Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My excellent buddy Taj will under go a THR on Feb. 25th. He is a rear leg amputee due to an early (before 8 weeks old) injury. He's been a tripawd for 7 years. He will be 11 on the first of April. He subluxated his only hip in Nov. and in the course of diagnosis it was discovered that from wear and tear he was fairly dispastic in that hip. He has been scooting around since. Lately he can stand up on his own sometimes. Cannot walk very far.
I am looking for information from the Tripaws community about other rear leg Tripawds who have had THR. Our vet says that if we can keep him from slipping and re-subluxating it while healing, he should have a good out come. He was a young, active 10 year old beforthis happened and still has an excellent outlook on life.
Any good outcomes out there? He could have several good years left if we can get him active again.
Hello Taj and family, welcome. Sorry I missed you in the Tripawds Chat room the other day. We generally can be found in there during the mornings and early afternoons, Pacific time. You can also call the Tripawds Helpline too so don't forget.
Meanwhile, I'm sorry to hear about the surgery but fear not! Many other Tripawds have been through this. It's a big worry of all of us who have long-term Tripawds, but the good news is that recovery, while not the easiest thing to go through, is not impossible either.
Here are some links you may be interested in. These articles cover some Tripawds who have been through a THR and others who have been through FHO and also TPLO surgeries. Different situations but similar recoveries.
What to Know About Remaining Limb Surgery on a Tripawd
Frankie's cruciate repair!!
Maggie's Knee surgery recovery
Remaining Limb Surgery Recovery for Tripawds
Ziggy Recovers from High-Tech 3D Limb Deformity Surgery
Has your vet lined Taj up for rehabilitation therapy? It's crucial for recovery so be sure to get that referral if they haven't arranged it already.
Also, what kind of recovery help will you have during Taj's recovery? Are there other people in the house who can help out? Oh and don't forget to add traction to all your floors if you haven't already.
My guess is that your vet has experience doing this surgery on a Tripawd since they're optimistic about it. That's pawesome!
I hope this helps. Stay tuned for feedback from others. Oh and Please keep in touch and let us know how things are going, as we are always interested in remaining limb surgery recoveries, so that we can share information with others.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the positivity and links. I have faith in his attitude and yes, my husband and I will do our best to keep him safe and recovering well. We have tile and hardwood floors with non-slip area rugs everywhere. We are working with a vet that pretty musch all he does is THRs.
The second guessing is the hardest. How much to put him through.
You are so welcome. It sounds like you're all set for the recuperation phase, good job!
I think you'll be really happy with the decision as long as your support team is good and he has excellent therapy to help. You may want to check out Murphy's story, his mom Kathi can tell you lots about how his surgery went. Feel free to PM her:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to add best wishes for yourTaj.❤
Yes, as you can see from Jerry's links, this is doable!! Recovery will be slow and require lots and lots of patience and hard work on your part. Continue to stay focused on the outcome and know that everyday in recovery will be a day to victory for Taj!
Tripawd Murphy's success will help inspire you. He had two committed hoomans devoted to doing whatever it took to ensure success.
While my Frankie's situation was different, his story may still help you recognize recovery is hard and long, but definitely doable! And the outcome is well worth it!!!
You probably already are doing this, but be sure and check into joint supplements. If he's showing any signs of arthritis, you might check jnto Adequan injections.
And congratulations on Mr. Taj rocking three legs for all this time!!! Good job!
Let us know how we can help support you, okay? Keep us posted on this very special boy!
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!
Thank you all. We really appreciate the encouragement. Slow and steady wins the race. The hardest part is knowing that he will have an even harder time for a bit. But we do know from experience that when the pain goes, he just carries on and gets back to happy go lucky life. That's what we want for him. I have and will be trolling for boredom busters and I'm also sure there will be things that we don't even know we should be prepping for. Great to have this wealth of info to draw from.
Aww we are so glad that you found what you needed here. If there is anything else we can to do make this easier let us know.
