Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello,
Where to begin.. My sweet boy Oliver (about 93 lbs) escaped an open backyard gate Oct 09, 2023. He hopped home with a broken radius and ulna & a nasty open wound. I feel he was hit by a car but literally this leg is his only injury. ER vet immediately & plating was performed the next day. Culture was taken the night we came in & after surgery he immediately started oozing infection & stitches opened. He spent 11-12 days in ICU with multiple bandage changes daily, and was sent home with a large wound present & we returned daily for bandage changes.
We continued weeks of bandage changes anxious to see his wound closing more and more. He finally was bandage free (but very stiff in his “wrist” or carpus) around Nov 25th or so. Nov 27th he completely stopped using the leg again and started the heavy panting. We were devastated. He’s extremely attached to me and gets so anxious. Our lives revolved around his recovery, even sending our other goldendoodle to stay with my parents for what turned into 2 months.
So X-ray presented one of his screws loosening on plate & Dr diagnosed with osteomyelitis. He said his absolute last chance of saving his leg was antibiotic bead placement & bone grafting as he’d already presented amputation as an option. He had this surgery Nov 29th. We were told we’d know how it takes in 4-6 weeks.
Back to bandage changes every other day for the incision again. By this time we’re on a first name basis with the staff we are in so often. He was splinted this time after surgery & I feel like that helped so much on relieving pressure on his still healing leg. X-rays would show the fracture healing extremely slowly. Once or twice during this whole process he would finish his Enroflaxacin & then 36 hours later would start going down.. I’d beg for a refill and he’d get back to normal. We were told (and have researched) that oral antibiotics aren’t necessarily helpful in his case as biofilm can line the infection site and prevent meds from being absorbed which is why the beads were such a better option.
We get through December, and he would break a splint about once a week in the weak spots (they said it’s common with the type of splint and his size). He’s leashed outside for potty, overall chill dog, no running jumping etc..
We went in today for a broken splint & him not wanting to use the leg (usual sign that his splint gave). They kept it off this time as the incision is about completely healed & just wrapped the middle portion of leg rather than full foot to armpit. He hasn’t been on his foot fully in 5 weeks so anticipated it weird for him. Once we were home he kept pulling it up and is now barely using it at all. The top towards his armpit looks swollen like it did when he got his initial osteomyelitis diagnosis 5 weeks ago.
His surgeon returns from holiday tomorrow & I will bring him in to get evaluated. I know what he’s going to say and I’m not ready to hear it. He’s been on antibiotics on and off for what seems like 3 months. More on than off, but I feel like if it’s my last shot at saving his leg as this keeps happening- why not try a little more?
This all happened at the end of a large house addition that took our house from 2600 sq ft to 6600. While the majority is all on 1 level, all common areas aside from bedrooms is slick tile. This along with his size and being so heavy chested attributed to our push for keeping his leg. (We’re probably close to $12k in so far) Not to mention he’s my true best companion & is so SO loyal. He literally gives me unconditional love ( extended family says it’s actually more obsession lol). I’ve consulted his regular vet & she didn’t have experience in this. I’ve had a really hard time finding someone with good ortho experience that can just give me advice and 2nd opinion.
So here I am- desperate to save my dog's leg after this 3 month journey of him getting better, and then going back down about 3-4 times. Complete emotional roller coaster. I don’t read X-rays, but the one he took today, to me, shows the fracture having more gray inbetween the bone rather than callus build up which I would assume be turning white- leading me to believe the infection is not cleared and in that main break area. Would more oral antibiotics help here? Would splinting help again? Does anyone use the prosthetic type leg? I have a heartbroken 12 year old who can’t even watch him walk without bawling right now and it’s making this time that much harder.
Thanks for reading & being here.
Jenny
Hi Jenny and Oliver, welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away. I'm so sorry that your family is in this situation, it's a tough one for sure. It's also not uncommon, many people struggle with this decision (especially when it comes to larger dogs).
