Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi! I am new here! My 4 year old Lab, Jennings, was hit by a car on Tuesday night and thrown down into a ditch (about a 10-15 ft fall). It completely shattered his right front leg. We brought him in the house and I slept beside him that night scared to death that something would happen to him during the night. I took him to the vet first thing Wednesday morning and the vet kept him overnight & amputated it yesterday. I hated to wait till morning to take him to the vet but the vet said to keep him warm during the night and that was all i could really do. The only other injuries he sustained were a split lip and he bit through his tongue! He was so lucky! My brother found this website for me so I lurked a little last night to try to prepare myself for bringing him home today. I'm glad I found this website because I didn't realize how many things there were to take into consideration with having a tripawd! It really is overwhelming to say the least! And being thrown into it without much time to prepare has proven to add to the anxiety & helplessness that I'm feeling! I have tons of questions but I'll try not to hit you with them all at once. Some of my questions aren't relevant now anyway because he's going to need healing time before I worry about things like exercise and swimming...I think I'll wait until after his follow up appt to worry about all that.
My house is all hardwood and tile and I didn't take that into consideration until last night while reading some other posts on this site! Luckily we have some rugs laying around....although I'm going to have to make it a priority to buy more rugs! I also didn't take into consideration that he would be licking at his incision...but in reading last night I learned a little tip for that and was prepared for that also...I put one of my son's old shirts on him and tied the empty leg in a knot....Jennings looks so cute in this that I'm planning to order him a tripawds shirt to wear! However I don't think the tshirt trick is going to work once he starts trying to itch it with his hind legs....will he do that? and how do I prevent him from itching it?
My biggest concern right now is that the vet only gave him previcox 227 mg tablets for pain and he is to only take half of one once a day. I'm worried that this isn't enough pain med for him! To my way of thinking...if I had just lost a limb I'd be wanting something every four hours!!! I was told by a friend at work that dogs can take Aspirin and I was wondering if I could give him aspirin as well! Does anyone have any thoughts on this or should I check with the vet tomorrow? But on the other hand....he doesn't act like he's too terribly uncomfortable so maybe I'm the one being a baby! I'd be curled up somewhere whining I'm sure! Is it normal to see his shoulder joint moving?
He also REALLY needs a bath! The vet said I could spray him...not soak him in a bath! I bought a hyrdosurge rapid bath sprayer today with indoor & outdoor attachments. I hate to give him a cold bath using the outside faucets but I don't think getting him in & out of a tub is ideal at this point either! What should I do? Is it okay to give him a cold bath at this point? It's supposed to be hot out tomorrow...but I'm sure warm water would be much more soothing to him now! I just had a thought....if I have a long enough water hose maybe i can hook it to the kitchen faucet and run it outside.....maybe that will work.
But it does ease some of my anxiety and give me hope to see him up & about and "adapting" so soon after his accident! I picked him up from the vet this morning and he walked...err, hopped out on his own, and hopped into the car. It took a little bit for him to wrap his mind around getting out of the car, but he did it and he hopped inside. I had a bed ready for him in the family room, thinking he'd want to lay down as soon as he got home. This was not the case....he followed me all over the house while I was getting ready for work. I hated to leave him so soon after bringing him home but my brother stayed with him all day for me which made me feel better about leaving him. I hated to ask for today off after missing half the day to take him to the vet. When I came home, my parents, my kids and I took him outside so he could do his business (going to potty normally isn't a family affair, but he has had many caring relatives around today)...anyway, he went out the door and hopped off the deck like there wasn't a thing in the world wrong with him and I literally held my breath because I just knew he was going to land wrong and fall! It was heartbreaking to watch him trying to figure out how to do his business! And its heartbreaking to watch him hop around the house, but I know he will adjust and we will all adapt to this new curve ball we've been thrown. I have three kids as well and it's been a rough week for all of us...lots of crying and worrying and questions. My youngest daughter had a hard time seeing him for the first time today and she went to her room for a little bit, but now she's petting him and kissing his head. She's 6 and doesn't understand why they couldn't save his leg. The kids went to walmart and picked him out a new toy today, although he isn't showing his usual interest yet. He just carries it to his blanket and sits it on the floor in front of him and squeaks it a couple times. I'm sure it won't be long until this new toy ends up like all the rest....missing it's squeaker! LOL!
