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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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New member saying hi and Anywayscared of having Rosie’s leg removed
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Member Since:
13 February 2018
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13 February 2018 - 6:49 pm
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hello everybody and thanks for having me on your forum. My poor dog Rosie (8 year old American bulldog 95 lbs) has terrible premature arthritis in her elbow,the root cause being abuse at a young age. Her elbow is very swollen and inflamed. She also has a torn rotator cuff which has been healing and getting reinjured for around a year on the same leg. She had been wearing a dogleggs brace for about 6 months. She takes deramax daily and has had both 3 days of iv at the vets and oral antibiotics at home for the last 3 weeks. There is some reduction in the swelling but not as much as we had hoped for by this point. 

Im starting to see all of this taking its toll on her. I really believe that over the last year I’ve done all that I can for her. She’s seen 3 different doctors, none of them can seem to come up with a solution that works and things are getting worse for her. Many sets of x-rays, ultrasound, blood work (perfect), the harness,green lipped mussels, recoveryeq, heat pads, we’ve tried everything we can think of to ease her pain and give her leg a chance to heal. Have you ever carried a 95 pound bulldog up and down the stairs ? They have classified it as a bacterial infection but have no idea what has caused it or how to control it properly. The one thing the vet has said is that it’s not cancer. She is very healthy and full of life and energy.

the time has come when I’m going to have to decide to take the next step,which is amputation. It’s been suggested before,so now the time has come. I finally knew in my heart yesterday that something had to be done to help her. just watching her getting through the last few days has been upsetting. I didn’t call the vet today because I was too afraid, but tomorrow I’m going to have to make that call. I know deep inside it will be the right thing to do for her, but what a thing to come to terms with. I’m having a bit of a hard time even feeling like I have the right to make that call on another living creature.  Any advice or words of wisdom in a situation like this would be most welcome.

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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13 February 2018 - 7:37 pm
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Hello and welcome Rosie and dad.  You future posts will not have to wait for approval.

I hope you don't mind I moved your post here to Beyond Cancer, a good place to start for non-cancer related amputations.

I'm sorry you have reached this point with Rosie but it does sound like you have tried your best to fix the problem without surgery. Does the vet think she is a good candidate for amputation?

I know it's hard to decide on amputation- it seems so drastic. But it sounds like Rosie is in constant pain which is not going to get better.  Don't look at as taking away her leg, you are taking away her pain and you are giving her quality, pain free time with you.

You might look through The Reading List for information on what to expect with amputation and recovery.

The first couple weeks after surgery can be full of ups and downs- it's easy to get discouraged and doubt your decision.  Stay positive for Rosie as she will look to you to be a strong pack leader.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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13 February 2018 - 9:08 pm
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http://bender.t.....-the-snow/

The above link is "Bender", an adorable Bulldog who is fove months post front leg amp.  It may do your heart good to see how well this boy has adjusted to three legs.

No, this is not any easy decision. We all afonize over trying to do what's best for our pups.    We cry, we have a pit in your stomach, we can't eat, we can't sleep.....yeah, not a fun time!!  Of course, Rosie is completely oblivious to all your worries!   Shhh....our secret.....I was so scared I actually cancelled Happy Hannah's surgery appointment the dirst time!  

Clearly you have, indeed, done EVERYTHING possible for you precious Rosie!!  It's hard to think of amputation as a solution that will help Rosie enjoy living life to the fullest WITHOUT pain, but it is!!    If your Vet feels Rosie is a good candidate, then she should do just fine.  Any surgery has a risk, but the Vet will do everything possible to eliminate any hurdle that could pop up.

Roise has NO ISSUE with just having three legs!  She DOES have issue with having pain and having to constantly fo baxk and forth to the Vet for one treatment after another.

The thing with amputation surgery, it's one surgery and done!!  After the recovery period Rosie won't have anymore pain!   Sounds like Rosie hasn't been able to be Rosie for quite awhile.  You will be amazed at how happy she is and how much her sparkle will come back bigger and brighter than before!!

Remind yourself you are doing this FOR Rosie, not TO her!!   You are giving her a new lease on life!   Listen to Rosie.  She is already telling you AND showing you she is READY to get on with a pain free life!   She's telling you AND showing you what her decision!!  I bet if she could make thst phone call herself, she would!