Nobody wants to see a leg get amputated if it doesn't have to be, but at some point the side effects of trying to save the leg have a greater impact on quality of life than limb loss does by itself. This is true for dogs as well as humans. In my work as a writer, I have met and interviewed a lot of human amputees who were in the exact same situation with their own limb salvage procedures. And when there were no more procedures that could possibly save the leg, or when they saved it but it was extremely painful afterward, they had to make the decision for an elective amputation. Everyone I've talked to who has made that decision for themselves has said they were glad they did it. Their family and friends weren't always understanding at first, but the amputees have all said that the pain of keeping the leg was worse than life without it. And, their quality of life greatly improved afterward. So, if dogs could talk, I imagine they would tell us the same. They share the same pain pathways we do, and experience it in the same way only they are much, much less obvious about it. By the time a dog shows pain signals , they are in excruciating agony.
This all happened at the end of a large house addition that took our house from 2600 sq ft to 6600. While the majority is all on 1 level, all common areas aside from bedrooms is slick tile.
Of course great timing eh? Well, the things you would do for any Tripawd, like add traction to floors, are things you would do for any senior dog, especially larger ones. You just do them sooner for a dog who loses a limb.
I’ve had a really hard time finding someone with good ortho experience that can just give me advice and 2nd opinion.
Do you mean another orthopedic vet? Whereabouts are you located? If you want to PM me your location I can try to find one for you if your vet hasn't referred you to one yet.
Would more oral antibiotics help here? Would splinting help again?
These are questions for the vet.
Does anyone use the prosthetic type leg?
You'll see in our posts about prosthetics that it depends on how much of the limb can be salvaged. If an entire limb is taken, there is nothing for a true prosthetic to attach to. There are support braces called prosthetics , but they do not have articulating joints and do not offer the same level of mobility. Also, it takes a LOT of money, time to train, and commitment when a dog is a good candidate for one. This is something to consider especially if you have kids in the house.
I have a heartbroken 12 year old who can’t even watch him walk without bawling right now and it’s making this time that much harder.
Speaking of kids. Remember, they follow our lead. How we cope is how they cope. Here's a good article about talking about amputation with kids.
https://tripawd...../tag/kids/
Dogs handle amputation so much better than people do. Just take a look around here and you'll see lots of great examples, like in our Tripawd Tuesday features.
I hope this helps! Stay tuned for feedback from others and keep us posted.
Oh gosh, what an ordeal Oliver has been through. Goodness knows you have done everything to try to save that leg. It has put all over three months of ups and downs, confinement, pain, extensive visits. Unfortunately, as you can see, to no avail.
I can only ditto every single word Jerry has said...... every single word!
It's time to reframe the way you think about the amputation. Right now, this is the best solution for Oliver so he can get on with living life pain-free and restore his quality. It was about a few weeks recovery. And, because he's already used to not using that leg, his Mobility should come pretty quickly.
Can you pinpoint more precisely what your concerns are about an amputation? Let us know your specific questions as everyone here has experience about all of the concerns we had and then all the reasons we went forth with amputation.
Orthopedic surgeons will tell you size is not an issue when considering amputation as long as he is otherwise fit.
A 95 lb dog is not nearly as large as we have seen some here go through amputation. My happy Hannah was 130 lb. A vet who came to this site for advice when she was considering amputation for her dog had 170 lb Mastiff. She proceeded with it and had no regrets.
We know amputation can sound scary, but it can also be the absolute best solution, especially in this case. I'm actually kind of surprised that the vets wanted to continue Time After Time with the procedures they did as opposed to suggesting amputation at some point.
We are here for you with whatever decision you make and whatever path forward you take. Again, let us know what your specific questions and concerns are so we can help give you the reassurance you need for the best path forward for oliver.
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!
Jerry, thank you so much for your detailed reply.
