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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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3 Month Old Rescue - Surgery in Two Weeks
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Member Since:
15 September 2023
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15 September 2023 - 8:06 pm
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I just rescued a 3 month old from a kill shelter who needs her leg amputated due to a terrific break in three spots, including the growth plate. She’s currently acting like a normal puppy, showing no signs of pain, but definitely doesn’t put much weight on her hind leg. 

 

This is all happening very quickly as she was on the euthanize list and given to me within days. Please give any advice on post-surgery, life once healed, etc.!! 

 

I’ve seen some recommendations online that I get a ramp for my bed and couch. Does anyone use one of these and recommend it?

 

Thank you in advance for all your tips and tricks! Cleo and I greatly appreciate it. 🙂

New England
Member Since:
11 January 2022
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16 September 2023 - 4:49 am
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Welcome Hannah and Cleo. Your future posts will not require approval. 

First of all, thank you for rescuing Cleo! It sounds like a similar situation to what happened with my tripawd, Loki. Loki was hit by a car and surrendered to rescue because her family couldn't afford to save her life. She was just under 3 months old at the time. I didn't go through the amputation and recovery with her though - the rescue handled thst and she spent 2 months with a foster recovering.

The good part about losing a limb so young is Cleo will adapt beautifully. Before long it will be all she knows. Loki is a rear amputee and I've had a number of people not realize she's missing a limb right away. All of a sudden it hits them and it's always funny. They're so impressed with how well she gets around. 

I don't hsve a ramp for furniture, but Loki is a medium sized dog and it's easy for her to get on things. If Cleo is small, a ramp might help. I am working on training a ramp for my car. I also have a dog stroller so I can get Loki out and about without straining her remaining limbs/joints. 

The hard part with a young amputee is trying to manage their energy. Cleo is in for a long life on 3 legs. Burning mental energy will help tire her out. I'm a big fan of puzzle toys/feeders for meals. 

Member Since:
4 September 2023
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16 September 2023 - 11:54 am
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Hello!  We were in a similar situation, although I got Bizkit from the shelter as her foster when she was 11 months old.  Same situation, older rear leg injury, not using leg much at all.  We are now two weeks post amputation and she is doing really great.  She had zero trouble adjusting, probably because she had already adjusted.  The vet said she has zero limitations now in terms of playing, walking, exercise, but we are taking her to a rehab in a couple weeks to get a specialist opinion and making sure we don't tire her out with too long of walks or exercise.  She gets around just fine.  

She's 29 lbs but kind of tall, and has not needed a ramp.  Pre-surgery and post surgery for 2 weeks she was not allowed to jump up on couches, beds, etc.  And we still kind of watch it with cars so she doesn't strain anything and just lift her in.

As Mischief says, our main issue was energy/activity control.  Before the surgery so she didn't hurt herself, and during those two weeks after in recovery.  It required medication, separation from my older dog, and LOTS of non physical stimulation such as puzzles, frozen toys, other enrichment activities, training.  

One thing that is beautiful to see now is how much more settled/settle-able she is now.  Now we know that it was causing her pain.  I don't know if over-activity is a symptom of pain in younger dogs but it seems to have been with her. 

Our best purchase post-surgery was a soft cone, she could sleep in it easier and stopped bonking into everything, but she did still need supervision in it as every now and then she would try to lick "through" it and I didn't want the cone rubbing on the incision.  I also ended up buying lick mats to freeze, some "everlasting" treats, pulling out my old dog's puzzles and toys, and looking up ideas to use her energy without being able to play or go on walks. 

Thank you for rescuing Cleo!!!

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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17 September 2023 - 4:25 pm
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Hi Hannah and Cleo, welcome!

I'll be back soon with some thoughts but for now here's some articles for you:

https://tripawd.....a-tripawd/

Our What to Expect articles are also helpful, and the Tripawds Recovery Shopping List .

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