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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Hello to everyone - My name is Riley and I am new to the tripawd world.....
I have only seen one tripawd in my 9 1/2 years and now I am going to be one - my surgery date is set for January 27th....
I know I am going to be fine - I just hope my mom and dad can make it through.....(they've cried ALOT these past few weeks so I must be something very special)
My life changed dramatically on December 7th when I broke my left front leg and I was raced to the vet.....My x-rays looked as if I had stepped into a gopher hole - but there was a mysterious black spot on my x-rays and after comparing them with other ones from over the summer - They realized they had misdiagnosed me and I suspected that I actually had cancer and not arthritis.
I have had lots and lots of tests run and I got gold stars on all my blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds etc. so they have given my pawrents the green light to remove my leg…..I am scared of what it going to be like right after the surgery so my mom has been showing me pictures of what other dogs look like and told me its gonna hurt way bad – but we have lots and lots of dog treats to help with the pain…..
I also got my first dose of K-9 immunity
and the other stuff recommended by the Aloha company yesterday – and I got my first taste of pill pockets yesterday too….I never knew taking pills could be a wonderful thing…I gobbled up 8 pills in 8 pill pockets – then my mom decided today that I was going to blow up like balloon if we kept this up so I guess some of my pills will have to be mixed in with my food again – oh well – my mom makes really good dinners for me anyway….
I have been allergic to grains most of my life so I have always had healthy dog foods and EVO is my favorite cuz the dog on the bag looks like my boyfriend (he is a wolf cross and is really cute).
Anyways, my mom and I have to run out for a bit (I still get to go for a car ride every single day) and we were wondering if anyone could tell us if I am supposed to continue with my supplements or if I should stop them before my surgery - and any words of encouragement would really help my pawrents through this new few weeks......cuz my mom is crying again.......
I understand why your Mom is crying. She loves you very much and doesn't realize how well you will do with three legs. She will be surprised you will still be able to run and jump and have a great life. Before my cancer spread to my spine I could still run across my backyard and jump on my trampoline. I didn't even miss my sore leg!
Emily
Riley's Mom,
Good move limiting the pill pockets. You won't want Riley to have to deal with extra weight. When I found out Emily had cancer the bottom fell out of my world. I understand your pain. However, Emily taught me that life is so precious. We need to not mourn what we still have. Riley will not have the psychological hang ups that we have about amputation. If her leg is hurting, and bone cancer HURTS, she will be glad to have it gone. We don't realize how much our dogs are hurting because as pack animals they are conditioned to hide their pain. Now granted we do have some divas on the site that are exceptions to that, but for the most part dogs hide their pain.
Take a deep breath. Know that the first two weeks after amputation can be very hard and you may think you have made the wrong choice but you didn't. Are you doing chemo?
You will be getting so much wonderful advice and meet so many knowledgeable and kind people. We will be here for you.
Debra
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.
Welcome Riley! Thanks for joining the club nobody wants to join. Best wishes for a complete speedy recovery, we know you'll do fine too!
Tell your people they'ss find lots of recovery and care tips in Jerry's Required Reading List, and for immediate answers to the most common dog amputation questions they might consider downloading the new Tripawds e-book Three Legs and A Spare.
Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sending lots of encouragement your way, Riley, - and especially for your pawrents. It was very hard when we first saw our girl after her surgery, and the first week or two were tough, but after that, it was pretty much all good. Abby has adapted SO well, we're always amazed and impressed with what she can do. All the best. You'll find lots of good advice and support on this site!
Jackie, Abby's mom.
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Riley.. welcome to tripawds, please tell your mom and dad that you are strong.. it is very scary to get this kind of news and the thoughts of amputation makes it feel like gloing from bad to worse. but let them know that the amputation will free you from the horrible pain, and you should adapt to 3 legs. I am a 10 year old Newfie mix and when my dad found out I had cancer in my left front leg, the actual truth didnt sink in until we got home, and mom was out of town so he had to call her with the news and as soon as he talked to her it all hit home and he cried and cried. I kept telling him I would be alright but it was hard for him. The day before your scheduled surgery is my 3 month ampuversary - and I am doing well, I just celebrated my 1oth birthday last week and I am moving slower than I used to but go everywhere by myself. all the folks here on the group will help you along because we have all been here. tell your pawrents to keep therechins up not only for themselves but because you need their pawsitive energy and strength right now! We are all pulling for you and ready to answer any questions you might have! Good luck and welcome to the group again! Emilys mom is so right! we need to not mourn what we still have! each day we have is so precious and we should hold onto it and cherish it for all it is worth!
