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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Hey, and BIG YAY!
Vet called to say Skippy's been cleared for take-off tomorrow (Wed. 4/10/24) for hind leg amputation.
Stairs ✔ Feliway diffuser ✔ elevated food/water dishes ✔ and more... I believe we're ready!
Please send positive energy via the universe. Thank you for caring!
Online
Alrighty Skippy, you've got this kiddo! Sounds like your home is well prepared for a good smooth recovery. Yes, I love how you're human has prepared you for the " take off day".. great play on words!😂
Sending lots of positivity your way.
Stay connected and updated when surgery is done, okay we'll Skippy be spending the first night at the clinic or coming home the same day?
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS
If you haven't already done so, check out Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats
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!
You have a great cattitude Susan! Looks like you are definitely cleared for takeoff. Keep us posted on how Skippy is doing. Lots of pawsitivity headed your way. 
Thank you Jerry and Benny55 for your energetic, positive support for Skippy! I truly appreciate it.
Vet called, surgery went fine & she's waking up; picking her up at 5:30, so no overnight stay. I am so relieved!!
I referred the receptionist and the Vet Tech to this fabulous resource for pet parents who might need support; they both wrote the web address down! It has helped us immensely.
😃 Susan & Skippy
YAAAAAY!!! SURGERY IS DONE!!!👏👏👏
keep in mind that bringing them home the same day of surgery can be a little hard to watch as they shake off the anesthesia, etc. Skippy may just sort of sleep sleep it off or may do a lot of meowing and be restless, Etc also make sure they send you home with plenty of pain meds with directions on Doses and frequency etc,
So happy the surgery is behind you and Recovery is starting! Just remember, recovery doesn't last forever!
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!
Skippy says, being quiet and calm overnight with 3 successful, non-assisted trips to the litter box as my 1st success gives my hooman hope.
I also mastered the art of resting my head down with my cone on. Wow, what a difference, now my neck can rest too!
Must nap now, have a great pawsome day everyone! 🐾
Susan thank you for letting us know surgery went well. I am SO impressed that last night went so well!
You cracked me up with that cone joke! LOL what a sense of humor. 
You and Skippy are gonna do great. Keep us posted.
The hauntingly familiar sound of crunching kibble rang through the night air;
Twas not long before the unmistakable sound of water being lapped up was heard.
Smarty Cat Skippy has met and conquered yet another challenge in her comeback!
Have a pawsome weekend!
Susan & Skippy
Jist catching up on the homecoming amd it apu ds like things are gpjng really well!!!
The sounds of crunching kibble....the sounds of lapping up water.....best sounds in the world!!!😎 To make non assisted trips to the lotter box.....huge victory!!!!
Keep the great updates coming!
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!
OH yeah!!! A milestone we all hope for and celebrate around here! SUPER SKIPPY is back! 
Skippy is 3 days away from suture/cone removal and things are going very well.
Would like to provide a backdrop to how we got to the amputation.
She injured her foot March 1st, we took her to the Vet clinic March 4th where we previously had her vaccines & dental cleanings, but with a new Vet. They took xrays & did some lab tests; both were inconclusive as to what was going on. What we do know is that there was severe bruising and a very dark spot. They mentioned having a hard time getting her to stay still for the X-ray then sent us home with a wide spectrum antibiotic (Orbax) and Gabapentin (pain relief). Never did they mention any after care information.
The leg (hind left) continued to worsen with a (new) visible laceration going around the whole upper paw, so I researched online for a new Vet and found one not far away that specialized in soft tissue surgery. Took her to new Vet who said the laceration looked like a "strangulation" 
Not sure how she got that, but was feeling a bit suspicious about the comment about difficulty with X-ray procedure at other Vet visit; sadly, we will never know how it happened.
Moral of Skippy's story: Don't hesitate to find another Vet if you suspect yours isn't qualified to handle the care needed to create a quality of life for your fur baby; Leave "loyalty" behind and find quality care!!
Susan that is the best advice, thank you for sharing. I'm just sorry that Skippy had to go through that. Your new vet sounds great.
Yep, loyalty and convenience don't matter as much as finding a high quality practice. We especially advocate for feline-friendly practices, and AAHA-accredited clinics.
Hi Jerry,
I would like to add that both Veterinarian clinics are AAHA Accredited.
The website link you posted for feline-friendly practices above is an AWESOME resource; definitely worthy of a bookmark. My new Tripawds tote bag is super cool too, arrived yesterday.
Thanks for cheering us on, 46 hours till suture removal appt.! 
Oh fantastic, great choice Susan!
Yes cat friendly practices really make a difference. Check out Purrkins' blog post about their experience.
Skippy's sutures have been removed and the Vet says it looks good! However, I can't be too excited yet...when cone was removed, she started to fuss around the incision location requiring us to put it back on. She is moving around the house and little by little, we are putting the house back into order.
Wish I had invested in the Tripawds "onesie" which I didn't realize was available but I think I might just order one anyways. For the price, I'd be glad to get it whether or not we need or use it!
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