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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Hello,
I am not sure if this is the right place to post. Wilson's amputation will be a result of an accident, not cancer. However, this website has helped me a bit today. Wilson is a 13 month old intact male Springer Spaniel. He was purchased for hunting and standing stud with our female springer Maggie. Three weeks ago, he had a traumatic fall that resulted in surgery and metal implants to piece back his elbow joint. I took him back to the surgeon this morning and found that he had broken a screw and moved one of the pins....yes he has been crated....but would bolt out of the crate.(lots of guilt going on....mine...not his) I was given the choice between another (very costly) surgery - one that the orthopedic surgeon said may or may not result in Wilson having some use of his leg - or amputation of the right front leg. I chose amputation. The vet said even if money wasn't an issue, we would be looking at a really tough recovery process that could end up with amputation regardless.
Wilson and Maggie have been my hiking, running, swimming, snowshoeing companions. We were planning on breeding Maggie and Wilson this fall. This was going to be his first hunting season. I know that this post seems selfish and about me....but....these two are my fur kids and I am having a tough time. Cognitively, I understand that he is going to be ok and that this is my stuff...not his....but...I am a mess today.
I could use some support and wisdom. I am a psychotherapist and am used to helping others....I am at a loss for myself...except to ask for help....
Thanks
Wilson's mom
wilson said:
I could use some support and wisdom.
Sorry to hear about Wilso, you've come to the right place for help and support. Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of links to the best tips and advice Tripawds has to offer.
Thanks for joining, you have indeed posted in the perfect forum for sharing your story and seeking help. Your future posts will not require moderation. Next time you're in the chat, be sure to post a comment to alert any online members.
Best wishes for Wilson's complete speedy recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The initial 10 -14 days after the surgery are rough, but I think you are making the right decision. We could have done a 'limb spare' procedure with Abby (who has bone cancer) but opted for amp instead. Amp has a much quicker recovery period than the surgery for one thing, and as Abby was only 15 mo old at the time, we couldn't see keeping her quiet for 2 months.
Definitely check out the "required reading". You might think "what have I done?" a time or two during the recovery, but trust me it gets WAY better very quickly.
Wilson may not be able to snowshoe and run and hike with you like he used to, but we do still walk/run with our Abby girl. He'll amaze and inspire you.
Come here over the next coupla weeks with questions and when you need support. You've come to the rigth place.
Hang in there,
Jackie, 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!
Hi Wilson's Mum.
I feel your pain. My gorgeous golden greyhound boy, Rowan, has just been diagnosed as "probably" having OS in his right wrist, and tomorrow morning I take him to the vet's to have an xray to check out his chest. If that's clear, they will aspirate the site and we'll be scheduling an amputation probably on Thursday and I hope he'll be back home by the weekend. We're planning on him having chemo afterwards. I am bewildered, shocked and in deep mourning ... this time last week I thought I had a happy healthy dog. On Thursday night last week he yelped getting off the sofa and the next morning I took him to be examined, thinking possibly a pulled claw or at worse a bad strain. The Xray was a shock.
I know from everything I have read and been told by other greyhound owners, that dogs can and do cope fantastically well with 3 legs. One such told me about this site for which I am very grateful.
I'm unable to offer you any advice or help based on experience, but wanted to let you know that I do know the pain you're in. I'm another psychologist ... I know what you mean about not knowing how to help yourself.
I will be thinking of you ... I am sure Wilson will be over the worse very soon .. Springers are such bouncy dogs.
Polly X
Thanks for joining Polly, your future forum posts will not require moderation. Sorry to hear about Rowan. Please consider starting a new topic so others an follow his progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hope the surgery goes well and he is home with you before too long. we found the first week had severe ups and downs after Dizzy had had her leg amputated, but she got on with it dogs just do. I will advise you get sleep while you can as it was probably 5 days after surgery before i got a full nights sleep, I heard every little noise every time she moved and she was restless and would be up and down. But that was then nearly 3 months later she is doing fine.
Good luck
Dizzy diagnosed with osteosarcoma 24 may 2011 amputated same day doing fine hopping around on three legs giving the neighbourhood cats what for
I came on today to post about Gracie's 2 month ampuversary. Only 2 months ago I was experiencing so many of the same thoughts/feelings as you seem to be. It was rough but when you have a chance, read the blog I've done about Gracie's, & my, experience. It might help a bit. That's what I found so helpful about this site, all the tremendous sharing of experiences. If you have specific questions, someone will definitely chime in!
I am sorry to hear about your pup's troubles. It is a very scary place for an owner and being faced with difficult decisions to make in a very short time is very very stressful.
My dog had his amputation 3 weeks ago. He is doing great. We are up to 20 minute walks. I don't know if our hour long walks will ever happen again, but if I have to adjust to 30 minutes a couple of times a day, I can manage.
There is such a loss of control when something like this happens, if you are anything like me (a tiny bit on the control freak side) it can rattle your world. I found that it helped me a lot to read as much as I could, as quickly as I could. This website was a valuable source of information. I followed many of the links as well, for even more info.
Going back to my dog Sparky - he is doing great. Happy, eating, sniffing good stuff on our walks (including other dogs). Dogs don't deal with the social and emotional issues that we have. They don't feel sorry for themselves. They just wake up every day and deal with living. They do pick up on our vibes, however, so try to remain positive. But have a few good cries too, because you need to. You are dealing with grief (loss of your expectations) but once you have time to see new posibilities and a happy dog, you will feel better.
