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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Murphy, became a tripawd on August 17, 2015. Went to the rainbow bridge on July 5, 2016.
WOW! Good job Murphy! Looking great! You are an adorable tripawd!
((((((((HUGS))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too
PS...really glad you posted here. For whatever reason I'd missed seeing some of these previius videos. They are a great tool for people who are fearful about dogs adapting to three legs. It was good seeing some "old friends" again. Want a smile? Check out Grady on page 3.
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!
LOVE it! He looks amazingly strong, look at him GO! Thank you for sharing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Joshua thanks for joining. Your future posts won't need approval so do tell us more about you and that handsome doggie in your avatar photo in another thread, perhaps "Size and Age Matters."
We have never heard of the Ruffwear Webmaster harness irritating the incision immediately after surgery but to be safe we recommend waiting till stitches are out, or at least putting a t-shirt on the dog underneath the harness if it has to be used right away. There is more of a chance of it bothering a new front-leg amputee with a fresh incision but nobody has ever come to us with that issue. If you have any other questions check out our Webmaster review or PM me, I'm happy to help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wow, I watch all the videos and its really cool to see in advance what Im in for.
joshuaalane said
Does the harness affect the incision site at all?
We tell anyone who purchases the Ruffwear Web Master or other harnesses from the Tripawds Gear blog :
We recommend not using the harness until the surgery has completely healed and stitches or staples are removed. We have heard of no specific cases where any harness has hampered healing, but we believe direct pressure from the straps may irritate the wound. Please consult your veterinarian with any concerns.
We suggest using a soft towel slung under the belly if additional support is required in the meantime. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling. You will find much more help, support and advice in the Tripawds discussion forums.
There should be no issue whatsoever with rear-leg tripawds.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Check out Tank, just four days after surgery and runnin' around like a maniac!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tank! You are an incredible pup! Look at you go.....And just 4 days after surgery, WOW! 🙂
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!
Pofi had been having issues with his leg for some time and had only recently become fully lame (not bearing weight at all) on it when we got the initial, potential diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the brachial plexus on April 15, 2016. I was shell shocked (and even more when it proved to be larger and more advanced than any of us could have guessed two weeks later). This is 2 weeks pre-amp.
The fact he was quite lame and getting around without the leg did make his transition from "virtual" Tripawd to an actual one fairly smooth and for that we are grateful. Other dogs may take a little more time adjusting, but almost all do well in time.
So this is Pofi (and Mia) on one of his first Bark Park outings one month post surgery. We had been going on leashed walks and even been on a visit to the bark park sooner, but I did not think to video.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Pofi!! You have mastered the tripawd front leg hop perfectly!
These videos really add so much value to this whole process. I was really fascinated to see that there was almost no difference in Ppfi's gait between the video showing Pofi before and after his amputation.
Thanks for sharing...really helpful. The best part though...seeing Pofi so happy frolicking in the water and meandering arou d the dog park with Mia.
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!
WOOHOO! I love these thank you so much for sharing, I've added them to our playlist on YouTube as well. They are SUPER helpful when people are trying to decide.
Pofi, you are an inspawration! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Pofi... these are GREAT ! You are a rockstar for sure!!!!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
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