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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi everyone,
I'm not sure if the alumni group is the right place for this, but I'll start here .
As I've mentioned before, we have been fostering labs through Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue. It has been a blast and we love seeing these wonderful dogs off to a new life. We are on our fourth rescue now. We said we wouldn't take any puppies but...well, duty calls. Here we are with an adorable 10-11 month old black lab named Cole.
When I picked him up at the transport, he was great. When I got home, I immediately began to notice that his activity wasn't what I would have expected from such a young pup. We have had three year olds with more bounce. His gait was odd, his hind legs slipped on the hardwood floors, and he was awkward on the stairs. But, I'd seen a couple of our rescues be a little wary of stairs. Then I heard the clicking sound from his hips. Within the first three hours, I suspected hip issues.
Today John took him in to the vet. Sure enough, total, bilateral hip dysplasia. Fortunately for Cole, the rescue often pays for medical procedures, so we'll be taking him in to a specialist.
But...holy cow.
Charlie's amp surgery was only 7 months ago. To go through what I expect will be a bilateral TPO with 6 weeks recovery time...right now...that feels a little crazy. I'm pretty sure they'll want to do it right away since usually they won't do these procedures after the pup is older than 12 months. I don't know how I could hand this sweet dog off to someone else for his recovery--but I also don't know how we'd get through it again.
...? I'm a little numb as I process all of this.
Heather
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Well, I haven't had experience with that kind of surgery but have heard it is a recovery. You & John did great with Charlie you will do great with this little guy. I know it seems so over whelming right now. But you were chosen for this little guy for a reason. Now practice the Breathing that you learned so well with Charlie. Let Charlie be your guide.
I know you can do it. You have us here to help guide you. The recovery will mostly be crate time and potty break on leash so you will be fine. Remember he doesn't have cancer and this can be over come with good supplements too.
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."
That is very tough news. One thing that I try to remember in these situations is that everything looks more daunting in advance than it ends up being- when you're in the middle of it, you're focused on day-to-day logistics and you don't have to figure everything out at once (which is how I always picture it before). He's very lucky to have you - it is a daunting recovery and not everyone would be able to deal with it (much less willing).
Yes, this a perfect spot to post about Cole!! After all, you and Charley are very special Alumni to us!
Youve gotten some great adive from Sassy and Roxy! I'm sure , in addition to everything else, this scenario"feels" like a repeat of Charlie's situation. Yeah, in some ways similar...but it's NOT that oiece of crap disease.
As Pollyanna as it sounds...you were put withCole for a reason. Don't know if sweet Charley had his paw innthis arrangement or not, but you have to trust this was "meant to be"
There are several here who have gone through this type of situation, even whenntheir dogs were already amputees. MURPHY and Daisy are two that come to mind. No, it won't be easy and it feels like a remake all over again. Actually, in some ways this may feel easier because y ou do have an idea of what to expect.
Now, that said, you are still grieving for Charley and your emotiow are still probably all over the place. The intense loss we feel when our tripawds cross over is not something people can not understand unless they go through it. It IS definitely okay forny i unto aske the rescue group to bring Cole into another home. You can be on the sidelines giving guidance and first hand knowledge to the foster. It may be the right dog...the right scenario...but just not the right time for you! PLEASE give yourself the gift of kindness and kno that, if Cole is with someone else innthis part of his journey, he will be well cared for and you can still open up your home to another mnemonic Lab who needs fostering.
REGARDLESS,we are here for you in whatever capacity you need! We know you miss Charley daily. PLEASE KNOW CHARLEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN HERE!! And what a beautiful, beautiful way to continue Charley's legacy by making a positive difference in the lives of so many dogs you have fostered. Charley is so proud!
Sending you lots of love and hugs!!
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!
I think things happen for a reason.... and what better people for this guy to be with than you guys!! Perhaps Charlie had a paw in this one... he knows that when Cole gets his surgery, and his recovery, that he will be in the best hands possible. After all... look what phenominal care you took of Charlie!! Cole is a pretty lucky dog to be with you guys...
I understand the grieving process is different for everyone... but perhaps this little guy Cole was put in your life for a purpose... to help him get through this... to help him recover.. and possibly to help you grieve a little easier when you are "paying it forward" by helping another sweet pup who needs someone who understands.
And, if Cole goes to another foster home, you will probably be wondering ... "are they doing this right?" "do they know how to manage his pain meds" " are they making sure he is comfortable" "are they following vet instructions" "Are they loving him and helping him heal"...... I know I would... I know I would be saying that I could do a better job!!! lol And that is because... I've been through a major operation with a beloved pet.. and not everyone understands.
You are an experienced pawrent... and you understand. What more could Cole ask for??
Christine... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Like others have mentioned...things happen for a reason. I have no doubt that Charley has helped guide Cole to you because of the way you loved him through his surgery and recovery. Not everyone is cut out to assist fur kids after a major surgery. It definitely takes special people to help a pet recover fully...and you guys did that with Charley's amputation.
Plus with helping little Cole it may lessen some of the hurt in your heart from Charley's passing. Who knows...perhaps Charley has sent Cole to you to be more of a permanent fixture in your life instead of just being a foster...
Our beloved Tripawds that have passed definitely work in mysterious ways.
Oh and like Christine mentioned...I too would be constantly wondering if the other foster family was doing things right in Cole's recovery. I guess I'm a little bit of a control freak that way.
Keeping you and little Cole in my prayers!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Thanks for the kind and supportive words, everyone. Yes, I'm coming around after an initial panic and recognizing what we have to give. He's such a sweet pup and while it will be more of a challenge than other fosters, I'm hopeful he will still get adopted afterward.
Mercy, these dogs. 
Again, thanks for talking me off a ledge.
Heather
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Oh yeah..."the ledge"....we've all been there and still visit on a regular basis!! At least when we go there, we're surrounded by great company!
Glad things are settling down a bit after the initial shock. So many old emotions popped up Imw sure. Try and remember..."this does not ewual that" and no one is better prepared than you and John for helping this sweet puppy. He's a very lucky boy!
Sweet Charley knew exactly what he was doingnwhen he sent you this "foster"!
Sending hugs to all!
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!
1 Guest(s)
