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
And I am 90% sure she is fine BUT OMG... talk about PTSD flashbacks...
So our week - Monday was my bday and who doesn't like to clean up dog vomit on their bday?
Tuesday - at daycare - no issues reported
Wednesday - I got home from work a smidge late which is never a huge issues and while I was changing into walking pants, Jasper pooped - TWICE - on my rugs. She's NEVER pooped in the house. Not once in the time I have owned her. In fact, if anything, I can rarely get her to poop twice a day! Poor thing. So on our walk, more poop (not super solid either like the mess in my apt). Then she starts farting ... and I do mean LOUD so obviously, she's scared of her own booty and I try not to laugh.
I give her a light dinner w/no veggies and some kibble w/pumpkin. Then I decide to give her some white rice since she still seems off. She's totally eating fine and will play but not super motivated. She usually plays w/her ball all night, then settles in w/her antler.
This morning - 4 am! She wakes me up moving around on the bed. I beg for another 30 min of sleep... not happening so up we get. I get her outside and her farts could wake the neighborhood! So she's scared. Scooting her booty on the grass but won't poop but I can tell she needs to. Finally ... big loose poop. We go home; she lays down, licking her butt non-stop. I go for my run (since I am up, why not). We go for another walk and again, farting, scooching, another poop. I figure she's got it out of her system and I am just thinking - this is not the day for this my friend.
Come home and she's acting fine so I give her some pumpkin to settle her belly. As I am drying my hair she runs into the bathroom with me and won't leave. So I know something is wrong so off to the vet she went. Thankfully they took her but since we didn't have an appt, I had to leave her there.
Of course, the rational me is thinking, she probably has a parasite or something. Probably licked the wrong grass leaf on our walk (this dog nips grass ALL the time and it makes me crazy). Or she ate something outside that upset her belly.
But the post-Shelby me is freaking out ... It all feels familiar. I am very alone in a very big city - again. I am tired. I ate chocolate for breakfast (Sally will appreciate that). I don't any anyone to talk to about this. I feel scared. I feel alone. And I can't go there again.
So I have to wait until the vet calls which could be hours. I spent over an hour in my car going from home to the vet to the office. And to get back to Jasper and then home, probably 90 minutes (pure traffic ... I could probably run to her faster). I am just exhausted by life at this point and it's only 8:30 a.m. here....
Sorry to be a downer but I am truly not ready to deal with this again. Which is probably nothing but once your dog goes through what we go through here ... every little thing that isn't normal create super high stress! Prayers and good thoughts for JL please!!! 
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
HANG ON ALISON!!! THIS IS CLASSIC SOME SORT OF BACTERIA TUMMY UPSET!!! I didn't post this, but several mo thd ago I took Merry Myrtle to the ER (of course, always a week end) because she threw up a couple of time and had diarrhea for a day or two and not as chpper as usual.
Eight million dollars later....bland prescription diet and some tummy meds. If I recall, I think I insisted in sub Q "just in case", although the Vet said it wasn't necessary. She was fine in a couple of days.
Goodness knows we ALL understand your panic! When I saw your thread title my heart skipped a beat! And then you have all that crazy driving back in forth jn that LA traffic....UGH!!
But Alison, even in your state of panic, your delightful wit always comes through!! Just another reason we all looooooove you!
Update us when you can. Grab the chocolate and wine too! You live in California,wine for breakfast is perfectly acceptable!! "They" may frown on chocolate, but that's their loss!
LOVE AND A GAZILLION HUGS!!!!!
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!
Ok Alison. Breathe. I know it feels like you are alone. Pick up the phone call the help line. It is there for all of us. Call me. I am working inventory. I will pm you my number on FB. I know it may not be easy with work.
Has she destuffed any toys lately??? If so she might be trying to pass something. (not to scare you)
Will be saying some prayers.
Hugs
xoxoxo
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."
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!! We are ALL waiting with you. This sounds very much like the sort of gastro thing Elsie and Billie have both had but if course you are going to be desperately worried, that's totally to be expected after everything you've been through. Sending so much love and a massive hug. Please update when you can. We will be sitting here waiting.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxxxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted 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 Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Oh Alison so sorry you're going through this. But you're doing everything right. I'm sure it's just a bug or slight infection she's picked up from her walks. I'm a big believer in a prebiotic/probiotic supplement. It helps strengthen their whole immune system. Riley has always had soft poos from time to time and now since he's been getting these he's like a new dog. I get you though once you've walked this walk our minds go directly to the worst scenario possible. Try to not worry I'm sure she'll be fine. Once both Ollie and Riley had just what you're discribing and it was from eating cat poop. Both had swallowed it before I knew what was happening. Keep us posted but I feel confident this is but a bump in the road not the sinkhole you're imagining. 😀 Hugs and love my friend!
First off your not alone! You have all of us.
Happy belated Bday too!
Im sorry you and Jasper are going thru this, whatever it is or is not!
We can all certainly relate to the scared of what it is .
Poor Jasper having the belly issues and the scary farting, puking and poops!
Bless her heart wondering whats coming out of her!
90% sure you gut instinct says its going to be ok.
I like those odds! Hang in there, DO some breathing, this is a good one to go by!
https://www.drw.....exercises/
Eat More chocolate !