Cooper
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Riley! Welcome aboard the Tripawd Train (in a week)! Woooooot! Woooooot! The first part of ride is ruff – like for 2 weeks but that's just because there's some serious healing going on in your body. Those nerves and muscles that get cut are fussy about getting cut. BUT they heal and after that….WOOT! WOOT! TREATVILLE!
TREATVILLE is where you get treats for every little endeavor. It's not a big deal to us tripawds once we get the hang of 3-legs. But our pawrents sure seem to think the little things are special! Treats!
Treats, I tell you! Lots of treats!
So, tell your mom and dad to stop with the crying and start smiling. You are getting a second chance and will be pain free once that useless leg is gone. Oh, and tell her to get out the peanut butter for pills. I LOVE peanut butter! My mom dips the handle of a plastic spoon (I think it was left over from a milkshake she got at Sonic) and dabs me a little peanut butter with my pills. I just open my mouth up and she scrapes the peanut butter behind my teeth. I've never tasted a pill yet and I get one after every meal!
I'd probably ask the vet about supplements right now. Typically any (human) surgery tells you to cut them out.
But I digress…
You are going to make a fine tripawd. I can just tell! I should know because I'm an expert at being a tripawd. I've been one all of my life – over 12 years! Now, I didn't have to have my leg removed because it's not hurting anything and it's "just there". But I can see from your picture that you are going to be a great "Hopper"!
And you know what that means? YEP. More treats!
Do I still hear your mom crying???? No…wait. I think that's some horrible contestant on American Idol on the TV in the background! Geeeze, I bet that contestant's mom is crying! YIKES!
Okay, Riley …you got a week to make your folks happy. I know you can do it.
We'll be rootin' for you!
Comet
(I tell you about the monkeydogs later. But you will need to watch out for them and for gosh sakes don't engage them! Cooper has and he has paid for it.)
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.
Hey Riley, you've got the spunk and the moxie to make a great Tripawd! Tell your Mom she has nothing to fear, you're going to do just fine.
About stopping the supplements...I would definitely ask your vet. Some supplements can cause thin blood which might make healing more of a chore. Others may not jive so well with surgery anesthesia or pain meds. Call your vet, let them know what you're taking and ask when you should stop and restart them OK?
Treats are also very good with cheese and ice cream!
Oh you're going to love all of the attention you're going to be getting, just wait. Get your 5 second elevator pitch down, because everyone's going to want to know your story!
Good luck buddy, thanks for joining us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Aw Riley. A name after my own heart. Catie's our Golden Tripawd (she lost her right foreleg to osteosarcoma in January 2010); but Riley's her rambunctious quadpawd brother. And sometimes he's even hijacked her blog, if you can believe the cheek of him.
Sorry this has happened to Riley, but you've found the perfect spot for support and information.
The psychological distress of amputation is a human construct. All Riley wants and needs right now is to be out of pain. And she will be once the source of it has been removed. That's a good thing. A very good thing.
From one Riley mom to another 
, hang in there.
And breathe.
We're here for you.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Welcome to the family, yep, kind of hold on for the ride those first 2, it has alot of ups and downs, but you wil be amazed at how well they recover and usually by the 3rd week start acting like their old self. I think by week 4 Gus was jumping up in pickup trucks and climbing hay mows as well as scouting the fields, his usual self. You are about to learn a whole lot about dogs and their resilience and determination, it's the humans that have all the anxiety about whats going on. Gus had trouble with ohantom pain, started about 5 days post, lasted about 4 weeks, at first he would yelp at the top of his lungs but by the 4th week it was just a mild whimper. Gabapentin was the med that helped with that. Don't be afrait ot ask anything, experience gives the best answers, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Catiesmom said:
The psychological distress of amputation is a human construct.
