Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It has been a distressing 3 days. On Tuesday evening, our gorgeous mini poodle/yorky cross had an accident. We can only assume that she either slid into the stairs because she was racing her son (bonded) or she missed all together. We only heard screaming from her and as I barrelled down the stairs, I could see that she was holding her right leg up.
At that moment I scooped her up and moved her into our bedroom to take a quick look but could very visibly see that the leg was dangling. We immediately took her to a 24 hr emergency hospital, as it was close to midnight. They took her in to assess. When they came out, they informed us that they did X-rays and that they had to wait for the radiologist to look at the images and that we should go home. I went home and laid awake. In the morning, I called and they informed me that the radiologist had yet to read the images and that they would contact me. I called at noon and said I was coming over to see my dog.
When I arrived at the hospital, they informed me that it was a bad break and that they couldn't guarantee a successful outcome; my other options were amputation or to euthanize her. I asked as many questions as I could think of in that moment but there was no good answer. I said that I would take her home in the meantime and asked for some pain meds. I contacted my family vet and sent him the X-rays and report. He requested to see her, so that he could do some more X-rays. He said that he'd like to try to save them leg, if I was comfortable giving a go but if it was not possible, that he would amputate while in surgery...that is was is currently happening.
I'm looking for advice, support, guidance, rehab and thoughts.
She is having a right front leg amputation.
Her name is Bitsy.
Hello Shannon and Bitsy,
Nice to meet you both, but terribly sorry it had to happen under this situation too. As you likely have gathered if you have searched and read some of the posts here, all too often fractures in pet legs do not heal properly and later require amputation. But I am sending you my biggest hug and hopes that does not happen in your case.
No matter how your surgery at your regular vet turns out, please feel free to come here and keep us up to date on Bitsy. And definitely lean on us for support! BTW, we would love to see some pictures of her. She sounds like a very lively fur baby.
My fur baby Tuxedo lost a leg and partial pelvis due to a dog attack and I was also forced into an immediate decision situation similar to yours, except in mine, there was no way to save his leg, just his life. Fast forward six plus years and he is still going strong. So I know I made the right decision.
Hopefully Bitsy's leg can be saved. But if not, know that there can be both great quantity and quality of life for a pet following amputation. We are here to support you as you go forward.
Hugs and best wishes,
-Dawna, Tuxedo, Lilly, & Angel Dazzle
Hi Dawna, Tuxedo, Lilly and Angel Dazzle,
They were unable to save the leg. The break was too severe and when the vet tried to pin it, it kept breaking. My heart is broken but I know that it had to be done. The vet and vet tech said they couldn't believe how fast she woke up after surgery and sat up, it's like she knew what had to be done and accepted it.
Last night was rough, as she was not handling coming out of sedation well but she started to sleep from about 3AM and on. She's already gone pee, on her own; I'm so proud of her.
We will be lounging on the couch and researching all things tripod related. Please feel free to make suggestions. I've already ordered mats for my entire house, as it is hardwood and I've contacted a carpet company. I've also ordered rehab equipment for later and socks with traction for later.
Tell me what else I need to know! Should I do anything in particular with the other animals, minus keeping her quiet and them at distance for a bit? Her son MJ and her are bonded and he is not very happy right now. I'm trying to encourage him to come over and see her but he's scared/worried. 🙁
I just need to figure out how to add a photo but I absolutely will!
Thank you so much,
Shannon, Bitsy, MJ, Muggy, Chico, Coco, Oliver and Greta (last two are cats)
Oh gosh! What a traumatic ordeal you all have been through!!!
Deep breaths...you did the right thing!!! Absolutely 100% did the right thing for Bitsy! As "Mischief" said, we often see dogs end of with the amputation anyway when trying to first save the leg. It often requires multiple surgeries, infections, pain and often just not successful.
Amputation is one surgery, about two weeks recovery time and done! The painful leg is gone and Bitsy will get on with being Bitsy.
For now, keeping her quiet and only up for leashed short potty breaks and back for more rest. And yes, keep the other animals at a distance for now. She's probably feeling a bit vulnerable and mayve a bit loopy from pain meds. So give her a few days to settle in, shake off all the hospital meds, etc.
Did they send you home with a cone for her? You want to make sure she can't get to the incision and mess with it.
Also, you may want to hold off on actually ordering a y Rehab equipment , but rather set up an appointment with a Trhab Specialist. They can best advise what at home exercises to do, what equipment, etc. And the Tripawds Foundation will reimburse you for the first consult up to $200.
Ypu are doing an excellent job of prepping your home. As she starts feeling better she may went to start jumping g up on high placed. So watch for that block of areas, or rig up stepping "platforms".
BTW. ....YAAAY FOR PEE!!! That's one thing you can check out the list. She may not poop for a few days. No worries, that's normal with all the meds, etc.
MJ is probably shocked to see how much fur is shaved off. Maybe put a little tre shirt on her to cover the incision. You can tell him she needs to see him because she's worried about him. And that he needs to be happy when he sees her so she can know he is okay.Try that.
