Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Cookie is a beagle/lab mix (at least that was what we were told when we adopted her)and weighs about 28 lbs. She is 15 years old, she's about 6 months older than my son. We have had Cookie since she was 2. She's still a very active dog. We love her very much, she's not just a pet but family. She's my people and we are hers. Cookie was in an accident on Thursday. Cookie had her front left leg amputated on Saturday morning. Right now, she is still at the vet's. I was told she can come home in a couple of days. The vet will be calling me tomorrow with an update. I'm ready to have her home, but I'm scared. I want to make it as easy on her as possible. What are some things I need to prepare for? I have another dog who weighs about 32 lbs. I know I will have to keep him kenneled and supervised when they are together.
1. Should I put her in a kennel when I take her home?
2. Which would be better a larger kennel or one that is her size? I'm just afraid she would try to do too much if she had too much room. I don't want her to get hurt. She's not used to being kenneled.
3. Are there any joint supplements to help with potential arthritis? Especially since she's going to be putting more strain on her one front leg.
4. Since she will be a few days post op by the time I bring her home (surgery Saturday morning, hoping to pick her up Monday afternoon), about how much time will it be to watch over her? I'm a teacher and school just started back on Thursday. I can't take off so early in the year right now, but I'm sure papa would be willing to help his granddog out if I had some kind of "schedule" to go by.
Any and all advice/help/suggestions are welcomed! I can't sleep because I'm worried about Cookie and I want to get things ready for when she gets to come home.
Hi CookiesMom, welcome. Your future posts won't require approval so next time you have insomnia (oy boy can we relate!), you can write away and it will automatically appear.
I'm sorry to hear about the accident but very glad she survived and will be OK. She sounds like one strong, spunky pup who will adapt to life on three legs in no time at all. Senior dogs need a little more time to bounce back, so try not to get frustrated or sad if she takes longer than you think she should, but she'll get there. Stay strong, be pawsitive and remember she will follow your lead.
I always recommend people get started with Jerry's Required Reading List and if you haven't already, our Tripawds e-books are helpful too. Our amazing community will chime in soon so hang tight. Meanwhile i'll try to answer your questions:
1. Should I put her in a kennel when I take her home?
Is she used to being in one? If so, great! Yes by all means, that's a good spot for her. But if she isn't, no need to stress her out by trying to introduce one. Keeping her in a confined, comfortable, safe area with baby gates would be fine. And yes, it's smart to keep your other dog away at least for a few days so she can get some rest. If they don't play a lot together that may not be a problem though. Just make a gentle introduction and see how it goes. Families here with multiple pets can give you more insight on this than I can however.
2. Which would be better a larger kennel or one that is her size? I'm just afraid she would try to do too much if she had too much room. I don't want her to get hurt. She's not used to being kenneled.
See above.
3. Are there any joint supplements to help with potential arthritis? Especially since she's going to be putting more strain on her one front leg.
Lots of info throughout the Tripawds Nutrition blog and Eating Healthy Forums, just search for "Supplements". We have been told by rehab vets that a good quality glucosamine supplement is fine. The best thing you can do is to know her limitations as a Tripawd and watch her activity level carefully. Our rehab book, Loving Life on Three Legs, has lots of info & tips.
4. Since she will be a few days post op by the time I bring her home (surgery Saturday morning, hoping to pick her up Monday afternoon), about how much time will it be to watch over her?
Most dogs just need a few days to sleep and rest. She may be antsy or anxious because of pain medication, it can make some dogs crazy. I'd say you would be safe by having her monitored to see how she's doing on the meds by having gramps check on her a few times a day to make sure she's alright. Call your vet with any concerns about panting, pacing or whining, it's usually just a matter of adjusting the meds. I hope this helps! Please feel free to chime in anytime, we are here for you and Cookie.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Cookiesmom, I ditto everything Jerry said. If she's not used to being in a kennel, that's ok, I think its better to keep things as normal and familiar as possible. We kept Jake in our living room so he could be still be around everyone (his favorite place), and we put up baby gates. He was an only dog so our only worry was his kitty sisters, who knew enough to leave him alone. You could block off a little comfy area for her, and put up a gate to keep the other pup out for awhile.
