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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There isNO shame in postingnpictures around here! Not with this group!! ESPECIALLY when they are of such a handsome and cute subject like Mac!!
The spoiling...oh my goodness! You probably think it's imppssible to spoil anymore or love any deeper....yeah...youll see...both are possible!!!
My Happy Hannah rarely evennheard the word "no" in her glorious almost ten years with me...and she NEVER heard it after her amputation! If she wanted to get in the trash, I helped pull it out of the can for her! If she wanted deer poop to roll in, I found it for her and brought it to her!!
And yeah, they learn pretty quickly they can do ANYTHING and get away with it!
Update us when surgery is over. We're all sending lots of pawsitve energy your way!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Best of luck to you and Mac tomorrow! We will be sending you lots of lucky 3 x 3 tripawd strength 
There is another 11 year old golden, Lexi Lou, over on the blogs who is going in for her amp on the 30th so you guys can be amp buddies!
xoxo,
Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack
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!
Oh you cutie pie! Post away we can't get enough of you! xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just so you all know, Mac's surgery went well and as planned. Unfortunately, that's about all I was told!! 🙁 We won't get to see him until tomorrow. The doc did more chest x-rays and blood tests before his surgery, and he is still clean (as far as the eye can tell). Will let you more know later...
I created a blog today on Tripawds - I know Sally found it! Should I post updates on that, instead of here?
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
teammac said
Just so you all know, Mac's surgery went well and as planned. Unfortunately, that's about all I was told!! 🙁 We won't get to see him until tomorrow. The doc did more chest x-rays and blood tests before his surgery, and he is still clean (as far as the eye can tell). Will let you more know later...
I created a blog today on Tripawds - I know Sally found it! Should I post updates on that, instead of here?
So glad to hear all went well!!!! That's all we needed to know! 🙂 and good news about the chest xrays! Sounds positive..... I saw the blog too. It's up to you. I post in both places! Well now that shelby has passed, I only update her blog periodically ... but we'll find you!
XOOX
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
GREAT NEWS!!! 
I kmow what a relief it is to hear that great ! I'm sure he was pretty well zonked out so there wasn't much else to say at that point. i
As far as the blog (which I yet have learned how to do!), I would ppst in both places like Alison said. They go up and down sooo quickly sometimes. You can just copy the link to the blpg on your forum post and that would save you from retyping it.
Is .ac staying a second night at the hospital? Some dogs stay two, some one, some more, just depends.
Cantw wait to hear your next update after your visit. He will probably still be pretty loopy, or not. Every dog reacts so differently ro anesthesia. When you go see him, just praise him and kiss that adorable mug and tell him what a good boy he is. I didn't even look at Happy Hannah's incision...she didn't even notice it so why should I?
Sending lots of healing hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
And YAAAAAAAAAY FOR GOOD TEST RESULTS!! Wonderful news!
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!
Pawsome! I was out all day yesterday and was wondering how it went. I'm back now and I'm so hoppy to hear this!
Thanks for starting a blog, can't wait to check it out. Meanwhile keep us posted. I'm in the chat for a bit this morning.
Breathe! You're over this hurdle! YAY!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi everyone,
We just got back from seeing Mac for the first time. I posted pictures on our tripawd blog: http://teammac......pawds.com/
Hoping for some words of encouragement! I know you will be able to give me some relief...
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
teammac said
Hi everyone,We just got back from seeing Mac for the first time. I posted pictures on our tripawd blog: http://teammac......pawds.com/
Hoping for some words of encouragement! I know you will be able to give me some relief...
I can't comment on your blog at my office but I wanted to say he looks perfect! He's druggy of course but a tail wag is a very good sign!!! Good job, mama!!!! Does he come home tonight? I left Shelby two days ... Wed - Friday. Remember, Access is 24 hour and VERY good about answering ALL questions / concerns .. you are NEVER alone!
Hugs!
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
Yep, he comes home today after work! I am just trying to stay positive because I know that is all he needs. They started him on oral pain meds today so hopefully he does well on that. That's the same thing for us - Weds - Fri. Those dang slippery floors, though!!!! I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!!
Every time I call them to check on Mac I preface with 'Hi, annoying dog mother calling again...' LOL they are probably so sick of me by now but I just want to know how he is doing!! At least I know he is in great hands.
Any words of wisdom for this first night? We plan to sleep on the floor with him so he doesn't move...
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
Sooo excited for you and Mac!!! Love that you plan on sleeping with him. That will be reassuring for everybody!
When we say every dog is different snd every recovery is different...it really is true!
For the first 19 hrs. home my Happy Hannah cried and whined, would not lay down, only sat down for a few moments at a time. Over the next three days I think she and I slept a total of five hours. As far as walking, she adjusted very quickly. She never needed a cone and would freeze kf I tried a "towel sling"!!
On the other hand, some dogs pretty much just lay down and sleep for the first few days and take more time adjusting to walking!
And some dogs think they are ready to run a marathon and are hard to hold back!
Most dogs are so ewhere in between. But Mac should just be resting, only getting up to go to potty and to eat and drink. Some dogs don't poop for a few days due to meds. No biggie. Do want to make sure he pees though.
We are all right here for you, okay? And do not hesitate to cal l your vet if you have any concerns!
Looking forward to the homecoming pictures!! Steak! Mac deserves a steak with a scoop of ice cream!
Hugs a d love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Good news he's on his way home soon! I think sleeping near Mac the first couple of nights is a good idea. I had Ellie in a crate with the door open (so I could keep my arm touching her) and the air mattress up against the opening so she couldn't leave the crate w/o crawling over me first (not that she moved much those first nights!).
The first couple of nights, she did wake during the night and seemed a bit distressed (whimpering) and I would stroke her and tell her she was a good girl and offer her water. It think it made her feel better to have me near and it certainly made me feel better! I would not have been able to sleep upstairs where I couldn't hear her.
Everyone says to get non-slip flooring but I was amazed at just how crucial it was. Ellie really couldn't manage hardwood floors at all. We bought about 100' of cheap gray runner (they sell it off a big roll) from Home Depot and cut it to length so she had a pathway to and from each room (where we had area rugs).
Denise, Bill and Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
We had carpet so it wasn't that bad for us ... I didn't sleep on the floor w/Shelby ... I didn't want to set that precedent and wanted things as normal as possible. She had been sleeping on the floor in her own little bed since about 8 months before her amp due to her limited mobility for getting up on the bed. HOWEVER ... I did check on her a million times during the night.
Be warned - the meds make them a little loopy and possibly paranoid. Shelby had some issues w/Tramadol and it made her seriously cray cray! We had to get her a valium to mellow her out. I am sure Mac will have a pain patch as well and that will help.
The nights were harder on us when we first got home .... I don't know why she got restless as night but she did. But like others have said, the first couple of weeks are tough but it DOES get better. Keep the movement VERY LIMITED!
Keep us posted!
And LOL @ how you preface your calls... I would always say "hi this is Shelby's mom"... after about the 8th call, they reminded me - gently - that my dog had just had major surgery and they were sure she was fine (which she was). Mac, like all dogs, will read your energy so positive, positive, and just pure love will truly help!
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
Just posted an update on our blog in case you are wondering about our first night!
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
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