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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Greetings Everyone!
My name is Trina and i found my way here for some support,comfort and insight as to what to expect after amputation. Im nervous. i know its the right thing but its a hard thing. Haleys story is.... I was definitely not looking to adopt another dog ,my old guy, Bonz (who is 12 years old) would probably be a bit upset if i dare let another invade his space..lol but when a neighbor friend of mine who fosters dogs got 9 pups dropped to her last minute and needed to find homes for them,well..i caved lol. And im glad i did! Shes the biggest sweetie ever! she was 4 months old and she ran and played and went swimming and was a typical puppy,until one day i noticed her knee was "slipping" every once in a while..not often. but as another week or 2 passed,it was more prominent and the left leg was doing the same. She was always a little bow legged but it seemed worse. so i took her to my vet who quickly diagnosed her with luxated patellas but said that he would need to refer me to a surgeon because he does not do that surgery.
So we met with the Doc and she was all set for double surgery on both knees until....... xrays showed a deformity in her hips which has caused her bones to grow very curved. so badly so on the right leg that unless we go thru multiple,extensive ,and extremely costly surgeries and cutting and realigning of bone,the right leg will not improve from a surgery to correct the luxated patella. She has had that surgery to her left leg and has healed excellently! but the right leg has almost gotten worse.. she can barely walk it just slips right out from under her because its so twisted inward. Like a really extreme pigeon toe look. its horrible 🙁 So.. we gave her the summer to swim and try and strengthen the left leg a bit more and now the time has come to proceed with amputation of her right leg. I am scared and hopeful,worried and happy all at the same time. I know its the best thing,but its just so hard . I just looking to chat with people who i can relate to. My puppies are my life,my babies and im just a worried mama.
So..thats my jumbled story in a nutshell hehe. look forward to chatting with those in a similar situation and open to any and all advice! 🙂
Trina aka Haleysmama
Welcome, thank you for joining and bless you for saving Haley. Your future posts will not require moderation.
Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List, and consider downloading the Tripawds e-book Three Legs and A Spare for immediate answers to the most common dog amputation questions.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the family. First of all not having to deal with cancer is a big plus, but sure sounds like you have had your share of challenges. Kudos for taking Haley in. Try to take a deep breath,we humans put way more anxiety in this than the dogs do. Once they heal, which for the most part your first coulpe weeks will be your greatest challenge, these guys do great. If you get a chance to get some sleep, take it, you may not get much for awhile after the surgery. Haley might seem really good when you pick her up, but alot of dogs seem to crash a day or so once they are home, not much appetitie, just lay around, not themselves, bathroom issues, so don't be surprised if that happens. You might see some bruising, if you feel something isn't right, call the vet, but the meds can play games with them, so you might have to tweak them to find out what works best with the least side affects. don't be afraid to ask anything, experience gives the best answers. I think you will be amazed at how normal she will be once her healing is complete, good luck and 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
What a gorgeous girl she is! And what a sweet person you are for taking her in. I know it is hard to not be worried, but most dogs do great within about 10-14 days of the surgery. I'd definitely look at the reading/book "admin" suggested. It will help you know what to expect.
Try to stay rested up - get some extra rest before the surgery! Sleep can be in short supply the first few days - even if your pup sleeps through the night, you'll probably be listening for her every move - at least that is what we were like. Once you get too low on sleep, everything starts to seem worse. But it's almost certain that you will have a harder time with this than your pup. Dogs just get on with things. You'll see - once she is off the meds and has her staples out, she'll be a new and improved self! Be ready for her to start amazing you!
Being a tripawd mama is awesome. You'll see. Be sure to come here with any questions or when you need support!
Welcome to the group no one wants to join, but everyone is glad they did,
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Trina and Haley,
Wow, what an ordeal, you are a saint for doing so much to try to help her! We are so sorry that it's come down to this, but rest assured that at her age, she will adapt remarkably quick. And as long as you keep her weight down, she should do fine throughout her life. What breed is she? That's probably the biggest thing: keeping weight off Tripawds is critical for avoiding any future mobility issues.
How's your house? Have you slip-proofed your floors? Raised feeders also help make things just a bit easier. There's not a ton of things you need to do, but these little changes will make it easier for her during recovery and afterward.
If there is anything we can do to help or answer any questions, that's what we're here for OK? Thanks for joining.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all! i didnt realize that the majority if not all of the people here are going through amputations from cancer. i just saw "tripawds" and said "thats us!" hehe Haley is a lab mix(my best guess) shes got those webbed feet and long rudder tail for swimming 😛 My house is all carpet except the kitchen which already as a rug path to the back door and she knows not to go in the bathroom or its like being on a banana peel lol. She also has a raised feeder. I guess i am already kinda prepared arent i? 
I am trying to control her weight the best i can but at this very moment she cant exercise so much as she can no longer walk without her foot slipping from underneath her . she did do alot of swimming but the water is becoming too cold for me..and she doesnt stay in and swim if im not in there with her lol. so once she recovers we will get back to some walking . her upper body strength has gotten very good because this leg has been bad for sometime. We did a tester by putting her leg up in a sling,to see how she would be on 3 legs and she did great. i guess what im most nervous about it complications,pain and how to tell when shes in excrutiating pain and when shes not. its the what ifs i cant get out of my head. but its ok. im ok. just nervous is all. Reading the stories here have already helped so much! And all of you are amazing for what you have done/are doing for your pups 🙂 i know our problem is rather minor in comparison.I will keep you posted as to her progress and continue to educate myself on what to expect! 🙂 thank you guys for the warm welcome and support!
