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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Thank Dog there are people like you because there are far too many like the POS that you saved this dog from. I'll never understand why anyone would want to deliberately harm a defenceless animal. It would have to be the lowest act of all.
Thankyou, Magnum was a beautiful dog, inside and out, and my heart still aches from missing her.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Thank you for saving that poor sweet baby. It's a pretty messed up world sometimes. Luckily there are some good folks in it.
I hope that sweet pup will be ok and learn to trust humans again.
Keep us posted on Ellie! Sending good thoughts out for her.
Jackie
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Hey Duncan, you are a saint for helping that pup while you're dealing with so much. I hope the pup will be OK. I know what you mean about Alabama, we saw a lot of animal neglect when we traveled through there and Louisiana. My Momma wanted to take home every loose dog she saw (and there were a lot). It takes selfless souls like yourself to make a difference, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Yes, we do know what you mean about being afraid, all of us who went through the surgery ordeal were. But you will find that Ellie will most likely handle this much better than you think. Remember, dogs mirror their pack leader's emotions, so if you are strong, she will be too. And you can lean on us when you are feeling woozy, so don't worry OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The dog should be fine the eye was removed it had been too long after the "incident" to try and save. Other wounds were cleaned and she is being looked after. She will either go to our facility or into foster. For her and what she has gone thro I think foster and the one on one time it will offer will be more beneficial.
Ok..well i am so nervous..you can probably imagine worried about her going under anesthesia ..she dealt with the sedation during the manipulation and xray process but the anesthesia just makes me worry ...maybe i am just over worrying. We had our last meal ..daddy was tired and not so hungry so I just had some cheese on toast whilst Ellie had some food ..then some natural yogurt and a few treats... last pee and some water ..all food up and water bowls away. I am going to cuddle with her for a bit and say a little prayer that she is ok. I have to work tomorrow and I am taking off the day she is coming home my wife will be with her Saturday and Sunday and I will be with her Sunday and Monday.
Ellie you came to me after a tough start
I never realized how you would touch my heart
You are like a shining star even thro the pain
Im so proud of you and always will
Be the Daddy you deserve
Love you Ellie
Daddy!!!
Never been so good with words lol ... ok off to give hugs!!!
Thank you all.
PS building a new website for the rescue over the next few weeks . so that should keep me any Ellie occupied. Plus we are going to do a story on her recovery!!
Sending our thoughts and prayers that Ellie has a safe and successful surgery. You try and be more Dog, if you can!
Sending you all lot of pawsitive thoughts.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
elliesdaddy said
Ellie you came to me after a tough start
I never realized how you would touch my heart
You are like a shining star even thro the pain
Im so proud of you and always will
Be the Daddy you deserve
Never good with words? Are you kidding? This is beautiful!
You are both in our thoughts, keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
TY Jerry.
Well it has been a chaotic day. Ellie was at the Vets most of the day but she is home now. NO Surgery....
Let me explain ... The Vet is extremely experienced in TTA but has never had a Tripawd with TTA ..never mind the fact she is Bilateral ACL Torn. SO I got a phone call and we chatted for a while..to be honest i am impressed some vets would of just pressed ahead and taken the money. He called get this ..(this guy as i said has done approx 200 of these surgeries) the Professor that trained him an an opinion from Orthopets.com who are making the support brace for advice he wants to minimize the risk as much as possible. If they do the surgery she will feel better in the leg that is worked on and if she puts most of the weight on that because the other is still sore he is concerned that she may undo the surgical procedure or simply unhinge the bracket whilst the bone is strengthening again and damage her leg further.
So after a long chat 20+ mins on the phone I asked him what he would do if it was his dog.. he said I would get the support cast get her used to trusting the other leg for most of the support and then do the surgery. The cast is getting sent priority mail back and we should have it in 7-10 days.... I wish it was sooner rushing it will probably cost another 400-500 $ which ill be honest will just stretch us. So we will get it and help her to get accustomed to it then let Dr Myers do his thing.
I expected to be sitting here without her , but she is home with us and a lot cheerier tonight. Ate dinner and some treats...
I will keep you all posted.
BTW this was us on route this morning.
feature=youtu.be
Oh wow, that's a turn of events! Ellie looks pretty relaxed in the video, I'm sure she's hoppier about it!
I hate to throw this at you now since I know you're dealing with so many emotions, but I have to say it....Since this vet has never done this surgery on a Tripawd before, are you sure you want him to do it? Is he a board-certified orthopedic surgeon? It was great that he told you he's never done the surgery on a Tripawd, but do you really want Ellie to be his experimental patient if ortho surgery isn't his specialty?
According to Tripawd Chuy's Mom, you may want to reconsider. Chuy had major FHO surgery after becoming a Tripawd. Here is what his Mom said about it in this post:
If I were you I would go ahead with the surgery, but make sure you have one of the best orthopaedics surgeons. Chuy is missing his left frt. leg and had FHO surgery on the left rear last year in May. FHO = Femoral Head Osectomy = they cut the head of the femur off where it goes into the hip socket. It was a grueling recovery, and took tons of physical therapy, but he runs and plays like nothing was ever wrong now. We still take him to the physical therapist once every 3 weeks, just so he can swim in the big pool!
Got off track there….Having a 2 legged dog is difficult and you will need to help them walk every time they go out. You will have to be there for them constantly and nurse them, clean them, feed them…wait you already do all of that! It does take alot of time, patience and can be stressful for the human. I found out that just letting Chuy be Chuy was the best thing.
