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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Sandi made it through surgery just fine. Of course my wife and I are complete wrecks.....The leg was removed all the way to the hip bone, but the Dr. did get all the cancer removed, no more radiation or chemo!!!!!
Sandi has not figured out how to get around quite yet, and we have not quite figured out how to help.. We have tried the sling around her belly, but she is just so sore....It is only her first hours home....but at least she is home!!!!
I'll keep you posted as to how we do...Sandi will be fine....It is us "pawrents" that need the help!!!
BK
That is great news!
She is probably still groggy and woozy. Let her rest well and she will figure out all the "how-to"s in no time.
Wish Sandi have a speedy recovery!
bkroeplin said:
Sandi made it through surgery just fine.
That's great to hear! Please don't worry, you – and Sandi – will get it all figured out soon.
Just keep us updated in this thread, no need to start a new one. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good to hear she came through the surgery well. Don't worry, they will figure it out.
Big hugs from Allira (new amputee myself) & my mum
Sending hugs your way
Anne, Butch and Faith... (Gem and Tiny in our Hearts)
Good to hear she weathered the surgery well. She'll figure out the mechanics quickly.
Now that we have Sandy home and are being overly protective I was just wondering when some of you were comfortable leaving your dogs home alone.
Any advise on handling the stairs? We were told no stairs for two weeks but that is not an option since the only way in or out of the house is to use the stairs. We tried the sling without much success. My husband can carry her but I can't.
And yes, I spell Sandy with a Y. My husbany uses the i. Sandee herself prefers two ees.
Jerry will tell you himself but there is a harness made by Ruffwear that is perfect for dogs like us. It has a handle on it & is made very strong. That will help you get up & down the stairs with help from your pawrents. My mum has already ordered one for me but I have to wait for the stitches to come out before I wear it, she says.
So glad you are doing so well & there is no more cancer. Good luck & hope to see you around on here,
Allira
Welcome home Sandee!
I lived on the second floor when I had my operation, and my dad carried me up and down for the first week or so until I showed him I could do it. Then they would use a soft towel wrapped under my belly to provide support. As soon as I got my stitches out, I started wearing the Ruff Wear harness. Now it's part of my daily wardrobe.
Regarding staying at home alone ... I was lucky enough to have pawrents who worked at home. But they would've been comfortable leaving me alone after a couple days. Just be sure to have your people put up "baby gates" at the top of any stairs, raise your water/food bowls off the floor, and put down runners if you have slippery floors.
A firm bed on the floor with some water nearby and you should be fine.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sandi update:
Sandi is starting to get around on her own, getting down steps with a little help, getting up is alot harder. This morning she even pee'd on her own with no help.
We have been using the ruffwear harness to help support her as needed. It is just amazing how she figured this out.
She just got off the heavy narcotics today, so hopefully she will get a little appetite back.
Us "pawrents" are doing better also!!!!
BK
So glad to hear that Sandi is doing well!!! After the meds begin to wear off they tend to move around better. With Nellie having only one rear leg as well, she also has more difficulty going up stairs. We sometimes use the "wheelbarrow" technique- just unweighting her back hips some to make it easier to go up but lifting her up manually, not with a harness or sling.
Their resilance is amazing! Keep us updated!!!
-Tracy
bkroeplin said:
She just got off the heavy narcotics today...
Yay! No more crazy pink elephant visions! Soon Sandi will be regaining strength and on her way to Loving Life On Three Legs . one day at a time, baby. One day at a time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to say thanks for all the encouraging words and advise we got over the last 2 weeks. 
We were terified at the thought of amputation, and now Sandi seems to be doing just fine. She ate a little last night, and is able to get up and down stairs with little help.....amazing.
BK
Yipee! Thank you for letting us know. Remember, we're always here for you.
So glad to hear things are going well. Keep us posted, and do share some photos when you have a chance (I know, lots to think about right now with Sandi's recovery and all that!).
How are you helping her get up and down the stairs? Just curious.
We are so hoppy for you both, congratulations on getting on the road to recovery.
Love,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry,
Sandi gets up and down the stairs, with a little help from the ruffwear harness . She goes up the stairs better than down....but she is working on it!!! The harness has REALLY helped alot.
BK
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