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 All,
Like to introduce a new member to the illustrious club. Io is our 4 year old male Irish Wolfhound. Sadly he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his left front leg shortly two days before Christmas, Our Vets were absolutely fantastic and managed to arrange a ct scan the same day so that we could see if it had spread so that we could make a decision on how to progress as soon as possible bearing in mind the Christmas holiday were imminent. The scan showed that the cancer was confined to the leg (although they did explain that the scan is not a 100% guarantee) and so we had at least had the option of amputation rather than the heartbreak of having him put to sleep. I have to admit that I was not too keen on this option at this stage as Io is a very active dog and a bit clumsy at the best of times, he also has a touch of arthritis. After some research and consultation (basically everyone telling me to "stop thinking of it in human terms - he is a dog and will not dwell on the fact he has lost a leg" !!!) we decided to go ahead with the amputation.
Io was in the Vets for 3 days and we finally got him home this Saturday. The first 12 hours of having him home was a bit difficult as he was still affected by the drugs and trauma of the operation and so he was all over the place mentally and physically , It was fantastic to have him home but no matter how much we expected it, actually seeing the extent of the wound and him in a bit of a state from the drugs was not easy.
He has now been home for 3 days and the last 48 hours has actually been quite astonishing in the progress he has made. He is now up and standing with ease - particularly at the sound of anything like a dinner bowl being prepared, he gets himself in and out into the garden and has sorted out his balance for all toilet functions. He even managed to almost do a spectacular wipe out yesterday when he heard the walking stuff being prepared for our other Wolfhound, My wife says that he then proceeded to stand by the back door whining all the time we were out as he wanted to go too !. The wounds are healing well although he does have the odd muscle spasm which can result in some yelping.
We are back at the Vets this week when we will have the results of the biopsy on the leg and they will tell us whether he will require Chemotherapy or not. So far we are delighted with his progress but we are fully aware that we are not in the clear yet and I am sure we will have a few "downs" as we all get used to our new Tripawd Wolfie !.
I would also like to say a massive thanks to Tripawds and everyone who contributes, the information and experiences on here was a huge help. The diagnosis of osteosarcoma and the decisions required so quickly in the immediate aftermath is a horrible thing to go through but being able to read and reference other peoples experiences was more helpful than I could possibly put into words.
Thank you all
griffr said:
The wounds are healing well although he does have the odd muscle spasm which can result in some yelping.
Welcome and thanks for joining! Sounds like lo is off to a great start. You'll find lots of recovery and care tips in Jerry's Required Reading List, and for immediate answers to the most common dog amputation questions download the new Tripawds e-book Three Legs and A Spare.
As a Wolfie lover, you may be interested in the story of Finnegan, a three legged Irish Wolfound who was one of the original inspawrational Tripawd heroes for us and Jerry. Finny lived more than two years Loving Life On Three Legs , albeit clumsy at times also, as an osteosarcoma survivor.
We look forward to hearing more about lo, and the meaning behind his name.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the family, as we say, it sucks to get here this way but it is the best place to be. Sounds like lo is doing great so far. You will find this first 2 weeks will not be the best you ever had, lo probably won't be himself at times, expect ups and downs, thank the meds for some of that. Our vet told us to make sure Gus wasn't too active too quick, sounds ilke lo has ideas he may regret a couple days later. These guys heal remarkably well, and usually are themselves in a few weeks time. Might want to pay attention to the yelping, Gus had phantom pain about 5 days post, at first it was VERY loud, but by the time it left his yelps were more like small whimpers. It lasted about 4 weeks, Gabapentin is the med that we used to help with that. Your vet was right about the thinking on human terms, it's us humans that have more anxiety about this whole journey than the dogs do. Get ready, your about to learn a whole lot more than you ever thought you would about dogs and there resilience and determination with a challenge. If you have a chance for some extra sleep, take it, it's something that becomes cherished this part of the journey. Don't be afraid to ask anything, experience gives the best answers, and if you find something you have a question about, someone hear will probably already have dealt wih it. Your on your way now, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Forgot to mention... be sure to check out the tips for managing phantom limb pain in dogs in the Tripawds Downloads blog
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As Dan & Spirit Gus said...welcome to the family! You've come to the right place for answers and support. Do get lots of rest, and don't let lo do too much too soon! Post some pictures when you can. We're cheering for you & your pup!
