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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Our boxer poodle one year old now. black and silver in color was hit by a car. Broke her pelvis and dislocated her and right hind leg. She was very shook up. Sore for well over a month. No surgery, just rest. About two months later, atrophy was noticeable in right hind leg. She started knuckling her paw causing calluses, and open wounds, we splinted and massaged leg. After the third round of antibiotics and steroids in the couple of months. As well as tearing nails and top layer of fur off. Amputation is scheduled this week. I am scared to death. Gemma is my husband's service dog. So we rely on her a bit.
Welcome, so sorry to hear about Gemma! Most dogs cope much better than we do. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful links. We've also tagged all FAQs for easy reference. Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You've certainly come to the rightnplace! And from this point forward you are not alone, okay?
We ALL understand the emotionally charged decision you are forced to.make. Gemma is probably already somewhat used to getting around basic on three legs as that "spare" sounds fairly useless.
Recovery for about two weeks is no picnic. Ups and downs, maybe some sleepless nights. It is major surgery but the vet will most likely give Gemma Tramadol and Gabapentin, as well as an anti-inflammatory and antibiotics.
But bit by bit Gemma WILL recover! I can almost guarantee she will feel sooooo much better that you will be absolutely amazed! That painful leg will be gone!!
Admin. gave you some great li ks. Be sure and put down scatter rugs if you have hardwood floors. Raised water and food bowls help relieve the strain too.
Let us know how we can help. Wuestiins? Expressing sheer terror! Hyperventilating! Yeah, we've all been there!
Now go hug on Gemma and know she isn't worrying about a thing!! And devour chocolate while taking a hot bubble bath...it does wonders!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
PS...would love to hear more about Gemma and see pictures when you can!
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!
Oh my gosh you've been through such a hard time, I'm so sorry. Sounds like you guys did everything possible to save her leg, so try to know that as scary as this is, things are gonna be OK and she will go on to lead a normal life. Keep us posted and let us know if you have any questions OK? We'll be thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My boy is 2 weeks post-op tomorrow and he is already adapting amazingly. He is learning to lean the right ways and he even runs a little (when motivated by his deli meat stash). Even though he is still fresh out of surgery, his attitude is amazing and he still has the same personality. You have done what is right and I hope you see there is so much hope for your baby! I've found a lot of great people on here with great success stories!
It is OKAY to cry and lose it! It is OKAY to feel bad! Just be strong in front of your baby and they will be strong too.
These amazing animals are stronger than any person I have ever met and that is the truth. Remember that it is a process that takes time and healing for all of you.
Just saw the avatar picture!! Those eyse! OMD!!! Soulful eyes! Love Gemma!
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!
freaking out. amputation moved to monday, my family is giving us a very hard time about spending money to do this. (with my husband on disibility and only one income). They feel that it would be better for Gemma and us if we just put her down. I have purposely spent a great deal of time with her yesterday and today. playing and just laying around. she is still able to help my husband as a service dog with the limp and bad leg. but my family is determined that will change. the pressure is amazing. they think we should put the money towards a new service dog. This is heart wrenching for me. the anxiety is really tearing me up
So sorry you are dealing with all this extra pressure. Just coming to terms with the amputation is stressful enough. Add comments like you are getting on top of that...my heart goes out to you!
You clearly see Gemma as a beloved member of your family, as well as a service dog!. And Gemma deserves an opportunity for a quality life free from pain. And that's what the amputation will give her. I don't know exactly what type of "service dog" she is,but there should be no reason she couldn't still perform her duties
If she's performing her duties now while in pain and while limping, she should be able to do them just fine!!
You've done your homework. Your dog needs your help right now and you've decided to proceed out of love and loyalty for her...just as she shown love and loyalty to you and your husband.
I'm sure your family is well intentioned and cares greatly about you. I'm also sure they don t understand your bond with Gemma and she's more than "just a service dog" to you. She is a living, feeling being with a will to live. Gemma is not a disposable lroduct. She came into your lives for sooooo many reasons. I keep scrolling back up and look at her avatar picture and those beautiful soulful eyes. She just looks soooo sweet!
Many of us here, even though our dogs faced amputation due to life threatening illness, got the same type of negative response. But they were uninformed and they couldn't understand the depth of our love for our dogs.
We understand your love for Gemma. We understand your desire to bring her back to health so she can love a vibrant life full of love and joy...and so she can continue to help your husband!!
Stay connected to us, okay? You are not alone! Come here to vent, cry and scream! No judgements here! We get it!
(((((((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
thank you so much, I need to hear that, Sally.
Family just looking out for us. but none of them interact with Gemma. they just see a dog. like some see a piece of furniture or a wheelchair . if it is broke and it cost to much to fix it. replace it.
the stress is intense. chocolate and hot showers are not enough. we (my husband and I are supposed to go away for the weekend) our vet, wants to keep Gemma while we are gone and do the amputation first thing Monday morning.
Gemma's mom,
I follow a website of great dane service dogs where they breed, raise and train the dogs before they go out for service. I suspect they would help out one of their placements to ensure the dog can continue to be of service and provide some additional training if needed. Could you contact the organization where you received Gemma to see if they could assist in any way?
By the way, there are a number of service dog organization who do not charge for their dogs because they are supported through donations. Eventually many service dogs "retire" from their work and stay with the family. When another service dog is brought to the home the retired dog is like the Auntie and can assist with the training.
Your vet sounds wonderful wanting to have Gemma for the weekend while you go away. Whatever you choose to do just know it is the right thing for you, your husband, and Gemma.
Kerren
Oh gosh I'm sorry! There are so many service dogs out there who are on three legs, your pup should have no problems transitioning. Sometimes there is no convincing people until they see how well a Tripawd does with their own eyes. Don't waste your energy trying to convert them now, just focus on your own pack and staying pawsitive, it will help Gemma tremendously.
I know this is a stressful time. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to tripawds. Sorry to hear about your girl. There are other service dogs in the community. You may want to check out Jasper's blog. He is a Golden Retriever service dog that was hit by a car and is recovering splendidly.
Regarding family, WE that love our pups are know that some people don't really "get it", don't understand. Everyone here in this forum has heard this from one or another friend, neighbour or relative.
We all know it is not an easy decision, because it's major surgery, but dogs recover very fast. If you are willing to take this challenge with your pup, this is the place to be for tips and support.
Good luck, and keep us posted!
hugs from Brazil - Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
We are in a hard boat financially as well. My husband is on disability and I literally just got a new job and had to take off my 3rd day of work to find a vet who would work with us financially. It might seem hard to do because everyone has pride, but maybe make a "go fund me" account. 1/2 of our vet bills got paid by doing that. It is a fundraiser website and you can set it up to your preferences. Share it to everyone you know would care or has resources. Share it to local animal organizations as well. It is worth a shot, it worked for us! I would also suggest doing your research to see if there is another vet that works with people going through financial hardships, they are out there.
Keep your head up and go with your gut on this. You love her and you two know what's right for her. My landlord, and several other unsympathetic people, told me I should put Scout down too. I knew they were wrong and he is doing really good even though he's only 2 1/2 weeks out of surgery.
My prayers are there for you and Gemma.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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