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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It was a busy morning...and we left for our shop in a hurry. I usually close the door last and tell our 4yo cocker to have a good day. But on this morning I was in a hurry and closed the door not noticing if she was there. Fast forward to 7pm that night. I usually walk through the door to my best friend so glad to see us. But to my amazment,no Chloe. So I make quick rounds around the house and have no luck. My wife arrives home with our son so we trek out to find Chloe. Whie driving around our neighborhood we call the local PD to tell our officer friends Chloe is missing. After 3 hours we give up and return home. 20 minutes after our arrival we get a call from the dispatcher.Chloe's been hit they think. We rush to the location only 6 blocks from home. Some passing by girls discovered her in an alley. She had been hit and left for dead. I scoped her up and we took off for the 30 minute drive to the 24 hour pet hospital.
After admitting Chloe we got back the news.Her right side of her pelvis was crushed.Her leg is in perfect condition,it's just her pelvis thats destroyed. Our vet told us to contact UCDavis.After consulting them the cost is far too great for reconstruction. The vet then offered to amputate her leg because if they dont her pelvis will never heal.
So right now we're trying to figure out how we are going to care for her. We're so scared that we'll do something wrong or cause her pain.So I'm posting this.How do we care for our precious girl?...How do we do potty time?...feeding?.....how do we keep her imobilized to heal the other small fracture on her left side?
The vet just called...it's 10:45 PM sunday night and they're putting her under....he thinks he can rebuild it for the same cost of amputation. And if he can't we'll have our own tripawd.
Thanks in advance for any advice or tips.
The Thomas Family
Hi Redskinfamily & Chloe. So sorry to hear about Chloe's accident. Care for a Tripawd isn't as bad as you may think. There will be some rough times right after the surgery, but dogs are so resilient you'll be amazed! Our Chuy is a frt. leg tripawd and had FHO surgery on his left rear leg last May. For a while we had a 2 legged dog, as he didn't want to use his rear leg. 3 weeks later he started walking on it, now he's chasing our dog Gretchen around the yard.
There are many posts here about caring for your Tripawd, make sure you read them for hints and help. Also, make sure you keep us updated on Chloe's progress!
Check out Angel's story:
http://tripawds.....38;ret=all
and also check the Tips & Resources forum:
http://tripawds.....resources/
There is tons of helpful advice and tips from Jerry and the gang.
We will keep you in our thoughts,
Eleanor & Chuy
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
How terrifying! I'm so sorry your family had to go through this. Recovery will be rough too, but I expect not nearly so bad as looking for her and finding her injured. You'll find a lot of support and wisdom here as you worry and wonder whether how Chloe is recovering is normal. And responses can come awfully fast here. So for now, try not to worry too much about what's to come - trust your vet. Search the forum for stories of other dogs' recoveries from surgery and as specific issues arise, ask away! I was very surprised at how fast responses came when I first posted questions.
It'll probably help that you've got a family to look after her. I'm sure I would have been utterly overwhelmed with Yoda's care, if we hadn't been able to stay with my parents during the first two weeks of Yoda's recovery. For the most part, I could handle all his post-amputation care on my own, but it was a relief to know that he wasn't alone for a full eight hours on days when I had to go to work.
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
Dear Thomas Family & Chloe,
What an awful night, we are so, so sorry. Oh how we hate hearing about dogs getting hit by careless drivers, it's just awful.
You're so lucky you found her, and that there is hope for a recovery. Rest assured, UC Davis is one of the best places in the country, it's where I had my surgery, and they took excellent care of me. If anyone knows what's best for her health at this point, they do.
You have some great questions, and as you can see, people here offer some great answers. Yes, do check our Tips and Resources forum, and also be sure to write down these questions for the surgeons at Davis. Because if her pelvis is healing as well as the amputation site (if the amputation is done), I'm guessing that a little extra care will be needed when helping her during the first few days after surgery. You'll want to get a sling ready for her, which you may not even have to use, but it's handy to have. A canvas grocery bag with the sides slit open is a tried and true tool that many of us used.
Your concerns about potty and such are valid. But you'll be amazed at how our dogs figure it out on their own. It may take a few days (many dogs have constipation after surgery, which confuses humans when the dog doesn't want to go potty) but they DO know exactly what to do when the time is right.
Generally you can expect about two weeks of ruff times. Between the pain meds that sometimes cause issues (i.e., whining, panting), and making sure she doesn't overdo it, Chloe will need a fair amount of supervision. But remember too, she'll also need time to heal, which usually means sleeping a lot. So try not to worry too much, they are so much more resilient than we think.
We'll be thinking of you. Let us know how surgery goes, and thank you for joining us here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, the morning has come and that means the surgery is over. How is your girl? Did they amputate or reconstruct? Either way you will be amazed at how Chloe will adapt. Yes, as all have said above there will be some ruff days but hang in there and be strong. Chloe will be counting on you to take care of her and love her. Most of all I am so glad that you found her.
The Tripawd community is a great source of information and support, we are all here for you. Wishing Chloe a speedy recovery.
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
THANK YOU all for your support and comments....