I guess I am so torn on the amputation for the thought of “if I could have found a dr with another option”, or “if he tried long term antibiotics first”, etc. I’ve read so many cancer amputation stories & that were the case here I’d absolutely take it no questions asked. With Oliver’s situation I just don’t feel as if I e exhausted EVERY option.
I’ve thought of bone and joint supplements, holistic options, additional bone healing techniques?
I am in Oklahoma City. His dr is actually an orthopedic surgeon at the ER hospital he went to the night of the accident. Great staff but now that he’s out of a life threatening situation, I find myself having to be more vocal and proactive on his care. We were told his break and infection were so bad initially that a 16-20 week recovery is not out of the question.
I will go read the article for kids. I am more of a realist with her but I explain that HE will be here and that’s what matters. I have had endless hours of crying behind doors and stay strong and compassionate around her.
I feel like his case is so sticky that I just don’t want to throw the towel in if there are some things that I can try!
Sally thank you for your thoughtful response. My apprehension comes from him being so front heavy, and not wanting to give in on his treatment if there’s ANYTHING else I can try. Our house is so not tripawd friendly and I know I will end up trying not to leave the house even less than I have in the last 3 months. I feel like mentally I’ve taken such a hit with his injury & being his main caretaker I want to exhaust every option for him.
I do feel better reading al of these success stories on their surgeries.
One thing I didn’t think of- how long is normal to stay at the vet post amputation? It is a 24 hour vet & just about everyone in there has seen/worked on him at some point. I feel like care wise they’re great.. he is just SO attached to me that he stresses nonstop when I’m away. If he wakes up from a nap & I’m not there he will literally run laps through the house to find me.
I’m just not ready to give up on it unless his bone is rotting away.
I'm sure you have to be exhausted mentally and physically, as well as emotionally drained from the ups and downs pf the past three months. I'm sure Oliver is exhausted too.
Thanks for sharing yoir thoughts and, hopefully, we can help bring you more clarity, reassurance and first hand information regarding amputation as a possible solution.
house is so not tripawd friendly and I know I will end up trying not to leave the house even less than I have in the last 3 months.
As far as amputation recovery, you might want someone at home for the most part the first four or five days. After that, you can certainly go out, do errands, etc. Other than Oliver's "attachmemt/obsession" with you, there is no reason at all for constant caregiving . The amputation recovery is nothing like what you have had to deal with getting to this point! I'll keep stressing this!.
IF he gets too wired during the first week or two of recovery, the Vet can prescribe Trazedone to keep his anxiety down. Olover is not the first separation anxiety dog to have amputation ao the Vet can help on that end.
To repeat, yhe recovery from amputation is NOTHING like what you have had to deal with! The first two weeks..... short leashed potty breaks, good pain management and lots of rest. Once stitches are out (generally two week mark or a bit lessl, you will have your Oliver back to being Olover....PAIN FREE.....NO MORE SURGERIES, ONE AND DONE!!!!
all common areas aside from bedrooms is slick tile. This along with his size and being so heavy chested
You'll want no slip scatter rugs on the vinyl areas for traction , especially at first. Tripawds. generally gravitate to the pathways with runners non slip. How has he been getting around so far on three??? You'll just have to see how he does once he has recovered. I do have some hardwoods and my tripawd handles them just fine.
Anyway.....a solution ii you don't want to do non slip scatter rugs or yoga mat, you can try Dr Busby's toe grips or even may some booties. They do make clear runners.....aort of like some put on their stair treads.
how long is normal to stay at the vet post amputation?
Great that you have a fully staffed clinic. Generally Surgeon s like to keep them overnight after the surgery. to monitor, make sure they potty, can be mobile even with a sling assistance, etc Oliver would be so high on good meds he won't even notice he's away from home 😎
just not ready to give up on it unless his bone is rotting away
desperate to save my dog's leg after this 3 month journey of him getting better, and then going back down about.
What you jave been through, and what Oliver has been through, has to be a horrid experience. The numerous Vet visits....the unbelievable amount of time staying the the Vet, etc, etc. the daily caregiving....
