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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Oh good, she did get up though, that's fantastic! I know five steps doesn't seem like much but try to put yourself in her paws, that's a big big reason to celebrate 
What kind of pain med did you switch to? Glad it's helping.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
Oh good, she did get up though, that's fantastic! I know five steps doesn't seem like much but try to put yourself in her paws, that's a big big reason to celebrate
What kind of pain med did you switch to? Glad it's helping.
Tramadol.
She has recently been showing interest in going on walks....so today we leashed her up to let her try. She walked to the end of the drive-way and then sat down. She did the rest of the morning walk in her backpack.
We have talked with the new vet and surgeon and it looks like we will be going the amputation route rather than the brace. Will know more on Tuesday.
Yes indeedy, that walk to the end of the driveway is worth a big YAAAAAAAAAY!!!
I know tat amputation sounds scary. And n it is major surgery and, like all surgeries, has risks. But I cannot imagine n how miseravle she must be with a leg that causes constant pain!!
It sounds like you are in good hands with this surgeon. If they didn't think she was a good candidate for surgery, they wouldn't suggest it.
Take some deep breaths and know that soon she will be in the road to a really good pain free lofe!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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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benny55 said
Yes indeedy, that walk to the end of the driveway is worth a big YAAAAAAAAAY!!!I know tat amputation sounds scary. And n it is major surgery and, like all surgeries, has risks. But I cannot imagine n how miseravle she must be with a leg that causes constant pain!!
It sounds like you are in good hands with this surgeon. If they didn't think she was a good candidate for surgery, they wouldn't suggest it.
Take some deep breaths and know that soon she will be in the road to a really good pain free lofe!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
She is interested in walking but she just can't. 
We are pretty sure at this point that we will be moving forward with the amputation. We've been to two different specialists and now this new surgeon has looked at her xrays and all three have said the same thing. Her bones are tiny....will be very hard to do surgery on and there's roughly a 50/50 chance of it even working. We can't justify putting her through this surgery without high odds of a good outcome.
The brace route is a possibility but she can only wear it with supervision and her foot HURTS. Also, there's the risk that she will not accept the brace. During the time that she was in a cast, she removed several 
So, it seems as if the best chance for a long-term relief solution is the amputation. We are going to the office Tuesday to discuss specifics and will likely schedule the first available surgery.
beesmom,
I know what you are going through! The anxiety of amputation is tougher on us than our furry friends. I really have to control myself as to not become an advocate for amputation over alternative treatment, but it REALLY isn't that big of a deal for most of our furry friends. We just had staples pulled today, and we don't need a cone of shame . This is day 13 post op.
It sounds like you've met the crossroads as did I. I was saving up the $5400 to do the reconstructive surgery and when I was told by U.C. Davis, that as long as she would be under anesthesia she could die, or that x-rays only tell so much, and when they were operating, amputation still might be the only option for the surgeon, yet I'd still be out the $5400, I knew at that point, we just had to go with amputation.
Iris' recovery is remarkable, and may or may not be a good case study for tripawds.com
I just think that you have a humane decision to make in the next few days. Either amputate the leg, and let your pooch get on with life, or make a steak dinner last supper and cross the bridge.
It really just gets at me when I keep hearing about her condition without any action. I apologize for sounding chastising, but it really sounds like your pooch needs action, whatever it be.
All love from here, just please do something soon for your pooch.
I will be keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well for Riley with seeing this new surgeon on Tuesday. I think once you make a decision on a plan of action to help Riley you'll feel much better. I truly believe Riley will be fine with amputation and you'll see a remarkable turnaround in her because she will no longer be living in constant pain. Riley can't be Riley because of this painful paw.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Aww poor pup. I'm hoping the tramadol is helping. Well it sure sounds like this week will be a big one for you all. Whatever you decide let us know, we will support you no matter what path you take.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
mike&iris said
It really just gets at me when I keep hearing about her condition without any action. I apologize for sounding chastising, but it really sounds like your pooch needs action, whatever it be.
All love from here, just please do something soon for your pooch.
We aren't doing anything to delay her care. Our vets weren't willing to do anything other than the reconstructive surgery. I had to make an appointment with another vet in a different city and they couldn't get her in until Tuesday. After our appointment tomorrow, we will be taking the very first appointment to get Riley some relief. Trust me, it breaks my heart to see her in pain and just laying around but there's not much that I can do except supportive care and giving her the meds until tomorrow.
I'm very sorry, I didn't catch that in your previous post!
Even at that, I didn't mean to imply you aren't properly caring for Riley, just that it seemed like the vet wasn't taking her case seriously.
I'll refrain from posting that late at night, I have 2 army buds over I haven't seen since 08' and we were up late if you know what I mean.
Very very sorry!
Riley's surgery is scheduled for 4/16. She's doing okay, Momma is very nervous! She had her exam and pre-surgical blood work today. Her exam and blood work was perfect.
We are currently preparing for her surgery. I've started changing her to soft-food (easier to give her pills with it) and getting her laundry basket ready (our official surgery bed LOL)
Here she is today sitting pretty waiting for her turn at the vet:
Awwweee . . . she is beautiful! She's going to do great! And so will you, we're right here for you.
{{hugs}}
pam
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
AAAWWWWEEE she's just precious and being such a good little girl at the vet's office. I'm glad that the decision has been made and her apt set. I know the thought of any surgery can be scary but know that we are right there with you and Riley. I'll be keeping Riley in my thoughts that she has a safe procedure tomorrow and that she can make it back home soon.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Well, tomorrow is the big day. Riley will leave the house with four legs but return with only three 
As is customary in our house, she gets a special meal the night before surgery so she had a special steak for dinner! She's also been switched over to meat roll from kibble.
We went to the dog park today and the other 3 played. Riley took a couple steps but she really enjoyed laying out in the sun.
Riley enjoys the sun:
Everyone else:
PS: This is meat roll http://freshpet.....nds/vital/
Best wishes for a perfect procedure and speedy recovery! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Fantastic news!
Again I'm so sorry for not thoroughly reading the postings and not seeing the measures you are taking, and hurdles you had to jump.
I know your heart and soul are in it for your pooch!
I'm so happy to hear that Riley is getting surgery and will be ready to get back to the good old dog life soon!
Keep the pictures coming Riley is a great looking pooch!
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