I'm sorry this was such a long post and I apologize if I've posted this in the wrong area! I just wanted to ask a few questions and say thank you, from both Jennings and myself, for the help & advice you've already given us! I look forward to learning as much as I can from all of you and from browsing this website! I am so glad that my brother found it for me! I am also going to try to post some of my pictures of him soon! Thanks for reading my rambling post. I'll try to keep them shorter from now on!
~Amy~Jennings~
OH WELCOME Amy and Jennings and all of your family
You have already discovered a lot....non skid rugs are very very helpful...don't give him any medication without checking with your vet...I am unfamiliar with the pain med you are giving so can't comment.
My regular suggestion is always...get a Ruffwear harness that you can get right here...I have a large dog and it really helped me help him...but as I say that I see that Jennings was already in and out of the car and it is entirely possibly you may not need one!! (wow...there is a novel idea to me)
If you are upset, try to go to your room or somewhere away from him and attempt to be really cheery and happy around Jennings...because he really doesn't know why you are upset...you can see how well he is adapting...they do it so much faster than we do it is just unreal. This is the best place in the world next to your vet. come here anytime and don't ever worry about how much you write (I am queen of the novella, don't know how to do a short post).
You are probably more traumatized than he is at this point and be very very grateful that once he has healed, he has a long wonderful life in front of him...he will run and play and adapt so well, you will wonder what he ever needed that extra leg for.
come often, post pictures and progress...
Hi Amy and Jennings,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jenning's accident and amputation. 
What a shock that must have been to you! 
Please don't give him any Aspirin… and check with your vet first thing in the morning… and ask about possibly adding tramadol to the pain meds mix… Most dogs here are on tramadol and a NSAID like previcox, rimadyl, meloxicam, etc… right after their surgery.
It's very important to keep Jennings hydrated, so if he's not interested in drinking water, then use a syringe to get some into him. Is he on any antibiotics? Also very important that he takes all his prescribed medications… sneak them into his favorite treats (cheese, liver, etc)… or even shove them down his throat if you have to.
For the first week or two of Jenning's recovery, you should get a sling for him (either purchase one or make one out of the reusable grocery bags, or a towel)… That will help him get around while he's learning to balance on 3 legs. After his stitches/staples come out (within 2 weeks), he'll do great with a Ruff Wear Harness… It has a handle on the top, so you can grab it whenever he needs a little extra help. My Jake was a 85 pound golden retriever, and the harness helped him (and me) tremendously!! Be sure to have a bunch of doggie beds or comforters lying around your house so that Jenning's can plop down wherever… We had put something like that in almost every room in our house, since Jake liked to hang out with us wherever we were.
Luckily Jennings doesn't have to worry about cancer… but he still will have to bear all his weight on his remaining 3 legs now, so you should really start thinking about adding supplements like glucosamine/chondroitin, etc… to help support his joints.
Just remember, the first 2 weeks post-amputation are usually the most difficult for both the dog and the pawrents… I hope you post some pictures of Jennings soon.
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
hi amy. isn't it amazing how much 'stuff' can happen in such a short amount of time!! sounds like jennings is doing well. gayle was on tramadol for the pain, i'm not familiar with yours. i agree with jake's mom…don't give aspirin without talking to your vet. as for the bath…geesh….gayle says why bother with a bath if you can put it off… if you really need to clean him up some, maybe just a wet washcloth/towel for now..i'd really wait til he's healed and stitches out before i'd dunk him… sounds like there are many little hands around to help you and jennings…can't wait for some pictures. paws crossed for a speedy recovery!
gayle & charon
p.s. the Ruff Wear Harness really is handy. at the onset, we used an opened up cloth tote bag as a sling for gayle – helping her with steps, etc.
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Hi Amy,
We're so sorry about Jennings but it really sounds like he's doing as well as we would hope a Tripawd would do after coming home. Everyone here has such great advice. Be sure to come to our Tripawds Live Chat tonight at 8pm Eastern. You can ask all the vet questions you'd like to Dr. Pam Wiltzius, a Tripawd Mom and expert on the lifestyle.
All I would add to the recovery tips is:
- Do NOT give the asprin to your dog. It is not enough and it can cause stomach ulceration. I would call your vet and ask for Tramadol. Previcox can also be very tough on a dog's tummy. I don't like Previcox because it gave me a bad ulcer and it has had some serious gastrointestinal side effects on other dogs I've read about. Please look out for black, tarry looking stools with mucus. If that happens, stop the meds IMMEDIATELY and call your vet.
- I have never heard of a dog here who had been given Previcox for post-surgery pain management . My preference for a non-steroidal pain med is Metacam, which is milder, and Tramadol. Some dogs also take a med called Gabapentin, which is usually needed for dogs in more pain than it sounds like Jennings is in. Please keep in mind I am NOT a vet, so all disclaimers apply, but this is just my personal experience.
