TRIPAWDS: Home to 25053 Members and 2171 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Tripawds Toll-Free helpline: 1 844-TRIPAWD

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Lost password?
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
new tripawd mom! Need support
This forum is locked
Member Since:
11 June 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
11 June 2010 - 7:37 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Today my sweet blood hound mix, Oscar, became a tripawd frown  Yesterday afternoon he was sunning himself in the driveway that we share with our neighbors.  My neighbor didn't see him when she started her car and accidently ran over his hind foot.  My Husband and I rushed him to the vet where we were informed that there was no way to salvage his foot and that his leg would need to be removed.  Thankfully he has no other injuries.  His leg was amputated at the hip today and according to the vet he is recovering nicely and in a few weeks he shouldn't even remember that he's supposed to have 4 legs.

 

However, I am still completely heartbroken by this.  While I don't believe that his day to day life will be all that encumbered once his recovery is complete I worry that he won't be able to hike with us and keep up with his "brother" (our other dog Bo).  My husband and I spend nearly every weekend outside hiking, swiming and doing active things with our dogs.  Oscar LIVES for this and he loves nothing more than running and swimming and going on long extreme hikes. He's such a strong independent dog and I can't imagine him not being able to do the things he loves or having to wear a harness so we can help carry him. 

 

Also, what should I expect when we bring him home (which will hopefully be tomorrow)?  Luckily I am a student on summer break so I'll be home to care for him.  He's large (90 lbs) and I'm worried about getting him in and out of the house to go to the bathroom.  What were the first few days of recovery like with your dog?

 

Thanks in advance! 

Melissa

 

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/lilmskrall/1686.jpgImage Enlarger

 

Member Since:
9 March 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
11 June 2010 - 8:26 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

What a gorgeous boy!

I can't offer much recovery advice, as I adopted my pup at 10 weeks and already a tri-pawd. He was small enough for us to not quite worry about harness and mobility yet, and he'd seen the worst of recovery at the shelter.

But I do want to tell you you're in the right place! The people here are wonderful and have helped us so much in getting used to life with a tripawd and making all the necessary changes and adaptations. 

Swimming is a great activity for tripawds, so your boy can definitely still enjoy that! I can also tell you that he will be able to keep up with his brother in play. I was worried that Dante would be left out by the girls - and he was the first few weeks. But now he runs just as fast as they do and can catch them no problem, and he plays and plays all day long.

Oscar might not be able to do everything exactly the same as before or without some assistance, but with a few modifications he can still do almost everything with you that he did before.  

Don't forget, dogs aren't like us. They live for the here and now. Oscar won't feel sorry for himself, or wish he could do things he used to - he'll be excited for all the new challenges and adventures that life brings each and every day.

I'm sorry you had to find tripawds, but I'm glad that you did - it really is a great place, with great people, and an endless amount of information and support!

Edmonton, Alberta
Member Since:
11 January 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
11 June 2010 - 8:35 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Melissa, so sorry to hear about Oscar! He's one sweet gorgeous dog.

If it's support you're looking for, there's a lot of it on this site!

As hard as it is to believe, your vet is right. In a few weeks he won't know he's any different! Dogs are mind-boggling resilient! When our Golden Catie had her amputation in January, the surgeon told us we would be amazed at how quickly she would adapt. He was right.

Because amputation is major surgery, Oscar is likely to be a little sore and probably not quite himself from the post-op pain meds they'll give him. You'll be wanting to keep him as quiet as possible. As far as stairs go, you can help him up and down by making a sling with a towell or whatever for the first while.  Catie managed the stairs fine right off; in fact, she refused to take the little elevator at the clinic and hopped down the three stairs two days after surgery when my husband went to bring her home.

Oscar will amaze you too! He'll be able to do all the things he did before but might tire a little easier. He looks like a strong guy! Catie lost her front leg and shoulder to cancer and I think (not sure though) it's a little harder for front leg amputees. 

I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice from others here. All I can say is hang in there. It's a worry; it's heart-wrenching; we humans torture ourselves with what-ifs and worrying about the future. Give him lots of rest; love him like you did before; and binge on ice cream.

Look forward to an update!

