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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So here we are, my wife, greyhound Leonard, and me beginning a new time in our lives as Leonard has become a tripod as of 9/29/17. The situation came up quickly with Leonard taking a fall and not being able to get up then rushed to emergency and given the news - most likely osteosarcoma had caused the terrible fracture (awaiting official test results). Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with osteo since we have been rescuing greyhounds almost 14 years and have had 4 w/cancer. Anyway, as best the doctors could tell, the cancer had not spread and so our decision for the big guy was to amputate his right rear leg. Leonard is a certified therapy dog and has done so much for so many, we owe this chance to him. Not going to say the past few days have been easy because we are all new to this but we have faith and will learn. So I guess I am reaching out for some feedback from those who know what it feels like while my wife and I continue to research what we can do. Thank you.
Hi Leonard and family, welcome. We are so glad you joined us and will do our best to help you in this journey. Have you seen Jerry's Required Reading List yet? If not be sure too stop by, you'll find many answers that can put your mind at ease as Leonard starts getting stronger.
We have had many Greys join us through the years, including Sessy (whose mom is a Tripawds Helpline host on Fridays), brand new member Fallon Ellen, the legendary angel Nixon, Bocce, and TJ, a sweetie whose momma is part of Greyhounds Rock Fredericksburg, an organization that's sponsored the Tripawds Amputation Surgery and Assistance Program. There are others and all have been super duper rock stars on three legs!
Have you thought about participating in a canine cancer clinical trial? There could be one near you and just think, Leonard could contribute to finding a cure. Cool!
Do post some photos when you can (here's a post about adding images ) and let us know what questions you have OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Leonard and family.....I can hardly wait to see pictures of your handsome boy!!! Like you I am a certifiable greyhound addict. I have had greyhounds in my life since 1998, and hopefully always will. Sessy is the second greyhound I've had that developed cancer. My first greyhound Babboo had lymphoma, and my current greyhound Sessy lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma.
The first couple of weeks can be hard.....but Good news is that Sessy is doing wonderful on three legs!!! She was up and moving almost normal within a few days. Her amputation was 1/2/17, and as of her last chest X-ray a week ago......she is still cancer FREE!!! Sessy had six chemo treatments st UCDavis. Only complication she had with the chemo was that her WBC would be low at the three week after point, so she had her chemo every 4 weeks instead of the usual 3 weeks. UCDavis did think that this was probably because she is a greyhound and they are so much different than other dogs. She did develope an infection at her wound site right after her first chemo, but probably had nothing to do with the chemo. Once they determined the right antibiotics she needed this cleared up.
im really glad you found this site!! I was lucky enough to run into someone at UCDavis my first visit that had a tripawd as well and told me about the group.......it has truly been a lifesaver!! There have been a few bumps in the road but it meant a lot to know I had the support and help both medically and emotionally of this group.
One thing I forget to add is that not only is Sessy a larger dog.......she is also an older one. Sessy had her surgery at 11 years old....she turns 12 next month.
Hugs and good wishes to you and your whole family.
Gayle - mom of beautiful greyhound Sessy. Sessy diagnosed with osteosarcoma on 12/26/16, left back leg amputated on 1/2/17. Feline siblings Mooshe, Tinkerdude, Odie and Bean
Thank you so much for the wonderful responses. I will not sugar coat things and say it has been easy but you already know this. But, during this new set of adventures in the life of Leonard, we will celebrate the small steps forward and learn how to reverse the backwards ones. We have been helping Leonard learn to walk on 3 legs using a sling for assistance but are researching commercial models and have been favoring the Get-a-Grip because of his large size. We are thinking not only for the beginning of this journey but as help as he gets older (he is 10).
Just catching up and want to send hugs and support to all!! Ans YAY to you for rescuing Greys!! You are their Earth Angels!
Yeah, the recovery lart is rough, that's for usre! Lack of sleep, physical and mental exhaustion, make it all that much worse! I thought I would lose my mind and was doubting my decision!! In fact, it took me three weeks before I could say I did this FOR her and. not TO her!
Most dogs come home woth Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. Does Leonard's pain seem to be managed okay so far?
Eating, drinking, peeing pooping okay? Sometimes poopi g is delayed because of the meds.
Others will have ro chime in on the harness. I tried a towel s@ing o ce lr twice for my Happy Hannah and she basically nust froze up.
Hang in there! Leonard will get the hang of things!
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!
The Get-a-Grip is a great harness for dogs with less mobility. The same company's Pet Support Suit is the top of the line as far as assistance and ensures a good, tailored fit. For most other dogs who are able to get around pretty well, the Webmaster Plus is a good choice. It can still be useful as they age.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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