What pain meds and frequency?
Stay connected and keep is posted.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Ohh poor Bitsy, I'm so sorry this happened.
What kind of pain control did she come home with? Meds, dosages, and how often? Good pain management is key to a good recovery.
If you haven't already see our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List , and take advantage of our Tripawds Foundation program that can pay for your first rehab visit . Even though she's little (a huge plus for 3-legged dogs) and she will very likely bounce back quickly, it's always good to know how to help her build strength, keep her strong and injury free. As Sally mentioned, it's best to hold off on buying any equipment until a therapist shows you what she needs and how to use the gear.
If you're inclined, our Tripawds e-book Loving Life On Three Legs is super helpful too!
As for your other animals, it's good to keep her chilling in a smaller area of your home. Even just a baby gate to keep her from romping around too soon (at least until stitches come out), or an x-pen in your living room will help her stay calmer and keep her from doing too much too soon.
@benny55
Sally, Happy Hannah, Merry Myrtle and Frankie,
Thank you so much for your sound advice! She has peed twice today, so I'm happy with that! She did 3 little hops from the water dish, so that's already more progress than I expected.
She is on norepinephrine, every 12 hours. She's mostly been sleeping today which is totally expected! Poor little lamb.
I didn't know about the reimbursement, I'll reach out the the rehab team! Thank you!
She wagged her little tail.
Thank you so much!
Shannon, Bitsy and crew!
@jerry
Yes, we have her on norepinephrine .01 every 12 hours. I just gave her her first dose and she's resting comfortably.
I will absolutely check out the shopping list and reach out for rehab.
I am going to do a surgical shirt for when I'm not home, as she is so tiny and the incision is close to her neck I don't think the cone or donut would work.
Thank you re: gate recommendation! We have one from when she had her babies! I'll set up an area for her.
Thank so much!
Shannon, Bitsy and crew!
Hmm. Norepinephrine isn't one of the usual post-op medications we see here. If you see any pain signals do talk to your vet. Many times meds need to be adjusted from every 12 hours to every 8. Did she get anything else?
And yes, rest is totally medicinal. She's got some mobility (and thirst!) too which is fantastic.
I'm not certain that about the reasoning behind norepinephrine but I can ask. I see that many peoples pets were on Gaba which I am familiar with, as my sweet angel Scarlett used to take it.
She seems to be okay and I'm giving her liquid norepinephrine every 8 hours.
Thank you though, I will definitely keep an eye on her pain.
After some research I found that there is some good results with ice for the first 2 days and then a warm compress for 5-7 days after. Another group I belong to recommended ice and warm compresses. Have any of you done that?
Bitsy tried to run off the bed to the stairs (next to bed), so I will be moving my mattress onto the floor and placing a leash on her, so she doesn't try to take off again.
Thanks everyone for listening and helping!
I think moving your mattress to the floor is a great idea until you can train her to use pet stairs.
Heat and ice therapy can be very effective! See:
Warm Compress and Cold Packs for Dogs and Cats
Heat and Ice Therapy Tips for Tripawd Cats and Dogs
How's she doing today?
@jerry
Thank you for checking in!
She is doing EXCELLENT today! She's off her pain meds and eating her regular food again! She's wagging her tail and is starting to be herself.
We went to the vets and had a check up; they are super happy with her progress! We are going back on Thursday for an iron injection, as she lost a lot of blood during surgery.
Thank you for the links too.
How are you doing?
Oh my gosh what a resilient girl! I am completely inspired by her recovery. We all are! 
Did you ever try the heat / ice therapy?
We are good over here, just watching fall happen in Alaska 
Thanks for asking.
@jerry
We did do ice therapy and that helped immensely with her bruising and swelling. We are onto heat therapy, so I will keep you posted!
I love Alaska! My family and I did a cruise years ago and I've always said that I wanted to go back!
How long have you lived there?
Good for trying the therapy! How great that she tolerated the icing (and now the heat). Many dogs will turn away from ice, our Wyatt Ray sure hated it. I always felt so bad that he wouldn't allow himself to take advantage of how good it can feel.
We just got to Alaska about a month ago, just here for a year as an "experiment." We are actually here because of longtime Tripawds members who turned into dear friends of ours come up here with their sled dogs every winter. See Calpurnia's story. Now we are just a couple miles down the road from them!
@jerry
I LOVE THAT! That is amazing! How cool is it that you met someone online because of your doggo and now you're in Alaska! I'll check out @calpurnia's story.
I'm still learning how to use this forum and can't figure out how to attach a photo. I wanted to show you Bitsy and her progress. She had her staples removed today. The vet remarked at how fast she's come around. He's never seen a dog bounce back so fast. She really is amazing!
I feel like I'd love to experiment living somewhere new! Do you work online? I'm curious how you went about this.
Shannon and Bitsy (and the rest of the crew) xx
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