Let the vets do there test and most likely will give her some fluids and see whats up.
We are sending pawsitive energy , good thoughts and prayers for you both!
HUGE HUGS
Holly & Purrkins
I totally get where you are emotionally. I think no matter how much time has passed, it is so easy to be right back there again. We are all with you and hoping that this is just a big nothing.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Oh we totally get that, it's hard not to think the worst. I'll be the first to admit that cancer goes through my mind whenever Wyatt Ray has weird health issues. All we can do is wait for the vet to call and give feedback. There's a fine line between being vigilant and observant, and having a meltdown until they call. You're walking it just fine Alison. Hang in there and remember we're all thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you FRIENDS! And thank you Michelle for the chat this morning!!! I was feeling better until I called the vet and they had still not seen her (grrrr.... ). I know she was a walk-in but the receptionist was a complete a'hole and now I am shopping for a new vet because I am so angry with how I was treated.
So we don't know anything but they asked if they could do blood work and xrays which I guess is standard. I don't know ... blood work makes sense but xrays?
So on the ledge again ... they will look at her between noon and 3 my time and as much as I am glad (sort of ) that I am at work... I am still incredibly worried about her. At least our vet - when I told him that when you lose a dog to cancer, you just kind of freak out over everything, was compassionate. He loved Shelby.
If his office staff wasn't such a'holes... I would stay w/him. 🙂
So still no news ... will keep you posted. If this is from eating cat poop .. .that dog is getting a muzzle to wear on our walks! I swear. I am over her snacking.
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
PS - Holly - thank you for the breathing! I should do more of that in general but that was / is really helpful!!!
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
X-rays make sense, too, because they'll look for a blockage.
Every time Cassie catches bunnies (why do they insist on living in our yard!?!?) she acts this way....diarrhea, loud bowel sounds, gas, but she acts perfectly fine. She wants to eat, she'll play, doesn't act like she's sick at all. In the past the vet has given me a prescription dry food for her, but usually what I do is take the food dish away (we normally free-feed, so the dish is just down all the time)..we take it away for a day, then I let her eat again and she's usually fine again. Or I'll start her with rice & boiled hamburger.
Odds are it's just a bacteria she picked up....breathe...
Hugs to you!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Ditto Donna,
Xrays are standard when you have belly issues. I would be shocked if it was not recommended. They want to make sure she has not eaten anything and causing blockage or whatever.
I think just by her being bumped is good news, if she was in danger she would not of got bumped back! Thats how they work those drop off without appt. by emergency. Sounds like good news!
I’m glad you tired it. It is very helpful! Simple breathe and we forget to do it or breathe too fast , hold our breathe. We need these tricks in this life😉
I like the 4-7-8 even if your stressed you can remember the 4-7-8 . Keep breathing we are still with you!
Print it and take it with you practice ,it will stick with you after awhile;)
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins
Lordy, Alison, my heart stopped when I saw this forum topic.
As everyone says, I've no doubt it's some cooty infestation from something she ate or some evil virus. and it is damn funny when their farts startle them. I always laughed, it's hard not to. I don't know about Jasper but Isa always looked to me for an explanation.
I, as everyone, totally get the PTSD issues. I took Wallee (the cat) in to get her teeth cleaned last week. I had anxiety attacks getting ready to leave the house and more when I walked into the vet's office. and I like my vet's front office people.
so sorry your vet's people made it all that much worse and LA traffic on top of that. I've been gone for a long time (born and raised in the 'burbs outside LA, adult life until 40 in LA proper). How have you managed not to kill anyone?
Keep breathing and keep us posted. We're all here for you.
hugs!
Teri and Angel Isa
Right rear leg amp 7/12/16 due to OSA. Metastatic lesion on her right front leg, January 2017. Joined the Winter Warriors January 19, 2017. Run free my sweet girl.
SHE IS FINE!!! They still don't know what is wrong w/her other than a belly full of gas (OMG her farting sounds). They are going to give her a shot for the diarrhea, some probiotics and some anti-priobiotics? Linda you called that one!
Initial blood work looked fine but they are sending it out to be safe.
Xrays looked good. They saw her breakfast in her belly! I really wish she would poop that breakfast out since she needs to give them a sample to test. They offered to give her some food to make her poop and I hope she will or I'll have to drive cross town w/dog poop in the car and that's 30 of my life at rush hour I'll never get back! 🙂
So we really don't know what caused this ... maybe a parasite... he can't really tell. But he said she will be fine and that was all I needed to hear. I'll get her back after 6 tonight.
And yes - Jasper was terrified of her farts earlier today. It was hard not to laugh as she is a really sensitive dog (unlike Shelby who had more of a sense of humor) but since she is petrified of fireworks ... doesn't surprise me that sounds coming from her booty freak her out. And I am sure it feels funny too.
So thank you friends!!! As Michelle said - this was the first 'medical issue' we've been through together and it shook me at my core (also probably the 4 a.m. wake-up call). But she is a young and healthy girl. And she is coming home tonight!!!
And Teri - if you saw my FB posts, you would see my pure rage that I have for the 405 on a regular basis. Driving in LA is not for the faint of heart at all. I want to slay regularly!!
XOXO
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
3 Guest(s)
