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 just want to thank Tripawds for helping me through a difficult time. My Great Dane Tess was diagnosed with distal right front radius osteosarcoma a few weeks ago. The decision about amputation was not straightforward since she also has hip arthritis. I initially decided to amputate, then canceled the surgery. Four vets told me there was no right decision. I agonized over this decision. Many people told me I shouldn't put her through surgery and I should let nature take its course. I met again with the vet who treated (and saved) my other dog with lymphoma. He told me that even if Tess wasn't limping, it didn't mean she wasn't in pain. The cancer pain will always be there and gets worse and worse, even with pain medication. I came home and googled "three legged Great Danes" and found your website. I discovered I wasn't alone when it came to being completely lost about making this decision. I also discovered incredible resources and advice. Based on what my gut told me from the beginning and the knowledge that the cancer pain won't go away until that leg is gone, I decided to have the leg amputated. The surgery is this coming Tuesday, and I go into it accepting whatever the result will be. I will not regret my decision because I know I made it with Tess' best interest in mind.
Tess is an extraordinary dog (aren't they all?). I adopted her from the SPCA 4 years ago after she was pulled from a home as part of a cruelty case. I walked by her kennel and this huge creature stood up and barked and barked and barked at me. The SPCA worker said she had never done that before. I was told her teats were large because she had been "overbred." She was my first Dane and I had no idea that her belly should have a little scoop to it. That night she climbed up on the couch with me, put her head on my lap and heaved a huge sigh. Two days later she had 6 purebred Great Dane puppies! A few months later she survived gastric torsion and surgery to remove her tail because of a non-healing wound. Suffice it to say, this dog has been through a lot. I promised her I would always take care of her, and I will deal with whatever the amputation brings. Tripawds has helped so much in giving me the information I needed to make the decision and prepare for her surgery. I can't thank you enough!!
tess you sound like an amazing girl, with an amazing human too. we will keep pur paws crossed and think all kinds of positive 'juju' for you and your surgery this tuesday. the first two weeks are a challenge, but don't get discouraged!!! as long as decisions are made out of love, they are always right...so you are in the best hands!!!! keep us informed on your progress sister!!
gayle & charon
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Oh my gosh, Tess and you both sound amazing! I don't know how I would feel to have a great dane bark and bark at me. I am a rescuer too but it might have kept me walking and missed a great pup like her. Her road really sounds like it has been bumpy but she is lucky to have you.
I am sorry about her diagnosis. We will be thinking of you on Tuesday and hope you will post as soon as you can and let us know that she is okay.
Elizabeth and Sammy
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.
Tess and Mom,
I am so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis, that you had to find this site, but want to welcome you to a community of wonderful people who will share their collective experience base, give excellent advice, and always be there for support. It sounds as if Tess did not have a great start to life, but was fortunate enough to find a very caring home. Bless you for taking her in, providing her a nuturing environment, and letting her give her love to you. After all, that really is all they have ever wanted to do and you have let her fulfil her needs.
It has been a while since I last threw out my usual suggestions to help prepare for the journey that you are now starting, so let me list them once more for you. Stealing from a Jerry posting, I would suggest:
What to Expect Part 1: http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2: http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
Also, there are my usual suggestions:
1) Remain as positive as possible around Tess. They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder. I often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile. It will make a difference.
2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that they love and can still do during recovery. Then exploit that love to give them purpose. For Cherry, it was her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. As the time when she thought that she is going for a ride approached, you could see the excitement grow. Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool. Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable. View the Fun! Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips. Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary! Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years. View the fun! Help them find a purpose to fight.
3) Consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted much it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog, which is also a great idea. This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition. I have a page of thumbnail photos (with links to larger versions) covering from just after the diagnosis, first days home, chemotherapy treatment, through recent days. View Cherry’s TriPawd photos.
Cherry turned eleven the day before her amputation, which is a good full life for a Standard Poodle. There also were growths on her internal organs at the time of the initial diagnosis. This makes her wonderful 405 days post amputation even more remarkable, and in my opinion, they have made great strides forward with treatments since. Above all, enjoy this time together and live in this moment.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
No, thank you. As you can see, it is the ongoing support of our members that make this community the valuable resource it has become.
The decisions you faced and how you dealt (are dealing) with them are classic, and by sharing your story you are helping others who will face the same situation with their dogs, so again, thank you for joining.
