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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Hello, I'm new to this site, and I love all the sharing! I ran over my brother's dog's foot about 2 months ago, and we tried everything we could to save it. We had arthrodesis surgery on the paw, but the paw lost circulation, became necrotic, and several vets said it's either amputation or sepsis will develop and he will die. It's all a shock. This is day 3 for his family. I feel a lot of guilt, but am trying to forgive myself by knowing I did the best I could to help save Wolfie's leg.
Wolfie is a beautiful Shepherd, and a big guy, 100 pounds. I think the first order of business is for him to keep less active for the first several weeks. Work on changing his diet. When should we go for physical therapy? We probably can't afford weekly visits to the therapist, so we hope to learn alot within that first session.
Also we're wondering if having a brace on the other front leg will help protect the paw and leg from small fractures?
Any advice would be most appreciated! We just have to accept this new norm.
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry to hear about the accident- you didn't do it on purpose and I'm sure also you have apologized lots and lots so best to try and let the guilt go (waaaay easier said than done!).
So by day 3 you mean day 3 post amputation surgery? Our surgeon said only short, leashed potty breaks for the first two weeks so Wolfie should be mostly resting. How is his pain control at this point? Eating, drinking, eliminating?
Why a diet change? Is he overweight? If so you are on the right track- keeping a Tripawd lean really helps the joints.
I think PT is recommended at about day 10, but call a licensed PT vet or clinic and see what they suggest. We also have a program here that may reimburse you for your first visit- Here are the Details.
A brace generally isn't needed, but if does become an issue then it's best to work with a licensed rehab or PT vet to be sure you get the right brace and fit.
Lots of information to be found on amputation and recovery in our Required Reading List.
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
Clearly Wolfie is a very loved boy to have such wonderful care. You've gone to great lengths to do what's best for him.
"Guilt" is a waste of energy that does not serve Wolfie at all. It's a useless emotion. A much more pawsitive emotion needs to be redirected to staying confident and upbeat as you navigate through recovery with Wolfie. All Wolfie knows is that he is loved amd he loves you❤
Karen gave some good advice and asked so e good questions so update when you can. Right now it's all about pain management , lots of rest, good traction of you have hardwoods, eating, drinking, peeing and pooping. Pooping at rake several days because of the meds, etc. Eating might be off a little bit too. But drinking and peeing are important.
I know it's hard to bel, but once recovery is complete Wolfie will get his sparkle back bigger and brighter than before. I'm sure thar bum paw was holding him back.
Stay connected and update when you can. Oh, and usually one good Rehab session gives you enough information for uou to follow thru at home.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Melissa I'm so glad you joined us here! How is Wolfie doing today? It was really nice talking to you on the Helpline, I hope that your brother will come visit us soon. Like the others said, this isn't your fault, and you are doing everything you can to help Wolife have a great life. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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