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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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shelbysmom
16
5 July 2010 - 5:44 am
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Hi Alice & Dakota...........my name is Pam and my foster golden retriever Shelby had her right front leg amputated last Friday.  I'm headed down to Tampa in a couple of hours to pick her up.

I know the fear and the concerns......I understand them....and since I don't have Shelby home quite yet, I can't weigh in on life at home.  But this place is a wealth of information and support and like the others said, whatever decision you make for Dakota is the right one.

Hang in there.....we'll all get through this together and learn our pups' new lives as proud TriPawds!

Member Since:
14 April 2010
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17
5 July 2010 - 6:37 am
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When we started down this road, I never gave putting Gus down a thought, he's 7. The first time after surgery he got back on the couch and put his head on my lap like he always did before surgery made every sleepless night and everything else that went with it worth every second. It won't be an easy road once the surgery is over, but time will hopefully be on your side, and once you get passed that first couple weeks, you will be amazed at how much Dakota will be like before.. Paws up, Gus and Dan  

My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010

knoxville, tn
Member Since:
12 February 2010
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18
5 July 2010 - 6:54 am
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alice and dakota, welcome.  seems like many others here have provided excellent advise, about what's to come, so we don't have much to add in that arena.  this is life changing, but it is also an opportunity for amazing growth and discovery - if you let dakota be your teacher, and you keep your eyes open to her lessons.  gayle was a pretty 'skiddish' girl prior to her ampawtation, but she has really come out of her shell and stepped up with these new challenges.  we couldn't be prouder of her, and we know you will continue to see dakota shine as well.  check out the many blogs we've all posted to get a 'back room' idea of life with tripawds.  paws crossed for a smooth recovery,

charon & gayle

Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included).  She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.

Love Never Ends

http://etgayle

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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19
5 July 2010 - 9:35 am
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One of the reasons my pawrents started Tripawds was because they too were told that they should put me down, that it wasn't fair to force a dog to live a 3-legged life. They were so stunned that people would say things like that about ME, a member of the family!

It's just so good to know that there are so many other pawrents out there who are willing to give their pups a chance at living a good life. Together, we're changing the world for Tripawds! Yeay!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Palm Desert, California
Member Since:
8 February 2010
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20
5 July 2010 - 9:49 am
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Alice we are sorry that it is necessary for you and Dakota to become members; however, as you will see this is a great site for information and real support.  Because of Rusty's advanced stage of cancer we only had a couple of days to make the decision for amputation and I don't think putting him down ever entered into our thinking.  Seeing him now, five months post amputation, so happy and enjoying life to the fullest, we know that we made the right decision. 

Good luck with the surgery!

 

Chuck & Rusty

Rusty is a Labradoodle who was diagnosed with level 3 Fibrosarcoma on January 16th, 2010 and had his left hind leg amputated on January 25th, 2010 five days before his 18 month birthday. Please see Rusty's blog @rusty.tripawds.com.  He is putting up one heck of a fight against this terrible disease.

Crosby, Tx
Member Since:
1 July 2010
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21
5 July 2010 - 7:20 pm
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Thanks everyone for the advice & support!!!!  I'm sure after Wednesday I'll be asking millions of questions but just hearing all the positive feedback is really what's keeping me going right now.  I went today & got Dakota a new bed & raised dog bowls, I couldn't find a harness. I'm guessing I'll have to order one of those. I'm just ready to get the surgery over with so we can get on with the recovery process. Agian I can't thank you enough.......

 

Alice

Dakota's mommie

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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22
5 July 2010 - 8:38 pm
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alice said:

I couldn't find a harness. I'm guessing I'll have to order one of those.


 

For your reference, here's a link to our Ruff Wear Webmaster harness review and demo video. It is by far the most popular harness we offer in the Tripawds Gear Shop.

There is no rush as we do not recommend using the harness until the surgery has completely healed and stitches or staples are removed. We have heard of no specific cases where any harness has hampered healing, but we believe direct pressure from the straps may irritate the wound. Please consult your veterinarian with any concerns.

FYI: You can use a soft towel slung under the belly if additional support is required in the meantime. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Crosby, Tx
Member Since:
1 July 2010
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23
6 July 2010 - 8:36 am
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Thanks again.  I will be ordering one soon. 

