TRIPAWDS: Home to 22969 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
Member Since:
2 July 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
2 July 2014 - 8:38 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi,

I'm new to this community. I have a 4 1/2 yr. old dottie girl with Osteosarcoma , right front leg...We tried the Iv Aredia drip and she so high drive that it just didn't work for her. We also have an older dottie with Osteo as well....How can this happen once, let alone two at the same time...We made the decision to amputate and everything was good until that first potty trip...Soo, I'm just not sure what to expect....? It's hard to watch them struggle to get their balance....

Any suggestions or helpful tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks so much!

 

Michellebig-blink

Member Since:
2 July 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
2 July 2014 - 8:40 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Supposed to say rotti girl......

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Member Since:
17 May 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
3 July 2014 - 9:53 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Michelle.

I have a boy - a Golden Retriever.  For him, it was really hard to find another way to do number 1 without lifting his leg.  The first time he tried he fell, and it was heartbreaking, but didn't fall a second time!  The first week or so isn't easy for us or for them, but they adapt surprisingly well.  I am, of course, more mindful, and stairs are now "out-of-bounds" for him.  

Good luck for your girl!  

Daniela & Johnnie

Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet.   Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues.   Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle.  October 17:  started having seizures.  Taking fenobarbital for seizures.  April 18: started prednisone.

Westminster, MD
Member Since:
31 August 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
3 July 2014 - 10:15 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Michelle,

It does get better with amputation......my precious Polly also lost her front right leg to a different cancer, hemangiosarcoma, and it took about a week for her to really adjust and keep her balance when going potty. I know several people here have used various harnesses to help their pups out, there are some great ones you can purchase from the Tripawds website. My Polly hated harnesses, but they are very helpful for most other dogs.
And I do know what you mean about cancer striking twice......I lost my Polly in February to this ugly cancer, and less than 3 years ago, I lost my sweet black Lab Maggie to this same crappy cancer. It definitely sucks the life out of you sometimes.

Best wishes, and hoping things get better soon for your pup,
Bonnie & Angel Polly

Member Since:
2 July 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
3 July 2014 - 10:53 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank You. It is hard, but I know she can do this....Me , not so sure... what-ever

Member Since:
18 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
4 July 2014 - 4:36 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Michelle,

So sorry to hear that the ugly "c" has hit your pups so hard!

With respect to your pup's adjustment to the amp, it really will get better....everyday will be a bit easier as she (I'm guessing your pup's name is Trina) adjusts to her new reality!

My ten year old Lab had his right front leg amputated nine months ago and he is doing very well.  Things get much easier after the first two weeks or so.....usually by then the pup's sutures will be out, the meds they came home from the clinic with will have been reduced and they have really adapted to their new reality.

It really is harder on us humans.....we worry about the what ifs and did we do the right thing.....Trina only knows that she is no longer in pain from her leg and that she still has you to love her unconditionally.

Keep coming back here to vent, share your triumphs and get ideas from those of us that have already been on this journey a bit longer.

Hugs

Linda and Tucker

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
4 July 2014 - 5:05 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Michelle, I'm so sorry for the late welcome, I just now saw your post. How are things going today? I hope things are better and the potty trips have gone better. Yes, things DO get better, they do figure it out. It IS hard to watch them struggle but in the end, they do so much better than any human does during this situation. It's tough for humans but we will help you get through this.

Have you checked out Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books library yet? There are lots of good tips that will help you get through this rough time (again). I'm so sorry. Once is hard enough but two has just got to be beyond comprehension, that's unreal.

Please let us know how things are going, we are here for you OK?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Martinsburg, WV
Member Since:
3 June 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
4 July 2014 - 8:31 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Michelle,

I'm so sorry to hear that your babies are dealing with cancer.  I suspect it's difficult going through this disease with one but two...oh my goodness!

Don't worry your rotti will get the bathroom thing figured out.  My Leland (Dobie boy) was a hind leg amp and for the first couple of weeks I would help him around the yard with the belly sling and then move it out of the way for him to pee.  Pooping I kept the sling around him and just held it enough to help him balance on his remaining hind leg.  Then one day he was out peeing on his own and then he went a little further in the yard and started pooping on his own.  I was so proud and gave him lots of praise.  He had it figured out from there on out.

Dogs are amazing in how quickly they adapt and get things figured out.  Rest assured your rotti will also get there.

Sahana & Angel Leland

superstar 

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
4 July 2014 - 9:54 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Dear Sweet Michelle! My goodness, you have your hands full! I'm so sorry you are on this journey...but so glad you found Tripawds! You could not have more support anf access to great informatiin AND first hand knowledge than you have here!

You've already gotten good advice and great links to Jerry's e.books.

And YOU will handle this with the same courage, strength and determination your pups are showing you! They are great role models for you. Are you pursuing any treatment for your senior Rottie? We have another member here named Michelle who is mom to a magnificent Rottie named Sassy. Even though Sassy has earned her Angel wings, her legacy of courage and never give-up attitude co tinues to inspire us all. I'm sure she'll chime in when she sees your post.

Remember, dogs live in the moment and don't give a rip about statistics or diagnosis! They don't worry about a thing! Let NOTHING rob you of your time together with your preciius pups! Just love and spoil and love and spoil some more!

Please stay connected to us! This site was...and still is...my lifeline. My Happy Hannah and I could never have made it without the support here!

Try and rest when you can...this recovery period can be pretty exhausting. And then to be dealing with the unthinkable...two of your beloved diagnosed at once...cannot imagine.....cannot imagine!, Just try and stay in the present with them! You ARE a strong and brave woman!! Lean on us...let us help. We are all here for you!

Sending you love and calm...

Sally and Happy Hannah

Oh! Take lots and lots of pictures!! We love pnotos around here! And we love Rotties!!

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!

Member Since:
2 July 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
22 July 2014 - 9:03 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank you all so much...

The older guy is only getting Aredia iv drips for pain management but no chemo..

Trina will hopefully be cleared to start chemo this week...although right now we are dealing with phantom pain or at least thats what I think it is...

 

Michelle

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
22 July 2014 - 9:51 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

So good to hear back from you. You have the admiration of the whole community, that's for sure,

What pain meds is she taking? Gabapentin has shown to help with phantom pain , as well as regular surgery pain.

Sending you positive thoughts and tons of support! Remember, we are here for y o u and your WONDERFUL Rotties!

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
23 July 2014 - 6:02 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

trina2345 said
...right now we are dealing with phantom pain or at least thats what I think it is...

Sorry to hear it! Consider these posts or search the blogs for more helpful info...

downloads: tips-for-managing-phantom-limb-pain-in-dogs

downloads: the-electromagnetic-field-and-phantom-limb-pain-connection

gear: farabloc-phantom-pain-relief

news: post-amputation-side-effects-in-dogs

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Minnesota
Member Since:
25 June 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
24 July 2014 - 9:57 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Michelle:

So sorry to hear about both your dogs. Things will get better! My dog Tucker had his right leg amputated on 7/10/14, so it's been two weeks today. He is doing amazingly well, he surprises me everyday. At first it was heartbreaking to see him struggle with little things like going to the bathroom and tackling the stairs, but he is learning how to do things a little differently and hitting those milestones is just incredible. He is now running especially if he wants something like squirrel's or his favorite toy. He still get's tired but with losing some weight and building up some muscle he will be running around like crazy.

Remember these things will not happen overnight. Hang in there, we are here for you!

Melissa

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: Edward_1, Jarrod, Elizabeth_10
Guest(s) 173
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17731
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256797
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG