Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
Join The Tripawds Community
Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!
✅ Easy Photo Upload
✅ Direct Messaging
✅ Subscribe to Topics.
✅ Live Chat and much more!
Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!
Log In
Members
Hello! My 9 y/o Greyhound had her right rear leg amputated 9/26 due to Osteosarcoma, and man has it been a roller coaster. It's been the typical emotional journey for all dog families after amputation and even more.
Peppa has had some complications post-surgery that ended her up in the emergency vet for an overnight stay. There was a time, only a few days ago, where given her quality of life while in recovery I thought we were going to have to compassionately euthanize her. Luckily, with the relentless support of our vet, and my husband (her favorite person) she has really turned a corner and is getting better every day. As I am sure most of you can relate, our family is exhausted, both emotionally and physically. My husband and I have been taking shifts sleeping with her on the living room floor for the past week and a half.
I am seeking advice on a few things:
1. Peppa has developed a sore on her elbow from propping herself up all the time, even with the floor COVERED in layers or rugs, padding and cushions. Has anyone else had this problem and what did you do to protect her elbow?
2. Our living room, where she is confined right now, is covered in padding but the rest of our first level is all hardwood. She isn't quite at two weeks yet but once she can be up and walking around more, what do I do about protecting her from slipping? Booties? If I leave her at home with booties on while we go to work, she's just try to chew them off.
3. How do you protect your dog in the car? With so many trips to the vet that we had recently I cannot imagine her ever riding in the car again with only 3 legs. Right now, while in her post op phase, we sit in the back and (try to) hold her but we can't do that forever.
More advice will be needed, but this is all my tired brain can process right now. Thank you all so much for the help!!!
10:22 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
Helpline Hosts
26 April 2007
Offline
Hi Peppa and family! Welcome! Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
I wanted to get your post approved so you can get some feedback asap. I need to run but will be back in the AM with suggestions. Meanwhile check out Dr Buzby's Toe Grips for her (https://gear.tr.....ction-tip/) and look up Dog Leggs for elbow hygroma issues.
Back in the AM with some thoughts!
5:11 am
11 January 2022
Offline
Hi, I can't help with the recovery questions (I adopted my tri post-amp), but dog car safety is a topic I'm passionate about. I do nosework as a competitive sport with both of my dogs, so we're on the road frequently for classes (about an hour each way) and competitions (the furthest we've gone is about an 8 hour drive each way).
The ONLY safe way to travel with a dog in a vehicle is in a crate.
1. A loose dog becomes a projectile in an accident. This is not safe for your dog or the humans in the vehicle.
2. The "seatbelt tethers" often get wrapped around a dog's leg or neck. In an accident, the tether will cause it's own damage.
Personally, I use a MIM Variocage, which is a crash safety rated dog crate due to the amount of travel time I have with my dogs. For a more budget friendly travel crate, I like the Ruffland Kennel. If you are doing minimal travel (short trips to the vet, etc), a <a href="