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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My wiggly baby, Ducky, dashed out the front door this afternoon and got hit by a car. I'm so grateful that he's not hurt worse, but his back leg is shattered. I rushed him to the emergency vet and they decided that his only options for a pain-free life are either amputation or a specialty surgery. Duck is my best friend and I take full responsibility for his safety, but because of the crisis I am suddenly unemployed. This couldn't have happened at a worse time.
I guess my reason for writing this is to ask some advice. I am seriously considering amputating his leg. I'm applying for grants, suggested to me by my vet, but I can't afford a specialty surgery. Am I being selfish choosing to amputate instead exhausting every resource for the expensive surgery? It seems like a viable option but I want to do right by Mr. Duck. He's young and healthy, I'm sure he'd recover and be back to his floppy self even with three legs
I know people can get heated about those of us who can't pay for their dog's medical treatment. If I had known I would find myself unable to afford my dog's emergency surgery, I never would have adopted him. I do believe that it is wrong to take on animals that one can't afford. I'm 21 years old, the world is really scary right now. It's been a really really bad day and I would appreciate some empathy. You all seem like a very supportive community, it would help me so much to talk to people who've been through this. We are both feeling pretty traumatized lol
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
We consider this site a 'no judgement' zone. As long as you are doing the best you can for your pet we support you!
I know people can get heated about those of us who can’t pay for their dog’s medical treatment. If I had known I would find myself unable to afford my dog’s emergency surgery, I never would have adopted him. I do believe that it is wrong to take on animals that one can’t afford.
Many of us here have had to make decisions based on finances- you should never feel bad about that. In so many situations we face all the money in the world wouldn't change the outcome. You were employed when you adopted him and had every intention to support you and Duck. Life throws us curve balls sometimes and we do what we can... and man, we are living in a screwy, scary world right now.
My current Tripawd is a little Pug mix who was hit by a car when she was 7 months old and her owners surrendered her to a rescue group. I don't know if any surgery could have saved her leg but the rescue chose to have her right rear leg amputated. Elly is now 5+ years old and can do pretty much everything a dog her size and age can do.
Did the vet indicate the chances of a repair working? How long would he be restricted in activity and would he eventually be pain free? We have seen here that dogs with complicated breaks don't heal even after the complicated surgery to try and save the leg and end up having an amputation.
Don't get me wrong- keeping the leg (assuming pain free) would be the best outcome, but if that is not possible for whatever reason it sounds like Duck would do fine as a Tripawd.
One more thing to consider- if you could find a rescue group to take him and pay for the leg saving surgery you could surrender him if you thought it was in his best interest. But I'm guessing in today's world his best option is to stay with you but I wanted to throw it out there so you have peace of mind that you have considered all options.
Keep us posted on what you decide to do. Again- you are doing your best for Duck and we are here to help.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
First of all Mr. Duck is just georgus! And I love the name!
We all wish we had the resources to do whatever we can for our pets, but unfortunately that is not the way it is, but Mr Duck loves you no matter what. Dogs don't care about big houses, fancy. cars, and how much money is on our bank account. They just want someone to love, and to be loved.
Just sit back and think about what Duck would want, and do what is best for him and you!
By the pictures I don't think Mr Duck cares about four legs, or three as long as he has you...
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Oh wow I’m so sorry for the accident. You clearly love this pup and are trying to do your best and we will support you in whatever you decide.
It is not wrong to consider amputation if the other surgery will bankrupt you and cause extreme hardship. That is not what Duck wants for you. All he wants is to feel good again and make you happy.
If you are at all uncertain about amputation them have an orthopedic surgeon review his case. Does the current vet have any that can check it out ASAP?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As youi can see, you've come to the right place for support and undestanding! And we def understand financial limitations.
The .ovenuounjave for Ducky comes shy through. And he is a cery, very lucky boy that you adopted him! Yes, forseen accidents can happen, or an illness can pop up with a doso manh unknowns when we adopt a dog. We just accept that the unexpected can happen, but not let that stops us from givi6 a dog a loving home. And we are soooo glad you are giving Ducky the .loving home he deserves.
To be clear and, hopefully give you some peace of mind, know this. REGARDLESS of finances, we have seen MANY times where an owner chooses amputation I. Cases like this, and here is the main reason. Often times leg surgery repair i evolves a cery long and co fined recover, a very high risk of infection and, often times, multiple surgeries are involved. AND, AMPUTATION ENDS UP BEING THE END RESULT ANYWAY!
With amputation, it's ONE surgery, about a two week period of recovery that requires rest and some good pain meds. It's no picn6 during this time. It is MAJOR surgery. Some dogs are mobile right away, some require several days or more. But once dec6 is done and the sparkle comes back, dogs get along as though they were born with three legs.
You would be making a decion out of LOVE for Mr. Duck. A decision that would be the least stressful for him (again, recovery can be rpugh, butnit doesn't last furever). Of course, we do6 know all the ends and outside of a "specialty surgery", but I don6 think the Vet would have men amputation if he did think this was a good alternative.....regardless of finances.
Update when you get a chance, okay? We are here for you and to support you in any decision you make.. And if you go with amp, we can cert help you navigate through recovery, pain management , how to keep joints healthy, etc.
And more pictures We can see why uou feelin love with that adorable fella'!❤
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!
thank you guys for the replies. What a wonderful community! rnDuck had his leg amputated this past Wednesday and he's recovering really well. We're both a little sad i cant let him romp around my room or cuddle in my bed, but i think he cares less than I do. I will definitely be snooping around the joint health posts as soon as we're out of the bed rest phase of his recovery, he's a very big boy and he was going to have problems with his hips already. I'll keep everyone updated on his progress! Lots of love to everyone and their stumpy little dudes!
I'm so glad Mr. Duck is recovering, that's terrific!
I hope you're both getting lots of rest. And good for you to not let him overdo it, that is soooo important during recovery.
Let us know if we can help you with your log-in issues OK? Looks like you had some trouble?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So happy Mr. Duck is recovering. Let us know how it goes.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Glad to hear that Duck is doing fine. I'm late to this conversation. We adopted Maggie 2 yrs ago right after the amputation of her right front leg. She was hit by a car and the owner did nothing. Today, we go for walks, although short ones, car rides, and shopping. We have her on daily supplements and watch her weight. She is Black Lab/Great Dane mix. I hear that the larger the dog, the harder it is or will be for them in the future. The good thing is Maggie does not know that she has three legs. She runs and barks in the backyard just like all the other dogs in the neighborhood. Use the tripaw community for advice and information.
For now, enjoy Duck and know that you did make the right decision. You will never regret having him in your life.
Maggie & Dave
Good feedback Dave. Maggie is a big dog RockStar
❤❤❤
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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