Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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WOW... what a story. I feel your pain on the "are we going for surgery or not" issue. Shelby almost didn't get her amp due to her heart murmur that we never knew she had until she was about to be amputated!!! And she had had other surgeries... grrrr!!!!
Anyway.. Shelby was a rear amp and didn't have bandages when she got home. She got a soft "cone of shame " to prevent licking on her wound site. She did great. THe meds DO make them a little nutty from time to time and recovery can be tough but you will get through this!
Keep us posted!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
So, we just picked up my boy. He walked out okay and when he saw us he started smiling and his tail was sure wagging. We discussed how he looks and the swelling and how to pick him up, etc. I wasn't so worried about his incision as I was his swelling. He had a rather big pocket of fluid they said was swelling that will be absorbed back into his body. I don't know though, it's droopy and his whole chest is swollen. They said we could ice but has anyone else encountered a good amount of swelling on day one? Did you ice - did it help?
So we tried to walk him to the car and boy he tried but he couldn't figure it out with 3 legs and a cone. It was awful to watch and we caused a scene trying to encourage him to keep on walking - you could tell he wanted to just lay down. We finally got him to the car and we picked him up (like they showed us how to) and he screamed louder and longer than I have ever heard. They said it's okay but at that moment I realized he's not one of those "he came running out!" stories and it broke my heart. The whole car ride he was trying to stand up and look out the window but kept falling.
Once home he was really panting and nervous and the vet techs said he's been anxious most the day he was there (I really don't think he slept). He was whining a lot and I don't think it was pain as it was just absolute frustration and confusion as to why he can't walk. He stands up and his legs are just absolutely shaking, mostly the hind quarters. I know everyone says have hope, day 1 is the worst but I'm so so worried he's not going to adapt like most dogs do.
Finally he drank some water and now he's passed out in the middle of the living room (next to his bed, lol). I'm so happy he's sleeping as I know at least his pain is managed and he's probably so so exhausted from everything. Next step is trying to make sure he uses the bathroom later...that will be an effort I'm sure.
Anyways, it's 1pm and I already have a glass of wine. Hoping some of you have had similar obstacles that can rest my worries. The swelling, the legs shaking and him just standing there wanting to move have me concerned.
For some reason the insert image link wouldn't work, so here's a picture of Rufio Day 1. http://rufio.tr...../img_0390/
Thanks all.
Hello,
I'm late to welcome you and Rufio, I'm glad to hear the surgery went well and he is home. You already had quite a roller coaster ride!
Remember to call your vet anytime you are concerned. Don't worry about pestering them- they are there to help you!
What you describe sounds normal to me. Rufio is still processing the surgery meds out of his system- those make pups really loopy and sometimes unstable. Did you say he had a pain patch in addition to the oral meds? My pups have come home from different surgeries with fentanyl patches and their eyes were really glazed!
Rufio is going to be tired when he tries to get around- a combination of pain meds and a new way to walk and balance. New tripawds expend a ton of energy when they are learning their new gait. The best thing for him is to rest, our vet said only leashed potty walks fro the first two weeks.
And the swelling you are talking about sounds like a seroma , click on the link for more info. They are quite common after a major surgery and usually are not problem. Keep an eye on it and if there is any smell or bloody discharge let the vet know. Icing the area may help the fluid re-absorb.
My pug Maggie was a stubborn little thing that lost a back leg to mast cell cancer. She had no medical complications but was not herself for about 6 weeks! I was absolutely sure I had made a terrible mistake by choosing amputation...I was convinced that I had the one dog that wouldn't adapt. Most dogs are back in 2 to 3 weeks, some charge out of the hospital and never look back, some take longer. Don't compare Rufio to other dogs and don't get discouraged. It is very early in Rufio's recovery and he will adapt at his own pace.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Online
Well, first of all, that surgeon sure does like to give haircuts! I know seeing all that shaved fur is startling, but itsw necessary.
Okay...back to the deep breaths...and put the wine bottle down...You may have a @ong night ahead...or two...or three!