 

 

 

 

Catie -

Birthday – November 4 2003

Amputation – January 13 2010

Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011

 Catie Caitlin 

Arizona
Member Since:
28 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
11 June 2010 - 8:54 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

 I am sorry to read about Oscar's accident. Amputation is a scary. Tasha is an 8 year old Rottweiler who had her left front leg amputated due to cancer over 8 months ago. Tasha stayed at the vets for 2 days after her surgery. The day we picked her up I was so afraid to see her I thought I would just freak out, I didn't. When she came hopping into us wiggling and happy I felt such joy she was still with us. My husband helped her into the car, when we got home he helped her out and she hopped a little bit in the yard, she peed, came in and layed on the bed we had made for her. Tasha never needed help even from the beginning getting up by herself or help going outside to do her business. Some dogs do need help at first, you can make a sling out of a towel to help him up if he needs it. The first 2 weeks can be very hard, the pain meds do some weird things to them. Tasha did a lot of crying until we took her off her pain meds on day 9. She had a couple of very bad days early in her recovery and her Dr. had us increase her pain meds. Some dogs will not want to eat but be sure he always has plenty of water. Sometimes it takes several days before they take their first poop. He will probably want to do a lot of sleeping at first. Shower him with love and happiness don't let him see you cry, he will pick up on your emotions. Once his stitches come out he will be ready for swimming again, hiking, running, playing. He will amaze you at how he adapts to three legs. He will once again be able to do all the things he loves, maybe for not quite as long but you will have your beautiful sweet Oscar back, just a slightly different version.

Jo Ann & Tasha

Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.

Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….

krun15
5
11 June 2010 - 9:35 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory

Hi Melissa and Oscar,

Welcome to Tripawds.  Sorry to hear about Oscar's accident.  Don't spend too much time right now worrying about what Oscar might not be able to do- he will need you to be a good, strong pack leader while he recovers from this major surgery.  He will need time to re-learn his balance and to build up his muscles, but he will surprise you with his abilities.  You may have to shorten your hikes with him- but see how he recovers before you make any decisions.

You should think about investing in a harness- they have been very valuable for most who have bigger dogs.  For now you can use a towel or a cloth shopping bag cut open to help Oscar get around if needed.

Most of us had a rough first two weeks after amputation- so don't get discouraged if he is not himself for awhile.  Once off the pain meds, and the stitches and/or staples come out you will see your old Oscar return (hopefully sooner than two weeks, but be prepared).

Check out Maggie the Agility dog's  blog.  She has impressed us all with her abilities after amputation. You can see how a rear amp dog gets around.

Also here is the Tripawds Required Reading List- lots of links to good information on what to expect with amputation.  Luckily you are not dealing with cancer, so once Oscar recovers he should have a good, full life.

 

Good luck with his recovery.

Karen and the pug girls

 

 

Madison, WI
Member Since:
5 December 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
11 June 2010 - 9:45 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Yeah, seems likes meds are often harder on the dogs than the absence of the leg.  But without them, well... yeah that would be  A LOT worse. 

With my front leg amputee (now passed) he was actually fairly energetic for the first few days home, though a little confused and did a lot of turning in circles and staring at walls (like I said, the meds).  Don't be surprised though if you see that and then a drop in energy.  That seems to be just the heavy duty drugs (like fentanyl) wearing off, at which point they might not feel so restless and realize it's time to rest and heal!  (Some dogs never seem to realize that though, based on some posts I've read- haha!).  Some of the drugs can cause them to "vocalize" (whine) a lot.  It's not pain, it's just the meds.  If you can pat the incision site gently without a reaction, you can prove that to yourself, that the meds are doing it - not pain.  That happened with Yoda.  And then there was Gerry whose drugs made him relentlessy restless and that was scary, because he wasn't getting any sleep (bad ketamine possibly).  BUT  that shouldn't happen.  And I've thrown out a lot of possibilities.  You may not experience any of these things!  One of the greatest lessons I've learned on Tripawds is keep in mind how much you pay your vet and therefore feel free to call them lots.  You and your pup deserve it.  Another of the greatest lessons you have already learned by coming here - this is a great place for support and there's a lot of collective wisdom/experience here. 

