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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Hey there!
My 11yr old Boxer-mix had his back left leg amputated a few days ago (osteosarcoma). He seems to be doing better every day. This has been a big adjustment for him and for myself both mentally and logistically with his new schedule.
How long did it take for your furbaby to grow their fur back? The constant staring and wide eyes from neighbours has me feeling guilty for my decision. I feel like having his fur back will make his amputation more descrete and hopefully make me more comfortable.
Pola & Bury
Hi Pola and welcome. Your future posts will not require approval.
I'm not sure how long it takes for the fur to grow in. If your dog has a short coat, it's going to look noticeably better within a few weeks. Rear amputees tend to be more "low profile" than front amputees. I can't tell you how many neighbors I've been chatting with when after 10 minutes they suddenly go "oh my god! Your dog is missing a leg! She gets around so well!". It's funny every single time.
Hi Pola, welcome! Sorry I missed you in the Tripawds Chat earlier. I'm in there now for a little bit if you want to chat.
I'm so glad your pup is doing well. What's his name?
A short haired dog's fur should grow back pretty quickly, say, stubble within a month or so. As for the neighbors, well forget 'em. If they can't see how amazing and remarkable he is for even being mobile and outside this soon after amputation, well, they're blind!
I know it's hard not to feel bad about making that decision for him. We get it. And around here we say that amputation isn't something we do TO them, it's something we do FOR them. You helped your boy get out of the most excruciating cancer pain there is. And now he can live out his years as a hoppy, pain-free dog. That is a gift!
As time goes on and he amazes you more and more, you'll feel better. See our Tripawds Quality of Life Survey Results for some insight on how other people feel about their decision.
You stay here with us, okay? We are your new BFF "neighbors"😉 We, unlike them, know the research you have done and we know yiu are making THE best decision to give your pupper a quality pain free life. And that shaved fur area is to be worn like a Badge of Honor showing the world what a Tripawd Warrior uoir dog is!!
So you stand tall and proud with your pup and give yourself credit for doing what you needed to do FOR him!
One of the vest responses I've heard when some said, "Oh, your dog only has three legs!" The response with great alarm, "Yikes!!! Oh my gosh!!!! I hadn't noticed!!
Keep us updated how your Boxer is doing. Take things slowly. Dont overdo. It's very early in recovery and he needs lots of rest and SHORT leashed potty breaks.
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!
Hello Pola!
I actually had the same question too lol! today is the 7th week post-op for Millie, she is a short hair dachshund.
From what I am seeing I think prob gonna take her another 7 weeks to get all the fur back to before the surgery...
The fur near the incision is pretty much 60% back, but her neck is still pretty..."raw", since she is still wearing the cone for other reasons...
You are all the best!!
Just to update, Bury is a day away from 1 week post-op and we have massively slowed down and are now embracing rest and relaxation. Stopped walks and I've since gotten use to his shaved bum bum and embrace it wholeheartedly.
Pola & Bury
Awww that's so good to know, thank you for the update. Can you see any fur stubble yet?
Thanks for the update and letting us know how Brewery is doing. To know that scaling things back a bit, being patient and not overdoing seem to be working. Good job!
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!
Pola,
I was really affected by my dogs shaved look, she had a longer coat so it was even more obvious. one minor thing that helped was I took pictures to track her incision healing, but a bonus of this is it let me compare hair growth as well... where we don't notice a change from day to day if you look back at a picture from a week ago you can really tell the difference.
Just a thought.
Glad to hear the embracing the chill life for a bit, it will pay off in the end and you two will be back to your active ways sooner than you know.
Not much stubble coming in but I've grown to love his silky furless skin hehe.
On a different topic, I know every dog is different. But how long did it take for your doggos to WANT to go for a walk and how long before they were physically able to?
Pola & Bury
Generally dogs can get back to aome normal routines like going on a leashed walk etc once the stitches are out (around the two week mark).
At that time It's best to do several smaller walks a day (maybe ten to fifteen minutes) as opposed to one or two long ones.
As Bury gets further away from surgery recovery and ore co fortavle with his new gait he will show more and more interest in reclaiming his nor al routines, nor al desire to go on walks, etc.
Just follow Bury's lead. He'll show you when he's ready to so things like before. Yoh may have to monitor him ao he doesn't get too wild and crazy.
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!
On a different topic, I know every dog is different. But how long did it take for your doggos to WANT to go for a walk and how long before they were physically able to?
This is a good question for our Hopping Around Forum Discussion. If you don't mind, can you please start a new topic there so others can learn too? Thanks!
Also first time member. My male Scottish Terrier is 5 days post-op amputation of the right front leg. When he loses his balance and falls over, he just screams and screams. Yes, he is in pain meds, but its tearing my heart out. Is this normal?
Also, I'm not really sure how to start a new topic or ask for advice? Suggestions please?
Hello Sonya. Welcome to Tripawds. Please consider starting a new topic so yours doesn't get lost in the responses of this topic. Please start your topic here https://tripawd.....our-story/ You can find some good information starting here: Tripawds What to Expect , Jerry's Required Reading List , pain medication protocols .
Tell us what pain meds your pup is on. Yes it is normal for them to lose their balance and fall over. He is learning to lose muscles he never had to use before. As he gets used to using only 3 legs he won't fall over as often.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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