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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Alrighty, glad he ate better! Good job Artik👍
Your Tripawd Family will be sending all sorts of pawsitive energy tomorrow. Update when you can.
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 I hope the visit went well and he won't need surgery! Glad he ate something. The interesting thing is that when Wyatt had the cyst, it didn't dull his appetite one bit. I think it's because that dog will eat just about anything we put in his bowl.
To answer your questions:
When Wyatt had his tooth removed, how long was the recovery? Did he need many meds?
He also had several sutures and came home with a week's worth of Clavamox. The recovery was about 14 days total. During that time we had to feed him very soft food, so I was grinding up his kibble in the food processor and feeding it to him wet. We also had to irrigate the wound with gentle streams of water. Pretty high maintenance but then again the wound site was rather large.
You didn't do anything wrong for something like this to happen. I said the same thing, especially since for all his life I've fanatically brushed Wyatt's teeth nearly every day and he still got that weird cyst. These things just happen.
Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Patricia. I've been a dental hygienist for over 30 years and my experience with tooth extractions is that it is a simple procedure with a quick recovery and rarely are there complications. Usually the patient feels so much better soon after. I have no doubt it would be the same with dogs, except, of course, they must go under for it.
Concerning the diet for Arktik, I have great luck with making a crock pot stew with chicken/veggies/potato or a cheap steak cut (like a beef stew). I slow cook in pressure cooker and Jake gobbles it up. I don't do this anymore but did after his surgery for a little while. Now I just add a little cut up chicken to his kibble. Good Luck!!
It took me a little while to get the strength to post here today. I have to announced that I lost Arktik last Monday, I am so devastated. The Saturday before my vet gave me the pathology report on the mass in his mouth (what we thought was an abscess). It was osteosarcoma again... few days before hearing this pathology report Arktik seemed a bit better however I had a pretty bad feeling throughout the preceding week, I could tell he was in pain. On the Sunday following the diagnostic, he was in a lot of pain, and did not want to put any weight on one of his hind leg. It was super painful. I believe the cancer might have attacked his leg as well. So on the Monday (Sept. 14th) we took the hardest decision to let him go. It has been a really tough week and to say how devastated I am doesn't quite cover it. I miss him too much. Miss holding his head in my arms, hearing his beautiful howl, seeing his beautiful smiling face...We always said we will do everything for him as long as he has a quality of life, but that Sunday he didn't anymore, so I think we took the right decision but this is so difficult.
He was about to be 11 on Oct. 3rd. I find this is so young for a husky and for a dog that was in such a great shape. I hate that disease so much, I know it doesn't help being angry at a disease but I can't help feeling it stole my baby, in such an unfair way. I think I was aware the cancer could attack his lungs eventually but secretly hoping it would not be in less than a year and definitely hoping for more. I never thought it would attack his other bones. (And probably his lungs too as the last couple of days he seemed to be coughing a little). Only few days after his 5 months ampuversary.
This community has been the best. I don't think I could have gone through this whole ordeal without you guys. I want to thank you all for the support over the past months. Arktik, Chris and I really appreciated it. Now I will try to get through this, but I know this will take time.
Oh Patricia I am so sorry! It is never easy losing our soul mate, but remember our soul mates never leave us. You did everything you could for Arktik, and most of all he was one of the happiest tripawds that I have ever seen, and that was because of you! There comes a time when it hurts more to watch the one we love in pain, then it does to let them go. That was your gift to Arkltik to let him go, to never be in pain again.
I am totally shocked by this news. You will be in my prayers during this difficult time....
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
I CANNOT even believe what I'm reading! Completely shocked! Stunned! Shaking my head in disbelief and sick to my stomach ready this. Tears are flowing too jhard to even try and type and yes,angry as hell too at this piece of shit disease!
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, Patricia. My heart is breaking for you. I cannot believe Arktik is gone. He was so youthful, energetic, and fearless. I adored him from afar and cheered each step of his progress after surgery. I know how incredible your love for him is and so I know without a doubt that you made the right decision for your beloved boy. While Arktik runs free of pain on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, I know your pain is just beginning. I am holding you tight in my heart, my friend, and sending healing prayers across the border. 
Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Nooooooo! My heart is broken in a million pieces, I can't even believe it. I'm so very, very sorry. This disease is so cruel, I wish I could make it go away so that no dogs or cats, or their people, ever had to suffer from it. What a terrible shock.
Please know that Arktik touched all of us very much. His joy for life and his can-do attitude was an inspiration that will forever be a part of this community. I hope that it can bring you comfort in some small way to know he was truly our hero.
Please know we are here for you OK? Once a Tripawd mom, always a Tripawd mom, and always part of our community. When you feel up to sharing more about Arktik's life, we are ready.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We all are hit so hard hearing Artrik had to run to the Bridge.
And make no mistake about it, as he co0 to shed his earth clothes and all his pain from his earthly body started to disappear, he ran free and fast towards th beautiful snow peaked mountains at tje Bridge. Then, after a frolocmin the snow, he ran toward the pristine beaches and celebrated how wonderful he felt!
