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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Just looking for updates!
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Awwwwrroooo!!! Everyone howl for Maggie!
I hope with all my might that when you see her you'll see that without that bad leg, she's feeling much better, even during recovery. We're all cheering you on and thinking of you so keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
4:00 and no word from vet. I decided to call and check. Vet said she did well and I can pick her up in an hour or so. Part of me is angry that I didn't get a call sooner, but very relieved and that is much more important. Can't wait to see the big girl.
I didn't realize you were bringing her home the same day, most pups stay at least one night at the vet, occasionally two.
It can be done but can be a bit more challenging. She will be coming off the surgery meds and will probably be really woozy and may be very vocal. Be sure you understand the meds she will be taking and have an emergency plan, the vets phone number or the number of an emergency vet. You probably won't need them but it is good to know you have a plan.
Let us know when you get her home.
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
Thanks....Found out the surgery was over at 11:00, and miffed that no one called all afternoon. But, thankful Maggie's home and resting. She stood up when she saw me, but we carried her out to the car. Got her into the back of my Jeep and she stood up again, before we got her to lie down. Vet sent an employee home with me to help carry her in. Got her situated and she's been resting, seemingly comfortably, for about 2 hours now. Vet gave me his home # and a syringe of pain meds if she needs them tonight. (They left in an IV and will send someone tomorrow to remove it. He didn't expect that she would need the extra pain meds, but I have them just in case.) Getting ready to try to get some rest with her. They also sent home some good instructions and she has a couple of appointments for next week. I get the feeling the fun part is just starting.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR MAGGIE! Surgery is over and she is home! And boy oh boy, I'm piffed right along with you that they didn't update you that she was recovering after surgery! A very, very stressful day for you! And I think tonight may be stressful too. You zre showing a great deal.of strength. Good job!
And I bow down to you in awe for bringing Maggie home the same day! A great big dog coming off of anesthesia, dealing with pain, pain meds, walking on three legs, first pee, drinking, eating and on and on! Glad he gave you his home number and very detailed instructions.
Try and grab a bit of shut eye when you can. Stay connected and let us know how things are going
Sending positive energy for a smooth recovery...........
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!
I'm a little bit confused - they sent you home with a syringe filled with IV pain medication for you to give to her if she needs it? Is that even legal? I don't know that I've ever heard of anyone ever doing that! I'm a nurse, so I would be comfortable doing it, but most people would not - did he teach you how to flush the line first? It just seems odd to me that he didn't just have you use oral medications.
Hope things are going well for Maggie!
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
So...Vet asked if I'd be comfortable doing the syringe thing. I'm a retired police officer. Not that I have tons of medical training, but I was OK with doing it, and he showed me exactly what to do. He said he really doubted it would be necessary, but if she were in tons of pain, I could do it OR call him OR go to an emergency vet hospital. Turns out it wasn't needed, nor was the vet's home number.
Maggie was passed out until about 11:00 last night. Woke up, but was pretty restless the rest of the night. Finally, about 1:30 this morning, she got up, went outside and peed...a lot! Pretty huge milestone. First walk, first pee. Still restless, but I didn't get the feeling she was in a lot of pain. I did give her a pain pill about 2:00. She finally fell asleep about 4:00, and I caught a few winks on "her" sofa. She woke me up moaning at 5:30. Not because she was in pain. Because she wanted MY fat butt off of her favorite sleeping spot. I got off, but she couldn't quite figure out how to get on the sofa in her current condition. So...we went outside where she peed AND pooped! I couldn't believe it and it wasn't pretty (if that makes any sense) but she got it done. So, I'm a pretty tired, but very happy and proud dad.
Started her home meds a little while ago. She had her pills with some tasty chicken I made for her yesterday. Didn't seem terribly hungry but of course, she ate her chicken. Also had a nice drink after the 1:30 pee and again a little while ago. Fast asleep at my feet now.
What great news! Sounds like she is going wonderfully, and she has earned the happy poopy icon! 
I would try to keep her off the couch, at least until the staples come out. I barricaded mine with big pillows. By the time he had the energy to remove all of the pillows, he was actually ready to jump up!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Aww very cool, she's making excellent pawgress!
Yep, I too have never heard of a vet giving out pain meds in that manner, sounds like you two have a great and trusting relationship, that's cool.
As long as you stay ahead of the pain, she'll do great. I agree, as hard as it is, it's best keep her from jumping on furniture for now, you don't want to mess up the incision.
You have every reason to be proud, you're both doing great!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR POOP AND PEE!!!
To jave accomplished these milestones AND walking all on the first night ho.e os spectacular!
Sounds like the first night went very well!! You were very well prepared and obviously remained calm and confident. You and your vet clearly jave a good relationship and he knows your capabilities as a dad!
I had to chuckle at the visual of Maggie "jumping" up on the sofa. I'm sure for a Mastiff it was merely a matter of one easy step that rewuired no exertion wjatsoever on her part!
Can't wait to see pictures of this smoochable Mastiff mug! Keep the great updates coming!
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!
It IS just a step onto the couch. She got on the sofa after her TPLO surgeries with no problem. After the biopsy, she got on, but couldn't lie on her favorite side so she got right back down. Trying to figure out how to post a picture. The new avatar is from this morning.
jerry said
Yep, I too have never heard of a vet giving out pain meds in that manner, sounds like you two have a great and trusting relationship, that's cool.
The vet gave it to a retired police officer...
Good thing my vet didn't give a syringe of pain meds because I would have used it on myself within the first 10 minutes of getting Mona home when she climbed up between a window and the window screen. 
They sure can go flat when a scapula and leg is gone.
I'm happy to hear that Maggie's first night was pretty easy. Hope her recovery is smooth.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
You are so funny Kerren!
Glad to hear the couch isn't too high.
Here's a post about adding images to the Forums. PM me if you'd like assistance.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Maggie and dad, just catching up on your story....I would've been beyond miffed at the vet for not calling you with an update!
Sounds like things are going well, and it sounds like YOU'RE doing well. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint, for sure. Enjoy and embrace the return of Maggie's sparkle in the days to come.
Welcome to the family!
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
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