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. I am very new to this forum. My "boy" Hank is in surgery as I type this. I am so scared that I have made a selfish decision to have his leg amputated, but he is such a happy guy and I do not think he was ready to go to Heaven. If you read this can you please say a prayer that he comes out surgery with no complications and adjusts quickly to life with 3 limbs? Many thanks!
Welcome and best wishes for Hank!
It's not a selfish decision if it is what's best for your pup – which is the case 99.999% of the time.
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sending very best thoughts for you and for Hank. I know you are having doubts at the moment and every pet is an individual, so no one can make guarantees. I'll just share with you that I never regretted our decision to amputate and my boy did adapt swiftly and was happy and pain free again. My only regret was a late diagnosis and not doing it sooner.
Keep us up to date and ask any questions you want. This community is a wealth of knowledge and support.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Hello and welcome.
Tell us more about Hank- why the amputation, cancer? Is he losing a front or rear leg? Is he a Dane?
Now that you have made the decision you have to go forward with confidence! Hank will look to you to be a strong pack leader so you need to show him that everything is OK.
The recovery period can be tough so don't get discouraged if Hank isn't himself for a week or two. This is a big surgery and Hank will have a new 'normal' to get used to. Most pups are back to themselves in two or three weeks- some faster, a few a little longer.
Do you have any specific questions or concerns?
Hopefully by now the surgery is done and Hank in on the road to recovery. Please keep us posted.
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
Oh my dear you under rate yourself! Making the decision to amputate is not selfish it's making a decision to get your boy out of pain. It's giving him a chance......its listening to your boy saying I'm not ready to go yet. Take one day at a time one step at a time. We'll be here ready to offer you support as you begin these first hard days of this journey with us walking with you! Keep us posted as you have time to do so! Hugs!
Hi and welcome!
I hope your boy made it through the surgery ok and is comfortably recovering. How old is he? Never think that decision was selfish, it was made out of love to give him a chance at a happy pain free life!
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Hi! Things will get better. Really. It was take a few weeks but you will be amazed how he adjusts. And oh my goodness, he could be Maple's cousin! They look so much alike!
You and Hank are in good company here. I have already said my prayer for Hank, and will continue to keep him in my thoughts, as well, as you. Cancer came into my life and led to an amputation within a week. There is no waiting time to answer questions, is how I felt, and so I truly support your brave decision for your boy. Keep breathing, and if the only place for peace of mind, lock the bathroom door!
With my heart, Danielle and Angel Gerry Boy
Welcome, you've come to the best place on earth for guidance and information at this most stressful time. You are NOT selfish for giving Hank a chance; we were not ready to say goodbye to our Dobe Nitro when faced with a cancer diagnosis. He had his right front leg amputated, and lived a full, happy life for over 3 years....old age finally took him at age 11 1/2 this past July. It's a scary time for sure, but we've been where you are, and are here to help you get through this. Call the helpline to speak to a live body, or jump into the chat room to get support and any questions you might have answered. Let us know how it goes...many prayers for you both coming your way.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
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