STAY CONNECTED !   We are right by your side the whole way.   Envision us right by your side as you call and make the appointment.   We're surrounding you with peace, clarity and strength.   And shhh....you can always cancel and reschedule, but I DO think Rosie is more than ready to jump back into her sparkle!!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS.  Is there any doubt with any of her Vets that the infection will be gone once that bum leg is removed?  It's just contained in that leg?

Recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks, vut it sounds like Rosie already has adjusted to three legs.

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!

Canada
Member Since:
7 July 2017
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14 February 2018 - 8:16 am
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rosiesdad said
The one thing the vet has said is that it’s not cancer. She is very healthy and full of life and energy.

This is a huge statement!!! Please hang on to this! Rosie has a good long life ahead of her!!

the time has come when I’m going to have to decide to take the next step,which is amputation. It’s been suggested before,so now the time has come. I finally knew in my heart yesterday that something had to be done to help her. just watching her getting through the last few days has been upsetting. I didn’t call the vet today because I was too afraid, but tomorrow I’m going to have to make that call. I know deep inside it will be the right thing to do for her, but what a thing to come to terms with. I’m having a bit of a hard time even feeling like I have the right to make that call on another living creature. Any advice or words of wisdom in a situation like this would be most welcome.

Yes, the prospect of taking our beloved pets leg is at first horrifying right?! When Paul & i were first told that Stewie had Osteosarcoma and that the only way to get rid of his pain, was to amputate his front left leg, our first knee jerk reaction was “No bloody way in Hell!!! We are not taking our beautiful boys leg!!!” We thought he was too big and that the surgery would be too much for him. But what it came right down to, was that the surgery was a god send for him! But, the recovery was definitely no walk in the park!! We all got through it though and 7 months later, I hardly notice that he has only 3 legs!!! I know that sounds absurd, but I don’t look for his fourth leg anymore! I am far more cautious and motherly with him, but i don’t find that to be a bad thing...

 
Remind yourself you are doing this FOR Rosie, not TO her!!   You are giving her a new lease on life!   Listen to Rosie.  

Ditto Karen & Sally!! You have done sooooo much for Rose and I take my hat off to you for being such a very loving and persistent Dad! If you & Rosie think this is the next best step, then you can make the steps together... 

Sally said
PS.  Is there any doubt with any of her Vets that the infection will be gone once that bum leg is removed?  It's just contained in that leg?

I was kind of wondering the same thing... Can an amputation be performed with an infection going on?

Wishing you all the very best and will look forward to hearing how things are going for you and your girl.

Petra, Stewie 🐾 & his Pride >^..^<

On July 10/17 I became a Super Tripawd! You can find out more about my Pawrents Allensong but first Check out my 🎗 journey Super Stu Remember...“live in the moment!“  

London, UK


Member Since:
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14 February 2018 - 9:36 am
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I'm sorry you and Rosie are going through this. I really do empathise and understand how soul destroying it can be to try so hard to save a leg only to recognise that you have come to the point where amputation is the only way of giving Rosie the quality of life she deserves.

Our situation has some parallels and I hope it will help you realise that there is much to feel positive about. My Meg also suffered from end-stage arthritis in her elbow (the right one in her case) and we tried everything to save it, including a total elbow replacement, which went wrong, and led to her developing an infection deep in the joint (e.coli, in her case), which could not be got rid of because of the implant. After nine months of trying to save her leg, amputation was the only remaining option. Because the infection was in the joint, removing the leg also removed the infection completely. I was very worried about how she would cope on three legs, especially as she had quite serious issues in her remaining front leg. But, partly no doubt because, like Rosie, she had been pretty one sided for some time, she adjusted extremely easily - hopping out of the hospital and basically never looking back. Next month she celebrates two years on three, and her quality of life is excellent. She swims, chases hares, and basically enjoys herself thoroughly. I'll link to a video below so you can see her loving life at the beach...