Trina
haleysmama said:
…i just saw "tripawds" and said "thats us!"
It is! See Jerry's recent News blog post: Tripawds is not just for cancer dogs. (FYI: Tripawds spokesdawg Wyatt lost a leg to neglect, not cancer. )
Now, forget what and tell if to take a hike! Many members have found the book Without Regret helpful in dealing with the human emotions you're feeling. We sure did.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
welcome to tripawds! what a saint you are for doing all of this for your sweet girl 🙂 get plenty of sleep before the surgery, because when she comes home, the first few nights you will probably be listening for every movement and sound she makes. it may also help to look at some post-amp pictures so you will be ready for what her incision looks like when she comes home, because not all dogs have a bandage- mine didn't, and I was not prepared for what it would look like. you have definitely come to the right place to ask questions and get support- this place is wonderful 🙂
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
Hi Trina and Haley,
Welcome to tripawds. No matter what the reason for amputation it is hard to deal with. Everyone is welcome here- we have cancer dogs, accident dogs, and birth defect dogs. Even those of us who don't have a tripawd anymore are still welcome 
. I think the only requirement is that you love your pup and want the best for them.
A few things in your favor:
Haley is young.
No cancer- yea!
She has practiced a little as a tripawd.
She will be a rear amp. Rear amps tend to get along better since dogs take most of their weight on their front ends, although the strength and endurance post op seems to come a little slower. However I will add that I have met a lot of front amp dogs and they get around just fine!!
I like Chilidawgs idea of looking at post amp pictures, you can find some HERE. My pug Maggie was a rear amp and had dark pigmented skin so the bruising some see wasn't so evident. And the suture line was not as visible as front amps seem to be. But that first look at her with three legs was startling!
Rest up and read up- the first couple of weeks after surgery can be tough. But Haley is so young- lets hope she is one of those pups that bounce right back!!
Karen and the pugapalooza
You guys are part of the family now! It's great that you are not dealing with the cancer stuff, but amputation can be scary no matter what. You are going to be amazed at how well Haley adjusts. Everyone has given great advice, as usual. Haley will need a couple of weeks to heal after surgery and after that, you will have trouble slowing her down. We'll be sending pawsitive thoughts your way. Keep us updated and post some pics! We're all suckers for tripawd pics around here! 🙂
Trina, you came to the right place! The advice and information here are priceless. The first 2 weeks are usually the hardest, but the first 2 days are usually pretty smooth...kinda strange, like everything's great and then someone pulls the rug out from under you (which kinda sucks if you're a new to 3 legs 
.) If you're expecting it, then it might be a little easier, and if you're lucky, Haley will be one of those that just breezes through (it happens, and I'm hoping it happens for you guys!) You have plenty of time to prepare, but it seems like you're already in good shape there. I'll be wishing the best for Haley, let us know how it goes.
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
Awwww. This is so heart warming. WELCOME! Haley looks like a love bug!
We know how scary it is. And yes, like everyone said - you aren't facing cancer which will be great! Haley will amaze you once you get over the surgical issues! Just keep reminding yourself - it's all good!
The founders (admin and Jerry) started the site because their 1st dog had bone cancer but they now have Wyatt, who lost his back leg to neglect from his first owner, like they said above. So, it's natural we attract bone cancer dogs BUT....and this is a big BUT...
The site is for 3 legged dogs! And get this...4 legged dogs too! Bonz can even join! We're not picky!
I had a deformed 3-legged dog for 12 years. And like you, I said, "that's me!" when I stumbled on their site when my Comet was around 11 years old. Comet even had her deformed leg still attached, so we didn't even go through an amputation.
We are here to support and hopefully calm your fears. No one should have to face something so scary for their fur baby alone.
Sending lots of good wishes for Haley. I have a soft spot for the name (Haley's Comet).
Please come back and keep us updated as the time draws near!
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.
Well of course you're scared and nervous, this is a big deal. But we all did it and you will too and Haley will be just fine. She is a cutie-pie!...looks a lot like my Sam, she's 7 months old and doesn't have the nice white part.
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
ok guys.. i have been a busy bee trying to prepare for my new lil tripawd 🙂 Yesterday was her surgery and the Doc said that everything went super smooth . She will come home today 🙂 Shes a little trooper. I not only looked up pictures and info to better prepare myself,but i also looked into better foods for her and found a yummy sweet potatoe and fish dry food with no grains and minimal ingredients. She will also be getting some rice and peas and carrots mixed in. Im amazed to see how much crap is out there...even high dollar name brand . so disappointing. Anywho.. i will post pics of our progress soon! Hope you all are doing well! ((hugz))
Trina
glad haley got through the surgery so well – we will definitely expect some pictures once things get settled. don't have many suggestions for food – we do really like 'the honest kitchen' dehydrated food (we feed thrive) which we use in tandem with blue buffalo kibble. good luck with the recover and let us know how it's going!
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
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