Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Hi Cassie and Cassie's mom- 

Oh no! I cannot imagine how stressful this situation is for you. I had a couple of weeks to prepare for Jack's amputation and still felt overwhelmed when it happened. But it sounds like you have good practice caring for her already - she is so lucky to have a family like you! 

In the beginning, the things I found most helpful were: a mattress on the floor, so I could sleep near Jack and not worry about her trying to jump up onto the bed with me, onion-free chicken broth to encourage Jack to drink, soft food (Honest Kitchen) and this website. I ended up buying a Ruffwear jacket once the incision started to heal so Jack wouldn't lick her shoulder. However, someone on here recently came up with a far cheaper version by modifying a pair of tights.

My Jack is just about 3 and also a front amputee. She was up and hopping the same day - I had trouble keeping her quiet the first few weeks! Non-slip mats are great, and you'll be able to figure out what you need as you go along. I've been told to be very careful about her jumping from heights over a foot, so I lift her in and out of the car and have step stools for her to use to get on the bed and couch. 

Good luck! We'll all be here if you have questions!

As you'll find out, Sally is the best cheerleader here. I read and reread her messages over and over again when I got discouraged. You should do the same! 

I forgot to mention the good things that are about to happen to you! First, life with Jack has changed very little since her amputation. I even forget that she has three legs now- until someone mentions it on the street. We walk less and more slowly, but that's about it. The upside is that you are going to make so many new friends. I know everyone in my neighborhood now, which is so much fun.

And seeing a dog with three legs somehow makes people more vulnerable and more willing to connect. I live in an area where most folks are not well-off and many people have health issues, and people find it inspiring to see her hop along. It's amazing to see what tripods' resilience brings out in others. 

Hi Cassie and Cassie's mom,

I'm sorry to hear about Cassie's accident but this community is a wonderful place to pose questions and find support.  Even though our circumstances on how our beloved fur babies became a Tripawd we ALL have been through the recovery and journey after amputation.

I know you're overwhelmed right now but take a moment to breathe...things will be ok.  Our fur babies are AMAZING in their adaptability and you will be amazed with how Cassie does.  She will get things figured out on how to maneuver on 3 legs...they all do.  There will be stumbles and wobbles but that is normal.  You will be there to help her back up.

You've done preparation and gotten even more suggestions on how to make life for Cassie a little more comfortable.  I would just like to mention to stay on top of Cassie's pain while she's recovering from surgery.  There's a lot of different pain medications that vets use and what may work for one may not so much for another.  Some of the main ones you'll notice here that have been prescribed is Tramadol and Gabapentin.  My Leland did not do well with the Tramadol but was fine solely taking Gabapentin.  Vets also may prescribe an anti-inflammatory (Rimadyl or something along those lines) but if that's the only pain med prescribed you may want to ask your vet about including Tramadol and/or Gabapentin.

Keep us posted on Cassie's progress. 

I'll be sending both you and her a hug!

Sahana and her Angel Leland 

Oh my, what an intense week you've had!  I wanted to make sure that Cassie is on Amicar (Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid) for the next 5 days.  This is to prevent bleeding in greyhounds.  Ohio State University recommends aminocaproic acid (500 mg PO tid x 5 days) after amputation, to help decrease bleeding risk.  This is a human medication that your vet would have to order and most do not have it on hand unless they do a lot of greyhound spay/neuters.  If she does start to bruise, grab a marker or pen and mark where the bruising stops with a date and time.  If it grows, keep marking and put the time on it while you're calling or heading to the vet.

Depending on the pain meds, panting will be normal.  If she isn't on pain meds, press your vet to get her on some.  10 minutes with a small ice pack in a washcloth on the incision several times a day also can help make her more comfortable.  I had to move the icepack every couple of minutes but my guy really enjoyed it.

Get fluids into her.  We did a lot of chicken broth and even watered down cottage cheese the first few days.  For the first two weeks, really cater to her and you may have to hand feed her. 

My house is full of yoga mats because they stick well to the floors and provide traction and are comfortable to stand on.  My boy knows not to walk on a floor without the mat.  I also got a webmaster harness to help getting up and down stairs and in and out of the car.

You'll know things are back to normal when Cassie starts to stretch and roach again!  It takes time for them to figure it out and learn where to put the front leg but they do and then you'll need a drink every time she does something crazy on you!