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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We have a 22 month old GSD female that was shot in the front right leg last Friday. She had surgery on Monday to try and restore somewhat normal function to the injuried leg. Today the Surgeon called to say there is too much tissue and muscle damage to restore any use of the leg. He says we can wait but chances are not good, he is wanting to amputate in the morning. I am not sure what to expect.
Thanks for joining, sorry to hear abut your pup. You came to the right place for advice and support.
Jerry's Required Reading List includes many links to the best blog posts and forum topics regarding what you can expect during amputation recovery. As a young dog, she should do well if otherwise healthy. For immediate answers to the most common dog questions consider downloading the Tripawds e-book Three Legs and A Spare.
What's your dog's name?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OH MY GOSH! What happened?
I'm so sorry to hear about your dog!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
So Sorry to hear about your pup!
I have a friend who lives out in the country and her lab dog's legs were shot out from underneath him . He ended up with part of a front leg missing and the entire back leg missing after amputation. He was in rough shape and a disaster when they brought him home. Today he is a happy and healthy dog. He has 3 little boys he chases around and keeps up with.
My friend was a great support to me when we had to have our dog's leg amputated. I called her and she would check in on me. Buck was a great role model as to what life can still be with on 2 and1/2 legs! He still inspires us!
Stay positive!
PS.This website is a great place to be lots of great info from folks who have been there!
Oh my gosh! That is the second GSD who's joined us recently because of a gunshot wound. GRRRRRRR. Was it a horrible person or an accident?
Check out Bella's Story (and you can also PM her mom through the Forums if you want to compare stories).
We're here to help any way we can. Let us know what happens OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Whats your dogs name? Sorry to hear about the damage to her leg. We'll keep her in our thoughts and wish her a speedy recovery. Post a picture of her when you get a chance.
So sorry to hear about your dog's injury. You have come to the right place for help and advice. I am new here as well with an 8 week old puppy that is just a week and a half post amputation. He was abused and left abandoned at a local shelter and I saw him immediately after the amputation at the vets, he has been home with me since the day after amputation. His right hind leg was crushed so badly the only option was removal. He is doing awesome, acts like it hasn't changed anything a bit, and is a completely normal, healthy, happy puppy.
I imagine how devastated you must be though and am so sorry this has happened to your beautiful girl. As far as what to expect…don't expect the worst! The best advice I got was to treat Will normally, just watch the strain on his other legs and make sure he is rested after the surgery for a week or two. Will was supposed to rest for 2 weeks after his surgery but that lasted about 5 days and he couldn't be kept from being a puppy. I let him take it at his speed and he is doing fine. Your girl will tell you when she is ready to be up and moving again, watch her closely and keep her safe. Don't do everything for her… she needs to know she can do it on her own still. Do get elevated feed and water dishes so she doesn't have to bend over to eat or drink. That will help with balance.
I kept Will on Metacam (for pain) for 5 days and then stopped giving it. He hasn't had any pain that I know of and has not been hindered in his movement. I stretch him daily and you will learn how to do that as well. Watch the CARE videos, they helped me a lot. I wish you the best and hope you find the help you need here. I know I sure have.
Amy and Will
Welcome to the family. You can expect a very normal life with your pup one she heals. The great thing you have going for you is your not dealing with cancer, so you won't have that cloud over your head. Take a deep breath and listen to your vet, it will be a rough couiple weeks after surgery but one healed, you will never know she has three legs except for thehop, and that gives them character. Good luck, paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
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