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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I've been lurking around since Marley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma about a week an a half ago. I've been learning a lot from you guys and I guess today's the day I can't hide from the diagnosis anymore. Today Marley, our 13 year old border collie, had her front right leg amputated. So here I am, a new member seeking advice and support from the only people I've found that know what we are going through. The vet said she did as well as could be expected during the surgery and if everything progresses normally she will be ready to come home tomorrow. Step one done, surgery complete. Step two...oh my goodness I have no idea what to expect. What's my poor girl going to be like? A what's the incision like to care for? We have bought runners to cover the hard floors so she has a clear path around our small home. We got her an elevated water and food bowl. What am I missing? How will she manage with the below freezing temps and the snow? She's been practically three-legged for several weeks now, but outside she still uses her leg a litte. I have no idea what to expect. Help!
Hi there! I see you were in the chat. I'm there now. Hop over if you'd like to talk!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome! Your future posts won't require approval. Hope you don't mind but I moved your post here so folks can see that you've got an amazing senior dog, and those with senior dogs can chime in and share their experiences.
It sounds like you've done your research and are doing the right things to "tripawd-proof" your home. If you can, be sure to create a small space where she's comfortable and can recuperate without being able to do too much activity. Baby gates are handy for this. Will she have any stairs to maneuver?
Most dogs who come home from surgery just sleep for the first few days. Especially senior dogs. But then again you have a border collie so I could be all wrong about that! Really though if she's on pain meds she will either be really sleepy or really anxious (I know, it's confusing!). All dogs react differently to the meds but by staying in close contact with your vet you two can come up with a good protocol for her that doesn't make her nervous.
The biggest thing you can do? Stay strong! Be courageous and let her know everything will be OK. Remember that dogs absorb their pack leader's emotions. So whatever you feel, she will feel it too.
Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List for more tips and others will chime in soon so hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, so sorry you have to go through this with your sweet senior Marley, but you are in very good company here. The only advice I have, is to just take one day at a time, every Tripawd is a little different in how they heal. But one thing is for sure, they do a whole lot better that we think they will. It sounds like you have most things thought out and covered, and it certainly is a learning process along the way. The only thing you mentioned that could pose a problem, is snow and ice. Be very careful, as I am finding out myself with my own sweet Tripawd Polly. It doesn't take much to get an injury out in this stuff for anyone. If you have a harness, that would help him immensely, and hopefully prevent injury, especially while he is healing.
Best wishes to you and Marley along the way, and keep checking in here to give updates on him.
Bonnie & Polly 
OKAY! Surgery is over and right now sne's seeing pink elephants and feeling happy as a clam! You? Maybe not quite as "relaxed"!
Please ow from this point forward, you are NOT al e! A d, as you've already determined, no otner group of souls understand as well as we do. We get it. We understand the devastation when hearing the diagnosis, the fear, the uncertainty, the never-ending questions and the all, consuming research.
We uuderstand how difficult it can be during the first week or two to watch as your dog recovers from major surgery, as well as adjusting to being a tripawd. And the fact that she barely uses the leg now is an even better i dicator whe will adjust quickly.
And we also u derstand how HAPPY MARLEY WILL BE to be FREE FROM PAIN!! You are NOT doing this TO Marley...you are doing it FOR Marley!!
Luanne dog Shooter was thirteen...Christine's dog, Frank n' Farter was thirteen...and there are many more seniors who have done very, very well adjusting to three legs. Regardless of their longevity, their remaining "senior time" was pain free and filld with more lovi g and spoiling than you can even begin to imagaine!
Get lots of squishy blankets and pillows...not for Marley...for yoj! 
You'll be sleeping next to her n the floor for several nights. And aybe not too much sleeping at first!
When you pick her up, look straight i to her eyes and praise her and tell her what a good girl she is! Don't even waster your energy looking at the incision...she won't be looking at it...she'll just be looki g at you and wanting your love!
