Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi,
First of all thanks to the many helpful articles and information. My 5 year old Toy Fox Terrier ( Lucky, ya you read that right ) is approaching a front leg amputation next week due to trauma with a broken leg that even with surgery may not be a viable option to repair and more importantly heal. This is probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make as a dog parent over many years. He has an active “ sister”, another TFT, 2 weeks apart and I also have a Chihuahua and a whippet. My house has stairs to get to yard. I’m really concerned about and wondering what to realistically expect with him being a Tripawd in an environment like this. He is a super active, fun, happy dog and loves to chase his toy hedgehog, do tricks ( like walk on 2 legs marching to “ these boots are made for walking” ) but what things should I be prepared for that maybe I haven’t thought about?
will he still be able to be independent? Is the recovery time longer because he’ s is a tiny guy? And will watching his other fur brothers and sister do everything like he used to stress him out?
like I said, this is all brand new so I apologize if these answers are posted somewhere and I missed it, most of what I have seen and read is for larger dogs or hind leg amputation.
Thank you Kindly for any guidance, helpful advice or stories you may be able to share.
Sincerely, Kim and “Lucky Dude”
Hello and Welcome
Your future posts will not require moderation. Thank you for sharing Lucky's story with us and we are sorry to hear about his accident.
Each dog's recovery time is different. My girl was 128 pounds at the time of her amputation and was a rear leg amputee. She did really well. Our circumstance was a little different it was cancer. Forgive me it's been a few years since I went through the amputation but I am pretty sure that it wasn't over a month. But with that being said there were things that she did have to get used to hopping on 3 legs.
You can start reading here at Jerry's Required Reading List
, the books Three legs and a spare is also a good read. common complications
that is just a few to start.
Yes, he will still be able to be independent. A lot of times we have to step in and make sure they do not do too much during recovery period as that can set them back. Not sure what you mean by watching his other siblings stress him out. He should be able once healed to be able to play run etc.
You will want to make sure that he doesn't jump off of things as you will want to protect that other front leg. Dogs do carry most of their weight on their fronts. It will be a little harder for him to go down steps but going up should be no problem. If you have hard wood floors or tile you may want to put down runners so he doesn't slip.
We also do have the Tripawd helpline if you have questions during the time of recovery or after or even now that if you want to talk to someone we are there for you.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hi Kim and Lucky Dude and furmily!
When is the big day happening?
You don't need to apologize for your questions, that's why we are here. Most of the info you see here applies to both front and rear leg amputees, so you're covered.
Michelle gave you some fantastic input already, and I also suggest checking out
The Tripawds Recovery Shopping List
This post goes over things like how to "tripawd-proof" your house. Stairs are a problem for front leggers but it depends on a few things like, how long is the staircase? If it's just a few stairs (say less than 4) your dog should be OK. If it's more, you'll want to baby gate the stairs and assist your dog on them. A Ruffwear Flagline is what we recommend for front-leg amputees.
Since you have other dogs, it may be challenging to keep Lucky calm and quiet during recovery. It's smart to set up an area of your home for him where he can't overdo things and get enough rest. If you have an X-pen you can keep in the living room or somewhere he feels comfortable but not isolated, that would be a huge benefit for him.
will he still be able to be independent? Is the recovery time longer because he’ s is a tiny guy? And will watching his other fur brothers and sister do everything like he used to stress him out?
Of course! No, his recovery time doesn't depend on his size, especially for a smaller dog, he should do pretty well and get his sparkle back within a couple of weeks. No he wont be jealous or stressed watching his siblings, once his mojo is back.
But the one thing that you will need to do is to monitor his activity very closely so that he doesn't injure himself during recovery and beyond. Tripawds can technically do anything a four-legger can do but should they? No! It's up to us to set limits so they don't put excessive wear and tear on their joints and remaining legs. The best way to find out what kind of activity he should and should not be doing is to have him evaluated by a rehab therapist. These experts can guide you on his care and the best part is Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit .
Also see our Tripawds e-book Loving Life On Three Legs for more tips!
Let us know how the surgery goes.
Hello Kim!
My pup Millie is a Mini dachshund and she is about 10 lbs. She lost her front leg due to trauma and repair was not possible for a good outcome.
Active, love running and jumping (she shouldn't at all as a long dog, but...)
This week is 7th week after the surgery and she is doing really great!
For my personal experience, I feel like smaller pups can adjust quicker than larger pups, Millie can already hop pretty good 2 days after surgey.
But I would avoid her going down on stairs, but that's more a dachshund thing, they have long back.
Let us know how the surgery went and I am sending you and your pup all the positive energy!
