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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Hello I have a big lab and she is my baby. She broke her leg memorial day and had to have it amputated Tuesday. Libby is very strong willed and wants to do way more than mommy and daddy are ready for. She is also over weight, but before surgery she kept up with out 1 yr old rottweiler. I have never experienced something like this and I only want what's best for my girl. Any suggestions or comments are welcome!! My main concern is do I let her act as normal as possible? As far as walking and such or do I need to baby her for a few week's?
Welcome, your future forum posts will not require moderation. We're sorry to hear about Libby, but you've come to the right place.
Rest and confinement are definitely the best prescription for the first few weeks. Moderate Libby's activity to leashed potty walks for now and focus on recovery. Then you will need to focus on rebuilding strength and getting off some of that weight! Please bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful links or consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for immediate answers to the most common concerns. Loving Life On Three Legs is especially helpful when it comes to weight management, rehab and exercises to help Libby get back to the place where she'll be able to romp around with her Rottie pal.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much! This is definitely overwhelming just trying to stay positive throughout the process.
Our surgeon told us that Maggie was only allowed to walk for potty breaks and to eat until the sutures came out at two weeks. It was relatively easy for me, Mag was quite a slug for several weeks after surgery. Keeping Libby quiet will reduce the chance of swelling or seromas and protect the incision.
Did Libby lose a front or rear leg?
The recovery period can be rough, full of ups and downs so don't get discouraged if Libby isn't herself for a while. Hopefully she is one of the lucky few who sail through like nothing happened.
What kind of meds is she on? The pain meds can cause some side effects, but are a necessary evil after a big surgery.
Please post with questions or concerns, or if you need some support. We've been through the recovery process and can help.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Good morning,
Tucker, my ten year old Chocolate lab, had his right front leg amputated eight months ago due to an invasive sarcoma.
Tuck is doing great - but his reality as a tripawd makes his life somewhat different. While Tuck previously enjoyed long hikes off leash up and down hills - he now goes for short hops around the neighbourhood. What is the same is Tuck's personality and the joy with which he greets each day!
As Karen said, until Libby gets her sutures out it is best to restrict her activities. And while the pain meds may make her a bit "loopy"...she really does need them.
Tucker has also lost weight since his surgery - the one recommendation made by both the surgeon and his regular vet was that he lose weight so as to not cause stress on his remaining joints. Tuck lost about 10 pounds post amputation and now weighs about 85 pounds....still a big boy but not overweight anymore.
Hope all of this helps 🙂 Your beautiful girl, Libby will soon be recovered from the surgery and Loving Life On Three Legs .
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
How is Libby doing? Ditto what others have said about trying to keep her still. Does she have any favorite visitors -- family, friends, neighbors -- who can come over and see her and be good distractions? Visitors really helped my Lexie perk up post-op. Also make sure you have good traction for any hard surfaces. I made new friends at the carpet remnant store.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
My boy Leland recently had a rear leg amputation (6/2/14). I too have never dealt with a pet who required an amputation and was quite nervous and worried about how to manage him and his recovery. I purchased the pair of ebooks "Three Legs and a Spare " and "Loving Life On Three Legs " off the Tripawd site and I found them extremely helpful. They provide a lot of good information on how to get our fur babies back on track after such a major surgery. They also helped me and my husband in managing our "human emotions" regarding the amputation.
I wish you and your Libby and speedy and safe recovery!
Keep posting about how things are going.
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!
Aww thanks for the great feedback about our books, so glad they helped!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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