Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Even though 9 year old Rosie had a tumor that was supposedly biopsied non-malignant, the oncologist said it was “suspicious.” She recommended amputation as the best option. After weeks of prayer and agonizing, I agreed and Rosie had surgery to remove her back left leg today. I dread picking her up tomorrow. After watching the videos on this site of the dogs struggling to walk after surgery I can’t stop crying. I’m already regretting my decision. Then I read that they shouldn’t run anymore. We live on 15 fenced acres and Rosie loves to run and fetch. If she can’t ever chase squirrels again with my other dog, she will be devastated! I am worried sick that I will never be able to let her off the leash again. My fears are overwhelming me.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
You have come to the right place for support and information from those of us who understand perfectly all of the emotions, fears, etc. Now that you're post has been approved feel free to share all of your concerns and look for feedback from others.
Just to want to pop in quickly and assure you that your concerns about Rosie not being able to run and play and chase squirrels are completely unfounded! Promise!
Sure, there are things that need to be done in moderation and and precautions you want to put in place to preserve the health of her three legs. For instance, if you have hardwood floors or vinyls, you'll want to put down non-slip rugs for traction . You want to avoid any hard jumping up and hard pounding down like catching frisbees. She could still pay with a frisbee but you would just want to throw it low to the ground.
As far as picking her up tomorrow, you want to convey a confident and positive energy to rosie. All she wants to know is she's going home and you are ecstatically happy to see her! Don't even bother to look at her incision at this point or draw attention to it. She just wants to see your smile and face telling her what a good girl she is.
There's generally a two-week recovery. Involved where you just need to take her out for short, least potty breaks and back into rest. Keep in mind, this is major surgery, all while adjusting to life on three. A human would still be in a hospital for several days on a morphine drip.
It may take Rosie several days to get her sea legs and get up on her own, take some hops around the house, Etc . That is all perfectly normal . Sure, some dogs are up and mobile right away, but most need recovery time at their own pace and in their own way. She'll also come home on some good pain meds and that can keep her rather low-key, which is what she needs to be right now.
When I come back, I'll post some videos of three legged dogs swimming, doing agility, dock diving participating in field trials, Etc and playing happily with other dogs and chasing balls. And squirrels!
STAY CONNECTED!!! Take some deep breaths and no that Rosie will get to be Rosie again, but without that bum leg!
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!
Jeanne, we get it. All of us who have been through surgery felt the same way you do right now. It's normal for us to mourn, and even feel regret. But you will see in time that Rosie doesn't! She is just happy to be back with you and living her life as best as she can. It will not be immediate, and you will probably have some roller coaster riding that happens, but honestly, things do get better.
Sally's advice was spot on. In fact, she joined us in the same exact state of mind! But after a while she could see that she was having a harder time than Happy Hannah her sweet Mastiff.
Today when you pick her up, do your best to stay strong and upbeat, and focused on the day when she can go off and play and romp. Yes, Tripawds can still do what they loved, it doesn't mean they have to stop completely. Rather, you just need to modify her activity so she has lots of rest and break times throughout the day. It really is the best way to keep her injury-free and strong. And even with those rest breaks, she will still be loving life and making the most if it, I promise!
Let us know how today goes OK? If you want to chat, Gayle is on the Tripawds Helpline and she's a master at talking people off the ledge!
Hello and welcome.
How big is Rosie?
First off- your feelings are perfectly valid. When I was told my Pug needed to lose a back leg to mast cell cancer I don't think I had ever seen a three legged dog before. How would she cope? Maggie lost her leg before Tripawds was established so I had no idea what we were up against. Maggie was able to hop on her own the day of surgery although not very far. Remember when you are looking at videos of dogs right after surgery they are on strong pain meds and just learning their new balance. New Tripawds tend to get exhausted easily in the first days after surgery. But after the healing is done you can start working with Rosie to get her strong and back to many of the activities she loves.
Yes, there are some changes to three legged life. But different does not mean bad! I spent time mourning the things Maggie couldn't do anymore, but she never cared. She figured out how to do what she wanted and was the same obstinate Pug she had always been. Well, actually she was even more obstinate!
Now I have a Pug Mix who lost a rear leg after being hit by a car when she was 7 months old, we are days away from her 9th ampuversary. Elly had all kinds of issues when I adopted her at 10 months old but being on three was not one of them. She has fear and anxiety issues...she was afraid of leaves blowing down the street!
Here is a video of her chasing after a rabbit. She isn't the greatest hunter but it shows her agility and ability on rough terrain.