I know you feel good about this vet but I also know you want what's best for Ellie. If he isn't board-certified in orthopedics, please consider using this time to ask for a referral. If he is board-certified then ignore what I just said!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I think I know why to be honest but yes he is endorsed. To be very candid ...in Mobile AL , a large % of people dump dogs who have problems. Sad but true, it happens everywhere but here to a greater extent. I see them turning up at the county "death" shelter all the time.
http://theodore.....ments.html Look at this and you can give me your opinion , you have more experience than I .
I know it can be done ...it is just really important after i read Comets Blog about the recuperation to take a little longer and work more on them...i think the icing, massage and flexing more without a lot of walking will help. The normal recuperation includes walking a lot but in short intervals, I think I will postpone that until end of 2nd week ..but I have to get her thro surgery first then I can really see. Going to play it as it comes. One thing I know is I am going to do everything I possibly can to get that dog up and moving without being in pain. If at the end she cant well I will do what is best.
Oh I know, the animal welfare situation there is really bad. I hear ya.
He has some awesome endorsements, definitely, but I'll try to explain the difference between his training and that of a board-certified surgeon. In the U.S., a board certified vet surgeon meets additional criteria as defined by the American College of Veterinary Surgery:
Veterinarians who are specialists in surgery have successfully completed the certification requirements of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). To become a specialist in surgery, after completing veterinary school, a veterinarian must complete a one-year rotating internship and a three-year surgical residency program. During the closely supervised residency program, the resident works with recognized board certified specialists to acquire additional knowledge and skill in veterinary surgery. The resident must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the scientific literature and maintaining a moral and ethical standing in the veterinary profession. Following the residency program, veterinarians must pass a rigorous examination, consisting of written, case-based and practical portions, to be considered a specialist in surgery. An ACVS board certified specialist in veterinary surgery is also referred to as “ACVS Diplomates.”
It's like this: if you had a rare heart condition, would you want your general practice family doctor to perform heart surgery on you, or would you look for a specialist who has seen this condition before?
The ACVS website I linked to above has a directory of specialists.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Goodness, it must be exhausting to have yourself set for the surgery, and now another wrinkle in things to consider.
I don't have any advice, but your girl is so adorable - I'm pulling for her.
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
jerry said
Oh I know, the animal welfare situation there is really bad. I hear ya.He has some awesome endorsements, definitely, but I'll try to explain the difference between his training and that of a board-certified surgeon. In the U.S., a board certified vet surgeon meets additional criteria as defined by the American College of Veterinary Surgery:
Veterinarians who are specialists in surgery have successfully completed the certification requirements of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). To become a specialist in surgery, after completing veterinary school, a veterinarian must complete a one-year rotating internship and a three-year surgical residency program. During the closely supervised residency program, the resident works with recognized board certified specialists to acquire additional knowledge and skill in veterinary surgery. The resident must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the scientific literature and maintaining a moral and ethical standing in the veterinary profession. Following the residency program, veterinarians must pass a rigorous examination, consisting of written, case-based and practical portions, to be considered a specialist in surgery. An ACVS board certified specialist in veterinary surgery is also referred to as “ACVS Diplomates.”
It's like this: if you had a rare heart condition, would you want your general practice family doctor to perform heart surgery on you, or would you look for a specialist who has seen this condition before?
The ACVS website I linked to above has a directory of specialists.
I completely understand what you say here... my wife and I have talked at length and we have faith in this Vet. Its difficult to relay ones thoughts exactly but he is the best anywhere close to here..I have looked today. He has completed many TTA surgeries.. and okay Ellie will be the first Bi lateral ACL tripawd..however my faith is stemmed from the fact he has gone over everything in great depth with us ... he didn't just rush in and I feel that once we have rhab a little with the support she will be ready. I have spoken with the biggest ER animal hospital in our city and they have no one who performs TTA they bring a BC dr from Dothan .. cost will be $2000 more ... I guess we could swing it but what happens if something is needed after surgery some correction he is 100 miles away ... thats no good. I have made piece with my decision and we will do it with Dr Myers , I have faith in him and God and I trust that he will be looking after us all.
The best surgeon in the Vetinary world could perform this but the main concern with this surgery especially with a TRI is recuperation and that is down to us ..like Comets mum said its a tough road but if I didnt feel confident in things I wouldnt put her through it.
Having a great relationship with a vet is worth its weight in gold and ultimately that's what matters most for you guys. It really does sound like you've investigated your options, and that's super important too. You are an awesome dog pawrent! I'll shut up now.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry I appreciate all you say PLEASE do not think otherwise.
Someone taking the time to consider the health of my dog which led me to investigate my options further
makes you a friend for life even if we never "meet" so to speak. I thank you again for the time you have invested
in us both.
I have come to realize the importance of what goes on here after a matter of a week or so .. suport and discussion can help us all , many people who have dogs look at them as dogs .. I know everyone here looks at them as FAMILY. I will do everything in my power to help Ellie walk run and play without pain , if it doesnt work out and she is in pain which i consider to be too much I will deal with it as I have always promised her. I know she understands me .."crazy man " NOT! 
but when i talk to her i can see it in her eyes she knows she has a fight on but she wants to win it and her Daddy is ready with her.
God Bless.
Paw shucks, thanks 
I thought I might have been too obnoxious.
Yep, dogs are family here, we all care so much for their well-being. Ellie (and the dogs of 'Bama) are so lucky to have you as an ally.
Your attitude is terrific, I know you are both going to make it through this battle with flying colors!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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