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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Oh Sally, I'm so sorry. Being alone with a recovering dog who can't tell you what's going on is so stressful. We're here thinking of you!
Jack had a mass removed from her abdomen on Monday and is currently wearing her lampshade and convalescing in the living room with me. Her tip for Frankie is: make you pawrent feed you pumpkin with a spoon while laying down. It will make you feel so much better.
Also, Sally, something that helps both Jack and me is to play relaxing music. It will give you both something else to focus on when he's struggling.
Awww sweet Sara, always food te hear from you!
But tell is whatsw gping on with our beloved Jack!! We can't have her with an OWWEE! And I bet the Vet got clipper happy with her beautiful fur!! Bad Vet!!
I loke Jack's tip for spoon feeding Frankie his pumpkin. Yet a other way to spoil 🙂 I love spoiling my dawgs, I really do!' Yeah, he hasn't had a poop since Monday and Inknow he just cantw figure that out yet on two! Come on three!!
I need a favor! Could you put the link here to yiur BEAUTIFUL WEDDING PHOTOS??? They were just lovely and zi didn't get a chance to comment and had trouble finding them again. I really want to revisit them! THANKS!
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING SARA!
I'm gonna look for an uldate on our beautiful DC Jack, okay?? How is her recovery going? And how are you???
Lots and @ots of love always
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!
Thankfully, she is fine. We found a mass last week last looked suspicious, so we had it removed on Monday. It appears to be benign and she's on the road to recovery, just bored out of her mind because we have to limit her movement. And yes, her poor belly is looking very pink and hairless, but they didn't touch her bloomers or tail, thank goodness.
I have links to my photographer's page on Facebook - it looks like you can view them without an account. Here's the first day and here's the second day (more than you probably wanted to see!).
Nabil told me to tell your overnight vet's that you shouldn't have to pay $23 for administering a single pill. Preventing Frankie from eating all of them at once and scaring you like last time is maybe worth $23, but definitely not popping a single pill into his mouth!
Hugs (((Sally)))!! Sure wished I lived closer so I could be some practical help for you! All this healing energy we're sending your way hopefully can kick in real soon here. I wouldn't worry too much about him not using that leg yet as our lovely Tina said it does take a while. You probably wouldn't even be worried about him not using it if he were a quad paw it's just being a tripawd amplifies everything in our minds and for sure makes it harder for you to help him! Perhaps Frankie knows best and is doing exactly what he should be doing at this point. This is a hard surgery for any dog you're doing great! Praying for noticeable improvement today as you get a handle on pain. Myrtle, Mom loves you but right now relax and let Frankie be top dog for a few days ok?? ❤️ Sending love!
PS check your email!!
Sorry I'm so late to this pawty Sally....I've been keeping informed though Michelle. You are so brave and strong, but this must be terrifying for you. I wish we were closer to help you maneuver him around. It's so scary - to me anyway - when they scream in pain. That sound is firmly entrenched in my soul the night we brought nitro home after his amp. I'd never heard a dog cry like that and it still sends shivers down my spine. You know that little by little it will get better, especially when his pain is managed like you're doing. Boy, we never know how strong we are, until faced with something like this. I think I'd be a puddle of mush if I had to face this on my own....you are superwoman - "SUPER SALLY"!
I'm on duty for helpline right now....I don't have any experinece in what you're dealing with, but could emotionally support the hell out of you! Call anytime you need a pick-me-up....I have tons of tiny devil stories that will make you smile. Love you!
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
(((Hugs))) finally have a minute to myself. It's always busy here at work. I hope the meds kick in soon for both of your sakes. I was thinking too that sometimes the anesthesia can make them more emotional and vocal, just depends on the animal. I am so geographically challenged it's hysterical, but I looked to see approximately how far apart we are, looks like about an eight hour drive. I was hoping for less distance 😦 I giggled reading about Myrtle, that is so much like my guys! I have to scoot, just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you. You know that we are your biggest cheerleaders, this wonderful group of compassionate people. I have never met any of you in person but I feel like I know so many of you.
