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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Hi!
My 11 month old Alaskan Malamute puppy, Tres, had his leg amputated on 7/9/12, they left him with a stump. Now the stump has been causing him major problems for the past couple of weeks, so much so that the bone has broken through the skin, which was paper thin. Anyway, we are now facing having his scapula taken...was wondering if anyone else has had to go through the second surgery with their dog? How is it as compared to the first one (weeks 2 and 3 were horrible!!!)?
Thanks,
Skye and Tres
Welcome, sorry to hear about Tres' troubles. Your future forum posts will not require moderation. One good thing is that he has probably already adapted to life on three legs, so you'll just be dealing with pain management and recovery.
Why the amputation?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Skye and Tres, thanks for coming here from Facebook. We're sorry you're going through this. As I mentioned, partial front leg amputations often have recurring issues like this and most that we've seen end up needing a second surgery to remove the scapula.
But fear not, we get along just fine without that extra bone, and never miss it. Sure the second surgery stinks, but once it's gone you won't have to deal with it again.
Why did the vet decide on a partial amputation? Were you thinking of using a prosthesis at some point? If not, I'm thinking that you should ask the surgeon for some kind of price break on this second surgery. Just my own opinion though.
Here are search results with stories of doggies who needed a second surgery. You can always feel free to Private Message their people if they dont' see your story here, I'm sure they wouldn't mind.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would think this surgery would be a bit easier to recover from since Tres has been a Tripawd since July and he won't have the balance and learning to walk on 3 legs this time. Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Tres.
Hugs and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen & Charley
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
Sorry you have to go through a 2nd surgery! I would think like the others said that it won't be as bad.
Is the surgery already scheduled? Will send pawsitive thoughts out to you and your pup!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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