Bets wishes to you and Tess for a speedy recovery. We look forward to following her progress. Be sure to follow Bob's links to the top ten amputation recovery concerns, and bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for links to more helpful advice. Or, consider downloading the new Tripawds e-book for fast answers to the most common questions.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My little guy Alex is having the same surgery as Tess on Tuesday as well. My thoughts and prayers will also be with you & Tess as we move forward. Some of lifes' most important lessons have been tought to me by my dogs. Living in the moment is the one I wish to shortly return to after his pain is gone...
Welcome to Tess and her pack.
As we always say here- sorry you HAD to find us, but as you have seen this is the best place to be for information and support.
Others have given you great advice and the links to get you started. Please take advantage of the support you will find here.
Good luck on Tuesday, and we look forward to hearing how Tess is doing.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Let me give you a welcome of your own - I kinda lumped you into Alexei's welcome. My bad!
As happy as we are you found such a great support group, I truly am sorry you are taking this journey. You will learn so much, and hurt so much in the process of learning, but we will all be right here for you!
Fingers & Paws crossed for an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery!
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.
From another Big Dog...we'll be thinking of you Tuesday and hoping all goes well.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Alex and Tess - best wishes to you on both your upcoming surgeries.
Sending healing wishes to you.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
So sorry that you have to go through this. Sounds like Tess is an amazing dane with an amazing parent to take care of her. We wish you all the best on Tues. Just know that you are not alone - many of us here have agonized over this decision (I speak from experience) only to find out that it was the best decision we could have ever made. We will be thinking of you....let us know how Tess is doing.
Kami (Mackenzie and Kobe'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!
tess said:
part of a cruelty case. I walked by her kennel and this huge creature stood up and barked and barked and barked at me. The SPCA worker said she had never done that before.
You're a smart human for listening...you know, truth is, we always pick our humans in situations like that, they don't pick us! Tess is one smart girl for picking such a pawsome pawrent who would go the distance with her.
We're so glad you found us. Back when my pawrents were looking for some sign of hope when I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, they came across Moose, the Great Dane (is this the pup you saw when you googled and found us?) and he's what convinced them that if HE could survive and thrive, so could I. If it wasn't for a Dane, Tripawds wouldn't be here! Paws up for Great Danes!
We've had quite a few Danes here, including Nova, who is now going on here two year ampuversary and OS diagnosis. She's just one of many members who continue to inspire and amaze us.
Good luck this week. We are sending lots of love and warm wishes your way. Keep us posted and let us know if there's anything we can help with OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry it took me so long to get back and reply. I can't thank everyone enough for the support, advice, and inspiring words. It was indeed Moose that I saw when I googled three legged Danes. I couldn't believe he was digging!
Tess did well with her surgery yesterday and ate breakfast this morning. I had her surgery done at a place that has 24 hour care and even has a "mini-ICU" so she was in good hands. It really pays to have the surgery done at a place where they do this often. They are getting her up and working on her rehab. The vet said the dogs are so relieved to have the pain gone that they are happy to get up and get moving. I will bring her home tomorrow!
Thanks again!!!
Oh that is excellent that the surgery went well! I know you'll be excited to get her home.
Just remember, the next two weeks are going to be ruff! It's just the surgery pain and there may be some phantom pain . So, rest when you can and keep us updated!
Best wishes!
Comet's mom
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.
Here come my two suggestions, passed on to you with a huge welcome and an OMG for the arrival of puppies when you thought you had just gotten ONE dog!! What a surprise that must have been (are there morons working at the shelter that they didn't know she was pregnant and about to deliver???????????)....I assumed all shelters had vets who checked the dogs over....guess they were sleeping through her exam!
Okay...a Ruffwear harness will be invaluable for you....ask your vet when you can use it...we used ours right away but Magic's wound was wrapped...some vets prefer you wait til the staples/stitches are out. In the meantime you can take a cloth shopping bag and split it down the sides so you have handles on each side of Tess....
Non skid rugs for any slippery areas (you can get pretty cheap runners that are washable and hold up pretty well)
Check entrances and exits to see if you will need to do any kind of ramps...I did the ramps and Magic took about a day and a half to figure out a way to circumvent my thoughtful planning...he preferred the stairs...he was a front amp
The first two weeks are pretty much something you will be glad to be looking at in a rearview mirror, but then it is upward and onward and you shall be amazed!!
Keep us posted!!
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