I finally knew in my heart yesterday that something had to be done to help her. just watching her getting through the last few days has been upsetting

It's terribly hard to accept, of course, but you are absolutely right. You have given it your all, and it reaches the point where you need to shut the door on that chapter, say enough is enough and move on. Once the leg is gone and Rosie has recovered, you can put all this behind you. No more operations, no more wondering if this will work, and if only I tried that, and maybe she does seem to be a bit better and then realising no she doesn't. I'm sure it's hard to imagine from your position, but I now look back on Meg's amputation with a feeling of immense relief. That was the day we got our lives back. That was when things started getting better.

Sadly, our dogs lives are not infinite. You've tried everything to save her leg, and all credit to you for doing so, but it sounds like you have reached the point where you are out of options and the sooner you do this, the sooner you and Rosie can get on with enjoying the pain free quality life you so deserve.

Lean on us, we're all here for you.

Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14 February 2018 - 10:02 am
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Clare, you jav4e given a reply from a place of first hand knowledge thst none of us could ever be able to do!   For you to reach out like this at this time is so caring, so selfless, so kind, so you. heart

And that video!!    If that doesn't show how hapoy a dog is on three, nothing does!!!

And hearing Elsie Pie cheering Meg on in the background (or telling her to hurry up and get the ball so ahe can go home and eat!) Iis priceless!   She's srill here, even if, just like in the cideo you cantw "see" her, the Pie is srill here!way-cool

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!

Canada
Member Since:
7 July 2017
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14 February 2018 - 11:34 am
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Meg-a-star! You sure know how to rock it on three! Bury the ball, unbury the ball.... bury the ball, unbury the ball... and Darlling Angel Pie is telling you to just bloody hurry up, I want to go home!!

Rosie, I hope you can find some hope in watching darling Meg have a BALL in the sand and in having a bright future for you and your Dad!!

All the very best to you all,

Petra, Stewie 🐾 & his Pride >^..^< heart

On July 10/17 I became a Super Tripawd! You can find out more about my Pawrents Allensong but first Check out my 🎗 journey Super Stu Remember...“live in the moment!“  

Member Since:
13 February 2019
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20 February 2019 - 12:13 pm
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Thank you Meg! This came at just the right time for me.  My baby, Shane, is a 5 year old rescued standard poodle, who has gone through two hip replacement surgeries and a bone break in his back right hip and leg since last January.  They have resulted in some kind of infection of the bone and the implants are being rejected while his leg bone is disintegrating.  He has essentially been a tripawd off and on for the last 3 months.  I am awaiting an appointment for his amputation surgery and have been devouring this web site.  I hate that he will be undergoing yet another surgery.  My friends are aghast at how much money I have spent on my baby, but he is a part of my family and worth every penny.  I am exhausted from the worry about him although I know it is the right decision.  I take him to Virginia Tech Veterinary School which is 3 hours away because they are the only facility that can deal with all of the implant materials during the surgery.  

I too worry that the infection can be contained once his leg has been removed.  I have read everything I can about osteomyelitis, although the actual type of infection has never been confirmed by my vet.  I also worry about Shane being put under anesthesia so many times in one year.  Additionally, he is not happy in a crate as he was abused as a puppy - hence the need for a hip replacement.  I am trying very hard to "Be a Dog" and take it one day at a time like Shane does.  He is truly the happiest most beautiful poodle in my world, whether he has three legs or four.  

Nancy and her Shane

On The Road


Member Since:
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20 February 2019 - 12:33 pm
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Nancy we are so glad you decided to post in the Forums. Please do consider starting an all new topic about Shane so that we can follow along with your specific story. Just click on this link and choose "Add Topic."

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You have both been through so much, we can tell you are trying hard to Be More Dog ! Glad you found our resources useful. Just let us know what questions you have in your own topic so that we can help you and Shane as you begin your Tripawd journey. 

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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

London, UK


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20 February 2019 - 1:05 pm
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Hi Nancy,

Am on my phone but just wanted to drop in and say I’m so glad you posted and I’ll respond properly later. Shane and your situation really struck a chord and there are many parallels with what happened with Meg. Will be only too happy to share our experience and offer whatever support I can going forward. 

Now need to get home and see what trouble she’s up to. Three years on three in a couple of weeks and every bit as much of a handful as ever. 

Please do start a new topic, as Jerry suggests, and I’ll come and find you there. 

Big hug, you have definitely come to the right place!

Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

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