Oh, and regarding helping him, that varies too, and plenty of dogs don't need any.  Yoda wouldn't let them use the towel sling on him.  The vet told me that when the techs tried, he wouldn't get up.  As soon as they took the towel sling away, he was hopping away to go outside.  He was an independent spirit too. big-grin

 

As far as the active lifestyle goes, both my tripawds were blessed with excellent mobility.  Yoda did tire out faster (but still not as fast as me) and needed water more often, but he was still very fast.  In fact, his average speed increased because it's easier for front-leggers to hop faster.  I got Gerry when he was already limping.  It's hard to imagine the amputation has slowed him down any, but maybe he has because he gets a little belligerent at the park when he starts to tire out and gets mouthy with the other dogs - I think because he doesn't like it when he feels tired and they don't yet.  Still, doesn't this look like he's plenty fast  an active enough?  No trick photography and not much editing - I swear!

http://gerry.tr...../dog-park/

(See the video on his blog from January)

That was a month after Gerry's amputation.

So yeah, accomodations may need to be made on outings.  More water and more breaks, but all of the activities you have mentioned are done and enjoyed by tripawds here.

Hang in there!  Get plenty of sleep and eat right.  Set a good example for your patient!!!

Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.

He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.

Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
11 June 2010 - 10:03 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Welcome   Melissa,

I'm so sorry to hear about Oscar's accident.  By the way how old is Oscar?   He's a handsome boy!

I'm sure you and your neighbor are still recovering from the shock of the accident.  You did the right thing by amputating.  Oscar will be fine and you will too!   The next two weeks may be hell.  Because the recovery is hard on the whole family.  He may be in pain and may experience phantom pain .  If he winces, cries or whines for no apparent reason after a day or two at home - it's probably phantom pain .  Call your vet and he'll prescribe something.  Once you get through the major surgery recovery, he'll be good to go!

In the meantime, take a breath, relax and prepare yourself to be a nurse for a while - probably 2 weeks.  It will get much better.

 

I've have a 3-legged dog from a birth defect since she was a small puppy.  She's getting close to 12 years old.  I can tell you that she has lived a normal life. Being that she is part lab, I think - she was the best ball player ever!  And she kept up.    She is slowing down a lot now but she is a senior.  I don't think you'll have to worry about Oscar until he gets old. 

 

But feel free to ask questions and ask for help!  We, for sure want to know how it's going!

Comet's mom

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

Member Since:
14 April 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
11 June 2010 - 10:10 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Welcome to the family. Gus had his left front amputated so I can't say how a back three wheeler works. The first 2 weeks are the toughest, but by week 4 Gus was 90% his old self. Get ready for some ups and downs, mood swings , one day you think all is well, the next you'll wonder why no energy. Drugs sometimes are a wonderful thing, just think how many great songs were written with their help!!!! But I will say, Gus didn't get along with Tramadol so we took him off, made quite a difference. He was restless at night, no appetite, kind of in la-la land, and he had some phantom pain , he was on rimidyl and Gabapentin., Hopefully you won't have to deal with phantom pain , that stuff will tear your heart out. They all of a sudden sound like they were hit by a car, doesn't last long but man do they howl, hold on for the ride. You'll be amazed how fast Oscar rebounds, this whole thing will probably be harder on you than him. Don't be afraid to ask anything here, experience gives the best answers.. This is a great place to be, good luck, Gus and Dan

My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
11 June 2010 - 10:26 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory

oscarsmom said:

… in a few weeks he shouldn't even remember that he's supposed to have 4 legs.

Right. He just no longer has his spare. 

Weeks before Jerry's amputation we hiked about 12 miles of the PCT. About a year later we enjoyed watching him tromp along a mile or so of the Appalachian. Check out Jerry's video playlists to see how much he and other dogs love life on three legs. Quuestion is can you keep up with him, adjust to accept life at his speed and enjoy every moment together – considering what could have happened behind that car?

Welcome and thanks for joining. Oscar is beautiful. Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Best of Tripawds help and advice from the past few years. And best wishes for a complete speedy recovery.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
11 June 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
11 June 2010 - 11:59 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Thank you for all your support and advice!  I am so glad to have found this website and forum!  I really do know in my heart that Oscar will be fine and he is probably taking this a lot better than I am.  I have decided to look on the bright side and be grateful that this was the only injury he sustained.  If the car had hit his stomach or back things could be so much worse. 

