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, everyone! My name is Amanda and my boyfriend Doug and I have an 8 year old husky named Ziva. She has a tumor on her left hind leg near her ankle. We’ve had it removed once before, but a few months ago it began to grow back rapidly. We had a quote for removing it and were planning to do it this spring, but the tumor ruptured on Thursday night/Friday morning. I woke up to blood all over the floor and saw that her tumor busted open. We rushed her to the vet, where we were informed the tumor can’t be removed and the leg ultimately needs to be amputated. I’m not the best with the medical terms, but basically - the tumor would keep growing back over and over again, and unfortunately with the way it grew, there would be no way to remove it other than amputating the leg. We’ve been struggling to find the funds to have it done, but today we had our employer come through with lending us the money.
With that being said, Ziva is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday morning. We have no idea what to expect with a Tripawd. We don’t know what to expect with her recovery, or really anything at all. I’m so grateful I found this place. I look forward to getting to know you and sharing our journey with you.
zivadogvid said
We have no idea what to expect with a Tripawd...
Welcome and best wishes for Ziva! You've come to the best place for resources abs support. The Tripawds News blog has archives of posts tagged What to Expect, and you find many more articles, videos and podcasts if you search all blogs here or download the Tripawds e-books .
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation. Meanwhile, start here for help finding all the helpful Tripawds resources and assistance programs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I agree with Admin, this is the best place for information and feedback. I second the recommendation for the Tripawds e-books , they are really inexpensive, and a good compilation of important considerations--with links back to Tripawds so you can dig deeper. We got so much from these.
Also greyt is the Dog Cancer Survival Guide --tons of practical, helpful tips here as well, including taking good care of yourself during this stressful time, and it gives a good explanation of different kinds of cancer and treatments. We got Fallon's special diet from this book. It's only $9.99 for e-reader on Amazon.
Both of these, with this site were wonderful resources for us.
You'll all be in our thoughts--keep us updated!! Hugs to Ziva!! She looks gorgeous!!!
Fallon 8/28/06--9/6/18. My Heart.
Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.
Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com
Good luck on Wednesday! Our dog Calvin had his rear leg removed three weeks ago and has done great. The hardest part is seeing them after surgery but just know you did what was best for her in the situation. I hope she does great and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Ziva's avatar picture is so pretty! Can't wait to see. more!
Yes, you are definitely in the right place for support, information and a whole .ot pf first hand knowledge.
We know it's such a stressful time and your emotions are raw. We also know that, once the recovery period is over, Ziva will do just fine on three with that painful leg is gone!!
Recovery is no picnic for about two weeks, sometimes less, sometimes more. Every recovery is different for every dog.
The most importantly thing is rest, rest, rest, short leashed potty breaks, and proper pain management . Most dogs come home with Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. So make sure your Vet is aware of this good pain management .
Some dogs are quite lethargic, some are more restless, which and have a hard time getting comfortable. No stair climbing, no jumping, etc. If you have hardwood floors, yoi'll wamt nonslip scatter rugs fot traction . Keep lots of yummy food around as some dogs don't have much of an appetite at first. Drinking and peeing are important. Pooping may take a few days because of the meds, surgery, etc.
When you pick Ziva up, don't even bother to look at the incision. Just look into her druggy eyes and tell her what a good girl she is and she's going home! When you do glance at it later, just know that they shave a lot of fur!!
We are here for you, and we all have helpline yo help support you too. 1 844 TRIPAWD
Oh, and keep lots of chocolate on hand for yourself! It does wonders to calm your nerves!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS And we even have tripawd Husky members from Alaska who have done some short sled dog trips!
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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