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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
astrella91 said
HI everyone...I'm new here. I was hoping to count on you for encouragement and strength during this time. My dog is a German Sheppard mixed breed.. he is about 70 pounds I believe and very healthy except for the high grade soft tissue sarcoma on his left front leg. Long story short I have tried everything to save his leg but it's come to the point where the vet says nothing else can be done and I have to remove his leg. It's a very difficult decision for me and I have agreed very unwillingly. In fact, I'm scared I won't even have the strength to go through with it. I'm just so scared that he is going to suffer without the leg. He had surgery to remove the growth and we were hoping that it would heal so that he could keep the leg but that has not happened. Regardless, the leg does not seem to bother him. So I'm scared that he will have a hard time adjusting to living on three.. There's a few steps, like 4, to get into my house so I'm scared even that will be a problem. He loves scratching on me when he begs for pets and he won't be able to do that with 3 legs. I'm scared he will be in too much pain after the surgery..
There's just so much that I'm scared of that I have honestly, and to my shame, thought about putting him down.
I don't know what exactly I'm asking... maybe if you could share your experience with me. I'm just so scared because it is his front leg. I feel that it is somehow harder than if it was his back leg. So if anyone has personal experience with a dog that has lost his front leg and is big like mine I would greatly appreciate your words. I know that it is easier for smaller dogs too so that also scares me.
Sorry for the lengthy, confusing, post but I just can't think straight when it comes to this. And thank you to anyone taking the time to read this
I know everyone replied for the most part with what you need to know. But just a little reassurance, I was in the opposite position as you. As soon as the vet said to amputate I didn't even second guess him. I just said yes and scheduled it for two days later. To be honest I think I was just in shock which is why it didn't hit me until after. It was a few days AFTER the amputation I doubted myself. My husband literally threw up because he was so upset seeing her without a leg the day I brought her home. I was fine emotionally. But then I saw her falling and trying to scratch herself without that leg. It was so heartbreaking. Then about a week later, everything in her just clicked! She was happier than ever! It was truly amazing! Yes, she still falls sometimes and no, she can't go down stairs (she probably could but the vet said not to let her since it will be so much weight on just one leg (her front right leg was amputated) and she could possibly fall and hurt herself. But overall, I would do it again and again and again! It makes a world of difference! 
Good luck!
By the way, I just saw the comment that the surgery was scheduled for yesterday! How did it go? Pictures please!
Kim
I got a from the vet today so I actually have an update! They told me that Tommy was actually walking and eating. She said he was doing so well I could have brought him home today although she susually keeps them for a couple of days. However, she said she could keep him another day in case we were nervous about it because he's still very whiny. Which was the best choice for us because I have school in the evenings. So we're not picking him up until tomorrow : sorry about not being able to post pics yet 
astrella91 said
I got a from the vet today so I actually have an update! They told me that Tommy was actually walking and eating. She said he was doing so well I could have brought him home today although she susually keeps them for a couple of days. However, she said she could keep him another day in case we were nervous about it because he's still very whiny. Which was the best choice for us because I have school in the evenings. So we're not picking him up until tomorrow : sorry about not being able to post pics yet
Yay for him doing well! That is great! And I definitely agree with keeping him there longer. Our baby had her amp on a thursday and we picked her up at 9am on friday. As much as I wanted her home, I was so worried something could go wrong and she was crying all night and it broke my heart because she isn't a very vocal dog at all and never cries. Plus it will give you some time to cope with the situation too! Good luck!
He's home! He's doing great! He's eating and doing his best to walk. He's walking fairly well.. he doesn't have a bandage though so it's a little stressful for me. He seems to be in high spirits so that gives me hope.
Thank you all for all the support. It has helped so much. I took some pictures but I'm having trouble figuring out how to upload them even though I have specific instructions. I will follow through with them no later than tonight.
Thank you so much <3
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR THE HOMECOMING!!!! Let the recovery begin!! Now, recovery is no picnic for about two weeks, so stay connected ro us for support!!
Cant wait to see pictures of your sweet pup! I'm zero help with computer sruff, but someo will give you the link on how to upload photos.
You may have a sleepless few nights, but it will all be worth it once the sparkle comes back...and come back it will!
Sending hugs to all! You're doing great!
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!
I have the link but maybe I'm just too stressed out today. I'm crying now more than ever and I'm just so nauseous... I'm scared of when/if it gets harder. It's already to hard watching him stumble every where. He's has slipped a couple of times.. he hasn' completely fallen but almost and it just breaks my heart. So I will definitely stay in touch right here.
And it's like I feel so guilty too. Like this is all my fault... if it wasn't for the fact that he seems to be his old self I don't know what I would do.
astrella91 said
I have the link but maybe I'm just too stressed out today. I'm crying now more than ever and I'm just so nauseous... I'm scared of when/if it gets harder. It's already to hard watching him stumble every where. He's has slipped a couple of times.. he hasn' completely fallen but almost and it just breaks my heart. So I will definitely stay in touch right here.And it's like I feel so guilty too. Like this is all my fault... if it wasn't for the fact that he seems to be his old self I don't know what I would do.
It will be okay! It has to be! You don't have a choice but to pick your spirits back up! Trust me! I was you literally 4 weeks ago and everyone on here was so amazing! I literally thought my life was over! I know it sounds dramatic but up until last week, I was a wreck! Crying everyday and blaming myself for everything! It's hard in the beginning but it does get easier. I promise! He will slip and he WILL fall but you will be there to pick him back up. It really reminded me of when my children were babies. I still feel guilty thinking that she would have been better with the leg and just more pain meds but she truly is just a happier dog all around. It took a few weeks but she got there and she's still learning how to walk on three legs but now she bunny hops which is pretty cute! LOL
You'll be okay! Lean on the support here and find out how this all fits into your life because it will change a bit, but you'll be okay!