- Try to limit his activity at least for the next two to three weeks. Jumping off a deck, furniture or into and out of cars should be avoided, either right after surgery or even afterward. Too much activity after surgery can slow his healing down and cause a "seroma." And allowing him to do these things afterward may put too much stress on his joints. He's young and he won't notice it but as a Labby, he will start to feel it sooner or later.
- If Jennings is overweight (he is a lab after all!), work on getting his weight down. Any extra weight on him is bad news for his health and his joints. Tripawds have to work harder than 4 leggers, so you can give him all the help he can get by making sure he doesn't tip the scale.
- Finally, take a deep breath, you're doing great. Once the healing is over, he will do all he can to get back to normal and you should let him. I know you're busy with the kids, but if you can keep an eye on his playtime and running activity to make sure he doesn't overdo it too much, he'll be fine.
Finally, take a look at these movies about physical therapy and rehab care, they really help illustrate what I'm talking about.
Hang in there, things will be fine. You are to be commened for being such a great dog Mom for all that you have going on in your life! Keep us posted how he's doing OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I've only got a couple thoughts to add to the already great advice -
I had a front right leg amputee before Gerry (Yoda). He had no trouble hopping across smooth, slippery surfaces from the day I picked him up after surgery, but Gerry (who had his rear leg amp in December) still does now and then. Yoda was mellower than Gerry though and Gerry only slips when he's excited. So the more excitable Jennings is, probably the more rugs he could use! He might surprise you though. My mom bought me a bunch of extra rugs for Yoda all for naught.
Yoda did start to want to itch his stitches/staples with his back leg and a t-shirt didn't really help, you're right. I somehow managed to get through it by watching him like a hawk and I had help from my folks during those first two weeks until the stitched and staples came out. Not the best solution, but I did learn soon after we got through that though that the vet probably had a cream or something that could have soothed the itch. So I would recommend asking your vet about that! Maybe even having it on hand ahead of time, just because keeping them form itching once they really really want to can be soooo difficult. But I don't remember seeing others post about the itching problem. I may have missed it, or it may not be that common.
Oh and were you saying that Jennings still has part of his shoulder? Yoda had the whole thing removed, but Gerry still has a stump, as I think all rear leg amps probably have to. Gerry's stump moves all the time, like he's still using it. Maybe his leg is still there and it's just invisible! Gerry's stump also twitched a lot after the amputation, but now rarely. I think the excessive twitching was an effect of the meds he was on, which seemed to give him the shakes in general.
Good luck! And don't forget that taking good care of yourself and sleeping as much as you possibly can sets a good example for Jennings 
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
Welcome Jennings and mom!
I'm so sorry that this happened. It's a lot to absorb. But as a 4 year old, he'll do very well.
The only immediate advice I would give that I don't think anyone said was…DO NOT BATHE HIM – what-so-ever until you get the okay from the vet. That should be after 2-3 weeks. You'll risk an infection of the suture site. Even with humans, you can't take a bath or shower if the stitches are exposed to water. The suture site has to remain dry. Don't even let morning dew on the grass touch the wound. You'll just have to endure dirty dog! (I had to do this when I brought home a shelter puppy that had just been neutered – I was counting the days until I could bathe him! He was pretty nasty!)
Let your friend know that you should not give dogs aspirin, as noted from everyone! (just in case your friend is doing it to her/his pet) I know someone that treated their 2 year old lab's ligament injury with aspirin. Well, they finally went to the vet and had the cruciate ligament surgery. The sad part – the dog never recovered from the surgery and died because it's stomach was so ulcerated (most likely from the aspirin).
FYI – I'm usually a little more upbeat in my postings! Yikes!
As everyone noted, please come and share and post pics! We want to hear how Jennings is doing!
Best of luck!
Comet's mom
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.
