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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Cooper is a very handsome dog! He looks a lot like Sammy; maybe they are distant cousins.
Pam
What a gorgeous boy! I just posted on your blog only to read that you did post pictures of Cooper. Now I would say that's a major accomplishment. It took me forever to figure out how to post on the forum - the blog seemed a lot easier to me.
Hang in there though...every recovery is different and if I were to compare Mackenzie's recovery to others it was probably worst than most. But she's doing great and we couldn't be happier. I bet Cooper will be peeing and pooping in no time. And like everyone said, you'll be breaking out the wine or champagne to celebrate. A major cause for celebration 
- we've all been there. This can be a scary time during this recovery because you don't know what to expect. But if you need anything, we're here for you!
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
thanks Kami, the words of encouragement are a huge help. I am hoping that tomorrow I will have more milestones to post. we visit the canine rehab center tomorrow, hoping for some pointers there to get us moving forward a little more. not that there hasnt been forward progress! yesterday morning Cooper had to be carried inside in a blanket - and since that time he has been in and out 7 or 8 times - not completely on his own - but he did most of the work. Its nice to know you are all here!
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Now that you have been well advised on how to do the potty dance, welcome you handsome boy Cooper!
We look forward to hearing all about your successes!
Pat, Angel Ruthie & puppy Tess
Hi Coops Dad,
Hang in there- it DOES get better. Don't compare Cooper to any other pup here- they all heal at their own rate. The only advice I got from the vet was 'dogs do fine on three legs' so when Maggie seemed to struggle at first I was really worried. As you have read the first couple of weeks can be up and down... but it seems like once off meds and the sutures or staples come out things progress much faster. Remember that Coop has a lot to deal with learning how to balance and get around. When you think about it, it really is amazing that they can get around as well as they do as fast as they do.
And in case you haven't found it yet, here is a link to SAMMY'S BLOG. Sammy is another lab- newfie mix who started his tripawd journey at the end of August. He and Coop do look like they might be related! And if you want to look for Sammy's postings in the forums his Mom posts as 'fightingforsammy'.
And we are all standing by for the 'first poop' post!!! This is the only group I know of, other than parents of toddlers, who spend so much time discussing and celebrating poops and pees 
.
Karen and the pugapalooza
thanks Karen! I had just found and finished reading Sammys blog when I came back here and found your post. My! Sammy and Cooper DO look so much alike! the posts here have been bitter sweet... bitter as I read of those that have lost their battles, and sweet for the love shown by all their pawrents - yeah - it is the first time I have spent time online discussing pees and poops - but yeah, its all good! thanks again to everyone, I just cant imagine how alone we would feel without you all!
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Hi Coop's Dad -
My tripawd, Lincoln, is a big fella too. I was awfully worried how he would cope on three legs at his size. He was 118 prior to surgery, and is about 105 now. I guess it was a pretty big leg. Ugh.
I concur with all the other advice. Every dog goes at his or her own pace.
If it makes you feel any better, Lincoln now runs, swims, plays, and rolls around pretty much like he always did. He's a rear leg amputee, but still a fair comparison to your boy.
Here's his blog if you want to take a look. http://credocan.....pawds.com/
Coop is awesome. I hope you find all the support you need here. I know I did.
Lincoln's Mom
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall – Confucius
http://credocan.....pawds.com/
The first two weeks post amp are nicknamed the "2 weeks of hell" for a reason. There are sooo many factors that go into their recovery and so many things that are happening:
1. Meds- not only can they make the doggies constipated, some make them pant a lot, drink a lot of water, get dizzy, feel nauseous...
2. Learning to walk- they started with 4 points of contact on the ground and then all of a sudden they go to 3. Big balance change.
3. Learning to "go"- Chloe (my tripawd) is a rear amp, so it took her a while to learn to squat to pee and hunch to poo. Even front leg amputees have their own issues with "going".
4. Eating enough- meds can affect their appetite, sometimes the antibiotics and pain meds interact and make them less hungry or nauseous. Trick is to give them what ever they will eat!!! If ever there were a time to spoil, it is NOW!
5. Staying positive: MOST IMPORTANT!!! Because you are dealing with 1-4, sometimes it can be frustrating when you hit a new obstacle. IT WILL BE OK, I PROMISE!!! If you act like everything is ok, your pup will pick up on your positive vibes and will probably have a better recovery than if you are worrying a lot (not saying you are, but just something to keep in mind).
