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 little tough guy Jax has been battling a bad break since March of 2017. After multiple surgeries, laser treatments and second and third opinions he has his front right leg amputated on Sept 4. The first night was rough but he has been back to his old self since then. He is happy and not in the pain he was before. We are very comfortable in our decision and so glad he has bounced back quickly. Yay!
Unfortunately, Jax has also broken his left front leg when he was a puppy 6 years ago. The plate has broken and the leg is VERY deformed from the last year of having to rely on it. Our vet is at a loss. This isn't his specialty and after the terrible experiences we had at the "specialty" facilities within a few hours drive of us we don't know where to go for advice. Do we amputate the second front leg or make due with what Jax has left? He isn't in constant pain BUT also can not use the leg.
I've started to use a long soft cloth to support his front end so he can use the bathroom without struggling. He has a custom-made cart but is unable to use the bathroom in it. I've also contacted a company about having a prosthetic made for the recently amputated leg. This will take time and we need to wait for his amputation to fully heal before Jax can start a rehabilitation program. (which would be at a facility 2 hours away)
I think this is more of a vent because I know no one can make this decision for us. I have been looking at the harnesses on this site but none seem to do what I am looking for - support his front end and keep all weight off of his remaining front leg.
Even with the continued unknown, our little tripawd is adapting amazingly to his new life. So glad to have found a place to share his successes!
WOW!! What a tough little guy Jax is!!! And he certainly has a wonderful human as his advocate! Your strength comes shining through, as does your determination to give Jax the best life possible
First thing that comes to mind is a second opinion from an Orthopedic Surgeon AND an appointment with a Rehab Specialist! And maybe not in that order!
Frying my brain trying to remember the post and blog name of a doggy here who, if I recall, was able to use a a "wheel cart" after basically having is one from leg rendered useless while trying to save it. He was a youngster. Geez....wish I could think of his name!! Trevor??? Something like that??? My recollection mos roo sketchy to do you any good. One of these techies may be able to figure out who I'm thinking of and, even if it's relevant at all!!!
Hang on, others will be along with better insight! A solution will be figured out for your little guy
Extra 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!
Oh poor Jax and you too, what a tough ordeal you've all been through. Where are you located? Maybe we can help find another orthopedic specialist near you. Feel free to PM me your location if you don't want to share it here, but I really think that if your vet is at a loss, then you need to find a specialist asap. Is he on any pain meds in the meantime?
I think that the dog Sally is referring to is Ziggy from Australia:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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YES JERRY!! ZIGGY!!! I knew you could figure out my puzzled brain...no matter how few clues I could provide! Trevor??? Not even close to ZIGGY!! U da' bomb!!
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!
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