She doesn't chase things everyday but we do walk most days. I have a stroller for her so when we go on longer walks she can still come along. We go to a local lake every week and do a 3 mile hike. My other dog does the whole distance, Elly alternates between riding and walking. We also play food games and puzzles and do obedience and trick training, things that challenge her mind but give her body a break, although many of those activities help with her balance and core strength.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Thank you both so much for your words of encouragement. I picked Rosie up and she is resting comfortably for the moment. She doesn't want to or just can't stand on her good leg for more than a minute. They sent her home with Gabapentin 100 mg (2 every 8-12 hours), Trazodone 100 mg (1 every 8-12 hours), Amoxicillin 250 mg (1 every 12 hours), and Carprofen 75 mg (1/2 every 12 hours). She seems comfortable enough. Just changing positions every now and then as if she is sore - which I'm sure she is. I have her in an indoor pen and she doesn't seem to mind being in there. I put it in the den/kitchen area where I usually spend most of my day so I can keep an eye on her. The vet said to put ice pack on the wound 3 times a day for 10 minutes but Rosie won't let me do that. The wound looks good so far. Should I force her with the ice pack?
Wish I knew how to post a picture of Rosie, so I could share with y'all. Can anyone tell me how to do that? I'd also like to change my avatar image but I'm clueless on how to do that also. Thanks once again. I will report again tomorrow on her progress. I'll be spending the nights on the sofa right next to her enclosure.
WELCOME HOME ROSIE!!!! Surgery is done and you are now starting the recovery journey . Not saying recovery is a picnic for the first week or two, it doesn't last furever!!!
We would love to see pics of Rosie. Here's a link to show you how. If you jave any trouble, just let us know, okay? adding images
Jist the fact that she''s standing on her leg at all right now deserves a celebration! She still jas some strong hospital drugs in her system, plus, if she is on Trazodone, that can make her woozy.
, she joined us in the same exact state of mind! But after a while she could see that she was having a harder time than Happy Hannah her sweet Mastiff.
Hahaha......I can laugh now. I joined this community on day six after amputation and was sure I had made a horrible decision to amputate!! I was crying, panicking, fearful...yeah, you get it.. I really had no idea what to expect during recovery. The surgery was a success and that's basically all the information I got before taking her home. Thankfully this community threw me a lifeline and gave me tons of information, tips, what to expect, what was normal, etc etc etc.
I'm so glad Karen posted that video of Elly. THAT is more in line what a tripawd looks like living life to the fullest.
The vet said to put ice pack on the wound 3 times a day for 10 minutes but Rosie won't let me do that. The wound looks good so far. Should I force her with the ice pack?
I can onlymshare my experience. My Happy Hannah HATED me trying to put an oce pack on her (basically a bag of frozen peas over a large washcloth). So I never used it and she did fine. I adopted a three leg loudmouth strong willed Coonhound who had two different t cruciate repair surgeries on h9s back legs. He also "would not allow" me to use an ice pack. My dogs have trained me well to bow down to their wishes.😂😉
Sounds like you have a good set up to keep her safe and you can keep an eye on her. Just let her rest for now. Drinking and peeing are important, but eating and pooping may be off a few days because of the meds. IF..IF...IF...you feel she might be a lottle too drugged, talked to the Vet about eliminating the Trazedone. It does nothing for pain, just more of a sedative, anti anxiety med.
Your'e doing great....and so is Rosie!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. You showed up as a guest and have already been "approved" as a member. Let is know if yiu need help. Also, someone will help you with the avatar pic. Cant wait to see her!
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!
krun15 said
Hello and welcome.How big is Rosie?
First off- your feelings are perfectly valid. When I was told my Pug needed to lose a back leg to mast cell cancer I don't think I had ever seen a three legged dog before. How would she cope? Maggie lost her leg before Tripawds was established so I had no idea what we were up against. Maggie was able to hop on her own the day of surgery although not very far. Remember when you are looking at videos of dogs right after surgery they are on strong pain meds and just learning their new balance. New Tripawds tend to get exhausted easily in the first days after surgery. But after the healing is done you can start working with Rosie to get her strong and back to many of the activities she loves.
Yes, there are some changes to three legged life. But different does not mean bad! I spent time mourning the things Maggie couldn't do anymore, but she never cared. She figured out how to do what she wanted and was the same obstinate Pug she had always been. Well, actually she was even more obstinate!
Now I have a Pug Mix who lost a rear leg after being hit by a car when she was 7 months old, we are days away from her 9th ampuversary. Elly had all kinds of issues when I adopted her at 10 months old but being on three was not one of them. She has fear and anxiety issues...she was afraid of leaves blowing down the street!
