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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Hi,
My carter will be going in for his right front leg amputation this month. Carter was an abused pup. He was found laying in a cage in a Lansing shelter, with two broken legs. He had been there for three weeks crying in pain. Once the rescue got their hands on him they took him to an orthopedic vet who re broke the legs and set them. He had to pin both. The front didn't take and is full of arthritis.
I adopted Carter knowing he was a special needs pup. We love him so much. He's brought a lot of smiles, tears and love into our home. My other dogs, all adopted border collies, are not so sure about this young punk. But it's all good 🙂
I hope to learn what I need to continue caring for Carter after his surgery. I am scared beyond belief for him. I cry over it daily and I've become so depressed. I just need to be with others that have and will go through this.
Thank you,
Kelly
Bless you for saving Carter and sharing his story. Welcome, your future forum posts will not require moderation.
You'll find lots of recovery and care tips in Jerry's Required Reading List, and for immediate answers to the most common dog amputation questions download the new Tripawds e-book Three Legs and A Spare.
Best wishes for Carter's speedy recovery, we look forward to following his progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You are no doubt Carter's angel. At his young age, hopefully he will adapt quickly. Please let us know when he makes it through the surgery. Come here if you have any questions.
The recovery period can be a little rough to get through, and you may get a bit sleep deprived and then everything seems worse, so try to rest up beforehand. We'll be here if you need some support during that period. Remember that in general it tends to be a bit harder on the humans, than the pups! Once he is off the meds and has his staples out, he'll really start to amaze you.
All the best,
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!
Welcome to the club that no one wants to join. We have all stood where you are standing now, and we've all faced the difficult decision that you're facing. Amputation is major surgery, and the thought of them taking your dog's leg is frightening. However, Carter doesn't know any of this -- he's not scared. He trusts you to do what's best for him. And it sounds like that's exactly what you're doing.
Carter needs you to be strong, though. The healing process is tough -- it's hard on the dog, and it will be hard on you and your family, too. But the tears and the fretting and the depression will only serve to make him anxious, and he's gonna be wiggy enough with the pain meds that they give them. So try to put on a happy face for your boy, be strong when you're around him, because he's going to take his cues from you. And when you're completely freaked -- that's what we're here for. You can vent, ask questions, tell us all about your puppy, post photos (we love photos), and be comforted by the fact that you're not alone in this.
Good luck, and we'll be thinking about you as you enter this new chapter of Carter's life.
Micki and Rio
 |
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Kelly you are a saint for adopting this pup. He might seem like he's special needs now, but wait till he recuperates and feels better again! You'll be amazed.
Follow his lead, and watch how he handles the recuperation. Tripawds are one of the greatest teachers for humans when it comes to learning how to cope with adversity. And of course remember, if you are strong, he will be too. His age is such an advantage, he'll bounce back quickly!
Welcome to this community, remember we are here to help. Please keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
First let me just say…Carter you are one handsome pup-a-roo! Now, close your floppy ears so I can talk with your new mom!
Are they closed?
Mom! Please stop crying unless they are happy tears! Happy tears are all that should be cried now! You two have found each other and that is cause for celebration! Happy tears!
Now, I say this from experience. I, too rescued a pup that had come from an abusive situation. A hoarder. 22 dogs in a house. All but a couple of the dogs survived but most were too malnutruished to survive. My Comet survived. And my Comet was born with a deformed leg and still survived! Let me tell you…I had the best 12 years ever with her! She changed my world for the better! Her 3-leggedness made her special and unique! Her dreadful beginnings and her three-leggedness made our relationship even more special and unique!
YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THIS SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP TOO WITH CARTER!!!!
Happy tears!
So, let's celebrate this great new beginning!
WOW! Lookie here - even Carter is celebrating! He's got on a red party hat!
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.
Hey Crazy Carter! I was a kid when I lost my leg too and look at me now! I'm a pawty animal just like you will be after you recover. No worries dude, you'll be fine!
Welcome to the looney bin!
Wyatt Ray Dawg . . . The Tripawds Leg-A-Cy Continues!
Read all about my adventures at my Tripawds Blog
Thank you everyone.! I felt so much better waking up to this read. Also a wonderful woman on FB sent me a msg.
I'm so glad to have found you all. It's makig this so much easier. The Vet that is doing his surgery is almost two hours away. He is the Brother of a good friend and given my recent situation, Live in Mi and lost my home, he is doing the surgery for the amt that was raised in Carter's fundraiser. Which was not much, so i will never forget the kindness this Vet has shown.
I've noticed carter's left front leg. Seems to be turning in. It seems deformed at this point. Is it normal for this to happen? Is there a brace I can get him for that leg?
Thank you , everyone!
Kelly
my angel bailey will be rooting for you and Carter ... he has the same smile and twinkle in his eye that my monkey did, so he's got a great spirit. And I can tell you first hand how this group will help YOUR spirit, so ...paws crossed that he's bouncing around and making you smile and laugh in no time ...
Kelly, the fact that his leg is turning in is a good thing! It means he's learned to balance by shifting his weight to avoid standing on his bum leg. That is perfectly normal and no, you don't need a brace.
See my leg? It's slightly turned in here (in other pics its more pronnounced). It just means that Carter is officially a Tripawd!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I distinctly remember Abby's oncologist telling me "you'll see that remaining leg start to turn in" - so it sounds like Carter is already adapting to life on 3 legs. You'll be amazed how quickly he'll adjust/adapt. The onc said Abby might have a hard time learning to get up/lay down again, but she mastered it in no time flat. She even does this little thing now were she crooks her remaining leg at her 'wrist' when she lays down, so it makes a little upside down V shape, and then she settles her chest into that nook. It makes a sort of prop that she rests against while she lays down and looks around.
Tripawds are amazing - you'll soon see how great it is to be a Tripawd Mama!
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!
Thank you for the responses.
I read about Bailey and I'm so sorry. It's odd, because I call Carter Monkey boy. All the time. It must be a lab/lab mix thing with them. They do have a twinkle and a sweet nature. Thank you for your kind words.
Jerry,
Thank you because it just looks like it hurts! It's very pronounced. But now that you say what you did...it makes sense, totally. He is a tri already! And still has a smile on his face :0
Hugs!
Kelly and Carter[Image Can Not Be Found]
cartersmom said:
Kelly and Carter[Image Can Not Be Found]
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Kelly the resources I've found through this site are incredibly helpful I have started on Jerry's recommended reading list, in addition to the "Three Legs and a Spare" and I felt much more prepared for Dixie's surgery. I was also able to find some great assistive devices that have been a huge help. You are an angel for taking care of Carter and I'm so glad you two found each other. Just update with any specific questions – I am sill new to all of this but everyone else has been very helpful and I'll do what I can to help as well.
Hi Kelly,
I can see why you would be depressed and sad thinking about Carter's start in life. Grrrr- another example of why I live with dogs!!!
But you will be amazed by your boy's resiliency. He has already been through so much- and is a virtual tripawd. As others have said- often the first couple of weeks after surgery can be rough- enough to question your decision to amputate. But don't get discouraged!! Hopefully since Carter has been hopping around already, and is so young, he will be one of the lucky pups to pretty much sail through recovery.
You are awesome for rescuing all your pups, and for taking what others would consider a 'chance' on a special needs pup. You will have such a special bond with Carter.
Good luck with the surgery and keep us posted.
Karen and the pugapalooza
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