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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Just wanted to say hello really, I've found this site so helpful over the last 45 minutes I know I'm gonna be coming back soon.
My beautiful little girl Fern (a 9 year old Springer) had her front right leg amputated yesterday after a mast cell tumor was removed, the wound failed to heal and the resulting graft failed, she's had a nightmare 3 weeks.
We brought her home tonight , 36 hours after the op, and I've tried to be strong for Fern and my wife (and 6year old son who thinks it intriguing) but now they're settled I find myself struggling to sleep.
I know it'll get easier and I've found comfort in the forums, I am experiencing a range of emotions including grief, self pity, sympathy, blame and a host of irrational thoughts
As I said at the start, I just wanted to say hello, I felt very isolated and alone (I'm trying to be strong for the family) until I read your forums, I know I'm not the first person to experience this and I am sure that I will feel much more pocitive in 48 hours.
To be honest, just typing this has made me feel so much better…thanks for listening, I'll let you know how Fern is doing very soon.
Hi Fern's Dad,
Thanks for joining us here. Yes, we can all completely relate to the emotional rollercoaster of bone cancer and amputation. You're in good company, for sure.
Sounds like you might be overseas somewhere?
Fern will do fine, you'll see. The next two weeks can be ruff, but we dogs are so resilient, you will be amazed at how she just goes on with life. It's the humans who have the bigger issue with it.
Hang in there, we are here to help. If you need some bedtime reading, we suggest downloading our Required Reading List, or better yet, download our "Three Legs & A Spare: A Canine Amputation Handbook" ebook.
Let us know if you have any questions and how she's doing.
P.S. Please consider joining as a member so that your posts can appear automatically. We'd love to have you as part of the community!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Fern's Dad,
I'm sorry your girl Fern is having to go through this but happy that you have found our little community. I remember well those early days. The emotions that you describe have been felt by all of us at some time or another during this journey. I too felt I needed to be strong for my family as well as Fortis but boy was it tough at times. I would come to the forums not only for info but as a place to laugh and share as well. You might say It has been my crutch during this past year. As Jerry has already said, the next two weeks may be a bit rough but most dogs do just fine on 3 and most will amaze you with their strength and determination. My thoughts are with you, Fern and your family as you begin this journey. Please keep us updated and please feel free to ask what ever questions you might have. 
Fortis'Dad
fernsdad said:
... a host of irrational thoughts (see 'Blame')
Many members going through the same thoughts – including ourselves – have found the book Without Regret to be extremely helpful for processing such emotions. Our best advice is to just try and Be More Dog .
Welcome and thanks for joining! We look forward to hearing more about Fern.
PS: Based on your first post, this topic seemed more appropriate here in the Share Your Story forum.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have a copy of "Without Regret ". I will send it to you, if you'd like. Just send a PM w/your address.
Cynthia
Hi Fern's dad. It is likely you will have a few more sleepless nights before recovery is over. Those first few days are really hard. You will at some point realize it is wise to sleep when Fern sleeps. You will hear her if she needs anything - really! It really starts to get easier once they are off the meds and have stitches/staples (if there are any) removed.
Stay in touch. We all know how you feel. Wishing you the very best.
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 fernsdad and fern, there isnt very much I can add to this post that everyone else hasnt already covered. It is a tremendous group for hope, advice , compassion tips , like Fortisdad said, a palce to laugh and share. And in the midst of it all - its ok to laugh and share along with all the other emotions. Hoping to hear more from you and hoping for lots of positive reports!
Cooper and Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Just wanted to add my welcome too, Fern's dad.
Everything WILL get easier. And I'll echo the others who have posted here - you've found the exact right place.
Hang in there! Hoping to hear more from you too.
And really wishing for a smooth recovery for Fern.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Sorry to hear about Fern's cancer. She really will be much better once the wounds heal and she's no longer on pain medicine. We have all had our moments of negativity, just keep being positive around Fern and you will be amazed at how quickly they recover. There's that nasty 2 weeks of "hell" but once it's over, you'll know you made the right decision. Best of luck and please keep us posted!
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
Welcome Fern's Dad!
Well, you aren't isolated and alone NOW! Tripawd pawrents are NEVER ALONE!
You are now embarking on the Tripawd Train! Wooot! Woooot!
First stop: Two weeks of recovery from major surgery. It's may be less but it's a horrible stop! You'll have good days and bad days. And pain pills taken on this stop will just make for a wicked ride. No one acts right on this stop!
2nd Stop: Finally the great adventure starts! This is the where it gets so much better! You'll start enjoying everything!
3rd Stop: Is the best stop ever because you totally forget there are only 3 legs! You'll just hop along and be very happy furever!
WOOOT WOOOOT!
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.
I think we have all gone through that whole range of emotions. Getting through the first 2 weeks is the hardest, but you will be surprised how well they do on 3 legs and you will realize that you made the right decision. So get your sleep when you can and stop beating yourself up. Post a picture so we can know how beautiful your little girl Fern is!
Angel Ruthie's mom & puppy Tess
Thank you all so much for the replies, I was up early this morning (we live in England) and so it was good to read and made me smile.
Fern slept well (she hasn't done much else since she came home) and once I carried her downstairs (she always slept by our bed) she hopped to the back door and went out for a wee (first one since she came home) so that's one less thing to worry about.
Hopefully today we can get her to eat something.
Thanks again.
the first pee is sooooo wonderful....wait until you see the first poop, you will definitely be grinning ear to ear!!! once the frugs wear off, and the healing progresses, fern will be back to her old self. remember, there is no substitute for medicinal napping - for both of you. when in doubt, snuggle with fern and nap - you will both feel much better. paws crossed for a speedy recovery!
charon & 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
She's actually eaten something now (some of my wife's home baked ham) and then she drank loads (obviously too salty) small steps but all in the right direction.
Small hops are a reason to celebrate! Yay!
Don't get too worried if she doesn't go #2 for a few days, it's pretty normal. The pain meds tend to slow things down a bit, but usually things are moving along again in a few days.
Good luck today!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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