Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, I am Angie, Ella's mom. This is really hard for me and I'm not quite sure where to start- posting here kind of makes this whole thing real and the fact that Ella is going to be losing her leg a reality. I have known this was coming for over a month and have probably been in a bit of denial. Ella is scheduled to have her front leg amputated on September 8th, one week from today.
I guess I should start with a little back ground? When Ella was a puppy she had an injury to her front paw and the emergency vet we brought her to did not 'set' her foot right in the cast and it healed crooked. Now almost 7 years later the arthritis has become so severe that she can barely walk on it. We tried everything imaginable to help Ella's pain but we recently came to the realization (after consulting with 5 orthopedic surgeons!) that the best way to help our baby girl is to amputate her front left leg.
For the last 6 weeks we have been fundraising to raise the money to pay for Ella's surgery. It was kind of a blessing as it kept me busy and focused on something other than Ella actually having her leg amputated. Now that the fundraising is done I am left with the reality of this and am petrified!
Ella has already had surgery on both hips (TPO surgeries) and surgery on both knee's (TPLO surgeries) so we are not strangers to Ella having surgery but this is so different. Not to mention during Ella's last TPLO surgery she aspirated during surgery and came very close to dying, it was traumatic for her and for us. I am so nervous that something is going to go wrong during surgery or that she is going to have a hard time once she gets home. My biggest fear is that she is going to be depressed and have difficulty living life as a tripawd. I just want her to know a life without pain, she has had so much of it in her 7 years. She is a strong girl and I am sure she will be fine but I have all these 'human fears'. I am scared of how she is going to look at me after she wakes up and has 3 legs, will she understand? Am I crazy, have others felt this way??
This is so hard, how do I stay strong for her, how do I not cry when I see her for the first time. I feel so emotional over this whole thing the tears never seem to stop. Can anyone else relate??
Thank you,
Angie
I can't believe I'm the first one to respond ... she won't be depressed, I promise you! Her leg hurting, on the other hand, may be depressing you. I did not want to amputate and did not believe all the promises made on this site (sorry guys) - we are six weeks post-op and couldn't be doing better. Search in "treatment and recovery" for "Ajax" and you will see my posts. I'm telling you, he is back to being a complete wild man and smiling all the time - you can find our video too. I know this is upsetting and scary, and I was a complete wreck, but with it not so far behind me, I can tell you it is NOT going to be as awful as you think. As everyone says, the first 2 weeks post op are a little tough, but that's not such a big deal when you think of the result being a healthy, happy, pain free pup. Hang in there!
Dear Angie and Ella,
We'll keep all fingers and paws in our house crossed for Ella! Before Holly had her amputation, our vet told us that dogs don't have the same hangups about it as humans do. And we have found he was right - Holly just seems to be glad to be rid of the pain, and she certainly hasn't looked back with regrets. She's a rear amputee, and when we take walks people often don't even notice she's missing a leg. She hops down the street as happy as can be! The first few weeks can be a roller coaster - so be sure to come here and ask for advice or support when you need it. But hopefully soon you will wonder why you ever had doubts - Ella will be smiling and wagging her tail again and so glad to be free of the pain.
We'll keep Ella in our hearts, especially on the 8th. Keep us posted, please!
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Welcome to Tripawds, but sorry you had to find us. After the amputation, Ella will surprise you with how easily she can get around. Yes, the first 2 weeks are exhausting - emotionally, physically and mentally. Try to stay pawsitive in front of her. Read as much as you can from this site, and gets lots of rest! When we found out Skyler needed surgery, we were so overwhelmed and scared. If it hadn't been for Tripawds, I don't know how we would have coped. You'll come to realize very quickly that we are all here to support you with any decisions you make, and will be praying for you! No doubt, you will hear from many more folks today.
Hang in there, we're rooting for your family & Ella!
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
Hi Angie,
Welcome to Tripawds. Ella sounds like quite a trooper!
A good place to bookmark and start reading is Jerry's Required Reading list. This is a compilation of good information on what to expect with amputation and recovery.
You are not crazy- it is our nature to wonder, worry and project our emotions on our dogs. Our dogs on the other hand just deal with what is here and now. Ella will not be mad, and based on how she has coped with all her surgeries she will probably be fine as a tripawd. And you probably know from previous surgeries that you need to be strong and positive around Ella. If you act like nothing is wrong, then she will know everything is fine.
