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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My puppy is going into surgery at this very instant.
Hi. My name is Mark but more importantly I have a 16 week old Lab (yellow) and he is going in for surgery, yet again, this time for leg amputation. He had a broken elbow and and screw and a pin were inserted but that didnt hold up as I'd hoped. This was the only option left, and I am soo scared. Any help on how to help in anyway I can will be greatly appreciated.
Sonny is like most Labs. He is fun, unconditionally happy, and my best friend. I am not sure how he broke his elbow but I loved him just the same. So like any, I took him to the vet and the only option was surgery. So, of course, I did it. One day when Sonny had never looked better, I was watching him walk around the yard. He was doing great! It looked like all his pain had passed him and it was nothing but happy times hence forth. Then suddenly he fell. I rushed to him and he was yelping uncontrollably. Some how, some way there was this hole in the yard. Just a random hole undid everything instantly. Heartbroken at the sound of him I brought him inside and tried to console him. I had just moved to the area and still had not found a vet (hoping to be rid of them). So the day went by with me helping him as much as I could, and he seemd to be on the mend, but I knew something wasnt right. The leg was utterly useless now, to a point that I had never seen. I finnally was recommended a good surgeon and I took him there this very morning.
I sat in the waiting room, just hoping for some good news. It never came. All that came was "Sir, there really is no other option." and I know that if you're on this site then you have probaly been in the same place im sitting in right now. I just wanted him to be pain free and be able to live out his life hppy. I guess like you say "Its better to hop on three legs, than to limp on four." So, I signed away my best friends leg today and am just looking for some help for people who have been through this. Anything will be greatly appreciated.
P.s - He comes home tomorrow 
Mark Sturtevant
Hey Mark,
Mom and I wish Sonny have a speedy recovery.
There has been quite a lot of discussions in the forums about almost everything about post-op recovery, e.g. mobility, appetite, slip-proof surface for the hopping tripawds, diet, ...etc.
He should be out of the surgery by now? Please keep us posted how he is doing.
Since he is staying overnight at the vet hosp, you have a good rest tonight and get ready for helping him rehab tomorrow.
Mark,
Here's hoping the surgery goes well, and that your pup recovers. Treat your pup like a king when he comes home. He might be a bit depressed and in pain, but you just have to know we have all been through some or all of this here, and we can give you what advice we have.
Kris
Thanks for commenting Mark, and welcome to the Tripawds community!
In one sense, you are very fortunate. From your story so far, it sounds like cancer is not a concern, like so many others here inthe forums.
Relax and take some for recovery with your pup. Before long he should be back to his normal self. Within a few months, he'll build up plenty of strength to cpmpensate for the missing limb. Then you'll have a long happy life ahead of you.
There are plenty of posts regarding how to prepare for and cope with recovery. If you live on the second story, search for stairs to find advice. You may also consider a harness to help you new three legged friend around.
Thanks again. Best wishes, and be sure to keep us posted here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
- Update -
Sonny's surgery went great!The doctor said there were no complications and I am on my way to pick him up right now.
Mark Sturtevant
Hi Mark - I'm really glad to hear that Sonny's surgery went well and that he's now on his way home!
I honestly think you'll find that in a couple of weeks from now, it will be as if Sonny has always had 3 legs. He's very very young and he will adapt so quickly that it will blow your mind.
Did you find out what caused Sonny's leg to break in the first place?
Let us know how he gets on once he's back home with you 
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Sonny is home and since he has been unable to use his leg for quite some time now, he is hopping along as though nothing was wrong. It seems to be much harder for my family and I than it is for him. I ham having some trouble getting him to eat, granted he is on some pretty serious pain meds so I'm not to worried about it just yet, but if anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it.
P.s - Thanks for all the well wishes.
Mark Sturtevant
I fed Ben canned dog food and ham and such as treats after surgery. He did not have much of an appetite at first, which is normal I think. If you give your pup some nice meaty treats, he won't refuse. Wean him back to his normal food after a couple of weeks.
It's good to hear that Sonny is home and is already up and about
I think you're very right when you say its much harder for the humans to adapt than the dog.
I'd offer light food for a couple of days (white fish, rice, chicken etc) and then wean back to normal food (unless advised otherwise by your vet).
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Patience, just patience. Those pain meds really do a number on our appetite.
My pawrents started feeding me more wet Evo meat, and it really worked. Now I won't eat my dinner without it. Ha! Ha!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey Mark great to hear that Sonny is doing good. Luckily for Sonny you found this site as it is the best source for information, links, diets, and all sorts of advices and suggestions. Like Jerry tells all of our pawrents, lots of patience and take it a day at at time. Everything will be fine before you know it...welcome to the club.
Kellie
Hey Sonny, sounds like you're bouncing back full throttle - good luck! Would love to see a photo of you soon! Mark, our vet had a great tip to get those taste buds working again after surgery - cat food! Apparently its alot er, smellier than dog food and hence very appetizing. And Hills Science Diet also produces a fabulous post-surgery food called a/d ( http://www.hill.....4441760567 ) which a certain Tripawd I live with thinks is caviar.
All the best...
Thank you all so much for the advice and kind words. It has reaaly helpd out alot.
Mark Sturtevant
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