 

I'm getting a little nervous with the surgery being tomorrow.

 

Alice

Dakota's mommie

Montréal , Canada
Member Since:
31 July 2009
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24
6 July 2010 - 10:57 am
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Alice, welcome to the Tripawds group.  The amputation day is always emotional and nerve wracking.  I myself was so heartbroken that I thought I would never bounce back.  During amputation day, I was alone at home and I could not bare the horrible feeling anymore. So I decided to make Oslo the best cookies he had ever tasted.  I do not remember how many cookies I baked but I remember doing them with all my heart and I felt way much better after that.  That helped me not to overreact and to stop worrying about how Oslo would feel being on 3 legs...Instead, I was eager to know if would like my cookies when his appetite was to be back.  That may seem silly but it helped. 

 

Also, keep in mind that Dakota will be free of the source of an horrible pain.  This is a very compassionnate decision you've made. 

 

Good luck.  We all will be there tomorrow to give you some support if you need to.  Try to sleep well tonight (I know it is easier said tha done) , Dakota will need your help and your strength for the next few days.Take Care!!

 

Hugs,

Suzanne

Crosby, Tx
Member Since:
1 July 2010
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25
6 July 2010 - 1:02 pm
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Thanks Suzanne.  I actually have to work tomorrow, I guess that's a good thing in a way, it'll keep my mind occupied. (I hope)

 

Alice

Dakota's mommie

Montréal , Canada
Member Since:
31 July 2009
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26
7 July 2010 - 6:18 am
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I am sending a huge bunch of positve thoughts to Dakota and you this morning.  I wish you all the best ! 

 

shelbysmom
27
7 July 2010 - 10:58 am
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Hi Alice.......lots of prayers and positive energy for Dakota today!  Shelby had her right front leg amputated last Friday and I picked her up Monday morning.  Everything you're being told and everything that's being suggested is right on.

Sleep when she sleeps.

Rubber mats on the floor (I went to Home Depot and had a 10 foot piece of rubber matting cut......$20.  It's not pretty but I don't care.  It keeps her from slipping)

Think of every question you can think of and WRITE IT DOWN.  Ask your vet.  Knowledge is power.  (Yet another reason I'm so glad I found this forum!)

Hang in there!  And yes, the first two weeks are tough.....I'm still in the first week and exhausted but my girl is worth every minute of lost sleep 🙂

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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28
7 July 2010 - 11:08 am
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Hi Alice and Dakota!

Sorry for coming in late.  I know you are probably on pins and needles today.  Please let us know how the surgery went today, okay?

 

My Comet was born with a front leg defect and it doesn't function and I've had her 11 1/2 years.  She came from a terrible situation when I got her as a puppy so I understand the emotional problems.   Comet's emotional trauma weighs on my mind more than her being a 'hopper'.  When you have a needy pooch, it really tugs hard on your emotions.  I totally understand!

But she's such a dichotomy!  She's sassy and super spoiled in comfortable settings and a wreck in uncomfortable settings.   I think she has finally gotten over the fact that ghosts do not live upstairs and isn't nearly as spooked when you go up without her! wink

 

The only advice I can offer from my years of dealing with emotional issues and 3 working legs is...just ensure Dakota feels safe (I'm sure you already do!)   He may be vulnerable when strange dogs are around.   I learned that lots of treats and staying really happy helps a lot with the unsafe feeling.  I used to give in to Comet's fears and that was a big mistake!  I made her worse.  We used to feed each other's fears  and we were both a mess!   Tripawds has helped me cope with my fears of her fears! big-blink

So, please come over here and get the fear factor out in writing without Dakota knowing and you'll both be fine!   And who knows, he may adjust perfectly fine, especially if he is in pain and becomes painfree!

 

Wishing you best today and lots of HUGS!

Comet's mom

 

 

 

 

 

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

Crosby, Tx
Member Since:
1 July 2010
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29
7 July 2010 - 11:21 am
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Thanks for all the support!!  He's out of surgery & just waking up.  I'll know more around 2:30. 

Alice

Dakota's mommie

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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30
7 July 2010 - 11:30 am
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Thanks for the update. We look forward to finding out how he's doing!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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