Chloe was in intensive care since the accident thursday the 20th....she is at a 24 hour medical facility which has rotating staff. Since thurs evening we have been bombarded by delays and opinions from at least 5 different vets there. On friday we met with Dr.Hill and she offered us the amputee route which was within our financial means and meant less pain for Chloe. It took a while for it to sink in that we would have a tripawd,but if it meant a pain free quality life we were happy with the choice.Dr.Hill said since it would be a saturday they would try to do the amputation but it depended on how busy they were. So we spent all day saturday checking up on if she was getting the procedure. Well it didn't happen. Then sunday rolls around and we are resloved that she will stay in ICU til monday before the procedure takes place. But last night around 10pm the 6th vet to look at her case calls and says that he used to do reconstruction operations in his practice 5 years ago and that he would give it a shot. I explained we opted for amputation because we arent financially able to cover the 5000-7000 dollars for it.He then stated...I'm offering to do this for the same cost of amputation and if it's too bad once I'm in there we'll remove the leg. FINALLY after days of stress we get a vet who is trying to work with us and wants to keep Chloe whole. He say she MAY need an FHO down the line if the socket fracture doesnt heal right. But that will give us time to recover from this investment in our best friend.
Chloe is resting comfortably right now...they finished with her around 2am....The vet says it all came out really well and she should be able to come home tuesday morning. He says she'll need tons of recovery time and it will be slow going. He said try to keep her from being too playful...I told him not a problem...this dog like to sleep 18 hours a day...and she'll be just fine being spoiled...
Thank you all again....I'm sure I'll have questions ...it's just nice to be able to share this with great people and great storys that inspire.
Glad to hear that the latest chapter is over. Wow, that's a really kind surgeon to offer to do the surgery at a discount.
We hope she gets on the road to recovery quickly, and send all of our loving, healing thoughts your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I was glad to hear Chloe got through her surgery so well. It makes me so mad when people accidently hit an animal but don't stop to check on him/her. I am glad you found Chloe and were able to do her surgery. Good luck.
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I am so sorry about this horrible accident. I haven't signed on in a while and when I read your post my stomach sank, just like when I knew my Angel had been hit by a car. She broke her left pelvis and lost her right back paw. She was in the hospital for 2 weeks before they did surgery on her pelvis then a week later amputated her right back leg at the hip. We had to totally support her rear end for 4 weeks for her to potty, then gradually let her stand, then walk a step, then more and more. It was so hard, but we made it. It was all worth it. Now she is swimming, running, playing, still ruling over our 5 other dogs. We even went on vacation at the beginning of August and she ran and played and had so much fun. It has been almost 15 weeks. Today she's getting her hair done for the 1st time since the accident. I am very excited and nervous (she has so much scaring). But to see her happy is the best thing in the world. I just want you to know that there is hope and a good chance of a wonderful life for Chloe when she heals. I will be praying for Chloe and your family. Please keep us updated.
Ruth and the 6 pack
Chloe came home last night.....she has 2 huge incisions on each side of her hip...her right side is wired together tight to try to hold her femur in the joint. The left side needed a screw to help out a fracture over there to give her a desent left leg to stand on. She's sitting up in her crate and hasnt laid down much. Her huge elizibethan collar is pissin her off...she's used to total comfort in the form of a couch arm on the side of her plush bed....so laying her head on plastic is beyond her...She has been very thirsty but hasnt eatin anything except for the deli roast beef rolled around her pills.
Last night was rough. She whimpered and whined the entire night....even with our son sleeping next to the crate...so we moed her into our bed...crate and all cause thats her bed too at night....but she just wasnt happy.....so I slept on the couch with one hand in the crate all night...and periodically she would lick my hand...not sure if that was for the taste or comfort. I'll try to post some pics today but we're at our screen print and embroidery shop and Chloe is in her soft crate snoozin away !!!!
Thanks again for the support and well wished.
Ron
Rest peacfully, Chloe. You'll be good as new before long.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Dear Thomas Family
It is hard to read what you have and are going through. I hope Chloe becomes more comfortable soon. She certainly has the best family in the world looking out for her.
My Tazzie just freaked (froze stiff) with the collar, so I just kept a t-shirt on him instead. That was enough to keep him from bothering the incision area, which was on his stomach earlier this summer, and at the fore arm for the amp. A t-shirt obviously won't work with the rear end, so maybe there no choice other than the collar.
Susan & Tazzie 2
Angel and Chloe
I just read Angel's story on her blog. How awful! Your car accidents make OSA sound like a piece of cake. Those were horrible injuries and to think you recovered to the point where you are now playing with the 'big dogs' (I love it when 'prissy' poodles mix it up with regular looking Joes like me)
Tazzie 2
Best wishes for a speedy complete recovery. FYI: We started the new Tripawds Blogs to make it simple to share your photos. You can start yours here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm glad Chloe is home. Something that may make her a lot more comfortable is a 'blow-up' collar instead of the cone. I went to Petsmart and got one for Angel after a few days of that horrible cone.
Here is the link: http://www.pets.....Id=3185093
Angel was so much more comfortable; it proped her head up like a pillow. And she could eat and drink with it on. Her doctor said he's been trying to get the hospital to replace the cones with this kind.
I hope Chloe starts feeling better soon!
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