Since she has had issues with her other limbs I think a harness will be essintial for her. You can look at some of the options Here. Many people here, especially with front amps use the Ruffwear Web Master harness. She probably wouldn't be able to wear it until the sutures or staples come out as the straps would go over the incision line- ask your vet about that. You can use a cloth or canvas shopping bag with the sides cut out as a temporary sling to help her get around the first few days- if she needs it. Others have used a towel, or even a scarf.
After my pug Maggie had her surgery (rear amp) she would get frustrated sometimes with her lack of balance. I of course was second guessing myself- wondering if I did the right thing (Tripawds was not established yet so I was on my own). She would lose her balance and sit down and just stare at me, I had to work hard to coax her up again. But she did get better, and eventually was walking a mile or so on her own (remember- short pug legs!).
One thing to think about is how Ella copes with change- sounds like she is a pro!! Maggie did not like any change in her routine at all- so it made sense that she took a little longer to adapt.
You have found a great place for information and support. So do some reading and ask lots of questions- we are here to help!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hi Angie,
Do we have a great community here or what? Thanks for passing along such great info everypawdy!
We're so sorry to hear that Ella is looking at amputation surgery. But as you've already seen, she's been through hell and back and come back better and wiser than ever. You've all learned from the expeirence of multiple surgeries, consultations, etc., and I know you can cope with this. In fact from what I've been told, TPLO surgeries are a much harder recovery than amputation surgery recovery. So look at it this way; you're all surgery pros, this will be a breeze!
Your feelings are very, very normal, and we have all experienced them. But you must, absolutely must, put those fears and doubts aside (or at least hide your tears from Ella). She will sense any doubts you have, which can impede her recovery. To help her, you must believe that all will be fine. And it will! As you can see here, lots of dogs have bounced back. And even dogs with previous leg surgeries, like Lincoln (who even had a brain surgery on top of the TPLO and amputation!). Dogs are very, very, resilient much more than humans. They do not blame, feel regret, shame or anger at humans after amputation. They move on with life and live it the best way they know how.
Ella also has a huge advantage, in that she's not dealing with cancer, on top of the amptuation. Her health will really help her in this recovery.
As your doctor probably said, amputation is usually harder on the humans than it is on the dog, and they're right. So like Karen suggested, read our Required Reading List, get your house ready and then send off any questions you have to us here. We're here to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for the great responses! It really is a great feeling to know that I am not alone and that others have been where I am and HAVE survived! Even more important that your dog's all have had pawsitive outcomes after amputation and are doing just fine.
Thank you Jerry for mentioning about the TPLO surgery being more difficult-that makes me feel a lot better. Ella recovered through those graciously and I guess if we can do that we can do this!! I feel more worried this time tho. It's been awhile since all her other surgeries and I feel out of practice!
I will definitely keep my emotions in check around Ella, as hard as that might be. Now that I finally had the courage to post here and become an actual member I think it will help a lot. Maybe some of my 'questions' that are scaring me so much will be answered and hearing them from members that have been were I am will mean a lot more than coming from the surgeon who answers without emotional attachment.
I was planning on buying the ruff wear harness for Ella this weekend at a local store. She's in-between sizes and I want to make sure it fits before she actually needs it! Bella's Pain Relief was also kind enough to donate a cold/hot pack to Ella, that will help a lot. I purchased some rug runners for the house and a friend gave me baby gates- really trying to get everything ready for her. I think we are getting there.
Thank you everyone! I appreciate your responses so very much , can't get enough! I know I will have many questions, hope I don't get annoying 
Angie
serenityisadog said:
I was planning on buying the ruff wear harness for Ella this weekend at a local store. She's in-between sizes and I want to make sure it fits before she actually needs it!
Hey Angie, glad the info is useful. You're definitely ready! And yes, facing your fears by getting answers to your questions is going to help tremendously.
Regarding the harness, if she's inbetween sizes, be sure to go with the smaller one. At least that's what the Ruff Wear sizing instructions say in our review. Also, you don't want to put the harness on her right after surgery, it may irritate her stitches. We recommend using a canvas grocery bag with the slits cut open until her stitches are out.
Hint hint….in our usual manner of shameless self-promotion, remember that any purchases made through the Tripawds blogs
help to support the maintenance of this community! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Angie & Ella. The more you read, the more you learn, the easier the journey becomes. You'll be a pro at being a tripawd pawrent in no time. Keep us posted and don't be afraid to ask questions. There is always someone here ready to share.
