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, I am new to the site & to dog amputees. My 7 yr old Border Collie, Baden, had a lump form on his right front leg. The cytology report confirmed that it was indeed cancer, soft tissue sarcoma. We consulted with a vet oncologist who provided my vet with recommendations. First being chest & abdomen xrays as well as a biopsy. We had this done last week & I am so thankful to report that the cancer has not spread & is localized to his leg. He is scheduled to have the leg amputated at the end of the month.
I failed to mention that he is my 1st dog & has been a wonderful companion to me. During a period of time when I was ill he taught himself to be my service dog. He knew the signs, remember the times to take my medicine etc. So to hear this horrible news about my best buddy was needless to say shocking. It's now my turn to take care of him the way he has taken care of me. I'm trying to read as much as I can, in hopes of being as prepared as I can. I haven't even scratched the surface of this website. there is such a large amount of information. Didn't ever think there was such a site until now & so far the info has helped calm my worries.
Being a Border Collie is always on the job. You move your foot & he's ready to go 
. Which is 1 of many questions I have. How long do I need to keep him "down" for? We will be putting him on the 1st floor, so he is able to get outside but the 1st floor also has the most traffic. I am sure initially he won't want to do anything between the anesthesia & pain meds but he isn't one to stay "injured".
I have so many other questions & concerns, so many that I will probably do them in other posts.
Thanks for listening
Chuey
Welcome to Tripawds Chuey and Baden!! So sorry to hear about Baden's diagnosis but you sure did come to the right place to help you through this challenging journey. Just about everyone here knows just how you are feeling right now. I know how very scary this is and it takes time to absorb the reality of what is happening. The good thing is that most Dogs do just great after having an amputation. The recovery period can be hard but once they are healed things seem much like they were before. Most Dogs heal in about 2-3 weeks and are getting back to their normal routines. Some Dogs want to be very active after their surgery and some do lots and lots of sleeping and are on the lazy side. Both are ok. Every Dog is different. But if you do end up having the Dog that is very active afterwards you will need to keep him confined and or try to limit his activity so he doesn't pull out his staples or pull a muscle or something. It will take time for his muscles to get used to supporting his new body shape so he may think he can run around like before at first and he could injure himself. After he is all healed up he will be able to start doing activities like he did before. The best thing to do is to work up to doing more a little at a time. The staples usually come out around the 2 week mark so after that he can be a bit more active. It is very important to make sure that any slick surfaces in your home are covered with non slip rugs or runners. Especially if your Dog is very active. Even when they are all healed they just seem to slip so easy when they are Tripawds. Many people prepare their houses ahead of time to make things easier. You can buy carpet runners on a roll at Lowes or Home Depot and get them cut to the sizes that you need. They are relatively inexpensive and they are really worth it.
I completely understand having a Dog that has been there for you through everything and has helped you overcome things. My Great Dane Valentina was like that for me. There are no words to describe how much she meant to me. I will be praying for Baden's surgery to go well and for his healing to go smoothly so both of you can get back to having fun and wonderful times together. We are all here for you and feel free to ask any and all questions you need to. Baden is gorgeous btw! 
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Welcome to you and Baden. Sorry you had to find us here, but you won't be sorry you did.
Angel has given you some good advice. Taking care of any potentially slippery floors on the first floor is important and will help his mobility. Generally, the rough period is about 2 weeks, but if you have an active dog, he might feel more spunky before that. It's good to keep them confined if possible. Our Abby didn't want to be confined in our living room - she wanted to be outside. She would "hide" out in the yard and just lay there and seemed very depressed. It was hard to see, but it was just part of her healing process, and a lot of dogs are similar. So don't be suprised if he seems down - it's just a combo of the healing and the pain meds. You should start to see him being his old self once the pain meds are done and the staples are out!
Rest up before the surgery if possible!! The first nights home can be very tiring. He might not even need you n the night, but you'll be listening for every little sound.
Let us know how the surgery goes and be sure to come here with any questions. You won't find a more helpful group of folks on the 'net, IMHO.
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!
Welcome to you and Baden!
We are just so sorry to hear of the terrible diagnoses. It's so, so frightening and we understand. I'm sure Baden will do very, very well on three legs! He sounds like such a wonderful dog!
You'll get terrific advice here. But mostly we understand the emotional roller coaster ride! So, feel free to ask anything!
Keep us posted!
Comet - 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.
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