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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Hi, I am new to all of this, I’ve never used forums before so I am unsure if I am using this right but… my 10.5year old female Doberman was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front right leg. I am planning to have her leg amputated but I am having a very difficult time coping. I have concerns that she won’t adapt after surgery. She loves jumping around barking at squirrels and she uses both paws to chew on her toys. I’m not sure if anyone has any advice or insight on what they did to help their own pup? Any toys that allow them to use one leg easily? I would be grateful for any advice at all. I just want the time that she has left to be as happy and enjoyable for her as possible. Thank you all<3
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry you are dealing with cancer and amputation but you have found the best place to be while on this journey.
I think we all had concerns about our dogs adapting, it's human nature. But for the most part dogs don't have those concerns! Dogs tend to live in the moment and they have an amazing ability to adapt. The recovery period after surgery can be bumpy and stressful but again, more of that is on us. As long as Shelby has good pain management and you keep her quiet and resting she will come through.My first tripawd was a Pug who lost a back leg to mast cell cancer. Maggie was stubborn and set in her ways and she was grumpy for about 6 weeks after surgery. No medical complications, she could hop on her own the day of surgery, just a stubborn Pug! Of course in the moment I was sure I had made a terrible mistake and that she would never adapt. But once she got used to her new normal she hopped happily through life for almost 4 more years despite her 6 to 9 month prognosis.
Most dogs are back to themselves in 2 to 3 weeks but we sometimes see here that the more 'mature' dogs take a little longer to adapt, but they get there.
As far as holding toys- they figure that out too! Oddly, my current rear amp Tripawd often holds her chews with only one front paw. There are a variety of chew stick holders you could modify if Shelby has trouble. I actually use a holder when I give my Pug Mutts bully sticks, in our case I'm keeping them from swallowing the last little piece.
Do you have a surgery date scheduled? Keep us posted and ask any questions you have.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi there! I'm so sorry you are facing this situation. I was in your shoes a long time ago and those feelings of worry and uncertainty are just as clear today as they were back then. But after seeing so many dogs besides my own recover from surgery, I can tell you this: it's harder on us than it is on them!
You are going to be so surprised at how well your girl does! Even older dogs will adapt and make the most of life on three. They usually take a little longer to recover but that's normal. Just check out our senior dogs profiles and our Size and Age Matters forum too. Also these "Doberman" search results from our News blog give some insight too.
Dogs do figure out how to hold toys and a bone with one front leg. They are so smart. There's not much you will need to do to assist in that department.
Be sure to check out our What to Expect articles if you haven't seen them already.
There's a lot to think about and we are happy to help answer your questions. Also we are having one more community Zoom call for the month on Wednesday so be sure to join us for support!
Jist catching up and wondering of younjave anymore questions .
I'll drop two quick videos showing my front legger Frankie Lee enjoying his bone. Also, he not only enjoys his bone, but you'll see where he steals a bone from his blind BFF Merry Myrtle. Nope, nothing stops Tripawds from enjoying their bones.
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!
Her surgery is scheduled for this Thursday, December 19th. I am very grateful for your input and I feel a lot better about the decision I am making. I have also decided that I am going to start chemotherapy for her, once she is healed from surgery. Shelby is a resilient and strong girl, you wouldn’t even think she is 10.5years with how energetic she can be. I am hopeful that I will get a lot more quality time with her.
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