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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Don't beat yourself up! Of course we all want a definitive answer first, because then the decision is taken out of our hands. We all worry we're taking their leg when it could be saved, especially with such a young dog. They have their whole life ahead of them!
You make the decisions you make with the information you have at the time. So try to put it behind you. I know it is hard, but doing the 'woulda-coulda-shoulda' thing just saps the energy and strength that you're going to need and that your pup is going to rely on.
Denise, Bill and Angel 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
Thank you... I know you're right and my friends and family keep telling me the same thing too.
Just feel so sad when I look at him and his shaved swollen leg. Bless him 💙
Just catching up! As Denise said, do not waste one second on wudda, shudda, cudda!! You were following your vet's advice. Being such a young dog you definitely want to confirm as much as you can with as much certainty as you can. Second guessing ourselves is something we humans do very well. For whatever it's worth, you would be second guessing yourself like crazy if you didn't do the biopsy! Yep, that's what we do on this journey!
Keep his pain meds consistent and keep him rested.
Remember that every single decision you are making out of love!!!!
Now, do not waste one more second letting negative energy interfere with your time together! He needs you strong and confident and continuing to lavish him with love and spoiling and tummy rubs!
The results may, or may not, conclusive. You jave a plan though once that comes in. You can proceed with the amputation and get on with a pain free quality life! So, for now, put all this on the back burner and enjoy your holidays with your best pal.
Your avatar picture is just precious! We'd love ro see more..HINT!
Sending ((((((((((((((((((((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!
How do I add photos? Can I do it from my mobile phone or not??
Scooby seems pretty happy today. We took him out for a very short lead walk on the large field next to our house and he loved it. He's currently asleep with his head on my lap. Such a baby x
Yay Scooby! Enjoy your Sunday, I hope you get more short but sweet walkies in today.
Here are instructions for adding images from different devices. Let us know if you have questions or would like assistance.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Am so stressed this morning and I know it's counter-productive but Scooby seems in so much pain this morning with his leg. I feel so helpless 😰
Vet has just phoned to confirm it's a tumour. 😰
Scooby is scheduled for his amputation tomorrow and we will get him back on Xmas eve.
I feel sick but I know it's for the best.
Glad you will have him home for Christmas! Just playing catch up here, but just wanted to lend some support. First off,Scooby is precious! I have a soft spot for Labby Boys, and 2nd, don't 2nd guess yourself. We all seem so quick ro do that here. All the decisions you have made for Scooby have been made from your love for him and your wanting the best for him. To be honest, I would have done the same on such a young pup. It would be so much easier if there were a little window in there to let us see what is happening. As that is not the case, we have to go with our vets' opinions ( sometimes) and with our gut and heart. Scooby should do well on 3 legs being so young. Give that cutie a hug and keep us posted on his recovery. Lori, Ty and gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
It's hard not to be worried, we have been there and understand. But you already know how important it is to be strong and pawsitive, and recognizing that is a victory in itself. Stay focused on the end result, Scooby will feel SO much better without that bad leg.
Use this time to get your house ready. Put down throw rugs with rubber backing for traction , cordon off dangerous areas like staircases and stock up on lots of treats for yourself and him while you snuggle together on Christmas. Being pain-free is the best gift, you guys will rock this recovery!
{{{hugs}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It took us a week to make the decision to amputate. That's after we were 99% sure of what we were dealing with. So it was a good almost four weeks before our Max actually had his amp. Many here have been 1 or 2 months for various reasons before amputation. Don't second guess yourself you took all the facts you were given and made your decision based on love. I'll be sending many healing thoughts tomorrow for Scoobies amp. Once that painful leg is gone and he's feeling better through the recovery process your biggest problem may well be holding that bundle of energy back from doing too much. Remember to take it day by day and try to stay in the moment. Scoobie will be looking to you for guidance so now you have to channel your inner dog and be a strong pack leader. If you're strong he will feed off you and this will fast become his new normal. We'll be here for you every step just let us know what you need us to do for you. You can do this! Keep us posted tomorrow and let us know when he's out of surgery. Hugs to you and Scoobie
Linda & Max
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