Ella will look to you for strength after the surgery. I will never forget the afternoon Trouble hopped out to greet us after her surgery. She was definitely looking for us to tell her the new 'look' was OK. Once she knew we were ok with it, she never looked back, each day she got a little stronger and more self sufficient.
You guys will do fine.
Sending strength as you face the surgery.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
welcome ella, sorry to hear you'll be having surgery next week, but you will be fine - once your poor leg is pain free. tell your mom to take a breath, give you a great big hug and know that you are a fighter and a survivor! you might also want to suggest to her that some ice cream and cheese would be good, as a calming and supporting gesture...just a thought...
gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
I'm sorry to hear about Ella but given her past I think amputation will be a breeze. She has been in so much pain she will possibly feel better right after the surgery.
The only other things I can suggest is to raise her food dish so she doesn't have to maintain her balance as she lowers her heavy head, and to start Ella on a good joint supplement if she isn't already on one.
Good luck with the surgery. We will be here for you.
Debra & Angel Emily
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.
First of all, take a DEEP breath because I am going to tell you that everything will be fine. It is natural to worry, but after she has been a tripawd for a couple weeks, you will be wondering why you were worrying so much because she will bounce back quickly (my experience with Chloe). You seemed concerned about how she will feel and how you will feel seeing her with 3 legs, but like everyone else said if you act like everything is normal, she will too.
I recommend checking out other people's blogs to see post-amp photos so that you are aware of what she is going to look like (and you can act like it is normal). This will help you not "freak out" when you see the staples or stitches where her leg used to be. Here is Chloe just a few days after amputation (she smiled all the time after surgery!).
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Hello Angie,
Be positive. That's what I did. Twelve days ago I sat in my Vet's office awaiting DannyBoy to come around the corner with the Vet one day after the amputation of his front left leg. A wave of sorrow came over me as I felt nervous and even scared about seeing this Frisbee catching dog without his front leg. You have to understand how much dogs feed of your emotions. How unbelievably keen they are to your state of being. When you're sad, they're sad...when you're happy, they're happy...they just have a sense about how you are feeling. So before he came around that corner I decided to greet him with happiness and thankfulness and thought about how much I missed him in the last 24 hours. I greeted him with a smile, a big Hey and a great big hug. His tail wagged through all the power of the drugs and our happiness was one. Be positive when you wait in that office to pick her up. Transfer that love and happiness to see her...to her. I'm a few weeks ahead of you but you have road in front of you that will have some bumps, all here know the sleep deprivation those first few days...but it will smooth out as the days go by. DannyBoy is getting more and more back in the routine. He still has chemo to go through but we'll get through it. Have faith and be strong for her. Our thoughts are with you.
DannyBoy turned 8 on May 25th 2010
DannyBoy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the front left leg August 10, 2010
DannyBoy's amputation was August 20, 2010
serenityisadog said:
This is so hard, how do I stay strong for her, how do I not cry when I see her for the first time. I feel so emotional over this whole thing the tears never seem to stop. Can anyone else relate??
Thank you,
Angie
Hello Angie,
Can I relate?!??! OH BOYS CAN I RELATE! As well as I am betting most all of us here at Tripawds 🙂 I bawled my eyes out when I first saw Maggie after her surgery...of course, that certainly didn't help her! But I did. But I also never found Tripawds until 2 months after Maggie's amputation...sure would have been nice to find it prior to, as you did. The information here and videos and pictures and other people's blogs, will help you prepare yourself for this journey.
Am I still emotional? Oh yea...that hasn't changed but I am DAMN glad that Maggie is out of pain now! Especially when I look at her pictures prior to surgery and how miserable she was...she wasn't using the leg anyways. So hold on to the thought that you are gonna get your pup out of pain!!!
Hugs,
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Thank you all for the encouragement. I am feeling a lot more postive and less afraid already. The hardest part is just the thought that I wish my baby girl didn't have to go through this! But at least otherwise she is healthy, she does not have to go through chemo like so many other tripawds, I can't imagine what that must be like.
I can't wait for the day when Ella is all healed and she wakes up and the pain is gone. I've wished for that for so long now and it's finally going to be a reality, what a relief that is! I will get all my tears out while she is gone and will try to be all smiles when she gets out! It will be hard but like some of you said I will just be so happy to have her home and safe.
Thanks,
Angie.
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