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
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