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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My six year old aussie got hit by a car. His left rear leg is broken at the knee joint. The ligaments are torn, and the leg is broken badly. The part of the bone that the ligament would be attached to for repair is sheared off. The knee cap is way out of its normal place. The vet took x-rays today and said the surgeon would be in on Monday. We have to wait until then to really know my options. But I am guessing I have three. One a surgery to try to repair and save the leg. Two amputation. Three to ..... Well I cannot even say three. The vet did not give me any real information. I mean she did, but she did not get specific into options. She did say even without the break the injury is severe. The broken bone makes it even more complicated. The good news is the pelvis is fine and so is his back. I know we have to see what the surgeon says. But the waiting is really hard.
So my concerns with surgery are that it will be difficult on him and still leave problems. I worry about use of his leg, long term pain, among other things.
So that brings me to amputation. I know many doges have full healthy lives with only three legs. I guess I just need some kind of feed back. Just a "listening ear".
Jack is such a great dog. He is active, fun, and so smart. He looks out for us, and I just want to take care of him.
goraidders said
Just a "listening ear".
You'll sure find that here, thanks for joining. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
We're not vets, hopefully you'll here from one soon in this forum. But too many times we hear from members who put their dogs through multiple, painful, expensive surgeries trying to "save the leg" only to proceed with amputation later. On the other hand, we have interviewed rehab vets who suggest most issues can be healed with lots of continuous rehab, if you're up for that.
Best wishes, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our Murphy was hit by a car, too. His left knee was blown and his right hip dislocated. He had surgery to repair both injuries and spent three weeks in the hospital. As it turned out, the femoral nerve in his left leg was so damaged that the retraction response never returned. The option for Murphy was amputation. He came through like a champ. That was last November. Due to the fact that he had very shallow hip joints, he became a chronic dislocator on the right hip. Finally, after the fourth dislocation, he had the hip joint replaced. You can read his story in the Beyond Cancer forum. There are also some videos we posted to show how well he has healed. He is every bit the same Murphy as he ever was. He runs on the beach, swims in the lake and tussles with his quadpawd brother just like he did before.
So , if you ask Jack what he wants to do, I'm sure that he will tell you to do whatever it takes so he can go on just being a happy dog.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Welcome Jack and family-
Sorry to hear about Jack's accident. If amputation becomes your option please do not be too scared of it. Dogs are so amazing and seem to adapt to there new normal without looking back. As I'm sure you're aware, Aussies are tough dogs and bounce back from things pretty quickly so I have no doubt Jack would do just fine. It's not a walk thru the park, but once you're past the first couple of weeks it get easier for a majority of dogs.
Please keep us updated on Jack's condition and know that we are here to listen and help. You might check out the chat room as there is usually someone there to help right away.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Online
Ditto to all of the above!
Sorry you're here, vut glad you found us! You will do the right thi g for Jack. It's obvious the deep love and devotion you have for him.....and he for you!
IF you have to amputate, everyone here will tell you now amazingy well their dogs are doig. Most dogs nere have a dreaded disease and the amutation is d e for a pain-free quality life and, hopefulky a very lnge! IF you amutate youill give hi quality AND longevity free from pain!
And you come here ANYTIME! We've all vented, we've all cried and we've all held each other up when things looked bleak! We are here for you and we understand the emotio al struggle you are going through right now.
Do keep us posted, okay? Jack sounds like adelightful soul and we lookforward to hearing...and seeing...more about him! We LOVE hotos aroud here!
Sally and Happy Hannan
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!
Jack is an amazing dog. He is so smart and active. It is so hard to think of him being slowed down. The waiting to talk to the surgeon tomorrow is so hard. I am imagining so many awful things. I find it hard to believe the leg can be repaired from looking at the x-rays and from what the vet said. Or maybe rather what she did not say. The bone at the knee is in pieces. The knee cap is way out of place. The vet basically said the rest of the injuries are so serious the knee is irrelevant. This is one of the longest weekends of my life. I am not known for being patient even under good circumstances.
I know it could have been so much worse. He only has the leg injury. His pelvis and back are fine. No internal injuries, but it is still so hard.
We love to backpack with him. I remember when my daughter was little she would use his pack to harness him to the wagon. Then he would pull her through the yard like a sled dog. He loved "working" like that. I always feel so safe at night knowing he is watching out for us. Several weeks ago he killed a water moccasin in our yard. He is strong and healthy and the most athletic dog I have ever seen. He would find things to jump over for the fun of it.
Thank you guys for listening. I will keep you posted on what happens. By the way that is him in the avatar.
He goes in for surgery tomorrow to amputate his leg. They said that with surgery to repair it would probably still leave him with chronic issues. This way he can heal and progress.
I am feeling pretty good about it.......... mostly. I guess....
I just want him feeling good again.
He will. You will be surprised and amazed at how he will do.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Amazing Jack will be back to being even more amazing before you know it.
Recovery from major surgery is no picnic But when the recovery part is over you will be sooooooo happy!
Get some rest tonight and know you are doing the very best thing for Jack! Jackisn't worried about a thing, okay?
We are here for you! You've probavly already navigated the site for suggestins. Make sureyou have scatter rugs for tractin ifnyou have hardwoods and a ramp if you have a lot of steps.
And lots of chicken, treats and even a scoop of ice cream every ow and then!! Ueah, the ice cream's for BOTH of you!
Check withus and let us know when he's out of surgeey, okay?
HUGS TO ALL!
Sally and Happh Hannah
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!
We'll be thinking good thought tomorrow for Jack. Keep us updated and get some sleepwhile you can. The first week or so are the hardest, but we all promise it will get better.
Hugs to Jack.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
I'm just now catching up on Jack's story and want you to know I'm sending lots of love and well wishes your way. Good luck tomorrow.
Yes, it's an adjustment, but you'll find all sorts of other ways to enjoy eachother's company in your new normal. We'll be here to help you through it. Keep us posted OK? And whatever questions you have, fire away, we're here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He came through surgery very well. The vet said he is doing great and he is so sweet. They all talk to him as they walk by and he just wags his tail. I wanted to go back to see him, but restrained my self. It would have been for me and not him. We pick him up tomorrow. I am nervous, excited, and scared.
Aww so glad to hear that he's doing great! You are smart to hold back on seeing him. Many vets won't allow it because it really gets the patient so excited and anxious. He got some good rest and will feel so happy to see you tomorrow. Have a great reunion and keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
!Yaaaaaaaaaay! Surgery isover and Jackis waggin' his tail! All is well in the land of Jack!!
Hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
He s doing great. When I went to pick him up he was so happy to see me. And I was happy to see him hopping along the hall. He just snuggled me a bit and whined. I have never heard him whine like that. I think he thought it is about time you came to get me from here. When we got outside you could tell he was ready to go home. He jumped in the van before I had a chance to help him. He stumbled a bit, then jumped right in. I guess he really was ready to come home. I am so happy. I cannot believe how well he is doing. Hopefully we have no set-backs.
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