Okay, this is alk "normal"! This IS scary and nothing can prelare you for the first everal days!
Right now your pup ks still pretty druggy and lrobably a little woozy! Do you have scatter rugs down for traction ?
I know the incision site itself is kind of shocking at first. Once the fur starts growing back you won't even notice it!
Right now your pup just needs rest and to just go potty.
And he's already showing signs of being his old self? Did I read that right? That's WONDERFUL news this early on!!
I had not joined this community before my Happy Hannah had her amputation. It is just myself and my dogs. My first post was six days after amp. scared to death I had made a horrible decision! What had I done TO my dog??
This community supported me and threw me a lifeline! I held on tight and never let go! My Happy Hannah, a big "fluffy" Bull Mastiff, had a rougher recovery than some. A lot of whining and pacing and restlessness. But once her sparkle came back and that painful leg was gone, we had THE best time ever!! I knew I had done this FOR my dog...not to her!!
Dogs will pick up on your energy. Cry, vent, scream here. But in front of your pup, be a stong znd confident pack leader! It makes a difference, really!!
Will he let you help him around with a towel sling? My Happy Hannah would not move when I tried it, but your boy may not mind it.
Okay, we celebrate anything around here! Let us know when he has first poop and first pee! Is he drinking and eating yet? Sometimes the meds will make them off food for a bit.
NOW, you need to take care of YOU! TRY and get some sleep.....or at least eat a lot of chocolate...it does wonders!!
You hang in there! You are tougher than you know!!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
We are right here by your side! You are not alone!!
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!
Well he's on Tramadol and Rimadyl so I believe that might be why he's sleepy... but I really do feel guilty. I'm trying for him because the vet also said that he would pick up on my energy so I try not to cry around him. I am so glad to have you guys or I would truly just not know what to do with myself. My family has taken it worse than me so it is really up to me to be the strong one.
As for poop and pee, he actually peed the night of his surgery, so about 8 hours after his amputation. And he ate wet food starting yesterday and pooped yesterday as well. Since being at home, he's gone once and he's eaten wet food as well as doggy treats.
He does have a little of his spark in him as well. Like I mentioned before he still scratches me when he wants to be petted and he's affectionate so I'm glad he's not mad at me.
I have not tried to help him with a towel because I'm really scared of hurting him.
I did set up two beds for him, one in an empty room and one next to the couch. He usually sleeps on the couch and I didn't want him to hurt himself trying to get on it so I put a bid bed next to it and hoped it would work. Thank fully it did, and he's sleeping on it now.
That's him on it. He's wearing a shirt because the vet recommended it since he won't be wearing an Ecollar.. and I love red on him.
These are my favorite pictures of him. The puppy in the background in the picture on the right is his brother who turned out the usual black/tan color. I just love him, I've seen him grow up and he's just such a happy dog, as seen on the left.
I just want him to be like that and I feel guilty. I know it's only his second day and you all really give me the hope to carry on. I doubt my decision so much but I just hope that Tommy will someday be as happy as he once was. Thank you for all the support and courage you give me.
Awesome!
He looks the same as when Iris got home. Just give me my bed and wake me when dinner is ready.
First few days are going to be tough, and I only say that because she would not let me out of her sight without a brutal whimper, luckily it only lasted a few minutes before she called it quits. The first night home I slept on the hardwood next to her bed and it turned into a 5 hour hug!
Your pup looks excellent, in your arms looks like his #1 need right now!
Congrats on a successful surgery!
I'm so glad that your precious boy is home!! And he looks fantastic in his red t-shirt!!! And pooping/peeing already...that is great progress as well as eating. It was such a fight to get my Leland to eat after his procedure and he went 5-6 days before pooping. Your baby will stumble and maybe even fall a few times but like others said you'll be there to pick him back up. He'll get the hang of things...they all do!
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!
Yay he's home! I'm just now catching up on things as we were away yesterday. Looks like overall he's having a pretty good homecoming and you sound like you're holding your own too. Give yourself 3-paws up ya hear?
Try not to expect too much from him right now. Remember he's dopey, he's adjusting to a whole new body and everything is kinda new. All he should be doing is relaxing and getting up to eat and potty. There will be plenty of time for him to be that fun, nutty, happy dog he used to be, he just needs rest.
So happy you figured out the photos, congrats! He's adorable.
Give us an update when you can. Hope you're doing well.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He figured out how to get onto the couch which I was completely surprised by! Tommy is doing much better today, he is doing a lot of resting but he also refuses to stay down when there's people around. He seems impatient around us, but as soon as we get into the other room he falls sleep. He went outside today because he just wouldn't calm down so we let him out and it turns out he just wanted to use the restroom. We did have an issue going up and down the stairs because I had to help him and he didn't seem to like that.
But he is eating, we have to hand feed him most of the time but he's eating. He ate a 1 1/4 cans this morning for breakfast.
It's getting much easier on me emotionally because he doesn't seem to be upset :
I love the pic of Tommy on the couch!! His expression looks like he's saying "look mom I can still get on the couch. Nothin' is going to hold me back!" I'm so happy that Tommy is doing so well and you see that he's not mad at you. Tommy will get his new normal figured out in no time and things will start settling down.
Tommy is doing so awesome!!
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!
1 Guest(s)
