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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Hi there, im new to this forum.
My dog had her leg amputated yesterday, just needing a bit of reassurance really i suppose.
Ive been told that she will adjust to it really quicky, she has been hppoing around on 3 legs now for about two and half years so im hoping she will find loosing her leg a bonus..
I had her whole leg and shoulder taken off, i had the choice to either do that or leave a stump, im thinking now that maybe i shouldve left the stump, so at least i couldve tried to get her an artificial leg, but i was worried infetion etc, what are your opinions on this ? did i opt for the right thing.
I cant wait for her to get back to her normal self its awful seeing her so confussed 
Welcome! You future forum posts will not require moderation.
We're not vets, but we have talked to and interviewed many! All too often we hear from people who opted for partial amputation with horror stories about issues caused by the dog attempting to use the remaining limb. But you are correct, prosthetics are only an option with residual limb and proper planning prior to the amputation. For more information, watch our interview videos about prosthetics and braces.
Every dog is different, but the vast majority do indeed adapt well. Consider reviewing the many links in Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful blog posts, forum topics and videos or download the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to the most common concerns. Post in the Share Your Story forum with more details about your pup to receive plenty of feedback from members!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to saysorry you find yourself here AND there is no better place to be under the circumstances!
I'm certainly no vet but can tell you that most surgeons believe it's best NOT to leave a stump for the reasons you have been told. Most dogs who have had a stump left end up going through another major surgery for total removal because of infection, injury, etc.
Recovery is a very scary time and a perfect breeding ground for doubting yourself...UNTIL you start to see the sparkle come back! And it will! Eevery dog is different...some adjust and recover faster...some slower. My Happy Hannah had a slower recovery and for al.ost three weeks I thought what have I done TO my dog. I can assure you, very quickly as recovery took n place, I knew I did this FOR my dog!!
Your dog just had major surgery and is still pretty druggy. Confusion, whining, crying, not walking very well...not unusual at all. And you may see this for several days and nights. Pain meds may need to be adjusted in a few days...up or down...just keep your vet in the loop as to how your pup is doing.
We are here for you! B R E A T H E and eat lots of chocolate!! Please stay connected...you are not alone. Recovery is no picnic, but it does get better!!!!
Sendng 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!
Thank you for your kind words, i love this dog to bits and she has been through so much over the past couple of years, i just want her to be happy and enjoy life to the full, she so deserevs it.
Shes still very quiet but i suppose thats to be expected, she used to love getting cosy on the sofa but she tends to find it difficult to do so at th moment, maybe that will come when shes healed a bit more, she also hasnt tackeled the stairs yet, which surprises me. She's been hopping round on 3 legs for over 2 years id have expected her to continue the way she was before she had it removed, its very early days yets though, i know..
How long before dogs kind of get back to normal, roughly ?
gildasmum said
How long before dogs kind of get back to normal, roughly ?
Every dog is different. There are many variables to consider—front or rear amp, breed, age, weight, etc.—but most people see vast improvements once their dogs are off the pain meds. Then it will be time to adjust to the "new normal" and focus on rebuilding strength. You'll find answers to these and many more common questions in the Tripawds e-books .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome ! if your dog was already adapted to not using the leg (this was my dog´s case also) she has already managed the balance issue. I would guess that, once stitches/staples are out and meds as well, she will be back to normal in 3 weeks, maybe even less. Do take good care of the incision, to prevent any infection. I protected my dog´s amp site making him wear a T-shirt for quite a long time - I guess about a month. It´s good to protect the skin until the fur begins to grow back.
Daniela
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Thanks Daniela
Im finding this to be quite a job, the vet gave me some primapore pads to put over the stitches but they keep coming off, Ive got some really wide vet wrap that ive wrapped aroung her, which is helping to keep the pads in place, but as she moves around and lays down even thats moving, may have to go dwon the t shirt route, but still trying to work that one out. Its wheeping a bit at the moment so i think the pads will be best for now if they stay put, i dont want anything sticking to it..
I agree it is best to remove the entire leg, including the scapula. I wrapped my dog Tazzie to prevent a seroma (full body wrap around the shoulder area) and also used a t-shirt.
pam
Ive read up on seromas, my girly has a bit of fluid, i have told the vet and he says thats its natural and it should get absorbed back in to the body, its not that bad to be honest, i have put a support vest on her, i made it out of an old pair of tights, works brilliantly, so hopefully this will help.
she is on antibiotics twice a day, has anyone else experianced this please, i am abit concerned, she hasnt any drains, but there is a little seepage on the pads she has on, so at least its coming out.
I am in constant touch with my vet, sending pictures etc.
It gets a bit worrying when you start reading up on things that might happen
Also. some good news, we tackeld the stairs last night and she slept on my bed with me having snuggles 
she found it a bit difficult to come down, but we took one step at a time and she was fine..
Stay in contact with your vet the way you have been and everything will be OK. A little drainage is normal and yes oftentimes seromas will re-absorb back into the body. Try not to make yourself crazy with worry, sounds like things are really normal. I hope you both have a nice weekend relaxing and recuperating.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, e v erything sounds well within the normal rane! I know this is such a scary time, but it does get better and you do start relaxing with th new normal.
Be real careful wwith the stairs for a bit longer. You certainly don't want any fall, or muscle strain or stitches coming out! Ugh!
I know you are so proud of your girl!!!
And shee proud ofnyou for being such a powerful advocate for her!
Yeah, fluid pockest are normal and usually do re-absorb. My Happy Hannah had a tennis ball size one for many, many days and never needed a drain...most don't. And yes, she was on antibiotics as are almost every dog after this surgery.
A little seepage happens s l metimes too. If it becomes really smelly or excessive, then you'd want to get it checked.
Sounds like all is good!! TRY and relax...I know, easier said than done...but it sounds like she's doing very well!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
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