Big big hugs!
Jackie ❤❤
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Oh Paula...LMAO!! Brave? Strong? HA! No dear Paula, NOT AT ALL! I merely "look" that way because we all do what we have to do for our dawgs!! I would call you on the helpline, but I'm afraid you'd pull some of that. 
I pulled on you in the chat room
that night to change yiur focus....what was it? You stood on one leg in front of your co-workers and sang? Something like that!
And Jackie, bless your heart! I absolutely wouldn't let anybody see this house right now!!!! strewn from one e d of my little room to the other. I barely have room to walk with all the dog beds, my pillows, et on floor for sleeping, paper plates piled up, trash all.over the plzce! Frankie did a cou ter surf the night before his surgery and pulled down a kot of trash I THOUGHT I had out of his reach!!! It's still basically still all over the ffloor! He and Myrtle are all the "goodies"!
Yeah Linda, good point avout being a tripawd amplifiers everything. Four legs, not a problem if he holds one leg up...he still has THREE! 🙂
TA DUM!!!' A little victory to report!!! Frankie got up in a semi sit position on his own! He clearly needed ro go out. He wants to poop sooooo badly , Nope, that didn't happen, but from that half sit up position I hoisted him up with the harness to take him and and he didn't scream nearly as loudly or as long as usual!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 VICTORY!!!!
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!
ALL victories are HUGE victories right now!!! Way to go Frankie!!!
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Thally! I am tho hoppy that Frankie ith home! Thally, you are the betht Thuper Mum EVAH!!! Frankie! I’m tho thorry it hurtth tho bad!!! Know that I am thending tho many thloppy kitheth acroth the milth and hope that the pain subthidth thoon! From you ever loving Thtewie
Good morning Sally! It sounds like you had a marathon sleep! Oh you do know that sooo well don’t you?! Remember that you ARE a SUPER MUM!!
Keep your chin up lovey, you know it will get better soon... breathe in..... breathe out! Eat lots of chocolate and more ice cream!
i am so sorry Sally that you are having to experience Frankie’s screaming! Like Holly said... complete panic on my part, that would be sooo hard to deal with lovey! I say again... you are a super Mum!
So the most important thing right is going pee. As we all remember, going poo can take a few days for a number of reasons. The pain... the meds... relearning an old skill, again... so lovey, take a breath and hum a good tune. Get yourself back in that beautiful happy place you have in your heart and face your lovely darling boy! Try not to be terrified lovey, that’s a nasty place to be in! Take another deep breath and call your vet for some assurance or advice and then get online here and vent, rant, rave... whatever! It helps to get it out, especially on paper... then it’s gone from inside of you! Just know that you are in our power thoughts! You got this Sunshine Sally! We’ve got your back! K?!!
Merry Myrtle sounds like she is helping a little too much heh! Hehehe, I’m sorry, but I can’t believe that she ate one of Frankie’s meds! Naughty girl!!! Hehehehe! Did she have a little nap after?!
Give her massive cuddles from me for being such a heavy duty nursemaid! You always go back to being so positive my darling! Your sense of humour is being heard and we are all having some good little giggles with you, to relieve some stress!
As far as going back to work. Take one day at a time. I would tell you to try not to worry, but that would be madness right?! If someone can come by for her, then you know for that time, you won’t need to be worrying. I say again! If I could be there to help, I would!
The extendable leash is a fantastic idea! Stewie has one and like you, from day one I couldn’t keep up with him! But with control over the leash, it really does help you both.
Massive cuddles, snuggles, kisses and healing thoughts coming your way darlings! Thank you for keeping us updated. You’re in our thoughts.
Petra, Paul, Thuper Thtewie, Spitfire Spikey, Chester McFiend, Miss Prissy Lily & TeddyfosterBear
p.s. Jack! So happy that your belly mass was benign! It’s what we love to hear around here!