As hard as it is, try not to compare one recovery to another. As many dogs that walk out of the hospital to the car, there are just as many who do not. In fact, it's veey normal for dogs, especially for larger dogs, to take several days to get their mobility issues worked out.
While watching Rufio very carefully, see if you can take the cone off for a bit, especially when he goes out to potty. Obviously you want to make sure Rufio is not trying to go after the stitches.
Restlessness, whining, unsteady, woozy, all so very normal. He is still under the effects of the surgery pain meds. It will take another day or two for them to get out of his system.
You might try gently using a towel sling to help him up when the time comes. Just let him stand a minute and try and let the woozy feeling settle down before trying to walk. My Happy Hannah basically froze when I tried to use a towel to help her so it may not work.
Shaking, panting, trembling, all signs of pain. Plus pain meds can cause similar "side effects", but keeping his pain u der control is paramount. The "confusion" is called "being drugged"!
The swelling is most likely a seroma . Very common. It's exactly as the vet said, the fluid that once went to the leg is pooling and being pulled down by gravity. It will be reabsorbed. Happy Hannah had a big pocket of fluid and it took days and days to be reabsorbed. If I recall, it got bigger before it got smaller.
Right now COMPLETE rest and potty breaks when necessary.
STAY CONNECTED! We are all right here by your side, okay? If Rufio is asleep, get the wine back out and try and nap! 🙂
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!
Good advice above - much of Rufio's unsteadiness could be related to meds they are giving post surgery. Pofi was walking like a drunken sailor at 24 hours post surgery and stayed one more night. They slowly tapered off the IV Fentanyl that night and next morning as he was much improved in general appearance. So he was nearly 48 hours post amp when I picked him up and that much further past the serious drugs and anesthesia.
He also had a lot of fluid under the skin and the following are photos I did not share on FB, but they are okay for this crowd, I think. Here is a progression to show the reduction in puffiness and swelling - Pofi even had sort of a fluid pouch under his chin and at the neck that disappeared in a few days.
May 6 - Pofi 48 hours post amp - in vet hospital parking lot and about to head home:
May 7 - next day and already looking better:
May 8 - really starting to look better and, yes, we had done some icing
May 14 - really amazing improvement, so very much better - we only did did cold/ice compress a few times the first 3 days or so
Hope this helps, Kristie!
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
These are great photos to share! Thank you so much!
I also kept photos of Shelby's incision on my phone so I could monitor her status... the first 48 hours at home (after 48 hours at the vet) were a breeze and then things went to hell in a hand basket!!! Basically we were weaned off the powerful meds and just on tramadol which caused some severe anxiety. We got an anti-anxiety med for Shelby and things were tough for a couple of weeks. But they did get better.
Shelby took up residence in my tiny bathroom - made it her den for healing. I figured she wasn't hurting anyone (or herself) so I let her hang in there. I always thought it was odd but she came out eventually and we had many great months! The recovery is so different for everyone so it is hard not to compare. Please feel free to call your vet if you have concerns!
And I fully support lots of wine! It was mama's happy juice for months! 
HUGS and hang in there!!!
alison with spirit shelby in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Ditto everyone else. My ex lifted 100 pound Otis in and out of the car, and I rode in the back seat with him to keep him steady. He went out to pee when we got home, and then to his bed. It was really hard to coax him up to go outside. The first 6 or 7 days were no picnic for us. But, by the time the staples came out on day 10, he was doing much better. Every dog is different, but don't judge by what you see today. My vet said to think about having to hop around on one leg everywhere you wanted to go. That's what our Tripawds are adjusting to, plus they have had major surgery - a human would still be in hospital, not at home! Hang in there! It will get better, just let Rufio take the lead.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
This is helpful and hopeful, thank you all. I'll take it a day at a time and continue to just encourage him and perhaps some cold compresses. I just see him looking so helpless (face planting, hesitating every step, etc) and I just pray he doesn't give up.
Unfortunately, his haircut is particular awful because they shaved his belly for the ultrasound before the surgery so he kinda looks like a tetris piece. Also, sadly they blew the heck out of the veins in his good arm (it's just as bruised as his incision) so they had to shave a part of his back leg too. He looks like a hot mess! But man, when it was dinner time he jumped up and tried to do his circles on 3 legs - it was a glimpse of my baby.
