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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi everyone, my name is Tony and I live in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
On easter friday, our beloved Zak (11 month old male Labradoodle) had an accident with a motor cycle, unfortunately Zak came of second best, he's rear left leg was shattered and as a result he has become a "Tripawd".
On Saturday he had the operation to remove he's leg, and Sunday morning he came home, it was a shock to me at first not because he had 3 legs but when I arrived he came walking out to meet us!!!
He was still a little dazed as he had a little trouble walking straight, but when he got home he seemed quite ok, he slept most of the time but didnt appear to be in any pain, he went to the toilet to do #1 that night, although he did have a little trouble as he doesnt cock hi leg to wee, he squats, so I think that was a little challenge for him.
I am a little worried though as he hasnt done a #2 yet and its 1.30pm on tuesday afternoon and he hasnt done #1 since last night, I think he's wound is worrying him as he only walks a couple of steps and he wants to chew his wound to pieces.
I suppose what I would like to know is how did your beloved friends react in the first few days after their op?
Well it will be good to get to know you all in the near future, and I will let you know how Zaks progress goes over the next few days and weeks.
Tony & Zak.
Hi and welcome to you and Zak. Tripawds are certainly remarkable. In just a couple of weeks, he will be moving about faster than he did on 4 legs.
The description you gave of his toilet habits is quite common at this stage. You can find many posts that state the same thing. Hope Zak has a speedy and uneventful 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.
Sorry we missed you yesterday in the Chat yesterday Tony. Welcome! And thanks for joining the discussion.
Don't worry, Zak will go when he needs to go. Some dogs take a few days. It can be the awkardness for some, which just takes getting used to. For others it might be the pain meds. Make sure Zak has plenty of water, and gets lots of rest. What he needs most right now is plentry of time to regain his strength, and for you to remain strong for him. It's OK to be worried, just don't let Zak know!
Looking forward to your updates. Sorry to hear about Zak, but wer're glad you found us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi again and thanks for the reasurance that he will be ok.
He certainly gets plenty of love, we have an old mattress that we put on the living room floor and Zak and I have been sleeping there since he came home, its quite a good spot because we can lay there and watch tv and when its time for sleep I can turn the tv off with the remote and that way I dont have disturb him.
After I wrote in the forum yesterday I took Zak outside to the toilet and he did quite a big wee!!! I never thought I would be so happy to see him go to the toilet!!! Still no #2 as yet, the Vet has given us an enema to use if he doesnt go by the end of today.
Thanks again for your kind comments and I will give Zak a big cuddle from you all.
Jerry didn't go for about four days I think. If Zak isn't eating alot, I wouldn't worry too much. Just tried telling you this in the chat but I notice you kept going on/offline. Please report any difficulties you may have had in the tech support forum. We're considering upgrading the chat now that we're on our own server.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We started out with a pallet on the floor to sleep on. Trouble had always slept with us and we didn't want to cause her any more trauma than she may have already been experiencing. Bottom line, we slept on the floor with her. In about two weeks we moved the mattress back into the bedroom. What we don't do for these sweet angels.
Hugs to you and Zak.
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.
When Cemil came home from the hospital, he went immediately up on the bed where he normally sleeps. I had made him a nice bed on the floor, but he managed to get up on the real bed so I let him stay there. In the morning, he fell off when he stood up to shake, but no harm done and that hasn't happened again. Now he does "gravity dog" to hold down the covers, and I end up cold, just like before. These guys are amazing, you'll see.
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Hi Everyone, thanks for the helpful comments, its great to find like minded people who can share their experiences.
Zak finally did a #1 and #2 (with a little help!) poor little fella struggled a bit but I think he feels better for it now.
Will try and post a couple of pics in the near future, thanks again for your helpful comments.
Welcome Tony and Zac- you are definitely in a great place- here with Jerry and his tripawd friends. For us that "2 weeks is hell" was so accurate for a post op description. But after that I was amazed everyday at the things Wrigley could do. I think you will find nothing can keep a tripawd down. Can't wait to see the pics of your beautiflul Zac.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and a great life as a tripawd.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Yeay for Zak! That is great news! Whew!
Just remember, one paw step at at time. He'll do just great, you'll see.
K, keep us posted. Pics would be fun to see.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yay!!! I must say i was happy to see him go to the toilet!!!
Today we had friends over and they have a 4 year old girl, and Zak just came to life, he was so happy to follow her around, it was great to see him up and about and having a little bit of fun.
This gave me an idea, so I packed up the kids and Zak and took them to Grandma's house, I new he would get spoilt there!!! He was so happy to have everyone around, and so alert, it was really good to see.
When we brought him home we put Zak on his bed in the living room and I would say in about 5min he had gone to sleep and hasnt moved since.
How does one post pics as well?
There is nothing like kids to brighten up a dog's day! What a great idea to take him to Grandma's!
Just keep in mind though, that his body still needs time to recuperate, so it's a good idea to make sure he gets plenty of rest.
Oh, posting pics directions can be found here. Let us know if you have any questions. Can't wait to see them.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi again
Zak has come along way in the last couple of days, he is now eating regularly, toileting regularly, he has been following me around the back yard quite well, a little hesitant but he wants to keep up with you, I even kicked one of his tennis balls and he took of after it!!!
So he is coming along well at the moment, has to have his stitches out next Tuesday so I hope that doesnt hurt the litttle fella.
Its been a good bonding time between Zak and I and it will be sad when I have to go back to work next week, I'll miss my little friend.
I have posted 2 pics, hope they work!
Tony
Zak is so cute. Glad to hear he's doing well. Don't worry about next week. It will give him lots of rest time. They rest a lot the first few weeks.
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.
Zak looks great! Glad to hear he is doing well. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