Here is a video of her chasing after a rabbit. She isn't the greatest hunter but it shows her agility and ability on rough terrain.
She doesn't chase things everyday but we do walk most days. I have a stroller for her so when we go on longer walks she can still come along. We go to a local lake every week and do a 3 mile hike. My other dog does the whole distance, Elly alternates between riding and walking. We also play food games and puzzles and do obedience and trick training, things that challenge her mind but give her body a break, although many of those activities help with her balance and core strength.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Rosie is about the size of your dog. She weighed 43 lbs before surgery.
benny55 said
WELCOME HOME ROSIE!!!! Surgery is done and you are now starting the recovery journey . Not saying recovery is a picnic for the first week or two, it doesn't last furever!!!We would love to see pics of Rosie. Here's a link to show you how. If you jave any trouble, just let us know, okay? adding images
Jist the fact that she''s standing on her leg at all right now deserves a celebration! She still jas some strong hospital drugs in her system, plus, if she is on Trazodone, that can make her woozy.
, she joined us in the same exact state of mind! But after a while she could see that she was having a harder time than Happy Hannah her sweet Mastiff.
Hahaha......I can laugh now. I joined this community on day six after amputation and was sure I had made a horrible decision to amputate!! I was crying, panicking, fearful...yeah, you get it.. I really had no idea what to expect during recovery. The surgery was a success and that's basically all the information I got before taking her home. Thankfully this community threw me a lifeline and gave me tons of information, tips, what to expect, what was normal, etc etc etc.
I'm so glad Karen posted that video of Elly. THAT is more in line what a tripawd looks like living life to the fullest.
The vet said to put ice pack on the wound 3 times a day for 10 minutes but Rosie won't let me do that. The wound looks good so far. Should I force her with the ice pack?
I can onlymshare my experience. My Happy Hannah HATED me trying to put an oce pack on her (basically a bag of frozen peas over a large washcloth). So I never used it and she did fine. I adopted a three leg loudmouth strong willed Coonhound who had two different t cruciate repair surgeries on h9s back legs. He also "would not allow" me to use an ice pack. My dogs have trained me well to bow down to their wishes.😂😉
Sounds like you have a good set up to keep her safe and you can keep an eye on her. Just let her rest for now. Drinking and peeing are important, but eating and pooping may be off a few days because of the meds. IF..IF...IF...you feel she might be a lottle too drugged, talked to the Vet about eliminating the Trazedone. It does nothing for pain, just more of a sedative, anti anxiety med.
Your'e doing great....and so is Rosie!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. You showed up as a guest and have already been "approved" as a member. Let is know if yiu need help. Also, someone will help you with the avatar pic. Cant wait to see her!
This is a picture of Rosie before surgery
benny55 said
WELCOME HOME ROSIE!!!! Surgery is done and you are now starting the recovery journey . Not saying recovery is a picnic for the first week or two, it doesn't last furever!!!We would love to see pics of Rosie. Here's a link to show you how. If you jave any trouble, just let us know, okay? adding images
Jist the fact that she''s standing on her leg at all right now deserves a celebration! She still jas some strong hospital drugs in her system, plus, if she is on Trazodone, that can make her woozy.
, she joined us in the same exact state of mind! But after a while she could see that she was having a harder time than Happy Hannah her sweet Mastiff.
Hahaha......I can laugh now. I joined this community on day six after amputation and was sure I had made a horrible decision to amputate!! I was crying, panicking, fearful...yeah, you get it.. I really had no idea what to expect during recovery. The surgery was a success and that's basically all the information I got before taking her home. Thankfully this community threw me a lifeline and gave me tons of information, tips, what to expect, what was normal, etc etc etc.
I'm so glad Karen posted that video of Elly. THAT is more in line what a tripawd looks like living life to the fullest.
The vet said to put ice pack on the wound 3 times a day for 10 minutes but Rosie won't let me do that. The wound looks good so far. Should I force her with the ice pack?
I can onlymshare my experience. My Happy Hannah HATED me trying to put an oce pack on her (basically a bag of frozen peas over a large washcloth). So I never used it and she did fine. I adopted a three leg loudmouth strong willed Coonhound who had two different t cruciate repair surgeries on h9s back legs. He also "would not allow" me to use an ice pack. My dogs have trained me well to bow down to their wishes.😂😉
Sounds like you have a good set up to keep her safe and you can keep an eye on her. Just let her rest for now. Drinking and peeing are important, but eating and pooping may be off a few days because of the meds. IF..IF...IF...you feel she might be a lottle too drugged, talked to the Vet about eliminating the Trazedone. It does nothing for pain, just more of a sedative, anti anxiety med.
