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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Toddy's surgery is tomorrow, a few questions...
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Member Since:
13 July 2017
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17 July 2017 - 9:41 am
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Toddy's(  our 7 yr old cocker spaniel)  surgery is tomorrow on his right front leg and I'm starting to get anxious. crying I don't have a ton of "dog lover" friends.  Toddy has been on tramadol 2x a day, gabapentin 3x a day and previcox for 2 years already due to his ivdd. After surgery will they or should they up his meds?  I'm just not sure how much of a tolerance he has built up over the last 2 years.  Our vet that treats his ivdd is over an hour away and it is hard to just run over there and get meds for him.  A little history.  2 years ago Toddy started limping.  Our regular vet in town sent us to a specialist, after tons of tests and treatment for the wrong thing that vet wanted to send us to UT Knoxville 4 hours away.  He could not figure out what was wrong.  We contacted the rescue where we got Toddy from and they recommended a vet for us.  As soon as this vet put his hands on Toddy he said "it's his neck....lets get an x-ray."  Sure enough he had 2 discs that have mineralized way before they should have.  He has managed with his med for 2 yrs but has had lameness in that leg ever since.  Last week they found the mass in his brachial plexus and the vet said we have to amputate. It is not where he can biopsy and  we won't know if it is cancer until they get the results back. (how long does this usually take?)  The tests show so far that it is not in his chest or bone. 

Also, Toddy is crate trained (as is our other dog) and will only sleep in his crate.  Is this going to difficult for him to maneuver in out of his crate?  I think I am just a case of nerves and I'm sure he will do just fine.  He is mr. happy go lucky today and I'm trying to hold it all together in front of him and our kiddos.  Inside my heart hurts for him but I know he is going to be so much better.

The positive for Toddy is that he doesn't use his right front leg much at all and it is really in his way. He is going up down our 3 deck steps with 3 legs anyway.   Toddy was abused as a puppyugh and has never had good reactions to being "messed with" when sick.  He has to be muzzled at the vet but is wonderful at the groomers.   Praying he does well with surgery and responds well to any aftercare he needs.

Heather and Toddy

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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17 July 2017 - 10:03 am
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I don't have a ton of "dog lover" friends.

You do now!!! It's absolutely understandable that you are feeling nervous. Please lean on us. That's what we are here for and we have all been, in one way or another, in the place you are in right now. The fact that Toddy has not been using his leg much for a while will certainly be helpful in terms of adjusting. That was the same for my Meg (right front too, as it happens) , and she had a very straightforward recovery. She gave every sign of being greatly relieved that the leg was finally gone. She is also a rescue with a traumatic history and, though she is vastly better than she was, tends to regress behaviourally when hospitalised (at first; she does improve if she has to stay in). Vets and vet techs are SO used to dealing with this sort of thing. That's their job. They will know just how to handle Toddy, to reassure him and help him feel more secure and comfortable.

The fact he is crate trained is really good, as that will help you to limit his movement when he comes home. The more rest he can get, the better. Just rest and treats and potty breaks. That's what he needs to help him recover. In terms of getting in and out of the crate. If he's been doing this all along, he'll probably find it even easier with the bum leg gone. 

Toddy is going to be perfectly fine. It's totally natural for you to worry, but do what you can to get yourself into a positive frame of mind, as Toddy will take the lead from you (looking around this site is helpful, as are the e-books, and take a look at the pics of dogs shortly after surgery; it will help you feel prepared for when you pick him up).

Most importantly, Heather, stay connected and keep posting. There is so much experience on this site, and such encouragement and support. We are all here for you and Toddy, any time, whenever you need us.

Big hug,

Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Member Since:
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17 July 2017 - 10:05 am
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Toddy 2Image Enlarger

ToddyImage Enlarger

Here are a few pictures of Toddy from today.  Hope I did this right. laughingwinker

On The Road


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17 July 2017 - 10:22 am
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Yes! You added pictures correctly. What a doll! I love that little bit of white on his muzzle. Very distinguished!

I'm in the Tripawds Chat room right now if you want to talk.

I agree with Clare, you have TONS of doggie lover friends now!

Try not to worry. With all your sweetie has been through, this won't be as bad as you may imagine. Remember, he's already an honorary Tripawd, now he graduates to the real deal. The fact that he is crate trained is a HUGE plus, it will do wonders to help him get the R&R he needs to heal. Plus his size is a bonus too.

Be good to yourself and know that you aren't alone. If you feel like talking the Tripawds Helpline is available, our Tripawds Chat room and of course these Forums.

We will be thinking of you as Toddy starts his new life on three. Keep us posted OK?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
13 July 2017
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17 July 2017 - 2:29 pm
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Thank you both for your kind words,  encouragement, support and advice. It has helped tremendously.   We have been loving on him all day and spending "extra" time with him. heart.

Heather , Toddy and familyaw-shucks

Member Since:
3 July 2017
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17 July 2017 - 3:28 pm
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Heather,

We are on day 7 post op from Loki's right forelimb surgery, and he is a champ. We had a long delay in diagnosis that left him limping for awhile, too, and despite the obvious surgical pain, he really seems relieved to have the leg gone.

