Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Please excuse any negativity here. This site has maybe invited a little too much emotional honesty in me.
My girl is coping okay so far (5 days post-op) since her rear leg amputation due to a mast cell tumor. While she's recovering/sleeping I've had a lot of time to research a dog's life on three legs. Resoundingly, I've been told everything along the lines of "tripods cope just fine! They don't even know they lost a leg," in person. However, everything I've been reading about life with three legs has been somewhat grim. It took me by surprise that I'll need to severely restrict her exercise (no more hikes, runs, or long walks, etc.) since no vet, surgeon, or specialist mentioned this. That was a blow since this is a significant portion of our every day and she'd shown no signs of slowing down (medium-sized pup, just turned 8) prior to the amputation. But it's something I can accept at the cost of extending her life. Luckily, this forum has been much more informative and I so appreciate the community and experiences available here. Diagnosis, surgery, consultations, amputation, etc. in a month has kind of left me permanently overwhelmed but I am trying to stay positive.
She has been getting around with more independence recently, and I am so glad her interest in moving has picked up, but I really underestimated how rough her movements would look. They just appear painful and exhausting. I realize she is still very early in the recovery process but all I see is the spinal curvature and lowered head and poor weight distribution and the WORK that comes with her every move. It makes me feel horrible. I feel so guilty for doing this to her. I thought I was doing the best thing for her. But is it just inevitable that she will become injured or develop osteoarthritis or any of the myriad degenerative joint diseases out there? Do all tripods develop this relatively quickly? I'm trying to prepare myself and would appreciate an objective take on this. Is amputation and all of its joint complications worse than my having taken her chances with cancer? Obviously it doesn't matter now, since the leg is off, but I can't help feeling selfish for amputating. It extends her life with me, but at what cost to her? She doesn't care if she dies or has a long life. Death isn't a concept to her. She just knows it's nice to feel okay when she's outside sniffing the garden.
She's been on Cosequin for the past year or so (before amp) and I started her on Wellactin this week. Planning to give her Flexadin as well in the coming weeks and am looking into rehab options at least to make her as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. I know it's kind of just up to her genes and the sky gods with whatever happens to her, but I want to be proactive (within reason) and informed on this.
In short: do all tripods develop joint issues? I want to be realistic on this and not secretly hold out hope that supplements and therapy alone will stave off joint problems. If it's a reality of all tripods, I've got to get used to it. Thanks for any input you have.
In short: do all tripods develop joint issues? I want to be realistic on this and not secretly hold out hope that supplements and therapy alone will stave off joint problems. If it's a reality of all tripods, I've got to get used to it. Thanks for any input you have.
First, you don't need to apologize at all for sharing your feelings. This is a tough time for any pet parent to wrap their heads around, because all we've known up to now is what we did for fun and enjoyment with our dogs. We all grieve for the things we have lost, like long walks, and flying high to chase a frisbee, etc.
In time you will see that your dog isn't grieving for those things, only you are. It's a human thing and we all do it! I did, that's for sure. We have our own definition of "quality of life" for a dog, and what amputation eventually teaches us is that that definition isn't set in stone. Dogs make the most of what they can do today, not yesterday, or tomorrow. They enjoy what's in front of them, and it's one of the greatest lessons we learn if our hearts are open to it.
Resoundingly, I've been told everything along the lines of "tripods cope just fine! They don't even know they lost a leg," in person. However, everything I've been reading about life with three legs has been somewhat grim.
That's a yes and no thing. Across social media we see this a lot, and it's one reason why we exist. Yes, they will do fine IF we do our part to monitor their activity and ensure they are getting the proper kind. Old school thinking was to let a dog just go back to doing what they did, but now we know that's not always the best thing for a three-legger. There are many things we can do to give a great quality of life, while ensuring our dogs are not putting their joints and muscles at risk.
no vet, surgeon, or specialist mentioned this. T
This is why we have the Tripawds Foundation Rehab Reimbursement Fund. Rehab (physio) therapists are deeper into this issue than other vet practitioners, and since the foundation can pay for your first rehab visit , you've got nothing to lose by going in for an evaluation. These experts can tell you how to help your dog live their best life on three.
, but I really underestimated how rough her movements would look. They just appear painful and exhausting. I realize she is still very early in the recovery process but all I see is the spinal curvature and lowered head and poor weight distribution and the WORK that comes with her every move. It makes me feel horrible.
Yes, right now, it's exhausting. But as your dog gets stronger, she will have more confidence and stamina. A rehab specialist can also help you help her develop better habits for more even weight distribution, gait, etc.
But is it just inevitable that she will become injured or develop osteoarthritis or any of the myriad degenerative joint diseases out there? Do all tripods develop this relatively quickly?
