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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My handsome Dobie boy, Neiman, just had surgery today to remove his left front leg due to osteosarcoma. He's a really big boy, 118 pounds, and I'm wondering if anyone else with a big tripawd has advice for how can make his first few days at home as easy as possible for him.
Hi Neiman's Mom! Welcome to Tripawds. We're sorry you lost your leg to osteo but as you can see here, dawgs of all sizes get along really well on 3! I hope you don't mind that I moved your post here but since Neiman is a big boy I thought this "Size and Age Matters" section would be beneficial for you. There are LOTS of great examples of big pups living life on three legs both during recovery and beyond.
We always suggest starting your journey with Jerry's Required Reading List . That will introduce you to a lot of aspects of getting through recovery and how to make life easier. Another place to start is to look around your house: do you have slippery floors? Throwing down anti-slip rugs, even yoga mats, will make a huge difference in his confidence. Sure, Tripawds can usually get around on slippery floors but one spill can do a lot to make them leery of walking on slick surfaces. You might also want to raise his food and water bowls if you haven't already. Finally, be sure to check out these videos & interviews with California Animal Rehabilitation, they have a lot of great post-surgery and recovery tips for dogs of all sizes.
I know others will chime in with their own experiences so I'll sign off for now. But thanks again for joining us, your future posts won't require moderation.
Oh and I agree, you sure are handsome!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He is a big handsome boy! Welcome to a majical place of support and insight. I have lots of squishy pillows and comfy blankets surrounding Happy Hannah's bed (Big Barker Bed o Amazon--sturdy and comfy for big does).
I added a small scoop of ice cream to her water to I twice her to drink and, of course, good old boiled chicken and broth works wonders, you've probably been told about using towels as slings to help in the beginning.
Just a couple of quick thoughts. But your love will be the best to if of all. You may have some sleepless nights at first. Feel free t co e t this site anytime for aythi g! We are all here for our and line understands better than the tripawd family.
Look forward to hearing fro you. Sending on loads of support and good wishes, Salon 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!
Sorry I'm not very good on tablet/computer and, on top of that, it's screwing up letters big time. Hope you can figure out what I was trying t say!
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!
Thank you for responding! I love the yoga mat idea - it is working out very welly for my big guy. I brought him home yesterday afternoon, and we are doing pretty well. I am little nervouse right now because a tiny area along his incision is weeping/leaking periodically. A cold compress seems to help. He is drinking water when I offer it, but he does not want his food. I ended up feeding him some homemade chicken meatloaf that I originally made as a finger food for my 1-year-old son. Neiman eagerly gobbled that up. It looks like I will be doing some cooking today to make sure Neiman is getting some food in his belly.
We are only a few days further along than you. Lili's wound was leaky and oozy for several days, as well. Her staples are still in there, but there was remarkable improvement in the surgical site about a week after surgery.
One thing that helped me a great deal was to take a close up picture of the surgery site every day. It started because I was nervous about how it looked, and I sent those first few along to the vet tech via text, for some hand holding. Now, I'm amazed when I scroll through the early pictures to see how quickly she's healing. It's a little pick me up during an otherwise very tough couple of weeks!
So glad to hear that Neiman's home and doing well. The incision leakage probably isn't anything to worry about but do call your vet to let them know what's going on. Usually this side effect is nothing more than a harmless seroma , these posts explain what they are.
The lack of appetite is pretty normal. It's great that he wants water though! Have fun being his personal chef, that meatloaf must be super yummy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What a wonderful idea - thank you for sharing! I will start taking pictures, too. It's hard to remember from one day to the next just how it looked.
What a handsome boy!!! Welcome! You will find this place amazing for any questions you may have. Can't wait to see more photo's and maybe some video's soon 
Cheers!
Roxy…Border Collie cross born on approximately October 27th, 2011;
Rescued in January 2012 by Oops a Dazy Rescue & Sanctuary;
Right hind leg amputated on January 20th, 2012 due to a severe spiral fracture;
Adopted on February 21st, 2012 by Teena, a devoted human & Charlee, a purebred BC.
Hugs, tail wags & sloppy kisses
I ended up bringing Neiman back to the vet yesterday after discussing with a tech what was going on. His drain is now working properly so there is no more leakage and the seroma that was forming is gone. They ended up bandageing him up and made a heart with red tape to decorate his bandage. I love all the people at this office - it is obvious how much they love dogs.
I am amazed at how quickly Neiman is adapting to having three legs. When I took him out for a potty break at 9:00, he nearly pulled me all the way across the yard! It will be a challenge to keep him still for the rest of the healing period.
Glad to hear that all is better with Nieman's incision. Sounds like he has adapted well and is on his way to his life as a tripawd. Way to go Nieman!
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
So good to hear he's healing well. He is a handsome boy! I didn't have our tripawd when he had the amputation, but we adopted him after. He's a big boy too and he has so much energy. 3 legs definately doesn't slow him down either. I hope Neiman's recovery continues to go well.
He's so cute! What a dear! It also sounds like you guys are well on your way. I love all the home-cooking. Ever since that 1 day Jackson didn't want his kibble, I've been cooking "toppers" for his kibble. That was the smartest move on his part...he gets loads of tasty, home-cooked, healthy additions. Your boy is going to do great! Keep it up!
~ Katy
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
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