We understand your effort....Herculean effort... to save his leg.
You have to be really honest with yourself and ask yourself some tough questions.
Now armed with some additional information , number one question, What would Oliver want??? "
Additionally, how much more are you willing to put Olover through knowing the chances of getting rid of that dangerous infection, restoring his leg to being total pain free with MINIMAL...MINIMAL Vet visits, bandage changing, etc, etc
Where is your line in the sand?? Only you can decide that. Be open to the Surgeons feedback, okay?
Again, we will always support what path you take. Amputation is.not to be taken lightly. It's not that we are always "pro" amputation.it's just that we've seen efforts to save a leg continue to cause pain, be unsuccessful and cut into a dog's quality for months and months.
Thankn ou for sharing your concerns. Please KNOW we understand the bond you have with Oliver and only want what's best for HIM!
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!
Sally, you again have eased my mind.
As far as him getting around the house so far- he’s had a full leg bandage and then a full bandage with a splint that cupped under his toes for support. He clubbed it through the house 🤣 We (mostly I) have been with him all the time. He has a huge bed in the living room where I’ve slept for months since it’s less walking for him. I’ll time his potty break & go into our bedroom door from the outside to bathe & lock him in there with me. It’s been exhausting BUT if I’m home, and I crate him he will 1000% cause more harm to his leg. It’s bizarre.
So when he stopped using it last night I put him in the human position and I walk him out & around that way. He’s exceptionally good at walking in 2 legs lol.
His surgeon was able to see him today & thankfully did not immediately throw out amputation as expected. He has given us this option throughout the journey when we’ve been presented with a new treatment plan.. but when you’re $6k in, then $9k, then $12k+ you try that much harder to literally not cut off your “investment”. He let us know today his ulna has completely healed & he was content with the radius healing process given he is 5 weeks post op from his last surgery. Oliver began bearing weight in it today & pulls it up at times too. He assured this is normal. He still has a broken bone, he’s been in a splint for 5 weeks and it’s all going to feel brand new to him. They were able to fully remove the last bit of bandage and he’s been content. He’s been on Gabapentin and Trazadone this entire journey. When he was doing better I’d back off a bit. We’re back to every 8 hours. I don’t see a huge difference (he may be getting used to it) but it does help ease some restlessness.
His doctor said we can still give it weeks to see how this bone comes together before making a new plan UNLESS he begins refusal of it like he did when he initially broke it for at least a day or two. They also know if we went HALF a day of that I’d be up there 😬😁
Looking back on the last 3 months is a whirlwind and that makes me feel better that we wouldn’t be going through all that again. Your words are encouraging and realistic, which is what I need. I have already started looking for nonslip rigs for the long hallways, living room, etc. The toe grips look appealing too (he’s a licker) so we may struggle with that.. but I think he’d do okay with socks and booties too. I’m so appreciative for this page and the real people who’ve went through this. If it gets down to it- it will be okay.
Jenny, Sally's input is spot on, I can't add to all of the suggestions and enlightening input she's given. I can tell you sound a little more confident now, which is terrific. I agree, this process sounds exhausting, no wonder you feel the way you do! And yes you have to make medical decisions that you can feel comfortable with. Every situation is different.
I'm glad your surgeon is an ortho vet, and also optimistic about the healing status, that's hopeful news. Have they recommended rehab therapy for Oliver, either some low impact form of now or in the future?
Good move on "Tripawd-proofing" your home. Again, these are things you would do for any senior dog to help them get around better, you're just doing it sooner.
Keep us posted, this is a really interesting situation and we all learn from dogs like Oliver (a real trooper, and you are too!).
Okay,you have a plan and a path forward. sounds like his check up was somewhat encouraging and I know that is good!
at this point is it about more antibotics? Any more wrappings, bandage changes, etc?
stay connected and let us know how things are going . we,ll be cheering for Oliver
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Franke 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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