I am optomistic about his recovery.  This is his second major operation, the first being the repair of a giant diaphragmatic hernia when he was 6 months old which he pulled through like a trooper.  Granted he is a bit older now at almost 6, but other than that he has been in great health.  Luckily I don't have classes this summer so I'll be home with him until he's healed.  I've resigned myself to the fact that he may not be able to go like the energizer bunny anymore but he'll still be just as happy as long as he's able to get outside and run and swim like he loves.  He'll be just as satasfied with an hour or two of activity as opposed to all day. 

Tonight my husband and went out and bought some extra dog beds to scatter around the house for him.  I'll probably also pick up some throw rugs since our house is entirely hardwood and tile (no stairs thankfully).  We're also looking into getting a ramp to help him get in and out of our SUV's and also a harness. 

I'll keep you updated on how his recovery goes.  I will probably need some encouragement!  laugh

 

 

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/lilmskrall/200.jpgImage Enlarger

Member Since:
15 January 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
12 June 2010 - 1:00 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Get used to area rugs and throws.  One of the hallmarks of a Tripawd household is the patchwork floor.  Also, be prepared to be the talk of the town when you go for walks.  If you don't already know all of your neighbors, you will soon.  Everybody wants to see/pet/ask questions about the local Tripawd.  Oscar will be a star!

Member Since:
14 April 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
12 June 2010 - 5:11 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Don't be so sure about that not jumping around like the energizer bunny, there is a video of a 2 legged greyhound, lost both legs on the same side and you can't believe what that dog does. I think Oscar will surprise you, but then, isn't the element of surprise a great thing, especially in this community. Paws up, Gus and Dan

My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010

Member Since:
1 January 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
12 June 2010 - 8:01 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Oscar is a handsome boy!  He will amaze you with what he can do.  Holly is also a rear amp, and while she's not as big as Oscar (she's about 30 pounds) she has continued to amaze us and everyone around her.  Once her hair grew back most people stopped noticing that she is missing a leg - she loves her walks and goes as fast as she ever did most of the time.  (hot weather seems to slow her down more now).  There's a video on Gerry's blog of Holly and Gerry hopping at a dog park together if you want to check it out.

We'll keep fingers and paws crossed for Oscar.  Lots of rest and plenty of love are needed these next couple of weeks.   Holly's vet suggested icing her incision 3 times a day for 5-10 minutes with a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel.  She seemed to really like that - it helped to relax her somehow.

Wishing you the best,

Holly and Zuzu and Susan

Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!

http://anyemery.....ipawds.com

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
12 June 2010 - 9:15 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Oscarsmom, Welcome to our little group.  Lots of tips and support here from the folks who have gone before you.  When we picked Trouble up after her surgery, she was a little tentative meeting us - like asking if her new look was ok.  Once she got hugs of approval she was happy and ready to go home.

The first two weeks are no picnic as they recover and learn to motivate around.  It is quite natural for you to worry yourself to death too! Get some rest when Oscar rests, resist the temptation to stay awake and watch him sleep.  He needs a rested mom as he recovers. He will likely be tired a lot, but he is recoverying from major surgery. The throws or runners will likely be a MUST for your hardwood floors. They do slip and fall easily on tile or hardwood surfaces.  Comet's mom recently posted picstures of her throw rug floor.  We chose carpet runners because all of our tile is down the hallways and in the kitchen.

Be prepared for the surgery site.  Some folks are a bit horrified to see the incision.  And they are all different.  Some have stitches, some staples, some drains.  Trouble's looked like it was performed by a plastic surgeon - all internal stitches.

We used a sling to help her for about the first two days and then she was good to go all by herself.  They adapt very well and very quickly - unlike humans

Check in often and let us know how Oscar is doing.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

knoxville, tn
Member Since:
12 February 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
12 June 2010 - 10:21 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

welcome oscar!!  ditto on what everyone else has said!!  we recommend the ruff wear harness as well, it gives you a good 'handle' getting in and out of the suv, up and down stairs, ramps, etc.  don't count that boy out...we're betting within a couple of weeks he will be even faster than before!!!

gayle & charon

Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included).  She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.

Love Never Ends

http://etgayle

This forum is locked
Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 204
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1288
Members: 18564
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18886
Posts: 259204
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG