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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My dog Sammy was hit by a car back in March. He had a severe degloving injury to his right leg and they had to do surgery to close up the leg and also amputate one of his toes that was crushed. He had noticeable nerve damage in the leg, but it was only from the knee down so they had hopes the rest would return. About a week later they had to do another surgery to remove some dead tissue from his back end. Since then he has been healing well except for the right leg that was injured. They were hoping the loss of sensation would return, but after many months of rehab and hope, it has not. I have struggled with making the decision but decided it would be best for him to amputate the leg since all he does is drag it around (and it has a large open sore on the top of his paw). With the surgery date approaching, I am really starting to question my decision, which i am sure is normal. My vet and rehab vet have both assured me it is the best decision and he will be much happier, but it is a very hard choice to make...which i am sure yall know. I guess i was just looking for your thoughts and opinions on this. Or perhaps some words of encouragement! 🙂
Thanks!
My dog's leg was amputated for pathology and not an accident, but I never thought twice about it because her quality of life depended on it. Your dog is already not using the leg, it will likely be easier for him to not have a useless appendage to drag around. Even though he doesn't experience pain from the open wound, it is still a potential source of infection.
Your doubts are human emotions. Your dog will come home and get on with things. While you will hear a lot of warnings about the first two post op weeks…and it is all good advice…don't set yourself up for the worst. My dog was over 12, has arthritis, and was up and walking down 23 stairs less than 24 hours post op. She never looked back and has yet to have a bad day…or miss her leg. Much of their success depends on your attitude. You are already working with a rehab vet, so you're both ahead of the game. Isabelle was back in the underwater treadmill the minute her sutures were out, 13 days after surgery.
You will both be fine with his three legs! Best of luck.
Cynthia
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Hi Sammysmom,
I'm so sorry you have reached the amputation decision. We know how difficult it can be, especially after having a glimmer of hope that the leg would heal. But you know, I've talked to rehab therapists who say that 5 or 6 months is enough time to know whether a not a leg will return to some kind of function, so you are definitely on the recommended path for looking at all options before amputation. I know it's so hard to come to this decision though, but at least you're giving your pup a shot at an excellent quality of life. Sammy's size should be to his advantage; smaller dogs generally have it easier as Tripawds as long as their weight is kept down.
Our standard recommendations to new members, with or without cancer, is to check out our Required Reading List, which should answer most of your questions about life on three legs. Our "Three Legs & a Spare" e-book is also super helpful.
As for recovery, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst, since the first two weeks can be tough for dogs and humans. Many dogs don't experience any difficulties at all when it comes to post-op difficulties, but some others have a ruff time recuperating. Just take things day by day and remember that it's worse for you than it is for him. He will be FINE and if you follow his lead, you will too!
Good luck, and keep us posted. I moved your topic to this "Beyond Cancer" discussion so that others in similar situations can read about your Sammy and get inspired by his story. Hope that was OK.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Sammy's family! Welcome to the club you don't want to join but will be glad you did! There are a good many dogs here who lost legs through accidents, so you are in good company. What kind of dog is Sammy (or blend) and how old is he?
I'm with Cynthia regarding the sore on Sammy's foot. I would think the potential for infection would be stressing you out more than the idea of amputation. You have given this enough opportunity to get better and it's not getting better. Sammy will run faster, jump higher, leap tall buildings with a single bound--all kinds of impressive feats--once he's freed from dragging around the thing that's hampering him.
Sammy's lucky to have you advocating for him and worrying about him. He will reward you. Now...how about some pictures!?
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
sammysmom5 said:
My dog Sammy was hit by a car back in March. He had a severe degloving injury to his right leg and they had to do surgery to close up the leg and also amputate one of his toes that was crushed.
Welcome Sammy and mom!
Daisy also was hit and had a classic degloving injury but the repair only lasted about a week before gangrene set in so we did not have much time to think about it. Daisy is 1 yr post amp (as of last week!) I do not regret making that decision, she is still a happy 13 year old senior. By the way-we also have a Sam
Daisy earned her wings on Oct 22, 2011 at 14 years old
She is now the official greeter at the rainbow bridge
Everyone is guaranteed a welcome sniff and Dalmatian smile
Thanks so much for all the kind words! It helps knowing that so many have been through this and that it will be okay. Sammy is a havanese mix (they are in the family with the bichons). He is 4 years old. I know that it is for the best but I guess I just get more anxious as it gets closer. I will definitely keep everyone posted on how everything goes!
