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 Everyone,
My Sadie is a crazy, sweet 7 year old weim that turns 8 on Friday. She is having her right front leg amputated today due to osteosarcoma. My wife and I are so scared, but Sadie is just as nutty as ever. I'm so glad to have found this site for information and support because I know we are going to need both. I know in my heart we are doing the best thing for her, but as all of you already know, it's just breaks my heart. As of today, my girl Sadie will be part of the tripawd nation!
Brian
Hi Brian, Sadie and Mom, welcome. Sorry to hear about the osteo but it sure seems like you have a terrific attitude and that will help sooo much. I'm on my phone now and not so good at typing on it so I will write more later. Till then let us know how we can help make things easier for you, and be sure to review Jerry's Reauired Reading List to ease your worries. Let us know how surgery goes, we are thinking of you all!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
Hi Brian, Sadie and Mom, welcome. Sorry to hear about the osteo but it sure seems like you have a terrific attitude and that will help sooo much. I'm on my phone now and not so good at typing on it so I will write more later. Till then let us know how we can help make things easier for you, and be sure to review Jerry's Reauired Reading List to ease your worries. Let us know how surgery goes, we are thinking of you all!
Thank you! Waiting on the phone call from the vet now. I know that Sadie is tough as nails, but I just hate the thoughts of her waking up without us there. It's best if we're not because she will try and bounce around when she sees us. Thanks for the kind words and I will be asking a ton of questions I'm sure.
Hi Brian,
I hope you hear that all is well from the vet soon! I know it is agony waiting at home while they're going through all this at the pawspital but if you haven't already, you can channel all that nervous energy into getting things ready at home. Sadie should have a quiet place to recuperate, non-slip flooring (rugs etc if you have hardwood floors), raised water and food bowls (so much easier for the tripawd) and some sort of sling or harness to help her get up at first (the hospital sent us home w/ a sling).
If it is possible, it is good to have someone w/ her for the first couple of day because she'll be getting meds regularly and because you want to watch out for any complications like drainage or chewing at the incision etc. (It isn't always possible of course.)
She'll be drugged out after the surgery so most pups stay overnight, but not always. Bringing her home will probably be both satisfying and terrifying! I know we felt completely overwhelmed so be sure to hop on here and ask all your questions etc!
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Hi Brian, welcome...yup this is a terrifying time for you guys right now, but you've found the best place to help you with all your questions, concerns, fears, freak-outs, and celebrations! I saw you posted in the chat room this morning, come back when you can. Also, the helpline is a great place to talk with someone who's been there and knows exactly what you're going through. Good luck as you wait for word on your girl. She will amaze you, and you've taken away her pain.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Welcome Brian and Sadie.
Sorry you had to find us, but this is the best place to be for information and support as you start the Tripawd journey.
Denise gave you great advice. Here is a link to The Reading List that Jerry mentioned. You can also down load one or more e- books from The Tripawd Library.
Let us know when you hear from the vet, and what questions you have, we have been there and can help.
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
Sadie made it through the surgery with no complications!! We are waiting for an update at 8:00pm est. I just hope she is comfortable and as silly as it sounds not mad at us when we see her tomorrow. I am hoping she adapts to her new life and will continue to be the same crazy, loving Sadie. Thanks everyone for the support and the kind words. I have read a lot of info on here and will continue to do so. We want to give her the best opportunity to succeed and adapt to the new normal. Thanks again!
Yours in the fight,
Brian, Ashely, Sadie. (also her weimy sister Sophia who is an 11 year old weimaraner)
So happy to hear this....the first step of the battle is done. Now you take it one step at a time, and she'll be rockin' life on 3 legs before you know it. The first week or so can be a little stressful, just so you know; stay positive, she'll take her cues from you. And reach out to us here if/when you need to, that's what we're here for.
YAY SADIE!
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Thanks for the update, and best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Sadie will not be mad at you, but she will follow your lead. So focus on being strong and pawsitive!
Please keep us posted...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sadie won't be made at you...you are going to 'rescue' her from the vet! Besides, it's the vet that stole her leg!
It is important to be positive around Sadie when you see her- look into her eyes and know she is the same pup you dropped off. The recovery period can be full of ups and downs so don't get discouraged if Sadie has some down time. She isn't mad, she is on a lot of meds and working to figure out her new balance. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for the 'sparkle' to come back, some lucky pups bounce back faster, some take a little longer.
Keep track of the daily victories and soon Sadie will be amazing you!
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
Welcome to the club that no one wants to join. Sadie mad at you nope no way. Shoot before long she wont even remember she had that 4th leg. Remember when she comes home she will be pretty doped up on pain meds. The first few weeks will be the toughest. Getting the pain med regimen down will be the toughest. Some dogs do better than others. We can guide you and do not hesitate to call your vet that is what they are there for and they know you & your dog better than us.
We have our chat room & chat line if you need help too plus the forums. 🙂
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hi Brian, Ashely, Sadie and Sophia,
Welcome from another Weim lover. My Weim Maggie got OSA in her right front leg several years ago. She was only 5 at the time. I did have it amputated. She unfortunately developed lung mets 4 months later but up to then she lived a great life. We live in the country so we went on horse rides, jeep rides, fishing trips, you name we did it. She was out of pain and that was my goal. I never did regret the decision. Good luck with your girl, please send pictures, there's nothing prettier than a Weim (yes, I'm prejudice).
Penny, Hank, Blink and Angel Maggie
Update on Sadie: I am cautiously optimistic after we got a call from the vet saying that Sadie is doing amazing. Her surgery was yesterday and they said she was up on her feet an hour after. She has eaten, peed and pooped and has been on her feet from the get go. Keep Sadie in your thoughts as my wife and I are going to do our best!! Thanks in advance for all the support.
Wow! Most of us had to wait a few days to hit all those milestones!
Let us know when she gets home.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Wow-she sounds like such a determined, spunky girl. Can't wait to read how she does once she gets home!
Hattie & Jerry
Hugs,
Hattie and Jerry Cat (right front leg and scapula amputation due to chondrosarcoma at age 14, lived 2 1/2 years post amputation, succumbed suddenly to suspected lymphoma at age 16)
10/2001 - 10/9/2017 R.I.P ~ Love you always
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