Just as all people are different, all dogs are different. Amputation does put a dog more at risk for osteoarthritis at an earlier age, but there are many things you can do to mitigate that risk.
Is amputation and all of its joint complications worse than my having taken her chances with cancer?
I don't believe it is. I have seen thousands of dogs go on to live great lives after amputation. Once that pain is gone and recovery is over, they go on to enjoy life. It's different of course, but still a good life for the majority of dogs. Ask yourself this: would you want to walk around with a growing tumor? How would it feel? Not good right? Amputation got rid of that pain, and as we say around here, you did it FOR her, not TO her.
I can't help feeling selfish for amputating. It extends her life with me, but at what cost to her? She doesn't care if she dies or has a long life.
We all feel that way at first. But as you build new adventures together, you will see things through a new lens. This same question could be asked about any medical procedure, from a tooth extraction to a cruciate repair, don't you think?
am looking into rehab options at least to make her as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. I know it's kind of just up to her genes and the sky gods with whatever happens to her, but I want to be proactive (within reason) and informed on this.
You can do MANY things to help her with or without a rehab specialist (but it's always best to work with one when possible). Weight management (keeping her slim) and anti-inflammatory medications are two things that any pet parent can do that make a HUGE difference. Hold off on the supplements for now if you think you are going to meet with a therapist. They can best guide you and keep you from wasting money on unproven products.
In short: do all tripods develop joint issues?
That's not a guarantee, but they are more at risk. This is straight from a rock star orthopedic surgeon from UC Davis and also at Colorado State. But again, there are many things you can do to mitigate that risk.
I think if you check out Spree's story and our Tripawds Quality of Life Survey results you'll start to feel better about your decision. Until then, you can feel free to vent and express your concerns, that's why we are here.
Hey Ann,
I would like to put a couple things into perspective. At 5 days post-op we ALL feel the "OMG what have I done to my dog" even my "happy to sleep most of the day" pup, I felt this way. It's completely valid to feel that way, but I bet in a week or so she will look like a totally different dog, maybe not back to 100%- but 5 days is very very early on. Most likely her long term pain medication is wearing off, and even though it's true they adjust quite well to 3 legs, there's still that adjustment period and it's so hard for us to have to watch them figure it out. be aware of if she's showing pain signals and talk to your vet right away, it's really common to have to adjust them, what is she on now?
Most of the dogs on here are diagnosed with osteosarcoma so most of them are also getting chemotherapy pretty quickly after amputation (Ellie started hers 3 weeks post op), so some of those dogs will be moving slower because of that.
I know tripods are at a higher risk of developing joint issues, and usually develop them earlier that's a stated fact, but does that mean she can't live a very meaningful life between now and then? of course not. She has a lot of positive things going in her favor too. She's mid-size (versus a lot of the dogs on here being large or giant), she's already at a healthy weight with good core strength (I assume with your guys activity level), she's relatively young, and she's a rear amputation vs front. I've been told over and over the number one way you can help a tripawd is to keep them at a slim weight. on top of that she's already on joint supplements AND you are looking into rehab options? That's amazing! She might not get back to where she was before, but I don't think there's any reason she can't go hiking or being really active- you just need to go at her pace and have a back up plan if she gets tired out in the middle of nowhere if she's mid-size maybe she can go in a doggy backpack? Also you can look into finding different activities that are a little easier on joints, like swimming- I just took my Ellie swimming for the first time since her operation and it was pure joy to see her swim around in her little life vest, haha.
long story short- give yourself grace, you were not being selfish when you chose to have her leg amputated, you were doing what you thought was best for her. She is still really early in her recovery and things will get better. You guys are both doing the best you can, and deserve a pat on the back. Keep us updated on how things are going, we are hear for both of you!!!
If long walks, hiking and running with your dog is important to you, you should get a stroller for her. Then she can come along without taxing her joints. My tripawd *loves* riding in her stroller. She gets so excited when she sees me setting it up!
You can read about my journey of picking a stroller and training my dog to use it here: https://tripawd.....strollers/
Not a dog owner ... But I have a rear amputee wild child cat. Technically a bit more than just the leg as Tuxedo also lost a partial pelvis due to trauma. Immediately after I struggled a lot with the did I do the right thing by choosing amputation over euthanasia. That was 6+ years ago. In fact my baby just celebrated his 16th birthday a couple days ago. Daily he is proving to be a source of inspiration to me especially when my arthritis is acting up.
Now maybe I am very lucky or maybe things are different with cats, but so far there have been no significant other joint complications. Granted as with all aging pets he has slowed down a bit. Yet Tuxedo still does pretty much what he wants. This includes things that many four legged cats his age do not do. He easily keeps up with his sister when it comes to running and jumping, despite there being a decade of age and one leg difference.