And Knooki was there to greet him too! And they both shared story after story of the BEST life theynhad with you and how michmyou adored them! In fact, there was a little "squabble" as each one said you loved them more, and as each one they said they loved you more! Silly Huskies.
This was just so unexpected and not what anyone could have seen coming. Although more rare than not, this piece of crap disease does sometimes go tomother legs, to the spine, etc. In a bizarre way, the fact that the "abcess" crap showed up, you would have never known what was really going on. Like most of us, we would have con to try and fine the "right" foods and continue to do Rehabe and rest and pain meds for what ''appeared"to be a torn muscle, etc. Once you knew the problem you acted quickly to eliminate any suffering and to allow Artrik as peaceful a passing as possible. And I KNOW he knew you would do that. He knew you loved him that much.
We know how hard it was to ppst this. We know your tears were flowing as were ours when we read this. We also kmow the glorious memories you shared, the wonderful vacations you went aon, all the thousands of Happy memories and adventures will soon help heal your heart....slowly.
We are all better off for knowing the WARRIOR ARTRIK! His zest for life will inspire others who follow here. He showed everyone how to make each moment t count. And you showed everyone what it's like to love a dog so iselflessly and with which a commitment to make ecery moment forArtrik, amd with Artrik, the best ever!
WE LOVE YOU ARTRIK💖
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!
Thanks to all of you for such a deep support. All your words mean so much to me. I know everyone here understand how much I love Arktik. You are all the best pet parents. While I read your messages I take comfort in seeing the impression Arktik left behind (even if I can't stop crying while reading your messages). This means the world to me. Right now it's going through my weeks day by day..I believe I'm still in shock...everything happened so quickly I still can't believe it.
Jerry, Nancy, Stacy and Sally, you guys have been there the whole time for us. I will never be able to thank you enough for this. I definitely want to stay part of this community and if Arktik's life can help others this will be in part his legacy. Give a big hug to your pups for me.
Patricia you will always be part of the tripawd family, and I promise your boy will never be forgotten. Like you said he left such an impression on all of us. There are so many people you can help,
and what a gift you are giving. I know Arktik is so proud of him mom. He is on Rainbow Bridge telling all the other tripawd angels "Yep, that is my mom"!
I can picture Brownie and Arktik hanging out together, and I know there is a big bag of cookies!
Please reach out anytime you need to vent, yell at the world, or just have a good cry...
Those of us who have been where you are now totally get it.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Hugs gratefully received! Process all this as you need to and remember that you are on nobody’s timeline but your own. We are here for you always.
Arktik will forever be a hero to every single one of us who has joined this community. Your boy was truly amazing!
((((hugs))))
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ohh Patricia, I am SO sorry! I just read your post. Your love for Arktik and his for you is so strong. Remember that he's simply passed to another realm where there is no sickness, no CANCER!! Just fun...yes, I do believe in the rainbow bridge where Arktik is in his prime, playing with all of our babies that have gone before us...waiting for us to be reunited some day. My heart goes out to you Patricia! You were the BEST mom for Arktik. I hold you in my prayers.
Hi Patricia, I've been thinking of you a lot. I hope you're ok. I was thinking one other thing. Try to focus on all of the good things that happened. For one thing, Arktik lived most of his life as a healthy, happy, 4 legged dog with absolutely no restrictions. It was only in his last year that he became sick and had his cancer. Focus on all of the years that you had with him and the joy you both had together.
Jake is not even 4 years old and he is a tripawd. He is doing great and seems real happy and gives us much joy. But because his cancer came much earlier in his life, he will live as a tripawd for maybe more of his life than being with 4 legs. So that, in itself, puts limitations on him that he wouldn't have with 4 legs. But we love him and are fine with it all. Our walks are smaller and sometimes I even go for long walks without him off trail because he can't handle it and I can't use the carriage on some rough terrain. I still feel guilty about going without him and don't do it too often. But we do have our limitations. So just remember all of the years you had together and try not to focus too much on the bad stuff. I've found that works for me! And I do hold you in my prayers! Remember Arktik is playing at the rainbow bridge
Thanks Connie for the kind words. I truly hope he is enjoying himself over the rainbow bridge running full speed as he always loved so much...
I am trying to focus on all our great moments together but I think I'm not there yet. These images in my head are just making me missing him so much (and can't stop crying). Eventually I will be able to. In the meantime I feel bad that I am not able to do a nice tribute for him that he deserves so much. But I will make one when I feel able to do it correctly.
I understand your point of view in Jake and yes I am very thankful Arktik has never been sick before that. I hate cancer so deeply! I also can relate to your guilt for not taking him on some adventures..After Arktik got his ampu, I was not able to go back running and hiking (he always been my partner). So I did other things with him instead, and other sports in which he was not there usually. But obviously if I had him for longer eventually I would have had to go back to running and hiking at some point and leave him at home. All of this to say that I understand the feeling very well. Actually, I have not been able to go back running at all yet. With time I suppose.
I know how loved Jake is and I'm sure he is quite happy with the time you spend together. Take care of each other. Big HUGS!
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