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, my name is Bandit. I am a 9 year old rottweiler/doberman mix. My mommy calls me a rotterman. I have been diagnosed with osteorsarcoma in my right rear leg. Just had x-rays of my lungs and stomach along with blood work. All is clear. My doctor has set my surgery for tomorrow morning. Mommy and daddy have been really supportive. They were more scared about me not being able to have the surgery than actually having it. I have seen some other dogs with their front leg removed. Has anyone here had their rear leg removed? Do you get around OK or do you need a little assitance? I would like to know these things because I have plans when I get better of being able to play with my sisters and brother as well as my stuffed animals. Thanks!
Hello Bandit, welcome to the gang. Sending good vibes and thoughts for you tomorrow. You will see that you will bounce back in a jif (specially if you keep in touch with us) There is a lot of great energy and love in this site. I am a 5 month tripawd (had my surgery back in April)...front leg but still a tripawd and I am doing great. We have several members that are rear leg tripawds and are doing fabulous. Give them a chance and I am sure they will be sending you great stories and advice on how to get along. Just make sure that your pawrents get your home tripawd proof. Get some rugs so that you don't slip, elevate your food so that it is more comfortable for you when you eat, get you a comfy bed (if you don't have one already) and just take it easy and one day at a time. Lots of love and patience those are the key words in this game.
Lots of luck tomorrow....love Kellie
Kellie
Hey Bandit, welcome. We're sending our love and healing thoughts out to you. Good luck tomorrow.
From what we've seen with rear leg tripawds, it's actually a little easier for you guys to recover and get around, because dogs carry 60 percent of their weight in the front legs. So losing a rear leg has an advantage over losing a front. Hope that makes you and your pawrents a little less nervous.
Your pawrents sound really cool, what a lucky dawg you are!
I'm with Kellie; the biggest thing is to tripawd-proof your home, and just take it easy during recovery. Amputation surgery isn't the easiest thing to heal from, but we dogs can handle it much better than silly humans. Go at a slow pace, don't rush it, and in time, you will heal and get back to playing around with your family in no time.
Keep us posted buddy!
Your friend,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Bandit
Good luck with your surgery today! You'll be given a canine gin and tonic and then go all sleepy and then when you wake up, the pain from your pawly leg will be gone and soon you'll be feeling better than ever 
Love, Darcy Deerhound
x
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Welcome Bandit,
We'll be keeping you in our thoughts today. I know you'll do great. Your Pawrents and vet are acting quickly and that's a definite plus. First couple of weeks will be challanging as you get over the surgery, the meds and get the hang of the balance thing. But after that you'll start getting back to being your old self again.
Let us know how the surgery goes.
Hugs and scruffles
Connie & Radar
Hi Bandit and welcome to the most supportive and helpful site you could have come across you're in good hands! All the best for your surgery by the time you read this Bandit you will be post op already. My dog Butch (Dogue de Bordeaux) had his rear left leg amputated 36 days ago and I have to agree with Jerry I'm glad it was the rear leg because he's 165lbs and most of his weight is in the front end. Butch does the 'hop' when he walks slowly and when he picks up the pace it smooths out to a lovely gait. When you see him from the side with the remaining leg you wouldn't know he was a tripawd. My granddaughter (7 yrs old) went with me to the park with him today and she was so proud of him, he was socialising and moving around well, he has to sit down every now and then to rest during a walk but that's his call and we just sit down with him. Obviously everyone makes a fuss over him so she thinks he's a bit of a star. You will find so much courage your mommy will be amazed, it's a day by day journey so just remember to take it day by day and when you hit a patch just stay close to your tripawd pals they'll get you through. All the best to you and a big bear hug from Annie and Butch xx
Hi Bandit - wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you and your pawrents lots of love and support.
Tell your pawrents to prepare themselves for when they pick you up...it will be difficult at first, but then all they will see is the pup that they love and adore. Mom and Dad - stay upbeat and positive (we dogs follow your lead on how you are feeling) and realize that this was major surgery and the first few days will be a bit difficult, emotionally and physically...but I promise, IT GETS BETTER....I had my surgery on a Wednesday (april 9th) and it wasn't until about Sunday/Monday that I was able to get around pretty OK on my own. Get lots of rest and enjoy all the extra attention and doting.
Keep us posted ~
Love ya
Zeus and Mom
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Bandit we hope you are doing well. I had my right front amputated and I am doing fine. I know they say the front is harder so I bet you will be fine. I am 118 pounds and am doing great so I know you will too.
Love and licks
Titan and Heidi
Bandit, how ya doin' good buddy? I'm Blazer and we have our paws crossed over here (I have a kitty brother named Kimber) for your quick recovery. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. I know this recovery isn't easy, but once you get past that bad part, you will be feeling so much better.
Love, Blazer & Kimber
Bandit here,
Surgery went really well. It has been a week and half since my leg was amputated. I am already running to the fence with my brother and sister to bark at strangers as well as howl at fire engines. I am staying really close to mommy right now. I feel the need for the comfort. She makes me go outside for fresh air and encourages me to move around. Glad she did because I am enjoying running again!
I start my chemo this Friday. I have to have the IV method done (YUCK!) more trips to the doctor for 12 weeks. Anyway, the good news is that I get my stitches out on Saturday. YAHOO! I then don't have to wear that stupid cone anymore when mommy or daddy aren't around.
Hope you are all doing well. I'll keep you posted.
Lots of Licks,
Bandit and Mommy
Yeaaaay! That's awesome Bandit. Yeah, moving around and fresh air is a good thing, makes me feel like a new dog. We are so glad to hear that you're having a really good, textbook recovery.
And, I can't believe you're such a good dog you are wearing the cone thing. You deserve a LOT of treats for putting up with that thing!
Good luck on Friday. Keep us posted and send some pics when you can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yay Bandit! So glad to hear how awesome you're doing! And already running to the fence with your brother and sister - that's just fabulous!
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