with cancer.
Be aware that Beau may 'crash' later tonight or tomorrow. Sometimes pups come home and seem to be doing really well, then when the anastetic and IV pain meds wear off they seem to have a set back. What meds did he come home with? The pain meds can cause some loopieness too- not always but be prepared.
We often suggest new members read through Jerry's Required Reading List
: http://tripawds.....ding-list/, or download the ebook Three Legs and a Spare
: http://download.....com/store/. Both have good info from this site on what to expect with amputation and recovery.
Really important for Tripawds is good traction
. You can use throw rugs with rubber backing or yoga mats on slippery surfaces. Raised food dishes help with balance. If Beau needs help getting around you can make a temporary sling out of a re-usable shopping bag slit down tha sides.
The first couple weeks after surgery can be full of ups and downs- so don't get discouraged.
There is good info here and lots of experience and support to share. Keep us posted on Beau's progress.
Karen
Offline
Welcome - so sorry about Beau and I hope you join so we can see some pictures. Karen covered everything so I won't repeat. Check out some of the blogs and you will see how differently each dog recovers. Don't let him overdo it for awhile even though he may want to and most of all don't panic. Even though we wish they could still be quad pawds, being the owner of a tripawd is super rewarding no matter what the circumstances.
Keep us updated!
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
WOW! First dog and now your first dog is a tripawd?? Prepare yourself for the most incredible bond ever:-) 
Yeah, this is major surgery and sometimes larger dogs take a little longer to revive. They seem to adjust to walking three legs fairly quickly and never even remember they had a fourth!!
Work with your vet on getting his pain medicine balanced and steady. You may have a couple of weeks that are pretty rough and you may only have a shorter time of rough spots. Either was, Beau will feel so much better with the amputation and all his sparkle and joy will come back leaps and bounds:-)
Stay connected with us and let us known how we can help.
Sending you strength AND a good night's sleep!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Well, first, you should change the poor dog's name to something more awesome...like Metrodome or Adrian Peterson or something. 
After that...hang out here! There are lots of great tips and tricks. I think you'll find out he adapts pretty quickly. Heck, I have an elderly dog with bad mack legs who became a front amp about three months ago, and he's doing great.
Don't be afraid to ask questions!
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Hi Beau and family, welcome. I hope that he's doing well today and his recovery goes smoothly. Like Karen said, there can be ups and downs so don't be surprised. We'll be here to help and of course call your vet if anything seems unusual. One of the biggest challenges that people have with young dogs who are recovering from amputation is keeping them calm enough to actually recuperate. Remember that too much activity can lead to ripped stitches and seromas (fluid buildup at the incision), so keeping him in a confined space and restricted to potty walks for at least a week can help speed his recovery along.
Oh one more thing; when it comes to Labs, they can be eating machines. Keeping your Beau slimmer than most Labs is going to be key to preventing long-term joint problems.
Yes, please consider registering as a member, and then share some pics of your adorable pup with us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Beau and family! I love all critters but Chocolate Labs hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for not giving up on your pup. Everyone else has given great advice and the links are full of helpful information. I look forward to your updates.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Welcome! You've come to the right place.
If it wasn't for these folks, Roxy and I would have been pretty lost!
You will be amazed by how quickly Beau will adapt to his new normal. I agree with what everyone here has said so far. There will be good days and bad, but Beau (if he isn't already) is about to become your biggest hero.
Good luck, and we'll be around to help you out along the way.
Mica
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