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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I am new to Tripawds with a 7 year old blue merle Sheltie boy, Sketch, who underwent left rear leg amputation this Monday (9/21/15). His cancer dx was Fibrosarcoma with no visible spread beyond the femur. He came through the surgery fine, was up and hobbling on 3 legs within 20 hours and came home late Tuesday...26 hours post surgery. His incision is healing with no sign of infection, he walks well on 3 legs, has only stumbled once, is eating/drinking 100% normally. Last night he became restless and couldn't settle for more than a few minutes at a time. When outside this morning he pulls on lead to go to areas of the yard that he loved to explore and play in before he lost his leg and then when we get there he just sags and looks dejected and confused. I keep my voice normal and talk to him as if nothing has changed and this is just our usual time together in the field...but he looks up at me with none of the sparkle that he used to have in his eyes. Is post-op depression fairly standard for a little dog who has been through an amputation? Thanks...Sketchie's Mom.
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What many new members consider depression in their recovering dogs, can often be attributed to pain, the side effects of pain medication, withdrawal from sedation or opiates, or a reaction to their owners' behavior, and various other factors.
Use the Advanced Search feature above to refine the results for these numerous existing forum topics discussing the subject:
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Many Tripawds bloggers also share their stories in great detail, and you can search all blogs here .
It is still very early in Sketch's recovery. What type of medication is he on? Tramadaol and/or a Fenatanyl patch can cause disphoria, pacing, staring, and various other side effects. And "coming down" off the patch can be like a junkie having withdrawal symptoms. He may also be overdoing it if he is walking around/across a big yard to potty and may indeed be "sad" (more likely confused) about why he can't go in his favorite spot. All in good time...
Take things one day at a time, Be More Dog , and be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful links or consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to these and other common concerns.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Sketchie's Mom,
I'm sorry your Sketchie had this diagnosis and had to have his leg amputated. I'm sure you want to see that sparkle in his eyes again and it will come back! He's only a few days out of major surgery and he's definitely still in the recovery phase, w/ all that means for adjusting to the meds, the new way of walking etc. You say he's eating and drinking normal, his incision looks good and he's up and around enough to walk to the yard. All of that sounds really really good. He might certainly be a little unsure of himself, especially if he senses that you are worried about him going off on his own to explore. Give him another week and when you look back, I bet you'll be surprised at how far you've both come in that time.
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
Welcome to Tripawds Sketch and Mom.
It is very early in recovery from a major surgery. Our vet said the only walking allowed for the first two weeks were short potty breaks and for food. Remember Sketch is using his body differently now- he is probably quite tired after hoping a bit around the yard. And depending on the meds he is on that will mess with his mind also. I think on average around here most pups get the sparkle back at two to three weeks.
That being said...my pug Maggie, who lost her left rear leg to a mast cell tumor, was a stubborn little dog who HATED any change to her routine. She was walking the day of surgery and never needed help getting around. She didn't poop for a few days, but otherwise everything was normal. No complications from surgery, her pain was managed well, etc. It took her 6 WEEKS before she would play with me again. I was sure by that time I had made a horrible decision by choosing amputation (has it crossed your mind?). Mag had her amp before Tripawds was here so I didn't have anyone to ask. All the vets said 'dogs do fine on three legs'- sure, all except mine! Once I thought about it, it was totally in Mag's character to be grumpy for so long. When I bought a new car (long before the amp) and she couldn't ride in the front seat anymore she pouted for a month!
So give Sketch a little time. Most likely he is getting used to his new normal and reacting to meds. Each dog recovers at their own pace- Maggie was on the long time line, some recover faster.
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
Thank-you so much to everyone for the warm welcome, the information links and the kind words of support. Sketch is on Tramadol, Gabapentin and Capaquin for pain/inflammation and Antirobe (antibiotic). He had already been on all but the Antirobe for a couple of weeks prior to surgery to help with pain...so I don't think the meds are playing a part...although I could be wrong about that. Having had both Samoyeds and Pommies, I do know that the northern spitz breeds especially can have a negative reaction to Tramadol...panting and restlessness, but at least previously Sketch has done OK on Tramadol. He is always on lead outside and will be for the next 3 weeks, so movement is curtailed.
I am happy to report that the update from this evening is already far better than this morning's post. Sketch's tail had been bound up with hospital tape at the vet's (he has a long very feathered tail) to keep it from being soiled when he is eliminating and I removed the bindings today which visibly perked him up...he has always hated anything on his body except his collar. So of course the soft E-collar is not a welcome addition either as far as he is concerned, but that will have to stay on until his stitches come out in 12 days. And he finally had a huge poop mid-day...the first since he went into the hospital Monday morning...I am sure that alone is making him much more comfortable.