I am not sure how to post a pic on here so if someone tells me how, i would love to show yall pics of my little man! 
Hi Sammy's Family.....ditto to everything that has already been said and I agree....you are making the right decision. As Jerry said, be sure to keep him at a healthy weight. To me, that is the foremost most important thing for a Tripawd.
My tripawd girl Shelby says PAWS UP! She is nearly 14 months post-amp of her right front leg and hell on 3 legs. We wish you all the best...keep us updated, okay?
Hi Sammy and Mom,
Welcome to Tripawds. Sorry to hear about Sammy's accident.
My pug Maggie lost a rear leg to mast cell cancer. She was a tri-pug for almost 4 years (one third of her life!). She was about 17 pounds at the time of amputation, and 12" at the shoulder.
You can check out Maggie's story in her blog, the link is in my signature box below. If you go back to some of the old posts there are some videos where you can see Maggie in action.
As Cynthia said, some lucky pups bounce right back after surgery. And since Sammy has been a virtual tripawd for awhile I bet he will get his balance quickly. Lets plan on a easy recovery!! But just in case don't get discouraged if there is some down time.
Here are some instructions on posting pictures- they have to be posted on line somewhere. It is easy to start a blog here, and a good place to post lots of pictures.
Good luck on Monday, be sure to keep us posted.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Welcome to thew family. You've gotten good advice and not much to add besides you will realize it is us humans that make a bigger deal out of it than the dogs. When cancer isn't involved thats a great plus, I think you will wonder why you were so nervous once the healing is over, don't worry, you won't regret it, good luck and Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Welcome to the tripawd family. I think it is very normal to have feelings of doubt, but once Sammy gets through the initial recovery period, your pup will amaze, impress and inspire you.
Abby is two years old, 45 pounds, and a front leg amp. She is now at almost 10 months post surgery. After about two weeks she was back to her old self and she does pretty much everything she used..runs at the beach, plays ball, digs, wrestles, can even sit up and "shake" with her remaining front leg.
Put those doubts aside and be secure in the knowledge that you are doing what is best for Sammy. Come back here for support and questions during the recovery ... And for updates! We will all want to know how Sammy is doing!
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!
sammysmom5 said:
I am not sure how to post a pic on here so if someone tells me how, i would love to show yall...
Here are instructions for adding pictures to forum posts. If you need somewhere to upload photos, you can start a blog and put them in your Media Library and copy the image file location and paste that in the Image URL field when drafting your forum post. Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the site! You will be glad you joined because everyone here understands where you are because we have been there too. The advice is great, and we all know what you're going through. My guy Ranger was hit by a car too, but he was already about 1 year post-amp when we adopted him. He's 6yrs old and about 62lbs and gets around great! I also had a 80lb German Shepherd mix that had osteosarcoma and we had to amputate her leg, so I've been through the recovery part too. Smaller dogs seem to have an easier time with recovery, but you should be prepared for anything. Feel free to ask lots of questions because most likely someone here has been through whatever problem you're having. Good luck with surgery!
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
OMG, she is just the cutest dog! Cooper had his right rear amputated June 29th and I did prepare for the worst so was pleasantly (understatement) surprised when he did soooo well! As others said, he was up walking, doing his business, eating within 24 hours of bringing him home (1 day post op). He was drugged up on pain meds, so we took him off (weaning him down) after a week. My daughters have had major knee surgery and could cope with just Tylenol after 3 days, so I figured so could Coop. Everything I read here recommended cutting back on the pain meds, as they seem to do well without them and the pain meds really can mess up their minds. Of course, go with your vet's recommendations, I just think Cooper did so well because of 2 things: our attitude (absolutely no tears, just smiles and encouragement) and not over doing the pain meds. Good luck with surgery! Will be watching for your blog!!
Welcome to Tripawds! Sorry to hear about Sammy's accident. As others have said, he will amaze you with how well he'll do post surgery. The first 2 weeks can be quite difficult, but after that - watch out! Make sure you get lots of rest - take care of YOU so you can do the same for Sammy.
Please keep us posted...
Cathy
I started a blog so I could keep yall updated and post pics. I believe this is the correct link you need.
http://sammysmo.....ing-close/
Thanks for keeping up with us!
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