TINA! lovey, Sally said it right when she said that it is pretty special for you to be keeping an eye on her! You also have a heart of gold! Your Meg-a-Star is shining so brightly over you! She wants to send her love to Sally too right?! Massive cuddles to you my lovey! Hoping that you are coping alright? It really is lovely to see Manni holding your hand in your little picture! It assures me that he will ALWAYS be holding your hand! I know that you were so looking forward to celebrating his 11 birthday in January! I think you still should and we will be there for you both too! Manni will always be your guardian! More so now than ever, ‘cause he will ALWAYS be with you! As you will ALWAYS be his guardian! No better place than to guard him from your heart! Love to you!
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
Hang in there Sally!
Is the gaba helping?
Obie's first knee surgery he didn't toe touch for a few days, that is not unusual. Our surgeon said that it might take a week for him to put the foot on the ground. The hard part of course for Frankie is that he needs that leg to get up and keep his balance, but I wanted to share that so you know that it is normal.
On his second knee surgery he was touching in 3 or 4 days I think- but that was because he would only pee lifting his right leg and his second surgery was on his left. Those first few days I had to sort of suspend him with his harness or he wouldn't pee.
You might try starting with just a cold towel on is leg. Put it in the fridge for awhile then just barely touch his leg with it. If he tolerates that then add the ice pack.
I was also told to do the gentle range of motion (ROM) exercises with Obie, I think right after surgery but check with your vet. We did them whenever we did the ice packs. If he won't do it don't fight him, but I agree about touching his leg and paw and moving what you can.
Sending all the strength I can to you and Frankie! The surgery recovery was hard both times with my 16 pound quad pug- its got to be 1000 x harder with a younger, bigger Tripawd!
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Sally,
I am so sorry you have had such a time. I sure wish I could be there to help. I know Frankie will get it with that leg soon. I know its early. Some dogs have a lot of pain tolerance (like some humans) and some don't. He will get better once you get that Gaba on board. Makes me kinda wonder if they gave him his pain med like he should have had that night if he was screaming like that. (just my thought)
Everyone is here for you.
xxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Icing the knee for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times daily is the most important thing you can do right now. Don't worry about PT exercise until he can tolerate easy flexing of the joint. Did he have a Fentanyl patch? If not then you might need to up the Tramadol although it might make him loopy. Continue the NSAID at least 2-4 weeks post op.
Not all vets have Nocita yet but that may be why Athena did well quickly. It locally blocks the entire knee for 72 hours. I am going to try this on my next amputation that I do. I also used an Assisi Loop but I do not know if you can order one fast enough for it to help. It seems really good for acute injuries and some dogs with chronic arthritis also respond.
Pam
THANK YOU THEWIE!!! I dont think I can ever talk the thame when I'm typing reponthes ton you!! You and your mom light up my world...the world of allmof us!! YIU are always so positive and uplifting! 🙂 🙂 🙂 I'm so glad Thewie is over his big OWWEE!
It's funny Karen, I was talking to the Vet today about my Pug Pals and their knee issues. This was vefore I saw yiur email tonight. She said "generally" smaller dogs may take a bit longer to "paw kn the ground" vecause they don't need that fourth leg as badly as bigger dogs do for balance. I think she was trying somehow to make me feel better! I reminded her that Frankie only has three legs....he's only using two...so wouldn't he touch ground FASTER???
But it IS reassuring to hear that from you tonight Karen! Just to take you back in time, you were one of the "first responders" whenI originally posted avout my Happy Hannah on Day Six of her amputation. I was SURE I had made a HORRIBLE mistake and she would NEVER recover! You told me about STUBBORN PUG MAGGIE taking six weeks before she became herself sgain. I will never forget how reassured you made me feel Here you are four years later doung the same thing again. And I pass that story on quite frequently to new members whose dogs didn't have one of those "speedy recoveries" like some d
It's like my brainnp has leftnthe building and I forget these GREAT tips like freezing a towel and putting it on him.. I've ever so gently been ablt to at least touch his paw ttoday, vut pretty much nothing els. I know he's being a little bit....er....reactionary is maybe the word I'm lookie for. He's sooooo afraid of the pain that he has a "discussion"'with me if I even act like I'm going to do anything!' I DEFINITELY know the difference between that and his real.pain though.
