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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I feel like this is how I start every statement to you guys but I must do it again. Thank you for you kind words and good ideas. I went to see Sammy at the hospital and he was so drugged that it took some time for him to recognize me. He hadn't eaten or drank anything or had any bathroom moments of any kind since he arrived on Saturday.
I brought all kinds of goodies (fried chicken, turkey, cheese, and other stuff he likes) but he refused all. He did drink a little in the hour that I was there. The vet asked to put him on an IV drip and I agreed.
After a few moments of hugging and petting him he raised his shakey head and pulled his ears back and looked at me with sudden awareness like, "Oh good it is you." He was crying all night and on anti-stress medication. He stopped crying as loudly when he figured out it was me and he just curled in on me and hung on.
I cleaned his face and took off my sweatshirt and put it in his cage so he will be able to smell me there later. It might give him comfort I hope. I talked to him almost non-stop and was very good about not crying until I got to my car.
I called up the hospital last night and asked if my husband and I could come back and see him again. The vet said it isn't a good idea because after I left he became very upset. She said he was resting now probably because the fennel patch (I have no idea how to spell that one) most probably finally kicked in.
Today is his amputation day. I am going to call after my first shift this morning and find out exactly when the surgery happens. I want to go see him before he goes in but I don't know if that is a good idea. My husband gave me his shirt to take to him today. He also said the vet is wrong, if he keeps seeing us go in and out up there he will know he isn't being abandoned.
Please keep Sammy in your prayers today, many thanks,
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
I'm no vet, but my thoughts tell me once the surgery is done he will start to improve - he will be without the pain he is in now. Don't get me wrong, there will be pain from surgery, but it will be manageable pain, unlike what he has now. I'm really surprised they didn't do emergency surgery on him. I don't see why they wouldn't let you see him just prior to sedation. He would then know you were there and would think you are with him during surgery. I know this is really tough, but it should start to get better now.
Thoughts are with you today. Stay strong!
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.
Elizabeth,
I know this must be an extremely stressful time for you and your husband not to mention poor Sammy. I will most definitely keep Sammy in my prayers today. Like Shanna, I'm a bit surprised they didn't do emergency surgery. I'm no vet but I would want to see my pup before he was sedated, period! That's just my opinion though and I can be a bit over the top at times. 
In any case, Sammy will have the bulk of his pain removed today and as Shanna said things should start to get better.
My thoughts and prayers,
Brett
I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Like everyone said, fractures can occur and sometimes without you even knowing. In our case, Mackenzie had a fracture that they didn't discover until after her surgery. I cringe when I think about the amount of pain she was in because of that. I know this will sound strange but when they do fracture their leg, it's a confirmation that amputation is the right thing to do - the decision's been made for you.
It must have been so difficult to see Sammy like he was but soon this nightmare will be over and you'll be getting your Sammy back. We wish Sammy all the best today and will be saying lots of prayers. Let us know how he does.
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
So sorry to hear of the fracture, but as everyone else said - the amputation will get rid of all the pain. We're sending up lots of prayers, and have fingers/paws crossed for all of you! Hang in there, things will get better.
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
We know it's hard, but we recommend not visiting pups where' they're having their procedure or recovering. As your vet suggested they dogs tend to get excited when seeing their people, then very upset when they realize they're not going home with them. It sounds like Sammy is in good hands. Try to focus on what's best for him.
Bets wishes for a perfect procedure and quick, complete recovery. Keep us posted on his progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Lots of pawsitive thoughts today for you and Sammy.
It will be over soon and you are going to have your smiling, happy boy back. It's gut-wrenching to say the least but the unbearable pain will be gone. Try to focus on the part where he'll be pain free.
Hugs.
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.
More prayers going out to you and your husband. I agree with everyone--soon the pain will be gone and things will get better.
Fentanyl is like morphine so he might not even know you visited. Cemil had two patches and it kept him pretty loopy. Hang on until the time for pain meds is over and you'll see your happy boy emerge.
I'm so sorry you and Sammy have to go through this, but soon it will get better. You'll see.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Good luck with the surgery today! I do agree that it is hard on the dog when their people come and go but I don't see why you couldn't see him just prior to surgery. Hopefully they can tell you what time the procedure will be so you can visit him. If you can't visit because you have to work just know that he is in good hands there. Do you know which surgeon will be doing the amputation?
Pam
I hope sammy has an uneventful procedure and that things go smoothly. I know its hard to leave your pup with the vet, but if I were in your shoes I would rather not see him until pick up than risk exciting him before surgery and have it not go as well. I don't think I could forgive myself for that. My Chloe had to stay with the vet 3 days and 2 nights and I didn't visit her because she gets SO excited to see me that I knew it was best for her recovery if I waited until pick up. She BOLTED to me when I did finally get to take her home...
Will keep Sammy in my thoughts.
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
My James broke his leg too. And he was standing next to me on the bed. He suddenly fell over and started screaming. It's called a pathologic fracture and can happen anywhere, anytime. So no guilt.
The amputation will help make Sammy feel so much better!! The painful leg will be gone. Yeah for that! He will be a bit loopy on the drugs. But he will not have the same pain as before the surgery.
Take care and get some sleep!
Nancy and James the poodle
James the poodle had his left front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma on Aug. 4, 2010. He is currently doing chemo.
Just a quick note because I have to get back to work, thanks so much for the love and support. Sammy made it through the surgery! Yea! Oh my goodness, I prayed and stayed glued to the wall of the surgery place. I had to work this morning and showed up too late, he was already under. The vet did an amazing job and he said there was very little blood lost.
They did the surgery early because he was in incredible pain throughout the night. I wanted to see him so much but I bet you guys are right he was so doped up he probably wouldn't have known I was there.
I thank you for your prayers. They say he did so well that he can probably come home tomorrow. I have had a great feeling about this clinic and it has been confirmed. Coincidently my vets name in Greek is Angel. I am so thankful.
I have to get back to work but I am floating, finally some good news 🙂
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
All the best to you and Sammy today, my prayers will be for a smooth and speedy recovery for you Sammy. Life will be so much better without that painful leg, heck you won't even miss it, you will soon be amazing everyone at how pawsome you are on 3 legs!
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Elizabeth,
That is great news! I'm so happy for Sammy, you and your husband. Now you need to get some rest because Sammy is going to needs lots of love and support. Somehow I don't feel you lack in those areas! Sending lots of positive thoughts your way for a fast and unremarkable recovery. I just knew you were due some good news. 
Fortis'Dad
Glad to hear the surgery went well ! Now you can focus on healing and being pain free. Bet there will be alot of hugs and kisses when arriving home.
Jersey May and Jon
My Sweet Jersey May. Lost her back left leg in 2001 at 1 year old. diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the remaining right rear leg May 2010 Left our world September 2010.
We miss you Pea Pie
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