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Update on Cookie - I got a call this morning from the vet, he said she was doing good. Yesterday evening she walked outside by herself to potty and walked inside all by herself. She ate a little shaved turkey breast, and drank some water. This morning she walked outside all by herself again, but once outside she laid down. The vet said she was hassling pretty bad like she did after surgery yesterday. He did say that it was earlier this morning and she wasn't hassling when she's laying down in the kennel. I took it as since Cookie is not used to being kenneled and in a small space she probably didn't get her usual good stretches in, and she did just have major surgery. As well, we live in Southeast Missouri and it's pretty humid. I went outside this morning and it took my breath too. The vet said he was a little worried about it because of her endurance right now, but did say it may take time due to her age. He said he would be calling me this evening with another update.
I have decided not to kennel her when she comes home. She's not used to it and I don't want to stress her out even more. I'm going to get two baby gates to section her off during the day in the kitchen/dining room, so she will have some freedom. I'm afraid if I put her in the living room she will jump on the furniture and end up hurting herself and I don't want that to happen. Teddy is used to being kenneled, he will still be kenneled during the day while I'm working and at bedtime. They do roughhouse together with Cookie always kicking Teddy's 3 yr old butt. ;). He does miss her, so I will let him visit with her a little to let him know she's okay.
My next question is what kind of bedding? Cookie has a pet bed already, but read where she might need something a little higher and firmer for assistance. Suggesting like a crib/toddler bed and make a cover for it from an old comforter or sleeping bag. Any suggestions?
Thank you all for the replies and words of encouragement. I will definitely check out all your reading suggestions. Even though I'm married, I'm the pack leader (they listen to me more than their dad, ha!),. I want to be the best momma I can be to my little rock star! Thank you!
Welcome! I am glad Cookie is doing well and is on the mend. My girl, Shelby, was 13 when she had her amp due to cancer. She did bounce back quickly and like your Cookie, was spirited and active. Also a member of the family .. she was my soul mate.
Shelby always hated crates - always but I had to keep her calm when I wasn't home. If you can block off an area where Cookie can't jump, etc then that would be best. Shelby always thought SHE knew what was best so it was impossible to keep her off the couch w/out supervision so crate-city for her. She did fine.
As far as beds, Shelby was a rear amp and about 23# so she went back to her old beds (normal dog beds). My apt was carpeted so that wasn't an issue but if you don't have carpet, I would get runners so Cookie doesn't trip.Definitely Jerry's books are worth the download and read. I would go back reference stuff all the time!
Good luck and we're ALL here for you!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Welcome Cookie and family. When our Murphy lost his rear leg (also due to an accident), we bought an exercise pen that was for a smaller dog. Murphy is a Lab/Chessie cross and weighed over 80 pounds at the time of his amp. The pen gave him a little bit of freedom to move around, but also kept him quieter and confined. It also gave the impression of being open instead of confined in a kennel. I bought an eggcrate foam mattress pad, doubled it over and covered it with some sweatshirt material sewn into a big pillowcase. This gave him a firm bed with the softness of the foam on top. He did just fine in the pen, and we have since bought a second one to use when we are camping. We hook the pens together and keep both dogs in it.
The other things you will probably want if you don't already have them are raised food and water bowls and some sort of covering for slick floors. We bought carpet runners at Walmart. Others have used yoga mats. Anything that keeps Cookie from sliding on slick floors will work.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
I'm so glad to hear the vet is giving you regular updates. That's the sign of a good practice!
Baby gates are a terrific idea, it sounds like you have the situation under control and yes you are a great mom!
We have a page about Beds in the Tripawds Gear blog.
As for the weather, yes indeed, any kind of hot weather, especially during recuperation, poses extra challenges. But I can tell, she'll get her spunk back and kickin' Teddy's butt again in no time!