I do wish I coukd do at least a tiny ra ge of motion, vut it's definitely not jn the cards yet. This is the leg with the hip dysplasia too, and of course srthritis in all his legs and blah, blah, blah. But I tell ya' what, if I can ever get mynyoutube upload fixed, you are going to see the amazing brit and sneer will of how well Frankie gets along on his TWO LEGS! 'Bout give mes heart failure everytime and I will be soooooo glad when his third leg is useable again!!!
Remember "PANTS KN THE GRPU D " song anybody????? My cheer song for Frankienis "PAWS ON THE GROUND.....all three! 🙂
So make no mistake about it everybody, I FEEL YOUR STRENGTH!!! And I celebrate,e the day all our dogs and cate brought us together! 🙂 tpThey all certainly had a plan far greater than "just amputation".
Witho love and appreciation
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!
THANK YOU MICHELLE!! Just saw your post!!
AND THANK YOU DR PAM!!! Ivew NOT been diligent avput the icing because he was sooooo reactive yesterday! I'm going to do it with much more conviction now!!
And it REALLY, REALLY he@ps to take worrying about PT off my worry list UNTIL flexing of the joint starts to happen.
And I did actually ask the Vet about Nocita and it wasn't the one she used.
Nope, no patch. Michelle made a great point to me eaelier that probably Franki never really had his pain properly managed from the time he had surgery and I transported him to the over night care.
The Gaba that I got yesterday seems t be helping him rest better. And thanks for the Tram input. I'll check I to the Assi Loop!!
Thank you so much f SAINT PAM for hecking in on . Frankie!! Your time and input are always apprecaited!! So glad Athena is doi g well!
Thank yiu everybody 🙂
Love to all
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!
Hi Sally and Frankie (((Hugs)))
Frankie is SO making progress, easier to see from a distance All of our babies react differently to anesthesia. Sometimes the strongest of personalities are the weakest on meds. They get protective of the surgical area whether it hurts or not. I have seen dogs howl and scream "just because" even BEFORE they even went under anesthesia, just with the cocktail that we gave them. People are the same way. Some come out loving and wanting to kiss everyone, some come out fighting. Ask any professional, they will concur. You have some time before Frankie bears real weight. The paw will come down slowly, but it WILL come down, I promise you. Please breathe and don't forget you got your family here. When I spoke of using the sling with the harness, for one person just focus on the sling. Once you get him up and moving, you can use the harness for balance if he gets tipsy. Don't try to use both at the same time getting him up. I really don't want to interfere, you have so many people that love you here and have brilliant experience in amputations. I have some post op experience. I was one of the ones that stayed behind after everybody went home and was front lines going in in the morning. Push the cold towels and then a bag of frozen peas on top of it when he can handle it. Talk to him and say we HAVE to do this and start a minute at a time if that's all he can bear. If need be, put a dry towel over his leg and then put something moist and frozen over that. You GOT THIS! Omg you are so brilliant and wise giving the advise. It's been a while, but you STILL have it! You're going down a road you haven't been through in a while, but you are ALL OVER IT! I'm sorry. I don't have your beautiful colors. I'm on my cell phone. You are ROCKING THIS! Get some phenomenal junk food, share it with your babies, and chill. Be careful lifting your boy and keep food and water close to him. And don't forget to BREATHE! I've written a terrible novel here, email me or call me. I'm here for ya. (Hear that New England Yankee accent there...)
Much love to all 💜💞💘💞💜
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
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