Well said! One book that has helped many new members – and helped us – cope with the diffucult decision to amputate is Without Regret.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Riley and Riley's mom,
I'm glad you found the Tripawd community. Linnea and I are pretty new here, but are a week or so ahead of you two in this process and can hopefully lend our support. Linnea just had her amputation two days ago and this is her first day home. The toughest part so far (well, after the diagnosis) was seeing her incision for the first time. But I am already getting used to it. Our family did a lot of crying too, but now that the amputation is over, I feel like we have shifted away from much of the grief and are able to look toward the future. It is encouraging to see pictures and hear the stories about other tripawds who have recovered and are out running and playing.
As for other post-amp details, Linnea is also not a big fan of the sling I bought to help her navigate, or the t-shirts I tried to tie around her bottom half to cover the incision. She does love all the tasty treats I got for her homecoming. The vet gave her a fentanyl patch and oral pain meds, and the only time she has appeared to very uncomfortable is when she has tried to lie down on the side where her incision is. For a new tripawd, she is really getting around well. Since Riley has already had practice on 3 legs, I'll bet the adjustment will be pretty quick.
This is a tough time. I hope you'll feel the support of all the tripawds and their people here. Check back often. We are rooting for Riley!!!!
Linnea and Linnea's Mom
Riley, you made a great choice coming here. My boy Champ had his amputation 3 months ago and most times you'd never know he only had 3 legs. The vets will have you up the same day and you will do great!! Just like your mom I cried a lot those first few weeks before and after the surgery. But now I am just so happy to have my baby happy and pain-free... and more importantly... cancer-free.
Just don't overdo it the first couple weeks. Take it slow and easy until you are fully healed. After Champ's stitches came out he felt like a new dog and was ready for anything. And his sister didn't care at all that he only had 3 legs. She still loved him as much.
Best of luck to you and your pawrents... keep us posted.
Joy (Champ's mom)
Emilysmom said:
I understand why your Mom is crying. She loves you very much and doesn't realize how well you will do with three legs. She will be surprised you will still be able to run and jump and have a great life. Before my cancer spread to my spine I could still run across my backyard and jump on my trampoline. I didn't even miss my sore leg!
Emily
Riley's Mom,
Good move limiting the pill pockets. You won't want Riley to have to deal with extra weight. When I found out Emily had cancer the bottom fell out of my world. I understand your pain. However, Emily taught me that life is so precious. We need to not mourn what we still have. Riley will not have the psychological hang ups that we have about amputation. If her leg is hurting, and bone cancer HURTS, she will be glad to have it gone. We don't realize how much our dogs are hurting because as pack animals they are conditioned to hide their pain. Now granted we do have some divas on the site that are exceptions to that, but for the most part dogs hide their pain.
Take a deep breath. Know that the first two weeks after amputation can be very hard and you may think you have made the wrong choice but you didn't. Are you doing chemo?
You will be getting so much wonderful advice and meet so many knowledgeable and kind people. We will be here for you.
Debra
Hi Riley and pack,
Welcome to Tripawds. You have received some good advice already, and as you can see you have found a wonderful site for support through this difficult time. Chances are that if you have a question someone here can answer- or at least offer advice from experience.
Good luck with surgery next week. Keep us posted on how things are going, and be sure and come back with questions.
One question for you- what part of CA are you in? I am in Northern CA in the Bay Area- there are a few of us who get together once in awhile.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and word of encouragement...
It means a lot to know there is someplace to go where we can share our story with others that have gone through (or are going through) the same thing as we are...
I have to say I had to laugh at comment from Jerry's Pack - "Thanks for joining the club nobody wants to join."
We don't know what the future will hold...we don't even know the type of cancer Riley has - so we don't know if we will / will not be doing chemo....They will be doing a 3rd biopsy after the amputation to hopefully pin down exactly what happened inside her leg - the 2 biopsies were "non specific" and "signs of possible sarcoma" but the leg shattered so badly that they do not think it will ever heal properly thus the reason for the amputation….
I think (hope anyways) that I have moved past the amputation part of this journey (even before it happens) and now focusing my energy on giving Riley the best possible future for the time she has left. (it’s so much better than crying my eyes out)
Thank you all again for your comments, tips, stories etc….I took notes trust me 
PS. Comet – your pawrents make you watch American idol too…Is that not the dumbest show!..…Remember Fear Factor – now that was entertainment.
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