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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Hi,
My beautiful Labrador has been diagnosed with a small tumor in her nerves. They recommend amputation of her right front leg. I am so heartbroken. She is so sweet and happy. She loves to run and play. I know this is the best thing for her, but I am still so sad. They are going to schedule a consultation with the surgery team and I and then they are going to schedule the surgery. If there is any advice anyone can give me, that would be wonderful. This is just so hard for me to process. Also, what is the recovery like? Thank you for listening. I’m so glad I found this site.
Hi and welcome to you and Lilly. I'm so sorry that you might have to join our club but glad you found us! We can try to help make this easier.
First, Lilly can still be sweet and happy and run and play! You will see that people handle this much worse than dogs. All she wants is to feel better and get on with life. Once that bad leg is gone she will do exactly that! She has a lot of years left in her and she will make the most of it. It's up to you to set a good example and show her pawsitivity and optimism. The more you set that tone, the easier recovery will be.
We have some great articles in our What to Expect articles . Also see Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books library for more tips.
Recovery isn't always easy but if she has good pain management from the beginning it makes things a LOT easier. It's a good idea to ask your vet team what kind of pain relief she will get to come home with. Our pain management articles have a ton of info to help you understand what are the best and worst pain drugs so you can speak their language.
I hope this helps a bit. Remember we are here for you. Pop into the Tripawds Chat , you'll often find us there during business hours (Pacific time), and the Tripawds Helpline is also there for you every day of the week.
Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As you can see from Jerry's response, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
We certainly understand all the emotions when first hearing "amputation ". The fear, the uncertainty, the mental and physical exhaustion all while processing all the options....a hard time, that's for sure!
Jerry has given you excellent links and supportive feedback. You will find that as you go through these links and continue your research, you will start to settle in a vit and not feel quite so scared. Plus, after talking with the professionals you will gain the clarity and reassurance needed for a path forward.
Recovery does vary from dog to dog. Generally though, it's no picnic for the first week or two. Dogs ate so resu, it's hard to remember that this si MAJOE surgery and a dog needs to rake it very slowly at first. Leashed potty breaks and then back in for more rest, rest, rest.
So e dogs need a few days to get their sea legs and some dogs are a vit more mobile right away. The important thing to rem is every dog recovers st theirmown pace and in their own way. In a matter of weeks Lilly will be Lilly again and regain her sparkle.
You'll want nonslip scatter rugs for traction if you have hardwoods. Raised food bowls are helpful too. The former their ged the better. Squishy soft can ge ha4d to go from a laying position to a standing position.
So stay connected, get the answers you need, ask any questions here that come up. We are here by your side to help you navigate thru recovery. And absolutely Lilly will be romping around before you know it!
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!
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