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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justinehilborn said
He said her demise will probably be her back legs because both her cruciate ligaments were torn about two years ago. Does any one have some suggestions on supplements to have her on to keep those knees as strong as possible. She is a little heft for her size so we are going to get her to loose a few pounds to take the additional strain off them and I have heard great things about glucosomine and fish oils. Also after doing some research has anyone also seen that we are not to give GRAIN to our dogs that have cancer?
That's great news from the vet! Glad things are progressing nicely.
You're doing great by keeping focused on helping her to stay slim, that's one of the best things you can do for her joints. As for supplements, there are tons and we've talked about different types here in the Tripawds Nutrition blog. Keep in mind that it's not so much about supplements as it is about keeping her fit and lean. Supplements alone won't help her avoid injury but a strong, fit body will. Consider signing up for the Tripawds Fitness course, which will cover all of these topics.
Grain-free, low carb, low glycemic diets are recommended for dogs with cancer but keep in mind it's not a one-size-fits-all approach, every dog's needs are different. You can find out more here in the Tripawds Nutrition blog
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Murphy was 7 when he had his right front leg removed from histiocytic sarcoma. His tumor was just above his elbow. It didn't bother me to think of Murphy as a tripawd, but it did bother me to think of his leg sitting on a table being examined...I think that's the nurse in me though lol...The first 2 weeks after surgery were the roughest. Murphy was on multiple pain medications throughout the day, but once we started weaning those he did much better! We fed him chicken broth & rice to begin with, then added in some chicken for more protein - he became quite spoiled!! Ice to the incision a couple times a day helped, and massaging around the site, too, to help the body re-absorb the build up of fluids. He did have some bruising, but the site healed up really well. When we picked him up after his surgery he pulled us out to the car - I guess he couldn't wait to get home! He had been limping on & off for about 6 months so apparently it didn't really bother him that his leg was gone. He's just about to celebrate 2 years 
donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
leahks said
Our dog, Leah, just had her amputation (left front) yesterday after a diagnosis of peri-articular histiocytic sarcoma - a soft tissue cancer on her elbow. Three years ago she had a TPLO to repair a rear torn cranial cruciate ligament.At the time of her TPLO, the surgeon recommended changing her diet to one high in omega 3. So, we've been feeding her Science Diet JD - for joints/mobility. We are sold on omega 3 - Leah doesn't have any signs of arthritis or stiffness. We've never used any supplements as we've preferred to have the nutrients in her food. Many foods have omega 6 - but look for the omega 3.
I hope Bailey's recovery continues smoothly.
Hi, thanks for the advice. Sounds like Leah and Bailey are in pretty similar circumstances with the same type of cancer along with having the torn cruciate ligaments. Bailey never had hers surgically repaired though hers just healed on there own. The vet was concerned about the amputation though due to her bad knees (both legs went) Today he called and discussed some sort of injection that he wants to give her 4 times over the next couple of weeks. He said it will help the knee with lubricating it and something about cartilage. I will know more info tomorrow when I go pick her up. Keeping my fingers crossed this can help Baileys knees and she can live a fantastic life. Thanks for the advice about the Omega 's I have been reading up on this and heard they are a great supplement.
justinehilborn said
...he called and discussed some sort of injection...
Perhaps he was referring to Adequan?
The Adequan and Beef Trachea Connection
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
One of the things our vet asked was that we not change Trouble's food until after her chemo. He wanted to minimize the choices should any complication arise. As soon as chemo was done, we went ahead with the food change. Just one more thing to consider - if you're thinking about chemo.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Thanks for sharing these.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Online
That picture just melts my heart!!!! Look at that sweet face and gentle eyes!!! Melting over here!! Want to come over and snuggle her...now, right now!!!
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!
Bailey is home!!! When we went to pick her up she was way more alert and better then I could have expected. She is walking great on three legs already and is not having much difficulty getting up and down. She also gets 5 stars for her attempt at peeing 
With all the excitement she is now very sleepy but she sure looks cute in all her purple wrap!
Welcome home Bailey!!! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT HOMECOMKNG!!!
One of the best feelings in the world is having them home and on the road to recovery!
Rest while you can. She looks comfy and like she's resting well. Now, you will probably still have some ups and downs. Just stay connected to us and let us know how we can help.
And let us know when she has her first poop! We celebrate anything around here!!
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!
I'm so glad to hear that Bailey is home!!! She does look precious sprawled out in her purple wrap!!
I'll keep Bailey in my thoughts that she has an easy recovery!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Thanks everyone I appreciate the well wishes. Bailey is being mischievous already and attempted to lay in a mud puddle outside (one of her favorite things to do) She also took her first poop on this adventure and ate some food when we came back in. Her sleep last night was a little rocky she was a but uncomfortable and woke up panting a couple times but she seems to be well rested this afternoon
What a sweetie !! Great photo!
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR POOP!!!!
And you've alrighty seen a bit of her "normal sparkle" come back as she tries to take a mud bath!!
A scoop of ice cream on top of that kibble.....yeah....a nice welcome home treat!
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!
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