Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
Archer is a three year old schnauzer. He got out this morning (we think he jumped and unhinged the fence) and was hit by a car. He was rushed to a hospital by a good Samaritan where they stabilized him and then we transported him to a different hospital that had better resources, the first hospital did not have an orthopedic surgeon and they referred us to the second place. Archer suffered open fractures and a protruding broken bone on his right leg. The doctor was able to set back in and closed the wound to stop the bleeding, he will need surgery to correct. The left leg appears not to have fractures, however his skin was complete torn off from about 2 inches below the shoulder to the end of his paw. Doctor states he may not be able to keep both legs due to the extent of the injuries. Thankfully he did not suffer internal organ damage and his spine looks intact and he is otherwise responsive, no head trauma. The orthopedic surgeon did not see him today and is scheduled to see him tomorrow morning once he is more stable, he's was struggling to regulate his temperature on his own but as of 7:30PM is doing better.
The doctor tells us it may be difficult for him to recover because his left leg may need extensive skin grafts and infection is a huge concern and his right leg will need surgery and we're not sure to what degree yet or if the bone can salvaged. Does anyone have experience with double amputation or amputation due to skin being torn off, Or amputation with another injured leg at the same time, Or experience with skin grafts?
It's overwhelming to think that he may lose one or both of his legs but we're willing to do anything it takes to give him the best quality of life.
Oh my gosh poor Archer! I'm so glad he at least survived the awful ordeal. How are you holding up?
First, it's great that the hospital referred you to the second one. It sounds like they will be able to come up with a strategy to help him get on the road to recovery. There are so many things going on with him, I'm sure you feel very overwhelmed. I know I would! But first, breathe. And know that vets always give the worst case scenario first.
Until the surgeon sees him, try to stay strong and don't jump to any awful conclusions about what may be needed. Keep Dr. Google out of your home until then OK? Yeah, that's hard not to do, but it's better than wasting your energy on things that may not happen. Surgeons can do amazing things in situations like this.
Our Tripawds Helpline is here for you and Michelle is currently in the Tripawds Chat Room so if you want to talk, hop on over OK? I have to run right now but I'll check in and am keeping you and Archer in my heart. Stay strong for your furkid, you can do it!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am sorry to hear about Archer's accident. I am not familiar with any kinds of skin grafts or double amputations. You can always post in the Ask a Vet forum and our resident vet experts will chime in there. He is a little dog so a single amputation shouldn't be too hard on recovery but with the other extent of his injuries it may take a little longer to heal.
My thoughts & prayers are with you
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Oh wow .... I am so sorry. What an incredible shock for you and your family and little Archer. Bless his heart!!! He's a fighter. I don't have any experience w/double amputees but it's good that you were referred to another vet that should be able to assist his needs better.
Keep us posted after you talk to your surgeon. I know you are scared but being strong for Archer is the best for you. SO lucky no injuries to his organs. And God bless that good Samaritan.
Hugs!!!!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Ditto the Jerry! Thank goodness for the Good Samaratin, the first and second hospitals, the everything seems very good except for the two legs, and that you found your way here! Although Archer has been through so very much, until the vets come up with a definite plan, try to envision the most pawsitive treatment and outcome. Which is entirely difficult to do when one is in shock. Archer is in the best possible care and a plan to go forward is in place. EVERYONE and EVERYPAW here at TriPawds Nation is wrapped around you and Archer.
As for the vets describing the worst case scenario, even the worst case scenario does not take Archer away from you! He is, and always will be, ARCHER! As for a double amputee, my previous OSA dog became, essentially, a TwoPawd instead of a TriPawd after his amputation surgery and did very well DESPITE the fact he really only had two functioning legs.
Hang in there, try to get a bit of sleep, and know that Archer is very, very blessed to be here with you. ARCHER 1 CAR AND CAR KARMA 0.
Hugs, best wishes, and PyrPaws all around!
This is so sad for you and Archer. I don't know of double amputees here however there have been videos of dogs in carts where they can use only 2 legs and I've seen photos and videos of cats and dogs walking on two legs - you can google "dogs with only 2 legs". I hope there is good news that at least one of the legs can be saved.
Hugs,
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
ps. we've had a chicken with one leg
Thanks for the support everyone.
Archer is stable and resting comfortably. We are going to avoid doing research and are focusing on positive stories of dogs that have overcome this. And we're doing are best to stay calm and breath, its easy to forget. Archer will see the specialist 1st thing in the morning. I was able to track down the good Samaritan to thank her. Not sure what to expect going forward but my boyfriend and I both feel so much better to knowing we are not alone.
I will update as we know more.
Hi's sister's (canine and rabbit ) miss him very much.
Online
So sorrynyiu are going through this!!
I can only ditto what everyone has said!
Archer has survived thenhorrible accident! He must be one tough Schnauzer!
Right now, they just need to keep Archer stable and then assess the situation as best they can with a trauma like this.
And if you need a second or thir opinion, get them! I'm sure theynhave him pretty well sedated and waiting a few days is not unheard of in situations like these.
There is a puppy on here named Trevor. Hopefully someone can find his blog and the ppsts that were made on him in the "Special Blogs".
If I recall, he was a front leg tripawd and needed a long and extensive corrective surgery (surgeries) on his remaining front leg. He did use a set of wheels made especially for him, if I recall. Unfortunately, I maybe completely confused, but I think that was the case.
