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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My tripawd was much much bigger than your Yogi is so I can't offer advice on small dogs but I wanted to join the masses in welcoming you to tripawds. Most dogs do recover very nicely from amputation and unless Yogi has other health issues there is no reason to believe that he won't. I know it is scary but try not to let Yogi know that you are worried. As a pack animal he will be watching you for guidance. A family I know has a little white ball of fluff and you can't even tell he is missing a leg because the hair almost touches the ground!
Good luck with the surgery and recovery. I will pray for you and Yodi.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
As much as I would like to rally to the defense of small dogs... much too much of a generalization. With my two pug girls I have one of each- on stoic, bring it on girl, and one who is a bit of a drama queen.... any guesses???
Well Maggie the tri-pug has always been more of a drama queen. She ALWAYS lets me know when she is unhappy or doesn't feel good, while little sister Tani doesn't let a little bleeding interrupt a game. Once she was playing tug of war with Mag, suddenly let go and sat down, looked at me for a second, then spit out two broken teeth and a little blood. Then she started to go back to the game until I stopped her.
Maggie on the other hand, sits, moans and groans, and looks pitiful when she doesn't feel good or is nervous or scared. When she was a puppy she got a leaf stuck to her foot and came to me in a panic like she had a bear trap on her leg. Yea- I was thinking- I knew they were lap dogs but....
So when we had to do the amputation I was worried about how Maggie would adapt and deal with everything. And honestly Maggie took a lot longer to come around mentally than many of the dogs you read about here. Physically she could get around, but she would get really really discouraged when she fell, or couldn't do something. I just had to be extra patient and positive with her and she finally came around.
Yogi will be fine. He will figure things out and surprise you with his abilities.
Karen and the pug girls
well the countdown has begun... Yogi has to be at the Vet at 8:30 tomorrow morning. I am pleased to say that his vet just called me to see how we are holding up... She is AWESOME and so caring!!! She is actually not performing the actual surgery, but, has blocked off her schedule as she says she does not want to leaave Yogi's side. Very lucky we are to have her in our life.
I am not taking Yogi in the morning, as I know I will cry and I don't want to upset him anymore than he usually is when he must go see the vet. I am leaving that job to my husband, who I know will shed more than a few tears on his way home. Wish us luck... although this may sound funny to some of you... I believe strongly in the power of prayer so if you do too, offer one up for my little Yogi tomorrow. I will keep you all posted! Sharon and Yogi xx
I'll be thinking of Yogi tomorrow.
It's great when you find a vet like that. Mag's operation was at another hospital, but my vet Linda called me at home in the evening after I got her home to see how Mag was and how I was.
Be sure you get all your tears out while Yogi is at the hospital. When he gets home you need to be strong and positive around him. Don't get discouraged if he is not himself for awhile, most of our dogs had lots of ups and downs during the first couple of weeks.
Post often here- there is lots of answers and support.
Good luck tomorrow.
Karen and the pug girls
Yogi, you ARE pawesome too! We know you'll be just fine. Tell your pawrents to hang in there. Whether it's prayer or pawsitive thinking or what have you, we know it's love and good thoughts that can get you through this. You'll definitely be in our thoughts. Good luck tomorrow. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The surgery went very well... We are going to pick up yogi in about an hour. The vet really feels he will rest better at home and the vets office does not have someone there during the evening hours so better Yogi be with us. The did have to tranquilize him after surgery, I am assuming it was due to whining and crying but not really sure. I am very nervous to see him.... will try to post more later tonight.
You have reason to be nervous, just don't show it around Yogi! He needs you to be strong. Best wishes for a speedy complete recovery. Glad to hear all went well. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Sharon
Thanks for the update. Given his size, it should be okay to have him at home. This is definitely one advantage of having a dog small enough to carry around. If you have trouble, I assume they have someone on-call or can take him back tomorrow. Is there a different emergency service in town that has people present all night? It is probably a good thing if they keep him on reasonably heavy drugs for a day or two. Best wishes for the night ahead. Let us know how it goes.
(his picture is SOOO cute)
Yikes. I would be nervous, too, but considering they don't have over night care I would do the same thing. Remember how it is the first night is not how it is going to be. I believe in prayer, too, so I am praying.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Can't wait to hear abou Yogi once you bring him home!!! So glad to hear the surgery went well!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
good morning... it is morning two in our home with Yogi.... to say his recovery is amazing is an understatement. We brought him home Tuesday evening about 8 hours post-surgery. He had a roughh night... lots of whimpering and confusion. By 6 am yesterday morning, he was up hopping around, eating, drinking and the whimpering has all but stopped. He has needed virtually no pain meds so we have cut them down and right now he is just taking his antibiotics. He even climbed the back door steps to get in the house!!!! We are amazed!!! The Vet was so pleased at his quick recovery. We were braced for at least of week of "hell" but honestly we only had about 12 hours of miserable time. Last night he even meandered into the kitchen to "beg" for scraps as we were eating dinner.
So... I guess he isn't the bit "whimp" I thought he was!!!
I thank you all for your support, I COULD NOT have made it without all of you. I will continue to post updates!!! Love, Sharon and Yogi 
Sharon
That is great news for you and Yogi. Try not to let him do too much. Things need to heal inside there. Aren't the stairs bigger than him? Bruising can be worse at about 2 to 4 days.
I am curious to know how long little Yogi's incision is. I didn't measure Tazzie's, but it was probably over 20" - even giant Oslo was impressed when he saw the picture. Glad you settled the matter that tiny tripawds rule! (choke, choke).
Sharon-
Yogi sounds like he is doing great!! As Susan said don't let him do to much. Some of our pups push it a little too much and end up sore for a few days. And don't get to worried if he has some down time. Hopefully it is all up for you but there can be little set backs too in the healing process.
Yea Yogi- and we need more pictures!
Karen and the pug girls
Hooray for Yogi! Congratulations on the quick recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yogi Update Day 6 post surgery....
Each day Yogi continues to get stronger and stronger.... he does "nap" quite a bit, but I am sure that is because his body is healing from major surgery. Other than that, he is remarkable. Barely any bruising at all either. He finally did "poop" yesterday!! My husband and I were outside cheering him on... way too funny!!! Whoever thought seeing a dog poop could make us so happy?
He is still eating only table food... insists on chicken breast.... hmmmm have a feeling alittle spoiling is going on here!
I would post a pic in this forum but not sure how to attach it to a message??? By the way, someone has asked how long his scar is? I would guess to be about 14 inches or so. The stitches are all disolvable so don't have to go through having them removed.
Sharon and Yogi
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