The pictures of Toddy really say it all. He will take a little bit of adjusting, but as Megstamum said, the fact that he's already using three legs will make things much easier. He should be just fine maneuvering in and out of the crate, but give him extra time to think it all through. 🙂

Talk to your vet about increasing meds or not. Incisional pain is a lot different than chronic nerve type pain, so sometimes a big increase in meds isn't needed. That said, your vet will have a better idea of what to expect in that department, and it's usually easier to taper off higher doses than to struggle keeping up with a horribly uncomfortable pooch.

You're definitely in the right place here at Tripawds! Keep up the positive attitude!

Good luck to Toddy!

~~Brittnie and Loki

🐾 Loki, Dog of Mischief 🐶

I loved life as a tripawd for over three years following right forelimb amputation due to an aggressive and recurrent hemangiopericytoma. I reclaimed my place among the gods and valkyries in Valhalla on November 11th, 2020. My parents miss me tremendously, but I know they'll keep me in their hearts forever... and don't worry, I've approved my mom's use of my Tripawds account.

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17 July 2017 - 5:55 pm
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Brittnie,

I'm so glad Loki is doing good!  That's great news! It's comforting to be in the "same boat " together and to have this website !!!  I think Toddy will be just like Loki once his leg is gone.🙏🏻   I can tell the more active he tries to be the more it hurts (even with all the pain meds!) We have let him roam a little more today but limited jumping. I wanted to give him one last day to do his thing before he needs to recover .

We are sending puppy love for Loki to have continued good progress with his recovery!!! 

Heather and Toddy

Member Since:
17 November 2016
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17 July 2017 - 6:21 pm
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Hi Heather,

I just wanted to say hi and tell you we're wishing the very best for Toddy tomorrow! He is so cute!!!

Tracy & Zatoichiheart

Tracy & Warrior Angel Zatoichi 💓

Zato was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2016. He triumphed through radiation and amputation with dignity and grace. After living a life of love and happiness, Zato earned his angel wings on February 19, 2018.  Read his story here.

Minnesota
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1 May 2017
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17 July 2017 - 9:36 pm
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Heather & Toddy,

Welcome! - One more dog loving friend saying hello and wishing you both the best for surgery tomorrow. It sounds like you are prepared, nervous as heck, of course, but you can do this! My Rusty had been limping for some time (the first vet thought it was a partially torn ACL) and was mostly operating on three legs prior to surgery. I agree that this must have helped him learn to balance more quickly because it was incredible how quickly he was able to stand and move around. He definitely needed someone to lean on and catch him for a while and they do have to learn how to balance again but dogs are so adaptable. They just don't have our emotional hangups. Rusty celebrated his 2 month ampuversary on July 5 and has been really doing great. Can't wait to hear more of Toddy's story. 

heart Amy & Rusty

PS. Rusty's pathology report came back 10 days after surgery. 

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17 July 2017 - 10:47 pm
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Heather, 

I wish you and Toddy the best tomorrow. I haven't been through this.. yet. But, I can tell this will be a great resource. 

Our thoughts are with you. 

Christie 

And Oberon the Newf.. just diagnosed with osteosaracoma

Christie & Obie 

Oberon the Newfoundland, born 8/26/09. dx osteosarcoma 7/11/17

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18 July 2017 - 8:27 am
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Thank you for the well wishes and insight.  It helps tremendously to have the support from other people and pups who have been/are going through this. I  appreciate it more than words can say!!!heartheartheartWe dropped Toddy off this morning and it was emotional to say the least.  I managed to hold most of the tears until we got back into the car (then tried not to let my 2 kiddos see me sob).  They said I could call and check on him whenever I needed to .  I know this surgery is for the best.  I just hope he isn't mad at me and pulls  through the surgery with flying colors.  Thanks for listening to me ramble away!!!  Here is a video of Toddy walking yesterday.  I know it will be a blessing to not have to drag his leg around anymore!

Heather and Toddy

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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18 July 2017 - 8:43 am
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OH Heather he won't hate you!  Dogs don't hate.  They love!  Sending hugs and prayers to both you and Toddy today!  You're right he will not miss that painful leg.  Keep us posted when you can.  Toddy is absolutely adorable!

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18 July 2017 - 8:55 am
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Toddy will do great. Dogs are amazing creatures. The first few weeks might be rough at times, but I think you'll be amazed at how well he does. 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

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13 July 2017
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18 July 2017 - 4:54 pm
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Update on Toddy's surgery❤️❤️

Toddy's DR called and said the surgery went really good . No complications and he is resting well with his morphine I.V. cocktail.  ❤️❤️ He removed his front right limb and  shoulder. The tumor was in his brachial plexus ,roughly 5 cm & contained. He has sent tumor off for biopsy and now we wait...... I'm really trying to live in the moment but the medical person in me wants to run ahead ..(I keep telling myself to stop )

Can't wait to see my sweet boy. He should get to come home tomorrow evening . 

Heather & heavily sedated Toddy 🐶

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18 July 2017 - 5:58 pm
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That's great news!  I know you'll be so glad to see him tomorrow!

Tracy & Zatoichiheart

Tracy & Warrior Angel Zatoichi 💓

Zato was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2016. He triumphed through radiation and amputation with dignity and grace. After living a life of love and happiness, Zato earned his angel wings on February 19, 2018.  Read his story here.

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