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,
Just found this site tonight and what a blessing you all are! Cobalt, our 10 year old Ridgeback/Greyhound mix had a hemangeopericytoma removed from her right forelimb in early January. Unfortunately, she developed an infection and clot of some type shortly after the surgery and has now lost most of the skin on her leg, her pads, and her nails. The vet has been debriding the the tissue, (bandage changes every day!) hoping to do a skin flap. It seems though, that the pads are not growing back and the toes may be dying so we may be looking at an amputation. From what I have read on this site and heard from others, I am greatly encouraged that she will lead a happy three-legged life if it comes to that! Thanks for your support and I will keep you informed.
We just want to get the cone off her head!
Thanks for joining the discussion! Sorry to hear Cobalt has gone through this ruff patch. I'm sure she'll be happy once she is free of pain and will adapt well to life on three legs.
Glad you found encouragement here, that's what we're all about! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This site is proof positive the tripawds can and do lead happy, productive lives. I'm glad I made the decision and equally glad to have found this wonderful place to share with others who have been there or getting ready to embark on the same journey. Each story is a little different, but the wonderful support is all the same.
Good luck as you face your decision, that really is the hard part.
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 to the tripawd family- you have found a wonderful place for sure. Our Wrigley has only been a tripawd for 2 months, but you'd think she's been one her whole life- hasn't missed a thing being a tripawd. Still does the same things she always did before: chase the squirrels ( and skunks), play catch, swim in the river, go on walks ( just a little shorter than we used to), catch snowballs, go hiking, wrestle with her 100lb Shepherd brother, go up and down the stairs, dig for moles.... not much she doesn't do.
We wish you all the best - I think you'll find that if you do choose amputation Colbalt will do just fine.
Seanne and Wrigley
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Welcome to the greatest support site on the web! My Cemil has been a tripawd for almost 5 weeks-- it took him a little longer to get going, but now he's starting to play with his buddies again. They can do it.
Wishing the best for Cobalt.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Hi Cobalt - we're so sorry you've had such a ruff time lately - You will do just fine as a tripawd and we're here for you and your pawrents as you walk this journey together.
I will have an 11 month ampuversary on March 9th and an 11th birthday on March 8th. I'm playing ball, running around - up and down stairs (though I don't like going down them too much) and taking walks with mom. You can't stop me yet!
You're in our thoughts and prayers...let us know if you have any questions ok?
Remember...Tripawds RULE!
Mom and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Well it looks like Cobalt is going to become an official member of the Tripawd club! She lost two toes the other day and after much discussion we agree it's better to hop on three legs instead of limping on four. She'll be going in for surgery on Thursday. Will report the progress. Thanks all for your words of encouragement!
Lots of happy thoughts for the two of you and big wishes for a speedy recovery.
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.
andersonck said:
... we agree it's better to hop on three legs instead of limping on four.
That's the spirit! Best wishes for a perfect procedure and complete speedy recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Get rid of the cone...here comes another Tripawd!! Welcome to the family of 3.....legs that is!
Best of luck on Thursday. The 2 weeks after that will be a little ruff while she heals, but after that LOOK OUT!
I think Max runs faster on 3 legs than he did on 4! We will all be here for you if you need us during Cobalts recovery period.
Sending a Tripawd high five to you!! 
Paula and Spirit Max
from Cemil too...we'll be thinking good thoughts for you on Thursday and play thoughts on Friday! Let us know how it goes.
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Welcome to the tripawd family... lots of people and pups here to help you through this. Sending pawsitive thoughts to Cobalt for a speedy recovery!! She'll be up and about like normal before you know it.
Tina and Spirit Shadow
Hi all,
Cobalt came through surgery fine. Went and visited, very happy on her pain drip. In fact she stood up, climbed out of her kennel and tried to follow us home! Scar looks pretty nasty as you can imagine but the hair will grow in and mask it pretty well. We bring her home Friday night. Thanks all for your well wishes and maybe I'll have a chance to send a picture tomorrow (not of the scar)!
I'd also like to give a public thanks to Iowa Veterinary Specialties in Des Moines for all the care and concern they've put in over the past two months. They've gotten to know Cobalt very well with the daily bandage changes and I think this has affected them as much as us. Poor Cobalt isn't going to get as much attention (or treats) anymore!
I am glad the surgery is over for Cobalt and you too. It is true about one day at a time, enjoy your girl as she recovers.
Take care, Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Oh cool! Go Cobalt! That is wonderful to hear you're on your way to better health.
My Mom hated the scar too at first, she couldn't bear to look at it. But after a while when she saw that it didn't bother me, it stopped bothering her too. Still pretty icky though!
We know you're just going to love being home and recuperating. Take it easy, give yourself time to rest up, and take it one pawstep at a time. You'll do just great!
And don't worry, Cobalt's going to get TONS of attention from total strangers that will come up to you on the street whenever you go somewhere together. Just wait! It' so fun.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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