Hi Wilson's mom......Gracie's Mom pretty much nailed it with her post. And while I understand that you are torn about so much right now, I think on down the road you'll realize you made the right decision. My 7 year old rescued golden girl, Shelby, lost her right front leg last July 2. It hasn't slowed her down a bit.....she is a hunter herself, though the objects of her obsession are lizards. If you didn't know she was missing a front leg, you wouldn't believe it. She's a whirlwind.
I don't hike with her or take her on long walks......she's like a quarter horse now. Great for high speeds and short distances. I have not regretted one second the decision to take her leg.....it saved her life.
I wish you peace with your decision, and yes.....you are in the right place for support and understanding!
Hi Wilson's mom,
No matter what the reason those of us who have had to choose amputation for our pups experienced much of what you are dealing with now.
I have to pull out my favorite John Lennon quote: "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans". I never imagined that when I held Maggie at 10 weeks of age that she would ever be faced cancer and amputation at 7.5 years old. I worried about how she would miss all the things she wouldn't be able to do. I worried about how she would adapt.
She adapted just fine (although she took her time, about 3 or 4 weeks). And I finally figured out that she didn't miss what she couldn't do- that was all me. Maggie did what she could- figured out ways to adapt- and went on with her life. I had to adapt too a little- no more jumping out of the car on her own, no going up long flights of stairs (she was a small rear amp pug, only 12" at the shoulder- many tripawds do stairs just fine). I got a stroller so she could still go on long walks with me and her sis Tani. Maggie actually got up to walking a mile or so on her own.
And you are not dealing with cancer which is a big plus. I know that might be little consolation now- but as our tripawds teach us you have to be grateful for what you do have.
Lean on the people here- we will help you through it. You might have to change some of your long range plans, and reel in your expectations- but many Tripawds here do amazing things. You might check out Hurricane Rosie's Blog to see what a front amp mastiff can do.
Good luck with the surgery and come back often.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Thank you to everyone who replied to my post. I woke this morning with my eyes swollen shut from all my crying yesterday. This morning while reading your replies, I started to cry again. However, the tears were accompanied by a smile. What a supportive group of people. I leave in two hours to take Wilson to see the surgeon. Of course there is that tiny part of me that hopes he will say to me..." I re- thought everything I said yesterday and there is a surgery I can do and Wilson will have full use of his leg, be pain free AND best of all....I'd like to do the whole procedure for free".
That being said...even if the surgery was for free...it would mean crating an exhuberant Wilson for two months, wearing a spica cast that would reduce his elbow's future range of motion, more pins and screws that he could break (which would mean amputation), more follow up visits and lots of "wait and see". With amputation, it is predicatble. In a few weeks he will be doing great. He was amazing after the first surgery...full of spirit and such a huge heart. He broke the screws last week and has been on three legs ever since. He is an amazing athlete.
I would write more here, but, I think I am going to start a blog. Journaling is a homework assignment I often give my clients...time to "walk my talk". I am not sure how to start one...but... I am sure I will find the answers somewhere on this site. I look forward to being the voice for Wilson's Wisdom.
Thank you everyone....
Welcome to the family. Yep, no cancer, big plus, young, big plus, intact, BIG PLUS from a male stand point. Everyone gave you great advice. I wouldn't be sweating his abilities to much. There might be a few things that might change somewhat, but you will be amazed at how well Wilson will adapt. And again, from a male point of view, if there is a will, there's a way, so I am going to bet that that he will make sure his duties are fullfilled when it's time to start the next generation. That recovery period isn't the most pleasant time, he might not act like himself for awhile but meds play a part in that, but if he is already walking on three, he shouldn't have any trouble, Gus was also on three at the time of his surgery and by 4 weeks he was climbing up the hay mows again. Some dogs get phantom pain , Gabapentin will help with that. Don't be afraid to ask any questions, experience gives the best answers. Good luck, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
I'm so glad you found the comfort you need, this is what the Tripawds community is all about.
Good luck at the surgeon's today. If it's any comfort at all, most times we find that when a member comes here after attempting to save a leg with splints, pins and screws, it's because the attempt was not successful. Their dog went through months of pain and recovery only to have to remove the leg anyways. At least you are saving your pup from that long haul that often times leads to amputation anyways.
And yes, I recommend jouraling too. That's the whole reason why Tripawds was started, as a place for my pawrents to find comfort and vent while they coped with my amputation.
Let us know what the vet says today.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to Tripawds! Hope the surgery goes well for Wilson. A few family members have had Springers...they are awesome pups!
Please keep us popsted on his recovery. He will amaze you with what he'll be able to do in a short period of time. As others have said, at least you're not dealing with "C".
Sending you lots of golden hugs...
Cathy
well... i dont know what to said 🙁 my Diamond have a surgery 10 days a go, and she cant be able to walk jet 🙁 she have to be carry out to do her necessitys and she is 78 pond pitbull terry... im so sad... i wonder if i take the righ decision when i make my daughter and son in law to get a chance to Diamond with the amputede leg 🙁 i kip her in my house, sence i was nurse and i want help her to walk again... I need Diamond, she was my dog for long 6 years, them i give back to my daughter :(.... i dont know what to do ... the reazon for the surgery was... cancer in her front right leg 🙁
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