Again, thank you again to everyone who's chimed in on this giving advice and stories to compare to!
Kristie
He won't give up! Its absolutely amazing how well they adapt eventually. They just figure it out and get on with it. Rufio just had some major surgery and is doped up, it may take him a little bit to figure out how to work all of his parts again. Each one does it their own way I've come to learn in the few weeks I've been coming to this site. I'm so glad to hear he's home and it sounds like he's right on track for his own recovery 
But man, when it was dinner time he jumped up and tried to do his circles on 3 legs - it was a glimpse of my baby.
So, so great!!!!!
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Jumped up for dinner already???? You're already seeing improvement!! "Littls" thinbs like that are HUGE VICTORIES during the recovery phase! CELEBRATE!
I'm sure his other arm that they "blew out" is sore as heck too'.aki g his mobility even more difficult! Ugh!
The pictures of Pofi are great progression poctures of what you can "probably" expect in a similar timeframe.
Hang in there! 'You're doing great! 🙂
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!
Hi there Rufio and mom 
As everybody said, each dog is different and the first couple of weeks are really hard for them and us.
Our heart breaks when we see how difficult it is for them to balance on 3 legs and to try and move around.
Many times I had to hold back tears just looking at how difficult it was for my girl to hop when we would go out to the garden for a quick pee.
Her sad, druggy eyes killed me more often than not.
But, what I have learned through this process is they have their own healing time and their own learning time.
You've got to respect that and let them rest as much as they want.
They will come back to enjoying life and they will be independent and happy again.
Everything will radically change for the better once stitches come out.
Be patient and let him rest, you will both be ok.
Sending you a big hug and cuddles to your boy
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
You may not think so, but Rufio is doing remarkably well for so early in his recovery. Like others have said, don't compare you dog to others, but that's easier said than done. It seems every dog has his own issues, but then other things they have no problem with. My Dobe Nitro wouldn't eat for 7 days after surgery - we resorted to spooning yogurt down his throat to get his pills in him; so at least Rufio was excited to eat. Take it one step, one day at a time, and before you know it , these days will be behind you.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Hi all! Again, let me start by thanking you ALL for your comments and suggestions and thoughts. All of it kept my "freak outs" at bay
It's officially a week ago today that Rufio went into surgery. I think it's been a little rough on the poor guy and his recovery but I think it's been worse on me (or so my fiance says!). The swelling got worse before it got better - there was so much! His entire belly was red and swollen and then his chest and I swear his neck. It's all gone down now except for a small amount, so that was extremely encouraging. His staples look great and thankfully his hair is growing back! Overall, in one week he's progressed so far with his wounds!
I know it's natural for the dog to be a little "depressed" but it just saddens me to see him so frustrated and discouraged with getting around. He's an ambi-turner (Zoolander anyone?) and will only turn left since that's his only front leg now. He circles forever trying to lay down and he just thinks about everything before he does it. There are moments though...when it's time to eat, he does circles like he has all four legs and when he goes to the bathroom he hops super fast, almost to a trot like walk! But he only can get so far before he's just pooped 
(pun intended). I worry for his one good leg since it's so skinny - I hope it can withstand all the weight he's now putting on it.
I got the harness from Ruffwear that everyone loves on here and I can't wait to use it! I'll have to wait another week though until his staples are out. I know stairs aren't an option for a bit but he keeps taking the two stairs on our porch like a pro! It's the going down a flight of stairs I worry about since his momentum is so downward.
All in all, he's adapting and improving and that's all I can ask for!
Hi Rufio and Mom
So glad to hear he is recovering and swelling went down plus he is eating and pooping. Way to go Rufio
Do not worry about the fact his remaining leg is skinny, he will have an "Arnold" in due time, you will not believe how muscular that leg is going to become.
AND he is going up and down stairs already !!!! That IS amazing !
My girl is 9 weeks post amp but we are still not considering stairs at this point ... well, she is huge so probably will need a lot longer.
Sending you a big hug and cuddles to your furry boy
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
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