Welcome to the family Jennings and mom, sorry to hear your story on how you got here, but you will discover this is the best place to be. One good thing you have going for you is your not dealing with cancer like most of us here, so the good news is you don't have to think about it coming back. Trust us, Jennings will adapt quicker than you can imagine. Gus is six weeks out and about the third, he was showing signs of his old self, and now you can't believe this guy is even missing a leg, except when he thumps along on the floor, what a hoot!!! He was climbing the stairs the first night he came home, which was the day after the surgery, but there were times he didn't act like himself, so you might expect that for awhile. Gus had some phantom pain , not all dogs get that , but if yours does, kind of take a deeep breath, cause it can scare the heck out of you the first couple times and Gabapentin seemed to help, doesn't make it go away, but I think it lessens the pain. he was on Rimidyl also. I think you might find that you will worry more than the dog does, they just go about their business and adjust, but the first couple weeks aren't the easiest, so you might have a couple rough nights here and there, but that gets better also. If you have questions, this is the place to be, experience has the best answers, good luck, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Thanks so much to all of you for the great advice and support! I am putting off giving him a good cleaning...even though he is really stinky! My 3 kids and I just moved in with my parents so I had been keeping Jennings outside...which is why he is so stinky and why he got hit.....he got loose! My parents are actually moving in a couple of weeks and the kids and I are going to live in there house since it will be cheaper and help me out. I was planning on bringing Jennings inside once my parents got moved. I feel horrible and I feel like a really bad mommy for him and if I'd just insisted he come in, this wouldn't have happened. But since the accident, my parents have been so great and it wasn't even a question of can he stay in, my mom said "he's coming in" and they have welcomed him in with lots of love, care and concern. I really feel so responsible for his accident and so does the kids dad...they wanted Jennings to stay with him after we split up since it was out in the country but he said he wouldn't be home enough to take care of him. I also feel horrible that I had to make the decision to amputate instead of taking him to an orthopedic surgeon. The vet said he could refer me to one but that they may or may not be able to fix it and that it would be really really expensive. I just don't have that kind of money right now.
And speaking of stinky.....he has the worst gas right now! He's about to stink me out of the house! I'm about to go search for a clothes pin for my nose! Or some doggie gas x! LOL! His first night wasn't too bad. We went outside a couple of time early this morning. I slept in the recliner so that he wouldn't have to come find me if he needed to go out and so that I would be near if anything happened. I'm having trouble keeping him still today. If I stay in the family room with him, he will lay down and rest but as soon as I get up, he's up...or if he thinks someone's getting food out of the kitchen he gets up and goes to investigate! So I've tried to limit my trips to the bathroom and I'm taking it easy and watching movies so he will stay put on the floor! He does like laying directly on the hardwood...which I read on here is normal since its cooler than laying on the blanket. I was able to fool him a little bit ago and fix dinner without him realizing I was cooking FOOD! But once the plates came out he was up! When he goes outside he acts like theres so much he wants to do but then by the time he gets his business done he goes back to the door to go inside...it just wears him out! I asked my mom to pick up a reusable shopping bag at walmart so that I can cut it and help him when he's outside...he has so much more trouble outside! She just took my daughter shopping so hopefully she will remember and we will have it for the next time he goes out.
Thanks for the info about the aspirin...I will not be giving him any of that. I'm so glad I asked first!
I read that swimming is good for them and the house my parents are moving to is on a lake so once he's healed I look forward to getting him a float coat and taking him swimming. We also live next door to the fair grounds and there is a road all around the perimeter of the property...so we will have good access to go walking once he is able and we can both get some exercise!
I am really concerned about his incision...it is oozing. Looks like some blood too. Is this normal? It wasn't doing this last night. And I called the vet and he said that it was normal for it to ooze and he asked me how he was. I told him he seemed to be fine. He said to keep an eye on it. Should he have been more concerned? Should I have demanded the vet see him? What type of behavior should I watch for from him to make sure this isn't a problem? I have a bandage on it. I don't want to keep a bandage on it, I think it should get air. Is it ok to keep something on it till it stops? It's just like bringing home a new baby...they don't come with owner's manuals, they can't tell you what is going on inside their bodies, and you're up and down all night! LOL! My mom was in the vet's exam room with us and when the vet brought out the shots my mom said "oh this is worse than having your kid get a shot. I can't watch!" and she went back to the waiting room!
I thought his smell from needing a good bath was bad.....but this gas is HORRIBLE! Poor thing, could it be the meds? The kids abandoned us because of the stink! LOL!
Now, I'm going to sneak to the bathroom while he's sleeping....hopefully he won't follow! This is where obedience training might have come in handy! I say "stay" and it works for two seconds!
Thanks again for everything! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your dogs who are also dealing with life on three legs whether due to illness or injury and I wish everyone the best!
That definitely sounds like a seroma , as long as it's clear with blood and not all 100 percent blood.
Yes indeed, it is like bringing home a baby. We had a vet say that just the other day. Speaking of, if you have any baby gates left over, they will help keep him confined. I know it's hard to do that when he's just getting used to being inside with you, but it's really for the best in the short-term.
