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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Thank you all for your personal stories and advice!
We have scheduled the amputation of Beesly's back leg for this Thursday. We think this is the best way to go. It is so hard to come to this conclusion because I know I will feel so guilty after the surgery and she looks uncomfortable. I know the tears are coming...(I'm 5 months pregnant by the way).
How long will the general pain and un-comfort last? I am sure I will have a lot more questions in the coming weeks.
Hi,
I remember the anxiety that I had leading up to my dog Lucky's surgery. I don't think that I slept more than a few hours on the days leading up to it. The day of the surgery was stressful to be sure, and I was so incredibly worried. It wasn't until I saw my sweet boy that night, now a tripawd, and realized that he was ok. He spent that night at the vet and the next day when I brought him home, we started to settle into the new normal. I can only speak from my experience, and every dog will be different, but Lucky came home with tramadol, gababpentin, and one other med. I can honestly say that he never seemed to be more than a bit uncomfortable. I think that he was on meds for about 2 weeks and when he came off of them, he didn't have any issues. The key is to just take it day by day. I wish you the best for Beesly! Please keep us updated on how he is doing.
Pam 
Hi,
Brownie was a very senior at almost 12 and 90 lbs at time of surgery. All dogs are different, but Brownie breezed thru recovery. Then first two weeks we took it easy. Just potty breaks and more sleep. He was on pain medication for three weeks but we started tapering off on week three. It did take him three weeks to get his personality back. I think it was the meds.
You may already know, but non skid rugs are good if you have hard floors. Raised water bowls for large dogs.
When you pick him up don't pay attention to the incesion site. Just look into her eyes and let her know you missed and love her.
By the way, congratulations on the new baby!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Alrighty, you've done your research, you have a plan to move forward and get rid of that bum leg!! Again, not a decision to take lightly but, in this case, it really is the right decision for Beesley!
Okay, we'll be send pawsitive energy Thursday! Is this a 24/7 staffed clinic? She'll stay at least one night, if not two.
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!
Good luck this Thursday! Pregnant or not it's normal to feel worried and anxious. Just try as hard as you can to outwardly show pawsitivity to Beesly. You set the tone for recovery and the better it is, the easier it can be for all of you (and the baby!).
As for pain after surgery.... Technically she shouldn't have any if the pain is properly controlled. Expect some level of discomfort and some need to tweak the pain medication during the first day or two, but she should not be in screaming anxious pain the entire time. If you want to ask your vet now what kinds of pain medication she will receive before during and after the surgery, that would be smart. You want to make sure she is getting enough pain medications to control the pain and keep her comfortable. The best recoveries start with quality pain management . Get the info on what she's getting and share it here if you'd like. We're always curious to know what other members receive, in order to spare them the difficult recoveries we often see when pets don't get enough medication.
Hope this helps! Stay strong. You've got this!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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