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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So Biz needed a total hip replacement, (missing right front, THR on right rear).
The worst part was not being able to visit or see him for 3 days after the surgery.
When i finally was able to see him/take him home, I had to have special instructions for the staff.
I required that they bring him into the room prior to my going in. He was to be layed down, and someone was to be there to prevent him from getting up. He's very stubborn and he also has sep anxiety, so when seeing me, I knew he'd go bonkers. I took a video of him after about 5 mins of my being in the room, before that just wouldn't have been possible.
Here's the vid I took the day I picked him up, and he calmed down a bit.
As I was the only one there to pick him up, we had to give him some Ace, as he was just way to excited and happy, and I can't drive an hold him down at the same time. We ended up waiting about an hour.
The drive home was difficult, as he kept wanting to get up and get next to me, but I had to keep him calm and down.
I ended up getting him a "Help em up" harness, and it has been a life saver for me.
The biggest issue is trying to keep him calm and immobile, and not licking his wound.
The wound licking set us back a tad bit, so we have to keep the cone on him, which he hates.
All his poops were decent, a little soft due to the antibiotics given, but once those were finished, his poop is back to normal.
His urination however concerned me.
They told me they put a catheter on him for his stay there.
What they didn't tell me about was the difficulty that he would have urinating.
The difficulty (weak stream) lasted for a few days, so we had to do frequent potty breaks.
He's now getting "fuzzy butt", and once more hair grows, i'll be able to remove the cone. But until then, i'm not risking anything!
He kept looking up at me, making sure I was real.
Recovering and being guarded by his little brother Del.
A well deserved frozen peanut butter and yogurt kong.
Taking a rest. Peeing is hard work when you're all drugged up.
Ohhh what a sweetie! Thank you for joining us and sharing your experience, it's such a scary idea to possibly need this kind of surgery when you already have a dog who's missing a leg. Our Tripawds Spokesdog Wyatt Ray has those traditionally bad GSD hips, but only has one 'cause he's a rear leg amputee. At some point we know we will face a decision like this, stories like yours are very hopeful, thank you for sharing.
How long has Bismark been a Tripawd, and why? Just curious! More pics! He's so handsome! So is Del too of course 
P.S. That floppy disc/cone Bismark is wearing is great, isn't it? Our Wyatt has one, and I wish more vets carried it, it's super cool and way better than the traditional cone of shame .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
unfortunately he can still lick his wound with that cone, so we occasionally have to switch to a normal plastic one, that covers the length of his snout.
No idea how he lost his leg. He did have a stump still when I got him. We had that removed, as it was causing him problems while laying down. He'd constantly hit his stump on the ground. Also the muscles that were still attached to the stump were constantly hard, and he would always try to stretch them out, ineffectively. I spent many nights massaging those muscles to try and relax them. In the end, the stump and shoulderblade were removed.
Here's a photobucket album with more pics of my buddy.
http://s701.pho.....y/bismarck
Thankfully only one hip has dysplasia.
Welcome to the newest THR pup on this forum. Our Murphy is over a year and a half past his THR. He is a rear amp.
Good luck on trying to keep Bismark quiet. We know how hard that is, but also how important it is. The doctor told us we had to do everything possible to avoid a fractured femur while Murphy recovered. We also did eight weeks of physical therapy with Murphy after the initial two months' healing time. That works wonders.
If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Yep Kathi is our resident expert on THRs. You can read about Murphy's entire story here.
Meanwhile, I am totally IN LOVE with Bismark! We'd love to feature him for Tripawd Tuesday too so don't be shy, send us a post and we'll feature his story.
About the partial amputation he had done before you came along...yeah, we see that happen quite often when a front leg stump is left behind. It's a handy thing to have if you want to go the prosthetic route but usually it's not left long enough for a prosthetic, and then the stump just ends up getting banged around and in the way. Most dogs end up getting it removed later. Bismark is lucky to have you, you guys are a great team!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OMD! What a HANDSOME boy Bismark is...and so is Del!!
So sorrynhe is having to deal with this...he's been so much. Clearky he is a very, very loved biy and you are willkng to do whatever it takes tk bring him back to full recovery!
Yeah, check out Murohy's link.....you will have a lot of good stories to share! Murphy also is a well loved boy with devoted parents. He has a "Gus" Bismarkmhas a "Del".
Your photo album was delightful! I LOVED the video of Del and Bismark,playing with their own "toys"...and then Del "borrowing Bismark's and returning it. Del was javing the best time playing with his toy! These boys are just perfect pals....and clearly perfect companions for you!
You certajnky have your work cut out these next couple of months. It absoluteky amazing how resilient our dogs are! Definition of hero as far as I'm concerned!
Please keep us posted on this very special boy!! We are all cheering for you!!
And Bismark, you tell that cat to quit tearing up stuff and trying to blame you!
Sending lots of hugs and healing energy!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Woohoo! Glad to see ya over here Biz! You are one good lookin' dude! Sending you tripawd strength to the power of three to help you heal up fast!
xoxo,
Codie Rae
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
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