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 all. I'm picking up my dog Elijah (Eli) today from his amputation surgery. He's a senior dog 10 years old, but other than the cancer that was on his leg, he's very healthy. I had to make a decision very quickly and I have been struggling with my decision ever since. Yesterday was really hard for me, but I have to admit stumbling on this community and seeing other happy healthy dogs has really helped me.
This is Eli before his surgery. I did go visit him at the vet yesterday after his surgery. It was very hard seeing him, but I tried very hard to stay positive and not get emotional. I was only halfway successful.
Eli is adorable! Best wishes for his speedy recovery, we look forward to following his progress.
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to Tripawds, I'm sorry cancer brought you here. This is a very supportive and knowledgeable community.
Tell us more about Eli- which leg? what kind of cancer? how big is he?
All of this can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Most of us have found a bumpy road with our pups the first couple of weeks after surgery so don't get discouraged. Our pups are amazingly resiliant and adaptable, but it still takes them some time learn new balance and build up muscles. Also the meds really can make them loopy or grumpy or wired!
My little pug Maggie took the slug approach- she barely got out of her bed the first few weeks. She took longer than most to come around, but she did on her own schedule.
I hope Eli's recovery is uneventful and smooth. Please come back with any specific questions or if you need to vent. Cancer sucks, this community makes the journey a little easier.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Each dog is different in their recovery. Trouble hopped out to meet us and you could see she was looking to us for 'approval' of her new appearance. When we greeted her as if nothing had changed, we saw the relief on her face.
We still had the up and down days of recovery, but for the most part we saw small progress each day.
Many good wishes to you on the upcoming surgery.
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.
Wanted to say hello and welcome you and Eli to the community. He is absolutely beautiful! Get some rest, remain positive and get ready for some dancing as he makes his recovery. Hope he is back up to his old self soon, keep us posted on his progress!
There are a bunch of us who are very partial to senior tripawds 
-Kori & Angel Lupe
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
Welcome! Eli is very handsome! Staying positive during recovery will probably be an "easier said than done" type of deal. At least it was for me. If you have to go have a good yell or cry, just do it out of his ear/eye sight. Also keep in mind that Eli will be on a boatload of meds when he comes home; some of them will most likely make him a little loopy, or what may appear to you as being "depressed." Try to get as much sleep as you can before he comes home, because you probably won't get a lot. I know when our Max came home, I woke up at the slightest noise! Luckily my husband and I were able to trade shifts, so the sleep deprivation was only for a few days. Sending positive thoughts Eli's way for a smooth recovery! Update when you can.
Oh, he's so handsome! Sorry you had to find us here!
It can be so hard seeing your pup get used to 3 legs and going through the rough patches of recovery. But, on the other hand, it is really awesome to see how quickly they adapt, compared to what a human would go through in the same situation. (No comparison at all really.) You'll see - he'll be up and around and back to his old personality before you know it. Try to not get too sleep deprived during the recovery because it can make everything seem worse.
I know this is all so hard and overwhelming right now, but there really really really can be lots of great - no AMAZING - times ahead for you and your gorgeous Eli.
Keep us posted!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Sorry to hear you are dealing with cancer but glad you found this site. There is a wealth of information and experience here and we will try to answer any questions you may have and also just be here to support you.
The first few weeks is tough. It is major surgery and then there are all the pain meds that mess with the heads of our dogs. Eli will look to you for guidance and reassurance. Be strong, be positive. Let him know everything is OK (and save your tears for when you are not around him).
But, once you get over that hurdle it is truely miraculous to watch your dog enjoying life again as if they were born with 3 legs. And the experience will strengthen the bond between you.
Please keep us posted.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
What a cool pup you are Eli! How are you doing today? I hope that you're feeling good and on the mend. Tell you people not to fear, my own people just met a 12 year old Tripawd today and he's lovin' life! At 10 years old, you're still a kid 
Let us know how we can help make things easier for you OK? Be sure to check out our "Size and Age Matters" forum for other inspwarational tales of older pups livin large on 3.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
hhhmmm not sure what happened to my reply so I'll try again...
Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. We brought Eli home last night. It was a rough night, but we made it through. This morning he already seems to be getting around a little easier. He's very fussy still, I'm assuming he's in pain, but I think he's happy to be home in his bed, and with his family.
To answer your questions Krun15. Eli had to have his front left leg amputated. I honestly cannot remember the name of the cancer right now I know I have it written down. It caused a huge lump to grow on his leg. It was removed last Thanksgiving, and had since grown back bigger and uglier. The picture above was taken last year right after it had been removed and you can already see it forming again on his arm. Eli is about 62lbs so he's a good size dog.
Yay for Eli being home! Is he on any pain medications? How's he coping as far as getting comfortable enough to sleep?
I hope the next few days are easy for you guys, let us know OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hooray for Eli being home!
We're here if you have questions during the recovery!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Yea for being home!
Thanks for the additional info- I also just saw your blog!
I hope Eli's recovery goes smoothly.
Karen and the pugapalooza
What a sweet pup--so sorry you are going through this. Our 11-year-old 80-pound Lab, Loa, had her amputation three months ago today. It was a difficult decision, and a rough couple of weeks at first, but she's doing great and I am sure Eli is going to do great too! Hope you both get lots of rest and be easy on yourself these first couple of weeks. All our best, Loa and pack.
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