I guess if you coukd say there was an "ideal" situation, it woukd be that one of the front kegs could be "saved". And yes, there maybe many surgeries and lengthy confinements involved, but if the end result is a good one, it's all worth it.
I know it's impossible to just "wait" until Archer is evaluated, but really, that's all you can do for now. Whatever the outcome, you'll be able to get through it your spunky Archer.
We're right here by your side the whole way!
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
Lots and lots of 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!
Just saw the photo...ADORABLE!!! And just saw that Archer is stavle and resting comfortably! Getting to the point of being stable is a good sign!! And Archer is all comfy seeing pink elephants and not feeling any pain and that's good!
Lots of 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!
And the rabbit hangs iut with the pups??? Adorable!!
We have a very famous bunny here named RubyRoo. But that's for another time....I wouldn't even know where to begin!:-)
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!
Poor Archer but agree it could have been worse. I initially tried the positive thought mantra in terms of life, organs, spine, head....all ok checklist. My dog hit by car 2 weeks ago, fortunate that only one front leg shattered and subsequently amputated, but I have seen quite a few vids of twopaws who seem to be doing just great. The fact that he's a smaller dog will also help I imagine if that is what is called for.
I agree with what others have said, avoid the research, it almost drove me stark raving mad as compared to what I would have experienced if I had stayed away from google and just gone through with what the vet suggested, which is what I ultimately ended up doing but way too much second guessing, reading, analyzing, worrying, etc. Can be rough at first but already learning that once you get on the road of treatment and knowing the outcomes, what needs to be done, how many legs will remain, etc. For me discovered that dog moves quickly into recovery mode and mindset and in process tends to take us right on with them.
Good luck to you both
Joined forum after Ginger, 2 1/2 year old German Shepherd, had front leg shattered by car on 4/1/17. Front leg amputated on 4/5/17. Still learning to be a tripawd mom.
So sorry to hear about this. Poor Archer! Poor you, what an upsetting and stressful experience.
It does very much sound as though he's in the right place and they are considering all the options thoroughly. Look forward to hearing what the orthopaedic specialist says, but it is really good news that his spine and head are clear and that there is no internal damage.
My Meg had skin graft and skin flap surgery (the skin flap being the next step after the skin graft failed). This was performed by a soft tissue specialist (as opposed to her orthopaedic surgeon). Infection is, as I understand it, the primary concern and, for this reason they kept her in a highly controlled environment for a couple of weeks after surgery, at least. They also had to prepare a bed for the graft, which involved a number of minor preparatory procedures over a week or so. How much of this will be relevant to Archer's situation I really don't know, as each case is obviously different, and in Meg's case they were trying to graft over the end of her elbow, which presents particular challenges. They were able to keep her comfortable, and there were no problems with healing from where they took the skin etc. (which was the thought that really freaked me out). In her case this was from her armpit (for the graft) and from her chest (for the flap).
Thinking of you and sending every positive wish to you and Archer, and to your gorgeous pack 
Stay strong. Lean on us. You will get through this and Archer will be fine.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Hi everyone,
Just saw Archer, he's in around the clock care and has already stolen the heart of all the staff. They could' stop raving about how brave he is. They have a muzzle warning on his kennel for when dealing with his legs but so far they say they have not had to use one on him.
He was seen by the specialists and they will open up his broken leg clean it out, ensure the bones are set and muscles, tendons and ligaments are ok. Granted all of that is ok, he will be stitched up casted and expected to recover in 6-12 weeks. There's other obstacles that we may have to face but we'll deal with those as they come.
Now the left leg. There was more damage than was initially thought. The specialist states his skin was "degloved" to the toes. He lost some muscles and several tendons and ligaments are torn, and one of his bones is exposed. Infection is high risk at this time. He will be treated as a burn victim due to the level of exposed muscle. We were given a best case scenario where we could try to salvage the leg, with no promise of it being functional. Not sure how much muscle would be lost during surgery or if he would take to the proposed treatments.
We don't want to risk losing him to an infection or putting him through so much pain and additional trauma.
Were hoping that by amputating his left leg we'll be able to give him the best chance for the right leg to heal and hopefully he can have full range of motion. It's going to be a long road ahead. I'm not sure we would of made the same decision yesterday as we were stuck on saving his legs. For some reason I thought he'd be upset if we amputated. On Jerry's post it says " Its better to hop on three legs then limp on four," that was eye opening for us. We'd rather have him alive and on the road to recovery without pain.
Sorry for the long post, I guess it serves as therapy for myself too. It's good to have somewhere to share all of this with people who understand.
Kat.
Kat!!!! Thank you for updating us about Archer and in such detail too so we can better understand what you are facing and the next steps. I have no doubt everyone has fallen in love with him. He's adorable with your pack (and the bunny!!!).
It definitely sounds like you have come to some good decisions about next steps and I hope that brings you a sense of comfort. I think making the decision is the hardest part but once you get there, you can process and move forward to the healing. He will do great on three (little dogs tend to do well).
You write like I write ... how I talk and think and yes, it is therapy. It helps to get it out there. It makes it real.
I am glad to hear we have a treatment plan moving forward and are working on future goals!!! Hugs to you and little Archer as well.
Keep us posted!!! We are all here for you!
XO
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Glad that he is stabilized, and that you are getting a plan forward. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with things like infection, but sounds like you have good medical care and are getting great advice and treatment. Poor little guy!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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