As for the bandage...some dogs get issued a bandage, some don't. We haven't seen a difference in which way heals faster. The gas...yeah, could be from the meds. It will likely subside soon.
Please don't feel guilty about the situation. Yes, it's tragic that he got hit but what a blessing that his alive and doing so very well. Many dogs have a hard time at first, he sounds like he's doing GREAT! As for an ortho doc, sometimes they can save a leg but oftentimes they can't, it just depends. You did what was best for your situation and his, and that's what counts. Jennings is just hoppy to be alive and with his pack. Now go give him a smooch from us and try not to worry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
i say blame the gas on one of the kids......we all know dogs don't pass gas .......
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Hi Amy and Jennings, my dog Koda is also a Labrador (yellow) and is a front right amputee also. It is a horrible experience you have been through but don't hold onto the guilt as you have to be in the best place to help Jennings along. This little guy is going to teach you so much about life in such a short time. I remember when Koda was diagnosed with cancer and had his leg amputated the following week I was a mess and then seeing him recover so well and not let anything bother him it taught me so so so much. Don't sweat the small stuff and get over it quickly as there are balls and cats that need chasing... 
Jennings is in for a real treat from now on as wherever he goes he is going to be a star and people are going to want to pat him and ask you about him. Koda loves that part the most. Hey there has to be a positive somewhere in being in this position!!!! Koda is so proud of his Tripawds stature.
Well I agree with all of the posts above, and from what you have told us so far it seems as if Jennings is recovering and coping quite well. As Koda's breeder (a very good Labrador breeder here in Australia) told me that nothing bothers a lab, it is constant elevator music playing for them and they just bounce along to it "la lala lalalalalala lalala lalala"".... Hahahah I thought of this as so true.. They are too smart to sweat the small stuff!!!
Just be sure to keep him as quite as possible over the next 2 weeks so he heals well and then get him onto the Glucosamine and Chondroiton as quick as possible (check with your vet first) as Koda is a little tight in the back legs occassionally but he is 8... Oh and we give him Fish oil too...
All the best and we look forward to more posts!!
Storm and Koda 🙂
Hi Jennings and mom! You definitely have come to the right place for information and support. We are sorry to hear of Jennings unfortunate accident, but he will be back to his old self in no time. I agree about the aspirin, DON'T GIVE HIM ANY! As for him getting around the house easier, try Home Depot or Lowe's for carpet runners or maybe even the Tripawds Exchange forum.
Chuy is a left frt. amputee and we have ceramic tile through most of the house. He did have trouble walking on slick surfaces (still does at PetSmart) so we aquired some carpet runners thru the Exchange forum here. I have heard others say they have gotten them at the do-it-yourself stores too.
As for bathing, maybe a wipe down with a damp towel will help, they also make bath wipes that are safe for pets, you can get them at almost any pet store.
As for the gas.....are you sure it's Jennings and not the invisible cat?
Post pictures when you can, we can't wait to see him!
Chuy and Eleanor
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Good morning Jennings and mom. Gus and I live on a farm, and over the years have seen quite a bit. If the incision ooze is clear, I probably wouldn't worry to much, but if it starts to look like puss or have a smell or swells and looks inflamed, then it might be starting an infection. Gus didn't have anything on his incision, and didn't lick it to much, it healed very nice. A couple days after the surgery I noticed it getting quite red around some of ther incision and my concern was infection, but the vet said that was some bruising, and it went away after a few days. I'm sure your vet gave you some antibiotic, just keep using that as long as they recommend along with the pain meds. On gas, couldn't tell you since that has always been one of Gus' special features, he sure is proud of himself sometimes!!! Try not to beat yourself up about this, believe it or not this is probably more traumatic for you than him, Jennings will adapt amazingly quick and in a few weeks you won't believe how well he will be. I talked to a guy who also had a lab with three legs, and that dog swam as good as before, it didn't sound like he used anything either. These next couple weeks will be your worst, sleep when you can, if you get the chance since nights seem quite long at this time, paws up, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Magic had gas before the surgery, but now.....trust me I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU MEAN...I had a friend over for the Survivor finale? at 11 PM we had the living room windows wide open, room spray in our hands and blankets over our noses....
Since he decided to sleep inside with his hind end in the direction of the head of the bed, OMG....I probably should be glad he is on the floor.
I have found that it seems like when he has chicken it is worse, chicken, chicken kibble, chicken treats....but I'm not sure.
Good luck and keep us posted
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