Thank you so much, Lucky Dudes surgery is scheduled for tomorrow and we are just bundles of nerves and anxiety. ( and fear, doubt, all that!) he has a splint on now, already hopping around fine when he goes out. Keeping him from trying to go up stairs or anything is tough unless he takes the gabapentin and anti-inflammatory which keeps him sleepy. He currently shares an indoor gated area with his sister “Dottie” another Toy Fox 2 weeks apart ( for quiet time & nighttime) but for recovery from surgery we will have his own little spot in the living room gated and separate. Really appreciate the responses and support here and glad I found you all. ( Lucky’s surgeon actually sent me here)
Thank you and hope to stay in touch as we embark on our journey:)
Hi and welcome.
First off, be sure you have lots of things to keep you busy tomorrow, surgery day can be long waiting for the call from the vet!
I've had two small Tripawds although both are/were rear amps and around 15 pounds.
Maggie was a Pug who lost her leg to cancer. She took her time getting used to her new normal. No medical complications but she was stubborn and set in her ways- she stayed in her bed for about 6 weeks. But once she decided to get on with her life there was no stopping her for almost 4 years. Most here are back to themselves in 2 or 3 weeks but Maggie's story shows that each dog heals and deals on their own timeline.
I have Elly now, a Pug mix who lost her back leg when she was 7 months old after being hit by a car. She is now 8.5 years old and doing just fine. While Maggie could never go up more than 2 or 3 stairs after her recovery Elly does 7 or 8 stairs routinely. I have steps or stools by all the furniture she is allowed on. We play lots of food games and puzzles, a great way to challenge the mind while being easy on the body.
There are some challenges with small dogs- stairs and furniture for example. It's also hard to help them with a harness because they are so low to the ground. I found though that by attaching a leash to the harness I can provide support in most circumstances. I can pick her up with the harness when I need to.
While it is easier to pick up a small dog, carrying them long term is not a good option in my opinion. Maggie loved to be carried (even before her amp) but she got stubborn and lazy and expected a 'ride' everywhere 
. Elly on the other hand does not like to be carried or even picked up unless she is scared.
I've been a stroller dog mom since Maggie's amp in 2006. I've almost always had two dogs and it seems that one usually needs a ride for one reason or another. I find it a great way to get both dogs out for walks while allowing rides when needed.
Good luck tomorrow, keep us posted.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Kist want to add mu support and can only ditto all tje great responses from Mochell. Jerry, Mischief and Karen!
We all understand the jitters, the fear, the uncertainty heading k to thos journey. We also understand how Happy you will be as you see Licky move firther from recovery and back being her hapoy Lucky self!-!
As you can see, you are not alone and we are here ro help in anyway we can👍
Update is when surgery is done, okay?
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!
Today is scary but it will be behind you soon, and Lucky Dude can get on with life! We are sending you tons of pawsitivity and well wishes. Keep us posted, and please tell your surgeon we said "thanks!" for the referral. Can I ask who you are working with?
Thanks so much to everyone! Lucky came through surgery with flying colors and is recovering well. He will be staying the night, of course, and we be embarking upon our new journey tomorrow as a Tripawd! @jerry I sent you a PM with our surgeons name, some additional details and information.
I am sure we will have more questions, and will definitely post updates to share 🙂
Many kind thanks,
Kim and Lucky Dude
I am so happy for you and Lucky!
I am sure you miss Lucky so much but you need to rest well! Please take really good care of yourself tonight.
Surgery is done in lucky is on the road to recovery! Lucky is also has a kite tonight and feeling no pain. So this is a perfect time for you to get a good night's sleep. It's been exhausting mentally and physically getting to this point. Now you can exhale a big sigh of telief, focus on recovery, and getting things back to normal.
Let us know when he gets home, okay?
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!
Thank you Benny,
my surgeons and staff have been in constant communication with me, what a relief! I had expressed that Lucky had a weird reaction to anesthesia and opioids, so we kinda expected that he might..and he did, but everyone was well prepared they administered a reverse on one medication. And he’s doing great! I know I will be resting easy, and anxious at the same time of course. I will keep all updated and look forward to continuing to share our journey as much for me as to help others.
Love,
Kim and Lucky Dude ( “The dude abides” )
Just want to add that this was soo hard in the beginning from making that choice ….to committing to it, and finding this group and support at Tripawds was instrumental in my process, it wasn’t easy. I know it won’t be easy as we get to the next chapter. I am a positive person and Lucky is just a tenacious little soul. So it’s not all rainbows and unicorns but, it’s not all sad and dark either.
much love and kisses ( the sloppiest licky maybe smelly ones we still love)
very sweet of you I certainly feel the same way about this loving and supporive community
you and lucky have already added value thank you
hugs
sally andalumni happy hannah 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!
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