And you never know, he's been through so much already that he may just surprise you with how quickly and easily he recovers! Stay pawsitive and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So.... our best bud did a great job recovering from his surgery. As we knew about him, as soon as he started feeling betterhe bounced back and by 3 months post surgery was ready to chase balls and swim and "search" for whatever we asked him to. We didwhat the docs suggested to bring him up slowlt and then could "off leash" him at 3 months post. By 4 months post surgery we were doing our off leash rambles on the mountain that we live live on. He was chasing balls, beginning to do Nose Works again, swimming and traveling with us. He was a happy boy.
PLEASE do not let this ending stop anyone from giving their bud the best chance of a good extented life. We were well on track for few more years of good times.
On June 29th (a Sat., thank goodness), Taj ate a good breakfast, had a good rambling walk, greeted my husband with gusto when he came home from work (9:30ish a.m.) then proceeded to fall apart.
He went from perfectly normal to gone in 3.5 hours. The vet believes it was a stroke to his brain stem. After greeting Chris, he sat down and held up his left front leg as if it hurt. I checked it and couldn't find anything wrong. The next time he tried to stand up it colapsed under him and he fell down. Then his back leg went stiff and we were off to the vet. By the time we got there none of his legs were working. They sent us on to the emergency place in Leesburg (30 minutes away) that has a neurologist. In the car on the way there his rib cage stopped working and he began struggling for breath from his abdomin. They took him back and the wait was excruciating. There was no fixing it. We were able to make the kind decision for him and be there with him. He was "with it". He knew us and knew we were with him. We still can't believe it.
He had a month of feeling good and having his life back. These dogs are amazing in their attitudes! Believe in them. If you are confident and positive for them they are happy and motivated. Isn't that what we all want for them?
This a a wonderful caring community. I wish everyone hope and happiness. Our dogs and cats will be happy if loved and supported. They are gems to teach us SO much about living our own lives.
Thank you all for your support.
Oh nooooo! I'm sitting here bawling, I'm really sorry! Taj was just getting re-started, how completely heartbreaking!
You, my friend, are so thoughtful for taking time to update us. It couldn't have been easy. And we will be furrever grateful that you did, because Taj really proved that Tripawds are capable of soooooo much more than everyone initially believes. Taj's story will remain a beacon of hope and a true inspawration to anyone who finds their dog or cat in a remaining limb surgery situation. THANK YOU so much for sharing.
If and when you are up to sharing a tribute inCoping with Loss, we would love to celebrate your boy's amazing life.
Sending much love and many condolences to all of you. xoxoxoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ohhh, I'm so sorry to read this, just so very, very sorry.
Make no mistake about rhis, and I mean this with all my heart, as did Jerry, Taj's journey will INSPIRE and give HOPE!! In nooo way would it "deter". Taj has shown what is possible. Your love and care and devotion have shown what is possible.
Up until that time before his transition, Taj ruly did live every moment with Taj-specific-gusto. You were with him to share every second of his glorious life. And make no mistake about it, Taj's lofe was indeed glorious because you were his hoomans. You gave him THE best life possible! Please know that.
I know Taj will send you a sign he has arrived at the Bridge healthy and whole. He will make his energy presence known in his own way and when he is ready. Right now he's pretty darn busy at the Bridge swimming and chasing balls non stop... and eating lots of junk food!! Oh yeah, dogs and cats can eat anything they want and never get sick or fat!!
It's such a privilege, a true privilege, to be on this journey with Taj as he showed everyone what is possible as a tripawd...a tripawd for over seven years he also handled a hip replacement like an Olympian Champion!!!
Thank you again for giving us this update. We know you are in a grief stricken state and the void is awful. We also know the happy memories will help push the sadness further into the background, even though it may not seem like it right now.
And yes, please share nore about this very, very special Warrior Soul when yoj can💖
.Love and light
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!
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