Although I worked for close to 20 years in Sheltie rescue and have dealt with dogs coming from mills and BYB's that had a huge number of health issues and handicaps, this is my first experience with amputation. I have a lot to learn and am thankful to have found a site with so much good supportive information.
Again, my thanks...and Sketchie sends a tail wag. Sketch's Mom
Hi Sketch & Mom!
I'm pretty new here as well ... my Izzy is just a few days ahead in the journey than Sketch and lost her front left instead of hind leg. I've been fortunate enough to be able to stay home with Iz so far and she hasn't licked of scratched at her incision once. Maybe Sketch can forgo the "cone of shame " when you're home with him? That will definitely lift his spirits!
I hope he continues to do well ... keep us posted!
~Amy & Izzy
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Hi Sketch and Mom....not much new to add to what the others have already said; I do think the meds are what causes the biggest change their personalities. I guess I never thought of my Dobe, Nitro, as being depressed...I felt he was just in pain. And it really is early in the recovery for him. Be patient, his sparkle will come back before you know it. Keep us posted.
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
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR POOP!! Way to go Sketch! Would love to jear how you got that name!
You've already gotten GREAT advice from everyone.
I'll just reiterate, it's VERY early in recovery from MAJOR surgery! Humans would still be in the hospital on a morphine drip! Being a tripawd is exhausting work, especially at first. So for now, just short potty breaks and lots of rest.
It's so hard to be patient, but Sketch will get his sparkle back vigger and brighter than before.
Big hugs to you and a smooch to Sketch!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
As to his name: Sketch was a rescue...came to us at about 7 months old, near starvation and loaded with parasites. He is a blue merle and his markings look like a child's goofy drawings on an Etch-A-Sketch toy...so Sketch seemed the right name for our sweet rescue boy.
Both my husband and I are retired and home full time...so Sketch is able to have 24/7 support...which is a big relief to us to be able to be with him all the time esp right now.
Thanks to all who have added kind messages of support. 🙂
Sketchie's Mom
Adding to what the others said ,.... give it time! Sketch will find his sparkle and you will be thrilled .... He is so lucky to have 24/7 support! That will definitely help.
We would love to see photos if you have anything!
Peace and hugs!
alison with spirit shelby in her heart
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
Amy, my very best wishes to you and your Izzy as you travel through this recoup journey.
I have tried to let Sketch go E-collar free but the instant it is off he is at his stitches...so another week+ before stitches are out and the E-collar can be history...that will be a big celebration day! 🙂
Sketchie's Mom
Welcome to the club Sketch! Everyone else has given so much great advice, I can only echo their sentiments. My dog Murphy had his rear left leg amputated in August. He got his sparkle back after three weeks, coincidentally when his stitches came out, I think he felt a lot better once they were removed. I remember reading about a post surgery crash, when the strong meds and the excitement from coming home wear off. It does take a little time, that can feel like forever but then in a blink of an eye the sparkle is back! Best of luck to you and Sketch!! 😀
Murphy, became a tripawd on August 17, 2015. Went to the rainbow bridge on July 5, 2016.
The journey continues for our Sketchie boy as he gets used to being minus one leg. This morning Sketch's left ear was itching, so he sat down all ready to scratch it with his left rear paw...but no left rear leg or paw. He kept looking back to where his leg had been as if to say..."Hey, where the heck is my leg...it is supposed to be right here?". I will have to sub as his replacement left side scratch paw from now on.
Last week Sketchie got a steroid shot in his remaining hip which seemed to be having trouble with it's new load...and once past the discomfort of that shot he has been doing super well...still limited on exercise but each day we add a tiny bit more. Daily we see little things that are now going to be the new normal for Sketchie... and once in a while he gets a little confused when his body just doesn't work quite the way it used to...but for the most part he takes it in stride super well.
There was a happy milestone moment this morning when he picked up a toy for the first time since the amputation and brought it to me to toss in the air for him to catch. He has always loved games of toss/catch...so that was a biggie in the road to emotional and physical recovery. 
Again, Sketch and I thank everyone for their words of support.
Sketch's Mom
Hi Sketch and mom....glad to hear he's doing well. Milestones, no matter how big or small, are awesome! I love how he's figured out how to adapt to 3 legs. The first time my Dobe managed to hold a bone with his one front leg I beamed with pride. Here's to Sketch's continued success in Loving Life on 3 Legs !
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
I called it the 'air scratch', Maggie was also a left rear amp. She would scratch the right side ear and chin with her right rear leg, then move her head to the other side, stick out her chin, and you could see her little stump churning away! At first it was funny and sad at the same time...but after a few months she figured out nothing was happening. So I would scratch for her, or she would wipe her face and chin on the furniture, or her sister or whatever.
I will never forget when Maggie showed interest in her toys again! Finally I was convinced I had done the right thing.
Glad Sketch is getting used to his new normal!
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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