Anyway, my point is, every animal is different. And there are many things you can do to help avoid or put off any other joint issues for a long while. So right now while things might seem really grim to you, there usually is a way around most of any perceived issues after surgical healing happens. You gave your baby a chance for a longer life. Perhaps a slightly different one. But it likely won't be as bleak as you are imagining.
Best Wishes
-Dawna, Tuxedo, Lilly, and Angel Dazzle
You guys are all wonderful. I appreciate every response.
"But it likely won't be as bleak as you are imagining." - I don't know how to quote sentences from past posts, but this, Dawna, is what I need to be reminded of. My mind is my worst enemy right now. I am projecting my concerns onto her and I need to be reminded of that at every turn. My experience is not her experience. She's a floppy eared goon who has no idea what's going on. I'm grateful for that. It is just nice to know I'm not alone in second guessing myself. Though maybe the spiraling isn't a necessity?
I wish a doggy backpack was an option because I'd jump on that, but she is on the upper end of mid-size (45ish lbs). I'm definitely considering a stroller down the road, once she's recovered a bit more and I can gauge her needs better.
As for her pain meds right now, it's just gabapentin. She was prescribed two 100mg pills, 2-3x per day. She seems to be doing okay on it. The nights are just difficult because she wakes up with full body shivers intermittently throughout the night and that's when I'm unsure if I'm giving her enough pain relief. I give her 200 mg right before bed.
In terms of a backpack, have you looked at the K9 Sport Sack? They have a wide variety of sizes that should accommodate a 45lb dog. I thought about one for Loki, but I don't think she'd like it.
I think there was a recent post on current best practices for pain management ... I'll try to find it for you
Mischief I was just looking at the K9 sport sacks too! Ann, they do indeed have a bunch that look great this one can handle dogs up to 50 pounds and they have another that can handle up to 80 pound dogs!! I had a bike trailer that can convert to a stroller for my 97 pound pup, and it's a godsend for longer walks, but obviously won't really work for hiking.
I completely relate to the spiraling, it's easy to do. There is the second guessing not just about decisions, but how your dog is feeling and if you are doing enough, and the unfairness of it all, on and on. Totally empathize and struggle with it. With that said, highly suggest reading up on the "Be More Dog " philosophy- basically working on being more present and truly enjoying the moments in between these big hard decisions. That's what your dog naturally does (what is her name by the way?), and it will hopefully help to allow you to celebrate the small victories and find the joy in your guys new normal.
I would ask your vet about the shudders, and the spine curving those definitely sound like pain signals . She is on a pretty normal dose, but gabapentin is very safe to scale up if needed, or combine with an additional pain medication/anti-inflammatory (of course with your vets guidance). I know I was given pretty liberal control over how much to give Ellie, and she was on it for 6 weeks as we slowly scaled it back, I'm very appreciative for that flexibility.
Whitney said
Mischief I was just looking at the K9 sport sacks too!
Y'all will find this Tripawds K9 Sport Sack Review helpful!
By the way, Charles is still doing great 🙂
As you can see from the great supportive replies you have gotten, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! And, we comp underst the emotions involved when on this roller coaster ride called recovery. The second guessing, the guilt, the fear of your dog never being Happy again......all these thoughts and feelings we get 100%!
Remember she just had MAJOR surgery while trying to adapt to three. Humans would still be in the hospital and using walking aides like walkers, rails, wheelchairs, etc while adapting in this early part of recovery.
Can only ditto what everyone else has said.
Do agree, it seems like she could use a bit more Gabapentin, of course with Vet approval.
You are ahead of the game in protecting your pups joints, etc. Good job. And yes, there may be more of a "tendency " towards arthritis is in tripawds, but doing all the things you are doing, avoiding any high jump and down like catching a frisbee (just throw low on ground), etc can help prevent arthritis.
Even with four leggers, some get arthritis, some don't. Same with Tripawds, some get it, some don't. My tripawd Frankie a Coonhound (Blue Tic) tripawd for approx eight years (adopted as tripawd) does have arthritis now, but not interfering with his quality at all. My four legger Bull Mastiff has arthritis and is Rimadyl, but jas great quality.
You WILL start to see sparkle come back slowly but surely. She still needs a solid two plus weeks to recover from the surgery. Then she needs a solid month fully adjust her gait and muscles and joints to adapting to three. She will become much more fluid as time goes on.
Yes, she can still go in hikes, etc. You ca. Ise the supportive tools mentioned. The main thing though, is just be sure and take lots of breaks vut you cert can still do the activities you've mentioned.
Stay connected and update when you can. As you can see from all the great information, you have gotten, you are in the right place for support and understanding!
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!
P. S. Just want to add this video of tripawd Caroline who is celebrating five month ampuversary
Enjoy and know this type of joy and quality awaits your sweet pup 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!
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