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 there!
We brought our Golden Retriever, Mason, home today. He's a rescue and almost 7. He had a front leg amputation yesterday.
He seems comfortable while resting but having difficulty getting up. We knew this would be hard for all of us, but we're just overwhelmed with emotions. At what point/day will he shows signs of improvement? What can we give him to help with anxiety and keep him calm?
He's drinking water and had some peanut butter. We'll try dinner later tonight. He's still our beautiful boy!
Thank you.
Hi Laura and sweet Mason. Goldens are such delightful pups!
You have come to the right place for support and information. Your post has been approved and we are all here to help you navigate through recovery.
We know how physically and emotionally exhausting it can be getting to this point. We understand it all too well!!!
Keep in mind that Mason just had major surgery and, hopefully, is nicely drugged up on some good pain meds. A human would still be in the hospital for several days and on a morphine drip! We promise you, recovery doesn't last forever, it just feels like it right now!
The first two weeks should jist be short, leashed potty breaks and back in for rest and rest and more rest. You mentioned him being "anxious". Right now what you are probably seeing is him shaking off the effects of anesthesia and strong hospital meds as opposed to "anxiety".
You can also familiarize yourself with pain signals on the link highlighted. Additionally, here is a link Tripawds What to Expect
Drinking and urinating are more important than food and pooping right now. Give him any yummy thing he will eat as the pain meds sometimes dull their appetite for a couple of days.
How much does Mason weigh? What pain meds did he come home with...dose and frequency. What was the reason for the amp?
If you have Hardwood floors you'll want to put down non-slip rugs for traction .
As far as mobility and not getting up uet....perfectly normal this early on. He'll start getting his sea legs in the next couple of days. You can assist him with a towel sling if he needs that kind of help.
Stay connected and ask any questions as they arise, okay? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!!
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!
Hi Laura and Mason, welcome! How are things going today?
What you are describing is totally normal and to be expected. What kind of pain management is he taking? What kind of meds, dosage, and frequency?
Yes, things DO get better and he will find his sea legs soon. Give him time and focus on the big picture. All dogs are different in how they recover and how long they take but a young dog like Mason should probably be pretty mobile in a few days, enough to potty and eat/drink without being wobbly. Walks will happen in time and once stitches come out you should start seeing big improvements.
Check out our What to Expect articles , and consider booking an appointment for a rehab therapy evaluation. Therapists like to see new Tripawds within 10 days of surgery if not sooner. It can really help you know what is good and not good activity for him, and Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first visit too so we hope you'll consider taking him in.
Drop us a line with an update when you can!
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