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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I am mom of tripaw dog since she was 6 months old. We found her with broken legs and take to the vet. After 2 surgery her leg couldnt heal and she became a tripaw dog who with 4 legs. The broken leg is shorter than others and she cant move her knee. Her leg is always straight. And she hoops like bunnies.
She is the happiest dog in the world. Full of love and kindness. But her leg keep her out the social life with other dogs. Because she is always protectionist about her leg.
Also she cant sit and lay down easily. She is fast but sometimes she weeps when she sits.
Anyhow we consider the amputation but I am die of fear. I read a lot of forums about tripaws. My daughter is 3 years old girl who already a tripaw so we don't worry about the balance. But she is a happy girl, and I am not sure if it's necessary or its better she lives like she used to. 2 weeks in pain... Just thought kills me...
Please help me!
Hello and welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away. What is your sweet doggie's name?
I know that amputation is a scary idea, nobody really wants to do it but sometimes it is for the best. Recovery isn't always hard, as long as the pain is well-managed. Most dogs bounce back within a couple of weeks and get their sparkle back.
What does your vet think about taking the leg off? Have you gotten another opinion from a different veterinarian?
It sounds like the leg is causing pain. It would be smart to find out what exactly the pain is, and how it can be healed, to see if that can prevent amputation. An orthopedic veterinarian and a rehabilitation therapy team can help. Are you in an area where you can get that kind of specialty care?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for giving that sweet pup sich a loving and caring home.
We've seen similar cases where amputation actually becomes a really good solution. I know that sounds weird, but it's true. Often we see sogs where all parts of efforts were ,ade to save a leg....surgeries, recovery, pain that doesn't get resolved, etc
As Jerry said, do get an evaluation from an Orthopedic Surgeon and you can feel more reassured if your sweet pup is a good candidate. It sounds like he already knows how to function on three.
Amputation is one surgery, one recovery and then your pup will be free from pain and able to love a quality lofe. He can play with other pups, he can sit and stand and lay down without crying.
Please stay connected and let is know as any questions arise. We are here to help in any way we can.
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!
I am grateful for your responses, first of all I would love to thank you two 😍
Her name is Bambi because she is my little deer (:
we try physiotherapy once but she try to bite the doc. So we go back to vet and say she has pain but when we at vet she doesn't cry at all. Vet move the leg as he can and she doesn't even wipe.
So we thought it's psychological. She was live in a big garden in than. And she didn't need any socialize with other dogs, cause there was a kindergarten garden and she has many friends who is 3-5 ages peoples 😀
After pandemic we closed the kindergarten and took her our home, so every day she is scary of things when we out for walk. She doesn't know how to play other dogs because she never tries.
But with people she is the best dog in the world. Especially with kids. Not so with cats though but it is what I can understand.
We live in turkey, and our vet says yes it would be better for her but I am working mom so for first 2 weeks...
I don't want some friends come and check her because she is so excited and I think she hurts herself.
I can take holidays from work but just for 5 days, is it enough?
Loves from Bambi girl and her terrified mom
Hi Bambi and mom! Thanks for explaining the situation, now we have a better picture of what's going on.
So OK, if your vet thinks amputation is a good idea and your gut feeling says she can do well, then there's no reason why she cannot make a great recovery and go on to live a hoppy life.
As for recovery, not everyone can take off for weeks when their pet is going through amputation recovery. Five days should be more than enough for her to be confident when you aren't home. Just be sure to keep her in a smaller area of your home or garden so that she cannot hurt herself while the stitches are still in. Do you have a friend who can come over and check on her while you are at work?
Don't be terrified OK? When you have a good attitude, Bambi will too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! Stay connected with is and we'll help uou through recovery.
Bambi sounds like a little doggy with a lot of determination and a big dog personality! Cleary you adore her and she adores you!♥️
I know this is scary , but your Vet thinks Bambi will do fine and that's reassuring.
And yes, as Jerry said, being home the first five days should be plenty. You'll just want to make sure she can stay on. schedule with pain meds. Generally Vets have dogs come home with an antibiotic, an ant- inflammatory and I e or two strong pain meds. Here in the States and effective pain med is Gabapentin and also Tramadol.
Keep is posted, 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!
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