We are here for you to answer any questions/concerns no matter how "small" or "insignificant" they might seem. I assure you at least someone here has experienced it!!! Good Luck!!
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
thanks Chloes mom and Lincolns mom! I did indeed visit Lincolns blog - how inspiring and what a beautiful dog he is! you guys are all just the best!
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
First off Cooper's dad - you have one black beauty! Welcome aboard the Tripawd Train! Woot! Woot!
Sammy's mom is going to freak out when she sees Cooper since they do look a like! (but don't expect any pics for comparison, the computer and her are not friends!)
Second!!!!!! I'm not "infamous" (thanks Fortisdog - see if you get another locket of my fur)! I am FURRY, FEARLESS and FABULOUS (and the only one with a 4th leg)! 
Instead of reading Lincoln's blog, watch this instead - it sums up Lincoln!
and then watch Trouble's video - she's almost at 2 years out!
Cancer sucks, but Tripawds Rule! (in my case: Deformities Suck but Tripawds Rule!)
P.S. watch out for the monkeydogs on here they sneak in and out and they are out to take over the Tripawd site! I'm the Fearless Leader of the Anti-Monkeybutt Force so don't worry! But I'm feeling pretty good about having a new big dog with Cooper! We like the big laid back ones on our side!
Welcome Cooper!
Cool Cat Comet
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.
Coopersdad, forgive me for just now getting caught up on your story. I hope that by now you're celebrating a big bouncy poo and that Cooper is getting around on his own.
As you've seen here, the road to recovery isn't pawfect for everypawdy, and some dogs take longer than others. They're just like humans after a major surgery. Some recover fast, others take a while. It all depends on the unique pawsonality of each patient. Big dogs, small dogs, we've had a variety of breeds and sizes who take longer than usual to recuperate. It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but we hope that everyone's stories here have given you hope.
Paws crossed for a good weekend. Keep us posted OK? We're glad you're here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Apology in order! I didn't mean to use the word infamous to describe Cometdog. FAMOUS is more like it! I don't know how or why I typed infamous . that's creepy. 
Fortis'Dad
well, Cometdog, thanks for the great welcome and the videos! there has been SO much inspiring input here! Cooper and I both slept better last night! well..... in bits and pieces. Cooper spent a great deal of the night and early morning excercising, but hey thats ok by me cause it means he's still fighting. And Cometdog I can tell by your picture ( which I love ) that you are indeed FURRY, FEARLESS AND FABULOUS!!! And yup, Sammys mom will probably freak when she sees Cooper, I kinda freaked when I saw Sammy!
To Jerry's pack, no forgiveness is even in order here, you have undertaken a monumental task here and I am pretty sure without you, I would have given up on day 1. I have never experienced such an intense rush of emotion and frustration as I have since I started this journey with Cooper.
But ...... lets have a little positive this morning number 4.............. COOPER POOPED THIS MORNING!!!! Yup, we got up at 7:30 a.m and got dressed in the sling and went outside, Cooper has always been left outside to do his business and for years its been no messing around 10 minutes tops and we are done, so to facilitate, I have been getting him on all 3 and going inside and watching, the first few days it was 20 seconds , step forward and rolllllllllllll down. This morning to leap ahead, Cooper had 4 or 5 good hops and kept his feet, when he did fall, I gave him a few minutes to rest and went back out and set him up again, 5 or 6 hops and fall, FINALLY he took 3 hops and got himself in the position and with a little effort he had 2 GOOD POOPS!!!! Huray!!! Coops mom and I are so happy! I have to admit, that although I WANTED to do a big old poop dance right there in the front yard, I didnt so I wouldnt embarass Coops you know. But I did get right down there on the ground with him for a big hugging and rolling session, I have to wonder what the neighbors are thinking, they look , although they do it secretively. If they knew the love we had BEFORE our kids got sick, they would know that , that love only grew exponentially after they got sick, and they wouldnt even look, they would probably have to stand out there and do a POOP DANCE with us! Sorry to take so much space here, Coop says he doesnt know what a monkeydog is , but if you guys dont like em neither does he! and count him in on the AMBF! thanks everyone!
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
I'm sure everyone who reads your post is doing the poo dance in Cooper's honor!! Time to celebrate.
What a great start to the weekend.
Lincoln's Mom
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall – Confucius
http://credocan.....pawds.com/
This is the one place EVERYONE understands the happiness of the poop dance! Congrats to you and Cooper.
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.
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