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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We brought Spencer home this morning after his left front leg was amputated due to bone cancer. Getting to this point has been quite an emotional journey, but we are determined to make the rest of his time with us as great as possible. First, we have to help him adapt to his new condition.
Spencer has slept a lot today and when it was time to eat or go outside he was not very eager or confident. I provided him a lot of help with the harness. We are thinking he might need some therapy. Spencer is a strong dog, 7.5 years old, and not overweight, but he seems to struggle to support himself on his front leg.
We don’t really know what to expect so it’s hard not to be worried. Glad we found this site to share our story and learn from others.
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Hi and welcome! So sorry you had to join our club but we are glad you found us too! Don't expect too much right now, he just needs plenty of couch time and good pain management to heal. He will need some help but in a couple of weeks he will get his sea legs and his sparkle back.
I'll write more tomorrow but for now please see our What to Expect articles and Jerry's Required Reading List if you haven't already. Oh and consider registering as a member so your posts won't need approval each time.
Thanks Jerry. My wife and I have both joined the site and we will review the recommended reading.
Spencer does love the couch! Today we had some wins like being able to poop and some assisted hopping around the yard. It’s hard to be patient when we just want so badly for him to be himself again. We have been taking turns being with him all day while also making sure our other Saint doesn’t feel left out.
You are so welcome. We are glad you joined (sorry you had to!). It sounds like you are already seeing progress. That's wonderful! All of these little victories add up. Don't push too much too soon and you won't regret it later. One of the biggest causes of a setback with a new Tripawd is allowing them to do too much at first. Keep telling yourself that rest is medicinal and it will pay off.
Check out Thurston the Saint's blog. Start from the oldest post so you can follow his journey on three. It's a great blog and so hopeful!
I'm in the Tripawds Chat right now with Boone's human (he's a Mastif) if you want to talk.
Spencer sou ds like a strong and determined dog.who also love couch time! I always marvel how one of the first signs of recovering is when a dog starts reclaiming the couch.
And YAY for poop!! We love to celebrate. 
around here!..
We know it's soooo hard to be patient right now. Just remind yourself he had MAJOR surgery a few days agai, is try to adapt to three, all while on good pain meds. No, he doesn't feel like running a marathon yet, but the fact that he IS hopping some with assistance is really good at this point.
Slow and easy right now is how to get through recovery. And yes, Rehabilitation Specialist can do wonders in showing to how to keep Tripawd Spencer fit and strong. Maybe check I to that when his stirches are oit. The Tripawd Foundation will even pay for the first consult.
Stay pawsitive and upbeat. Spencer's got this handled-👍
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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