Keep us posted. Paws crossed she comes home soon.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Been checking out all the suggested reading material and links. Thank you everyone! I called the vet this morning to get a check-up on Cookie. She didn't eat any of the dry dog food or shaved turkey breast. :(. She is drinking water. They are giving her fluids and nutrical. I've been keeping my dad up to date on Cookie as well as my son and husband. My dad decided that he needed to go visit his granddog. He went to Kentucky Fried chicken and bought two wings, then off he went to the vet. He got to take her outside where he would tear the chicken off the bone in tiny pieces and Cookie started eating! The vet said he was shocked and happy! Papa then proceeded to tell him that Cookie is a picky eater and you have to feed it to her at times (Cookie is a real "dainty" eater, with most dogs you have to worry about losing a finger or hand! Lol. Cookie just barely gets and takes it before eating.). The vet said she are most of the meat off the wings, about a handfuls of handful and a half. My son and I got there about 30 minutes or so later, we brought some chicken too. She wouldn't eat for us. :(. We left it at the vet's for them to try tomorrow. I think the vets office got a kick out of the fact Papa came and visited his granddog and was making sure his baby ate.
There is a dark spot showing up on one side of the incision. The vet is worried this area may be dying. He wants to watch that spot and if necessary excise it and stitch/staple it back. Also, she's had some pretty yucky and smelly drainage today. My son got grossed out, and had to walk out. Lol.
While we were outside with Cookie, it just felt like she was mad at me. :(. She even got up, found a couple of spots and pottied. Then proceeded to go to another spot away from me and lay down. My heart is breaking, I think she thinks we abandoned her. :(. I really wanted to bring her home, but I know it's for the best for her to be watched by the vet. Has anyone else ever experienced this?
When we got home, I let Teddy out of his kennel. He exited it, licked my leg (his standard greeting), walked past me, stopped, backed up, and almost knocked me down smelling my legs, from my feet all the way to as far as he could stretch standing up. He got all excited, around the house looking for Cookie. He couldn't find her, I told him yes, we seen Cookie, and she wasn't home yet. I let him outside, he ran around the backyard barking looking for her. Came back inside and started whining. :(. Crawled up in my lap and proceeded to smell my legs again. He misses her...it's sweet.
I did go buy raised food and water bowl set. I don't like it, but it will do until I can find something better. I did ask about what kind of chondroitin/glucosamine supplements I should get. He said he really didn't think it would do much good. Maybe if she was a larger breed, but since she's small it normally doesn't do anything for smaller breeds. I also asked about beds. He said most of the time those really nice beds that is really good for them, the dogs don't ever get on.
Thanks again for all your suggestions and kind words. I'm still worried and afraid. As well, still not sleeping good.
Awww, sweet Cookie. Age certainly is a factor in the healing process. But, before you know it...okay, in about a month, you should be feeling like she is back to her old self. Molly J is almost 13 years old, about 40 pounds, and she had her amp in July. I highly recommend Jerry's required reading and the e-books. I wasn't sure if Molly would use the pup bed on the floor very much, as she was usually found on a couch before all her leg issues. But, it has become her favorite place to rest, relax, chill, and play with her stuffed teddy. She likes it in the middle of the action, not in a corner. I too, am a teacher and was fortunate to have a lot of time off to be with her whike she healed. But, your pup should be fine withsomeone coming to check on her a few times a day. Now that we're back in school, I'm not worried about her being home without me. They really do take it better than their people do, I'm sure of it. You try to get a good night's sleep. I know how beginning of the school year goes. Sending positive energy your way.
Oh I know how you feel, it's so hard not to project our guilt onto what our dogs are behaving like. But trust me, she isn't mad, she's doped up, not feeling great and wants to be home with her pack. Things WILL get better. You have an awesome vet who is keeping a close eye on her, sounds like things will be OK. Hang in there and let us know how she's doing today. Take good care of yourself too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Cookiesmom,
Just reading about your sweet, old girl Cookie........You have been given such great advice from everyone, and I also completely agree with everything Jerry posted above my post.....Since Cookie is a bit older, she may need a little more time to adjust and heal. She will do much better, though. When I read the part about your dad going up to visit Cookie, I just thought that was so very sweet. What a loving grand dad !!
