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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Hello, I found out today that my 8yr saddleback beagle, Boomer, will most likely have his left forearm removed. He was shot multiple times by a hunter back in December and has been in a cast since then but X-rays today showed that the bones are not healing together properly. My vet said I could see if it possibly heals on its on but that its very unlikely, and could take a year or more. I think I am having a harder time with it than he is, and worried that he won't bounce back to his old self. But after looking around on this site and reading others stories, I am starting to feel like amputation would be best in this situation.
mbethandboomer said
I think I am having a harder time with it than he is...
Most dogs manage much better than us silly humans! Our best advice is to Be More Dog .
if he is just losing the forearm, please review our video interviews with Orthopets to learn about the benefits of prosthetics for Tripawds. Boomer may be a perfect candidate. Otherwise, you might consider asking your vet about proceeding with a full amputation since many members with dogs having partial amps have reported various different complications here over the years.
Among other things, dogs will either keep banging/dragging the leg, preventing it from healing, or they will continue to try and use it causing orthopedic or spinal issues over time. Of course, every dog is different. Search the forums above or search all blogs here for more experiences of others.
And welcome! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awwww, good luck with your beautiful Beagle! Stay with the site, they are knowledgable and wonderful.
XO
Deb
Welcome! most dogs do really well with three legs and a bonus - your pup isn't losing his leg to cancer! There are lots of stories here that will help and guide you. The recovery is ROUGH ... BUT it does get better! I would definitely encourage you to download the books on this site. They will help SO much.
And others will chime in too! We look forward to learning more about your baby!
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
Hi and welcome.
I know that amputation is a hard thing to come to grips with, but it does sound like Boomer's best option at this point. Once he heals up you will be amazed at how well he gets used to his new 'normal' and gets on with his life.
I recently adopted a puggle and I am amazed how much time she spends with her nose on the ground! I've had pugs for almost 17 years and smelling things isn't high on their lists of activities.
Oh, and I'm SURE you are having a harder time with things than Boomer! I bet he will be happy to get rid of the cast.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
When my Susie had to wear a splint on her right foreleg after her biopsy to allow her foot to heal, she refused to walk on the splint, instead trying to keep that leg raised up in the air. I think she's better off now, missing that foreleg, than she was when she had to wear the splint.
I wonder how well your little beagle can walk now, while wearing a cast. It must be quite a challenge. I'll bet he'll be able to get around much better, once he doesn't have to wear it.
((((hugs))))xx from Nancy & Susie
Love Boomer's avatar picture! Can't wait to see more!
Hard to believe a "hunter" could have been so careless, but these "mistakes" happen all the time. Such a tragic thing to happen to yiur innocent pup.
I know this is hard to wrap your head around. It does seem that amputation ends up being the answer because things like this just never heal properly or rewuire multiple surgeries. At least thisnis just one surgery and then it's done!
Here are a couple of links to help prepare you for the fun of loving and spoiling a tripawd!
http://tripawds.....oof-house/
http://download.....-library1/
Stay connected and let us know how we can help. Recovery is no picnic, but it sounds like Boomer is already used to life in three legs! He WILL bounce back even with more sparkle than before! That leg has to be painful and cumbersome! He will now be lain free and ready to get on with living life to the fullest!
Hugs to you and Boomer!
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!
Poor Boomer! I hope it was an accident on the hunters part. Sounds like Boomer would really be better off without that leg that won't heal. You will be amazed at how well these tripawds do. And as Alison pointed out without cancer being the reason for the amp it truly is a bonus! I think Boomer will do fine once he's through recovery and will go on to live a very happy life without that bad leg bothering him. Please keep us posted on that beautiful boy!
Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max
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