Your'e doing great....and so is Rosie!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. You showed up as a guest and have already been "approved" as a member. Let is know if yiu need help. Also, someone will help you with the avatar pic. Cant wait to see her!
Actually Elly is only 15 pounds!
As far as ice packs- when my Pug boy had his knee surgeries I was told to use ice packs but only if he allowed it, if he didn't tolerate them then don't force it on him.
Great that Rosie is home- on with the healing and recovery! Let us know what questions you have.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
You did it!! !! Rosie's picture showed up with the link. She is just as pretty as can be and so darn cute! Love her coloring.
How are things going tonight?
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!
benny55 said
You did it!! !! Rosie's picture showed up with the link. She is just as pretty as can be and so darn cute! Love her coloring.How are things going tonight?
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!e
The meds are keeping her comfortable and calm. She is just resting. I had to carry her outside to go pee but she did it. She doesn’t want to hop on her good leg yet. Vet said don’t force her, yesterday she just had the surgery. Plus, I think she may be groggy. It’s good that she is comfortable. Maybe we will both get some sleep. I have the sofa up against her enclosure and I’m sleeping there for the next 2 weeks. I’m terrified her cone will come off during the night and she will chew her stitches. I know - it’s irrational…my fears are making me crazy.
This is such a great little recovery area set up for Rosie. Rhis little girl sure is adored and loved!💖
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS...pretty avatar picture
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!
Aww sweet girl! Rest up! And yes that IS a great recovery spot, nice going Jeanne! And all of us get it about how worried you are. It's not an easy thing to go through, but you're doing it 
Your vet is right: take it sloooooow. She needs lots of time to rest, recover, and get strong. Maybe later today and this weekend you can start to let her go out on her own more without being carried? She shouldn't be as woozy from the medications.
It looks like you are figuring out the forums Jeanne, but if you'd like more one on one help, please private message me so I can help you. The little envelope icon to the right of my profile pic will take you to our messaging system, or you can just email me OK?
jerry said
Aww sweet girl! Rest up! And yes that IS a great recovery spot, nice going Jeanne! And all of us get it about how worried you are. It's not an easy thing to go through, but you're doing itYour vet is right: take it sloooooow. She needs lots of time to rest, recover, and get strong. Maybe later today and this weekend you can start to let her go out on her own more without being carried? She shouldn't be as woozy from the medications.
It looks like you are figuring out the forums Jeanne, but if you'd like more one on one help, please private message me so I can help you. The little envelope icon to the right of my profile pic will take you to our messaging system, or you can just email me OK?
Thanks for your help with the forums. I do love this setup for her recuperation. I was blessed to see this indoor pet pen on Marketplace for $40! The last time she had surgery, I had her in the gated foyer where she couldn't see us and she stressed out so much. Now, she can be wherever I am. She is doing awesome! She is hopping around a bit when I bring her out to urinate and stands up to eat when I bring her food in. The rest of the time she is comfortably sleeping. These meds are awesome! I called the vet worried that they might be too strong but he said he wants her to rest and relax while she heals. Rosie's incision looks good. She doesn't want me to ice it but the vet says that's okay. In a few days I will taper off the Trazodone. I feel so much more relaxed that things are going well. Praying it continues!
Update on Rosie:
Day 4 and Rosie is a rock star! She is hopping out to go to the bathroom around twice a day. She had her first bowel movement today. I was so stressed about that. I gave her some pumpkin with her pills and a little chicken broth with her meal today and that did the trick. What a relief! The meds have her sleeping all the time but that's fine with me. She seems so chill and not in any pain at all. An added plus is that she doesn't even mind staying in her indoor pen because we are always in the same room with her. She just lays there and watches us.
I thought she looked depressed and I suppose she may be because she is not used to being shut away from us. She is not interested in toys or bones. She just wants to rest so I'm letting her do that. I give her pets every now and then and tell her how brave she is. I have to remind myself she just had major surgery. Watching her struggle when she hops around makes me so nervous. But, after seeing the videos of other dogs a month after the surgery, I have hope that Rose will learn how to deal with just three legs and be walking around easily in no time.
I wish I knew how to send videos, then y'all could see her hopping around in the yard and standing strong when she is eating. I'm so proud of her!
Rosie is doing great!! I'm so happy to read that she is resting, getting good pain control and making so much progress. Thank you for taking time to share this good news! It's a delight for all of us and anyone who is looking for hope during the tough times of recovery.
Our Wyatt didn't like being iced either so don't feel bad. You tried!
Oh for videos it's best you upload to YouTube and the past the video URL here in your forum post. We would love to see them!
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