Please continue to keep us updated on Cookie, and remember, we are all here to support you through this amp journey......we have all been there, so we know exactly what you are going through.
Sending positive healing thoughts your way,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Great update!!! I love that your dad went to visit with some good old fashion KFC!
My Shelby was about 23# and I had her on a Glucosomene tablet long before her amp and definitely after ... and metacam to help her joints. Shelby was high energy and a jumper prior to breaking her leg and her cancer diagnosis so we felt the extra care for her joints was a good idea. That's just my two cents when you said that your vet thought that Cookie was a smaller dog that didn't need it. I am NOT a vet just sharing what we did.
Keep the updates coming! Can't wait to see some photos!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Did Molly J take longer to heal than the "average" surgery recipient? Papa does love his granddog Cookie. He says our other dog Teddy is adopted. Lol. Cookie can sit on his lap, get and give kisses, taken for rides. Lol.
I called the vet earlier today, she doesn't have as much drainage so that's definitely good. She didn't eat anything last night, but she's drinking water. He got her to eat about a 1/3 rd of a can of AD, it's a really soft dog food like potted meat. She's still has that black spot that's dying, but it's not getting any bigger. My son and I went over to the vet's after school to visit her, she was glad to see us. She picked her head up and was kissing my fingers, that made me feel better. We had brought her liver cheese, she LOVES the stuff. She was smelling of it pretty hard like she wanted to eat it. I did manage to get her to eat a little bit of the fat, but not much of it. The vet came in and was talking to us. While we were talking, I was just petting Cookie scratching her neck. She just relaxed, eyes closed, enjoying. The vet then forced fed her another 1/3 of a can of AD, she kept that down too. When he first opened the can, he set it beside her and her nose was just a sniffing.... He had to feed it to her though. On a bad note, she's got a sore spot on her right from elbow from her lying down. 
The vet didn't seem worried about it, so I'll try not to. Again, he said we'll just take it one day at a time.
I hope Cookie isn't feeling abandoned. I'm sure she'd rather be home though. Hopefully with our visits this week if she is, she won't anymore. I do feel guilty. For it happening, the surgery, her pain, her confusion. I hope she's really not mad at me. I'm so glad I joined this community, it is helping. I know no two situations/dogs are the same. I'm able to get a better view of the picture. I'm trying not to be down about it, but I'm just wondering if I'm being selfish for keeping her here. :(. I don't know how to post a pic, but I will try.
Again, thank you all. Your comments, advice, and prayers are all appreciated.
Gpsh! I am just catching.up! And your avatar picture of Cookie is absolutely precious!
I aSo.just saw that you posted on the videonof Lexie and RpTanner. Isn't ypthat amasing? And I know Lexie had a bit of a rough time.with recovery too!
We also have Franklin who was close to fourteen when he had his amputation...I think Shooter was fourteen...yes, many seniors here who have done very well ONCE recovery took place...some had an easier recovery than others.
But three, four days is very, very early in recovery for Cookie! When does the vet say she can come home? I love that her family is visiting her and that Grandpa got her to eat! Such a cute visual!
And Cookie isn't feeling abandoned...she knows you are there, plus she's still pretty druggy and isn't worried about much of anything.
You are giving Cookie a chance....everything you are doing is out of love and she knows that! TRY not to worry. I know this recovery period is so hard!
And no...Cookie is NOT mad at you! She's in a druggy haze!!! She's pottying, drinking, eating some, showing some mobility...all that is great news!!!
Sounds like she could do very well st home!
Keeping all paws crossed for you and Cookie! And give Teddy a hug for us too!
Try and relax and I always suggest eating lots and lots of chocolate!!! I mean six bags od Hershey's Kisses in a day!!!
Some.other computer wise people will give you links on posting pictures.....too techno for me!
HUGS TO ALL...AND GRANDPA TOO!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
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