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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Chloe too had to stay 2 nights but for different reasons. First she had a slight fever after surgery (a normal thing to happen with an amputation) and they kept her under 24hr surveilence with technicians to make sure she was drinking enough water (which she did). Second the vet wanted her to be able to hop well enough on 3 legs before he sent her home.
They kept her the second night just as a precaution (he said everything was fine, her fever was gone) to make sure that her condition indeed was stable. Again 24hr survelience. Even though I wanted to take her home the next day after surgery, I knew that they could provide immediate care if anything went wrong. By the time I picked her up, she was hopping pretty well! The vet was concerned since she had full use of her 4 legs before amputation, but Chloe proved him wrong!!!
Having that second day allowed me to get additional rest (which I was later grateful for). We hope Morgan does well tonight and that you can take her home tomorrow!!!
-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
Dear Morgan and Mommy,
You have absolutly made the right choice! Amputation is a hard decision, I remember being in your shoes a year ago and it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I did a lot of research and happened upon this website, and I think it was a god send. The people on this website have been where you are and may be going through the exact same thing as you right now. I was so blessed to find some amazing people on here that have supported, given suggestions, and understand what its like to go through this difficult diagnosis. One thing I can tell you without hesitation is our four legged friends ( all dogs are born with three legs and a spare 🙂 ) love us, support us, and trust us to make the best decisions we can for them. And believe me, Morgan loves you so much and won't give up easily because they want to be with us as long as possible just like we want to be with them for as long as possible, they are our best friends. My golden Bailey has done exceptional. The first two weeks were hard, we didn;t sleep much, so definetly get some much needed rest before she gets home because you will need it. Bailey had several infections in the operated area, but after a few weeks she was running up stairs, walking a little further everyday, jumping in and out of my car, jumping on and off the bed, playing tug of war with her toys and just as happy as ever. You made the right choice and never second guess that choice. Morgan is so lucky to have someone who loves her and wanted the best for her. Enjoy every minute with her and dont worry she will be back to normal very soon 🙂 Good luck with everything!
Keep us posted on her recovery we are all here for you,
Ashley and Bailey Girl
Etta stayed a few extra nights... the last of the nights was for us as we came down with the flu right after her surgery. Although we missed her terribly the extra nights gave her more time to heal and more people working with her before she came home. Rest now and then take it day by day.... julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
Trouble had her surgery the Wednesday before Thanksgiving so she stayed in the hospital until Friday. I was good with her being there and knowing she was being cared for.
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.
Morgan came home last night. We are amazed and impressed with how well she is getting around already! She has some trouble with a few things, but all in all she seems pretty good.
The incision is HUGE, and NASTY looking! I kinda knew that it would be, but... ewwww. We are using a tee shirt to help keep her from scratching at it, and only using the lamp shade when we absolutly have to.
I was also shocked at how well our 9 month old puppy reacted. As some people told me she would, she seemed to know right away that something was wrong. She wants to be near Morgan, but somehow knows not to get carried away. She gently goes over to Morgan, sniffs a little and gives her kisses. AMAZING! As Morgan begins to be more active, I think the puppy will be more of a problem.
SOOOO Happy to have my girl home, and so glad that she seems to be doing well!
From all that I have read on here, there are still some difficult days in the near future, but we can handle it!
Thank you allll for the support !!
And now you start the two weeks of hell, I mean "critical two week period"! Hope you BOTH get rest and that Morgan has a speedy and uneventful recovery!!!
The two weeks really do fly by...
-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
Thanks for the great update! We are so happy to hear Morgan is doing so well on the road to recovery. Please keep us posted on her progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We are now 3 days post surgery, and Morgan has completly amazed us! So far (knock on wood...) everything is going Awesome!
Her spirits seem to be up, she is getting around better than I could have imagined! I hope and pray that everything continues to go GREAT !!! We are Soooo HAPPY !!!
YAY!!! Good news is nice to read around here!!! Chloe too had an amazing recovery, the only "down" was about day 8 where she seemed more tired than normal, so just warning you there might be little downs. But lets hope it just is up, up, ups until her staples (or sutures, I don't know what she has) come out!!!
-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
Great update on Morgan! I hope that she just continues to amaze you more and more each day!!!
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Today is day 6, and my little superstar is doing really well!
She has been acting more and more like her old self every day. I left her unattended for 5 minutes on Friday, and when I came back in the room, she was up on the couch! Saturday, she started hopping over to the big basket in the corner and grabbing her favorite toy to carry around with her. When I had her outside she hopped right over to the car and stared up at the door handle, then looked back at me... "C'mon Mom, let's go to the park! I'm ready"
I think she overdid it on Saturday, because she was a very tired little girl on Sunday. She is so eager, we don't want to discourage her, but we have to try harder to keep her from being too active.
All is well here, and we are all so relieved !!!
I love to hear wonderful news. Morgan, you just keep on improving daily. You'll be at the park in no time!
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.
YAY Morgan!!! I left Chloe once for an hour and I found that she had climed OVER the couch onto our large windowsill behind it to wait for me to come home.
I hope Morgan continues to surprise you daily!!!
-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
Here we are less than 1 month after Morgan's surgery, and I am completly amazed!
We have our old Morgan back, she is happy and playful, and getting around just fine!
I can't thank the Tripawds community enough! I felt pretty stongly against amputation when my vet had first talked to me about it. If it wasn't for this community, I am pretty sure I wouldn't have made this choice for Morgan. I am so sure now that it was the right thing to do for her.
Thank you all for the advice, support and engouragement !!!
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