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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Wooly's surgery is tomorrow. I'm SO nervous. I had an apt at the vet today, for another child. I was asking for reassurances but couldn't get any. I'm been taking pictures and videos since his diagnosis 7 months ago, but took several more over the past couple of days...Wooly outside walking around, the splint getting in his way, sniffing everything, standing there wagging his tail at me, laying his head in my lap, nudging me when I stopped petting him. Even though I've said that I have accepted the risk of the surgery, that he could pass away during it, I would be so upset, heartbroken. Trying to keep him in a splint any longer just isn't fair to him. There are only 2 options left, amputation or euthanasia. I am not ready to let him go and I don't believe he is ready to let go. If the surgery doesn't go well or if he doesn't adapt well, I will be devastated, full of guilt and remorse. Oh my gosh, I am just so nervous. My sweet boy is going through a serious surgery and losing a limb, at 14+ years old.
Yes, it's all very nerve wracking, gut wrenching and intense emotions on this journey. BUT you are making the decisions out of love and in his best interest. You are ending his pain and giving him a chance to be himself again. So many senior dogs here have done well on 3 legs. He will surprise you.
Most of us have been where you're at so we fully understand the second guessing and the emotional roller coaster. Take a deep breath and know we are here for you. Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.
Amy & Spirit Libby
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
Thank you. This site has definitely helped with the decision. I might feel a little better if my vets agreed with my decision and were being supportive. I will be having a long chat with them, after the surgery.
I remember feeling the same way. The night before the surgery until they come home again are so gut wrenching. Just keep telling yourself that you are doing what you believe is best for him and you are being an amazing advocate! I'm sorry that your vet isn't being more supportive.. that's the worst. Good luck with everything and keep us posted!
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
We'll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending all our pawsitive energy and healing wishes for a speedy recovery! Please keep us posted. Meanwhile, remember, one day at a time. If you focus on all of the what if's, you'll be so caught up in the potential negatives that you won't see the progress he's making. Be pawsitive and stay strong, you can do it!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can relate to how you feel, surgery day was hard on me too. I thought about backing out again right up until the moment I handed my pup over to the vet. As humans we associate amputation with feelings of loss and lots of emotional struggles - like fitting in, how we'll get stuff done, what we're missing out on, etc. They say dogs don't do that, they adjust quickly to change and live in the present with no worries about health and the future. Keep reminding yourself of that tomorrow, I think it might help. Also remember that more than anything else you are giving Wooly a special gift tomorrow - you're taking away his pain and he needs that!
This journey is tough on the emotions and nerves, no question. Please keep us posted, we'll be looking for updates on his status tomorrow. In the meantime, think about getting runners for any slippery surfaces in your home, especially hardwoods, as they will make it easier for Wooly to get around when he comes home. Doggie boots work too if they have treads, but you don't want to keep those on him all the time because they're not good for his paws. Pick out a t-shirt or two for him to wear over the next few weeks to cover up and protect his wound and consider getting raised food bowls if you don't already have them. They'll make feeding time easier because Wooly won't have to lean down and lose balance when he's just getting used to life on 3 legs. Stocking up on some of his favorite foods might be good too. He's been through a lot, he deserves special treatment!
Rest assured, your baby knows you love him and that you'd never do anything to harm him, only things to help him. He does know that, he DOES!
Good luck tomorrow and remember to keep us posted, please.
Wishing you strength, courage, patience and peace on your journey.
Claudia and Angel Jersey Girl
Hope all goes well for Wooly's surgery...we'll be thinking of him and your family. FWIW, Lexie at 13+ seemed to be a lot happier post-amp to be rid of all that pain in her bad leg. Hopefully Wooly will feel the same way.
And definitely get runners for any hard surfaces. We just found a carpet remnant store nearby that has great prices and does really reasonable binding...custom measurements, and less expensive than buying used on Craigslist. Not sure if you have stairs, but if so, definitely invest in baby gates (great to buy off CL). Lexie wanted to do the stairs a lot faster than we anticipated -- but not good for stitches / sutures.
Good luck, and keep us posted on Wooly!
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.
Good morning,
Hope you got even a little bit of rest last night.
I'm sure that Wooly's surgery will go well today and remember - it is your love for him that lead you to this decision.
Keep us posted on how he is doing.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
My special boy is in surgery now. I tried to maintain my composure but as I led him to the back room that he just left a few days ago, I started tearing up. A couple of last minute xrays were done, one of the broken leg and one of a back leg with some pain (the area he had been shot as a stray). Both looked good, except for that darn break at the wrist. I'm hanging out in the area until after he's out of surgery.
Best of luck today - keep us posted!!!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Wooly's surgery went well, no complications. I was able to see him for a few minutes right afterwards. I tried not to look at the wound, to look at his face, but caught glimpses of it, moving, and it just broke my heart. He had a towel on part of his body but was shivering; I just wanted to climb in the cage with him. His eyes were open and he was looking around, but I wasn't sure if he knew I was there. I kept petting his head, talking to him. When I got up to leave, he lifted his head and was watching me, so back down I went, to pet him some more. Every time I started to leave, he did this, picking up his head, watching me. I didn't want to leave him but knew he needed his rest and I needed to get back home to take care of the other kids. One day at a time, one step at a time, one moment at a time. I SO hope he can adjust, do well physically and most important, be happy.
OH yay Wooly! Glad everything went well.
Try not to worry. It can be stressful for an animal to see their human when they are in a doped up state of mind. He'll be OK when he's finally home with you. Do you know when he'll be released?
Hang in there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I hadn't planned to see him after surgery, I was just there for an update and to drop off some of his favorite food. They said he was back in the kennel and led me to him. I was surprised that he was even awake. I called at the end of the day to check on him. The receptionist said he was fine, just sleeping and didn't think that he had eaten yet. The vet said patients are usually sent home the day after surgery. I sure hope he makes the decision based on the patient and not the standard procedure. I already have a harness, elevated diners, a soft bed, pillows, booties and a big area rug but still need to throw down some runners. I'll need to lock up the cats because they love Wooly and are always cuddling around him...even though he doesn't care for cats, he lets them. I'll make a big batch of chicken and rice in the morning. I hope I have everything covered. I'm so nervous.
It sounds like you are very prepared for Wooly to come home 
The throw rugs are very important - Tuck still looks for them when he is walking on the hardwood floor at home and he is seven months post amp.
Try to get some rest tonight....the first couple of weeks can be a bit rough while Wooly adjusts to medication and his new tripawd reality.
Remember when you pick him up - look in his eyes- ignore the incision - it will heal and soon the fact that he is missing one leg will be "normal".
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
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