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 all,
Tabitha's biopsy came back negative!!!!! The leg was really wrecked in the fall and needed to come off, but it wasn't cancer (almost everyone was sure it had to be even though the x-ray had been inconclusive). We are so happy 🙂
Tabitha is 4 weeks post op now. She's been a little whiny the past couple of days - not sure if it's the humid weather (humidity is her kryptonite) or if she's in pain. She's been more reluctant to go out today (again - she's been like that before the surgery when it's hot too). She's been on tramadol - two 50mg pills - twice a day still (she started out on 4.5) and 300 mg of Gabapentin twice a day as well (she started out with 3x per day). She's been on this regiment a while. We've not done anything crazy with her (no super long walks for example). I wish she could talk and tell us. She's always been a vocal dog (whining when she wants something - food, to go out, the air conditioner on LOL). Should we be assuming it's pain and increase the Tramadol again? She was doing ok on it prior to 2 days ago (she went down to the 2 pills over a week ago).
Also - UGH - the car. She's always insisted on standing in the backseat (I have a Toyota Prius) when we go places. We never go anywhere very far, so that's been ok until now. The whole balance thing is a work in progress even on firm ground, so a moving vehicle is a challenge. Right now, my husband and I go together and I sit in the back with her. Bill (my husband) is starting back in the office after July 4th weekend, though, so if I need to go anywhere with her - hmmm -- not sure what to do. I'm really scared of her falling and injuring herself. Any suggestions?
Thanks, again. I seriously don't know what we would've done without this site!
JoAnn, Bill and Tabitha the Greyt Tripod
Oh YAY FOR NO CANCER! WOW! Yep, it's a miracle for sure, and so pawesome 
As for her behavior....yeah it could be the weather, and it could also be that she's hurting. Some dogs just need more time to heal. I wouldn't adjust the medication until you talk to the vet. Let them know her symptoms, how often, when, etc., when you call. That way if she needs a longer course they will be in the loop and able to prescribe it quickly.
Also, you may want to make an appointment for canine rehab therapy! If she is having pain, they'll be able to figure out the source and treat it, then show you how to prevent it from returning. Remember, our Tripawds Foundation may pay for her first rehab visit so check out the link.
When it comes to car rides, if you do have to take her anywhere you can take a little bit of comfort in knowing that it's a good core strengthening exercise when she tries to balance in the back seat. She's actually working out! But I know your worry. Are Prius cars too small for a doggie seat hammock to keep her snug in the back seat?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We were so happy to hear the no cancer news - miracle for sure!
The hospital that did the amputation has canine rehab, but it's been very limited because of COVID - they keep telling us to check back. We found a second place (recommended by our regular vet) but the consult she need prior to starting is not until 7/22 (they are also limited because of COVID) - I can call in in the mornings each day to see if there are any cancellations (and I will). Both places are 50 minutes away - thus my nervousness about the car. I would love for her to do some rehab, but the car ride is far. I will see if a dog hammock will work in the back. I'm most worried she will fall off the seat and that might help...
Thanks again! This site is a God-send....
JoAnn
YAAAAAAAAY!!! SUCH GREYT NEWS ABOUT TABOTHA THE GREYT!!😁😁Made our day!!
Even though she's not over doing it, etc, it is still so very, very easy to tweak something. And tweaking something can make a dog wa t to sort of lay low, even be a bit whiny.
When she does whine, is it at a specific time like when she stands up, or lays, down, or sits?
Do a really good massage up and down her spine, her neck, her shoulders, etc. Pay close attention to see if she show any tenseness at any spot.
Yeah, carrides can be a vit scary when a tripawd insists on standing the whole way. An hour drive with having someone sit with her would ake me uneasy too.
Give us feedback when you can. And give her a smooch for us!!
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!
Hi. I have used a car safety belt that clips to a harness for Griffin his whole life. He can move around a bit on the seat, but would not be able to comfortably stand while clipped in. There have been a few times when I have stopped short when the belt prevented him from flying off the seat. You can find one easily on Amazon - EzyDog Click is the one most recent one I purchased (it clicks into the regular seat belt buckle instead of into the Latch system like the one I had previously). ~ Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Stacy said
You can find one easily on Amazon - EzyDog Click is the one most recent one I purchased (it clicks into the regular seat belt buckle instead of into the Latch system like the one I had previously). ~ Stacy
We also sell this one and another, seat belt adapter version, in the Tripawds Gear Shop . Currently we only sell them with the purchase of an EzyDog Convert Harness but we can do a special order just for the restraint for a Tripawds community member. 🙂
While the clips are better than nothing, be aware that these are not crash tested or safety-approved by the Center for Pet Safety.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for all the suggestions 🙂
It seems like the whining is related to both the weather (it's hot and humid here) AND not being able to do the "normal" things. She was fine when we went for a car ride (to the vet but she still loved getting into the car - almost gave me heart failure trying to jump in without help).
Of course we will keep an eye out for pain indications - thanks for the massage tip. I wish she wasn't so stoic - she never cried or whined when she broke the leg (even when they moved her from the car to the stretcher). In fact, just one week ago, I was actually worried that she WASN'T whining enough because she's usually a bit more whiny when she's not getting what she wants (be careful what you wish for, right?)...
I'd love to use a more restrictive car device on Tab, but we've tried prior to the amputation and she freaks out. We have a "screen" between the front and back to prevent her from trying to get up to see us in the front. I think I'm going to try the "hammock" option - at least she won't be able to fall off the seat with that.
We saw her regular vet last night and he is very happy with how she's progressing, which made us feel good.
Thanks again for all the tips and help!
JoAnn, Bill and Tabitha the Greyt Tripod
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