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
Aww, it's good to have you here. You will find that your pup can do so many things you never thought pawsible, and he will change your views on how to face adversity in life. Hang on, it'll be a wild ride! But a fun one at that, and we're hoppy you chose to let us on.
A multi-Wolfie household...you rock! Post some pics, we'd love to see them and add your Tripawds' to our Giant Breed photo gallery.
Good luck this week. Remember that no matter what you choose to pursue as far as treatment goes, all your pup wants is to spend time with you and enjoy life together. Live the moment! Never fear!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Lo and Peeps! Nobody really wants to be here by choice, but its the place to be in this circumstance. Its to be expected that the next few weeks will have ups and downs, but youll come to see that the downs are alot less substantial than the ups youre going to experience; the pups resolve, perserverance, strength, even resourcefulness will blow you away with each day that passes,and your anxieties will soon be calmed. I couldnt believe when we picked up Georgia from the hospital three days after surgery and she was standing in the back of the car with her head out the window on the two hour ride home! A little tip that someone passed on us thats gone a long way is to wrap your boyo in a tee shirt-cut the sleeves off, use cloth tape to close up the excess and arm hole on the amp site, and take the slack from the belly, pull it taught around the back, and tape that as well. This kept us from ever using the 'cone of shame ' with Georgia, and it allowed us to sleep in peace without worrying that she was licking and chewing. Plus it keeps them warm after being shaved. I noticed that youre writing from across the pond-Iguess that shows how far-reaching and significant this sight is. I looked up your town of Bedford and it looks like a great place to be a Tripawd, nice place for walks! We wish you the very best of luck. Your boy Lo sounds like a very cool man, and it sounds like youre doing everything right! Take care and Take it easy:
Ryan and Georgia-
Welcome Lo and Family - I always thought my dog, Lincoln, was big. And then I met a wolfhound. And then I met Fortis (you'll hear from his people shortly, I'm sure). I think you'll continue to see that even the big ones can do amazingly well on three legs. Both Lincoln and Fortis still swim without missing a beat.
Glad you gave Lo the chance to be happy on three legs. Best of luck and be sure to keep us all posted on his progress.
Lincoln's Mom
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall – Confucius
http://credocan.....pawds.com/
Welcome lo and family!
So sorry to hear about lo. But glad lo is doing great so far. Just keep in mind, sometimes the first few days can be spectacular and then they crash some. Let's hope that's not the case with lo! Just offering that info so you don't get scared – there is a bunch of healing going on right now.
Keep us posted on the progress! Here's wishing lo a super speedy recovery!
Comet's mom
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.
Welcome and thanks for sharing your story and I am so glad you have found Tripawds.
Please keep us updated as your family moves through this new time in your lives. Take it easy and soon you will see your precious yet big pup do amazing things!
Deborah
Mom to spirit JD and the quadpaws Serena and Maya
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
Welcome Io and family.
Sorry about Io's diagnosis but glad you found this site. It was last Christmas that we were anxiously awaiting a December 28th visit to a specialist to read xrays of our Golden Catie's xrays; and around this time last year we received confirmation (two biopsies later) that Catie indeed had osteosarcoma. Her right foreleg, including shoulder, was amputated on January 13 2010. A harsh time of year to be getting such disturbing news for sure.
Io is a stunner (saw the picture you posted on Tripawds Facebook Page )! I hope he's progressing well.
Sending wishes for a smooth recovery!
Carmen
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Many thanks for the welcome and kind,supportive words - you are all a ray of sunshine in these difficult times !!.
Io is still progressing well and the Vets now have him scheduled in for Chemotherapy starting next week and so we shall how that all works out. We Will, of course, update you of progress when we have news.
Io and co
p.s. Below is a link to some pictures of Io along with some of his big sister Cobweb - 6 year old wolfie (not related) .
Lookin' good there lo!
FYI: Here are instructions for embedding photos in form posts.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What a beautiful big dog! Welcome to the group. This is a great family who will stick with you through good and bad. It sounds like lo is doing great. Thank you for sharing her story and the photo.
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.
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