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 this site but have already found a lot of valuable advice. Just like many of you, our family has felt the pain of loss and the fear of the unknown recently. Our story begins with our beloved "fur children". We had 2 greyhounds (black and gold brothers) and a cat, Frisky (who is the boss). Both of our greyhounds were retired athletes who allowed us to spoil them rotten in their golden years. Pirate, our oldest retiree, was 2 months shy of his 14th birthday when he let us know that he was to tired to go on. That was May 12, 2009. On June 26, 2009, his 10 yr old brother Eric, was diagnosed as having Osteosarcoma in his right shoulder. After listening to all our options, we chose to try to extend his days with us so we opted to have his leg amputed. The surgery was this past Monday and he came home yesterday. Of course, we are concerned/scared/worried about anything and everything.
Is there any website that tells you what to expect after surgery? For example, how much "oozing" of the wound is normal, should he be allowed to lay on the incision site, etc...... I know I can call the vet if we get really panticed but I don't want to be one of those "mothers" who calls the doctor six times a day for nothing.
If any one who have already been through this would like to give us some advice on how to spoil him/take care of him while he recovers, it would be appreciated.
Thanks for reading our story. I look forward to any advice you can provide.
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Erics people said:
Is there any website that tells you what to expect after surgery?
Hey good news, you're there! 
Check out these two links, Top 10 Questions here and here. I'm sure they'll answer most of your urgent questions, and if not, you can always check out the Forums and talk to our wonderful family members here, of which you are now a part of. We are so sorry about what you and the kids have gone through recently, but are glad you came here, thank you.
We are also available in the Chat throughout the day, just pop in and hang out to see if anyone stops by, or let us know when you want to talk by scheduling your chat.
Eric will amaze you with his ability to bounce back, you'll see. We have lots of greyhound pawrents here who can offer their advice (just do a search for "grey" in the Forums to see some of their stories). And never feel bad about calling the vet; remember, that's what you're paying them for. A phone call to ease your mind is worth its weight in gold.
Hang in there, and remember we're there with you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to our select group. We are the chosen ones to care for these special creatures, to love them, and make them comfortable. We spoil them and enjoy doing so. We learn so very much from them. Read, read, read. There is tons of valuable information here. Ask questions, someone who has been there will answer.
Paws and fingers crossed as you begin your journey.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Yoda started laying on his incision site early and often. It didn't do him any harm at all. Pretty sure it felt good to him.
Yoda didn't have much oozing, but it sounds from what I've read like that can vary.
If Eric was diagnosed on the 26th, you're probably in the still pretty early stages? If he's still on painkillers, I would just offer that that was the hardest time for Yoda and I. That's when he behaved the most unlike himself. Keep your vet informed, of course, but if Eric seems stressed or depressed or just plain odd during the painkiller period, and your vets says everything is fine, stay calm, it won't last forever.
Yoda had his amputation almost 5 weeks ago and we just got back from our first trip back to the dog park and it was awesome! I think we got a little lucky that there were a lot of very sweet dogs there this evening, which helped me relax. But from beginning to end, Yoda didn't show any hesitation about going right in and socializing as much as ever (maybe more even!). He played chase with several other dogs. He played a little fetch with the tennis ball - less exuberantly than pre-amputation, but he was clearly content. Our visit was shorter than normal, of course, probably 1/3 of what our visits usually were, but it's early! I was surprised he lasted that long with all the chasing he did! And I'm sure he'll keep building endurance for a while yet.
So, it'll probably seem like the healing is taking forever, as so many worries will likely come up between now and when Eric has finished healing, but healing will happen and then Eric can get back to having fun!
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
You are going through the hardest part right now! While Emily was on post op pain meds we were so afraid we had made the wrong decision to have her leg amputated. When Eric gets off his meds it will be easier for all of you. Let Eric be your guide as what he can and should do. Call your vet as often as you need to. Come back to this web site when you have questions or concerns. The people here know what you are going through. Being able to "talk" to someone that has been through this helped me so much and now I hope we will be able to help answer your concerns. Best wishes to you.
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.
Hi Eric's People..and welcome!
Cemil drained a lot. The vet said use warm compresses so the incision doesn't close up–and draining is okay. I put a T-shirt on him with paper towels inside to protect him and whatever he was lying on; I think the draining continued until about the third week after the surgery. It's normal.
While on the pain meds, his appetite wasn't too good so I gave him every kind of incentive to eat that I could find–salmon, tuna, cheese, cottage cheese, cat food; and I found another really good one at Flint River. It's their Bonita Flakes cat treats. That's flakes of fish that really smell terrible but the dogs love them (cats do too). Now, five months later, he eats fine.
Keep track of the milestones and post them here so we can cheer you on. The first two weeks are tough, but after that, life settles down somewhat so you can appreciate the little things.
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Thanks to all of you for your words of wisdom, advice and support. All in all, Eric seems to be doing well for four days post-op. However, today was his worst day by far. He is still on the pain meds but they have discontinued the antibiotic since it was upsetting his stomach and making him not want to eat. He is also acting anxious and "strange" today but we are not panicking since we were forewarned that this may happen (Thanks Yodasmom!). Also, thanks to Cemil- your comment about the cat food gave us some comic relief. Eric has been known to be caught with his head in the cat's "wet" food bowl quite often. He will actually push open a pocket door to get to it. So, thanks for the idea- if his appetite doesn't improve soon- Bring on the Whiskas!
I'd feel "strange" too, my first time on heavy meds for days straight, realizing I need to re-learn how to walk. Er... hop! 🙂 Hang in there. Best wishes for a speedy complete recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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