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!
Our family puppy, a 10-week-old miniature Australian shepherd, Scout, was in an accident where a table fell on top of his right front leg, breaking it clean through right at his elbow. After consulting with multiple orthopedic surgeons, no one wanted to operate on his tiny legs for plates and pins. Not to mention it is a very costly procedure that they think would end up leading to amputation anyways.
Our only options were euthanization or amputation, as I'm sure most are in this type of situation. He is scheduled for amputation on Monday morning while we try to manage his pain for the weekend.
He is so young and it feels so unfair to him, but we're here to educate ourselves through this tricky journey. He was supposed to be able to be our family adventure dog for lots of outdoor activities, so we're adjusting to learning so that we don't let him overexert himself or injure his remaining legs once he recovers.
We don't know much of what to expect, but we found this community and are looking for advice for post-procedure comfort/adjusting as well as how to give him the best quality of life we can for him.
Grateful that this community exists because all we've pretty much been told is "he'll be fine and adjust normally".
Hi Brandy and Scout, welcome. I'm so sorry about the accident! Yikes!
Sounds like you've done all your homework which is great. Being educated about your options will make you feel better about the decision to amputate. It's not easy but you will see that Scout will do better than you ever imagined. Yes he will be fine for sure, but as a Tripawd parent there are many things you can do to make sure he lives a comfortable and injury free life, while still being a happy dog.
As a young dog who hasn't developed all of his motor skills yet, he may have some extra challenges along the way. He might also develop some bad posture and gait habits that can increase his risk of early osteoarthritis. To stay on top of that, you'll want to meet with a canine rehab therapist so they can guide you on his activity levels, proper exercise, etc. Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit so please take advantage of the program. If you'd like help finding a therapist just let me know.
Be sure to check out our What to Expect articles and the Tripawds e-books library so you can get some more guidance. Stay tuned for feedback from others too OK? And holler with any questions you have. We are here for you both.
You clearly love your sweet Sout and are willing to do whatever it takes to restore his quality and let him be the Happy dog he was born to be!
Can't add anything to Jerry's post.
2hile amputation isn't an easy decision, it is definitely the best solution in Scout's case. It's one surgery, a solid two week recovery period, gaining a good gait and done! No pins, no lengthy confinenpment, no multiple surgeries because the "repairs" didnt work.
He can still be uour outdoor adventure dog....as well as a smuggler laying by your side on the sofa👍 Weve had three leggers participate indock diving, agility, nose work, swimming, hiking.all ..sorts of adventures to be had with your pupper.
Wish I could remember the name of the puppy who was a three legger as a "child" and thrived into adulthood just fine. Maybe JERRY can find the thread. Seems like he was a Retriever and his name was Buddy.....maybe?
After you check out Jerry's links, make a list of any questions you may have so we can help you navigate through recovery and on to adventures with your pup
We are here by your side to help you in any way we can. Stay connected
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
My dog, Loki, lost her leg at the same age as your Scout. I adopted her a couple of months latest, so I don't have experience with making the decision to amputate and going through the recovery. But I'm here to tell you that young dogs adapt very quickly to life on three legs. Before long, Scout will have been on 3 longer than he was on 4. As an Aussie, I expect he's resilient and tenacious and he'll do just fine.
Hi All,
Thanks for the support. Just wanted to update. Scout had his amputation surgery today and during recovery he went into cardiac arrest and passed away. They were not able to revive him. We're heartbroken for our poor little guy.
OH noooooo! Oh my gosh poor pup, and poor you! What a terrible shock! I can't begin to imagine the heartache everyone felt. These things are so rare.
Thank you for letting us know, that was not an easy thing to do at a time like this. Try to take comfort in knowing that you were doing everything right to give him the best life a dog could ask for. Scout knew he found amazing people and his spirit will carry all that love you gave him into eternity.
My heart goes out to you, I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. May your sweet little guardian angel be by your side forever, and run free at the Bridge, happy and pain-free, will all our Tripawd heroes.
Stunned and shocked and soooo heartbroken to read this. Sorry doesn't even begin to describe how our hearts ache for you. So completely unexpected.
We all "know" with ANY surgery of any kind (minor or major, for humans or animals) there is a risk. In most cases like amputation, a fairly minimal risk. All the proper pre-work up in the world still doesn't give us a 100% guarantee of success. For whatever reason, there may have been some undisclosed "issue" that Svout had that could not be detected. We proceed though because complications are rare and the outcome usually a good one. And definitely in this case, a goof solution that we all would have done.
I can only imagine how empty your house is now and how jard ot is to see all the preparations you had done for homecoming. The void will hurt for a long time.
You WILL, at some point, find comfort in knowing Scout got to experience joy and love with you in his very short earth life.
I have no doubt when Scout was greeted back "home" to the Rainbow Bridge, he was greeted toys and treats and lots of shoes and pillows and socks to chew! And talk about "outdoor adventures", Scout will romp and frolic in ways he never could in his earth clothes. Ya'll see, at The Bridge, dogs never tire and can never "overdo". They experience endless joy and fun 24/7.
Scout, we fell in love with you as soon as we read the word "puppy". You are furever a family member here, okay?
Surrounding you with Scout's pupoy breath and happy personality......
(((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
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