Yeah, the snow and ice are ough. As Bonnie said, maybe get a harness, or even a towel jsi g it as a sling works well. The first weekish, sne's only gon a want to go out and potty and ot feel like doi g too much anyway. Oh, and dogs do have a faster pace when walking on tnree legs...they need the momentum, so don't let that a.arm you. My Happy Hannah is very aware that she has to be careful in these weatner conditins. She uses a ramp (mostly to go "up" and stairs to go "down"). She goes slowly and usually waits for me to walk by her side.
Now, for your preparation...a couple of stand bys that seem to work well! Here we go.......
B R E A T H E..............B R E A T H E.............. B R E A T H E......
Devour lots and lots of chocolate! Keep it by you at all time! And, most importantly, stay connected to us, okay? We are here to help support you while you sgay strng and confident for Marley!
Oh! One ore thing! We LOVE pictures around here! So, when you can...maybe even tonightt...post some pics of Marley!
Hugs to you!
Saly 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!
Oh my goodness you guys! You brought tears to my eyes with all that compassion.
Question...how do I post pics from an iPad?
Also, concerning the snow and the 10 degree temps...should I be concerned about her freshly shaven self being cold when I take her out? I mean, obviously she will be cold but can I put a fleece on her or will it rub the stitches?
Welcome! My tripawd is Shelby and today is 3 weeks post-amp and it hasn't been easy but she's doing SO much better so hang in there! BTW - Shelby is 13 years young! 
She's a spirited little dog (22#) and finding her way in the world.
Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we can help. This site literally saved me the first couple of weeks home w/Shelby as it was so hard and challenging. It's still challenging but the support of this group really helps and it does get better. So when you feel scared and alone, come here! We're here for you!
Alison and Shelby
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
I've been reading the updates on Shelby during my lurking days.. I'm glad she's doing better. I was so ready for today to come, the day that started Marley on the path to find her old happy self. But now that it's here, I'm not sure I'm ready. I'm worried I'm going to hurt her when I carry her down the steps outside. Or I'm not going to know what she needs. Or I won't be able to get her to eat. Sigh. One day at a time.
Thank you! Shelby definitely has made a name for herself on these forums! Like Sally says ... BREATHE! It does help! (wine helps me too but that's another story)! 🙂
It will be hard to know what they need or want. Shelby had a horrible time on her pain meds but lots of dogs do well. Like Jerry will tell you, keep on top of the pain management for sure and call your vet if you get concerned. The first day was great and then it was hard on me since I didn't know what she needed or wanted. I was lucky that Shelby ate right off the bat but that's always been her way. She was also already using 3 legs so she had a leg up (so to speak). But they figure it out. Really they do. dogs are absolutely amazing in that way.
Just know it will be a couple weeks before you see the "real" "new" Marley. Shelby is 3 weeks today and I am now seeing more of her!
HUGS!!!!
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
I would definitely think about a sweater, it's cold out there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm glad you shared your story about Marley. My 12 year old Beagle, Kasey, is going to have surgery on Monday. She will have her right front leg amputated due to a mast cell tumor. I have been, very much like you, on an emotional roller coaster. I've had every thought, every question, every what if run through my mind.
I've found this place to be very supportive and comforting. I know some very rough days lay ahead, but I know I will get through them.
I look forward to seeing your updates about Marley!
Danell
Welcome Marley. Sorry to hear about this diagnosis, but know we are all here to help in any way possible. Being a Border collie, Marley will do just fine as they are such agile dogs. Shooter was 13 also and adapted so well to his new normal. I would definitely keep a t-shirt on until the weather warms up. As for getting around in the snow- no problem! Shooter took his first walk in 6 inches of new snow and it was actually better than dry ground because when he took a header (and they will so don't panic too much) it was soft and fluffy. Marley is going to be a star tripawd!!
Will be watching for updates!
Luanne
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.
Sweet Marley on our camping trip last spring
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This picture was taken about an hour ago.
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Hopefully this works, I can't figure out how to post pics from my iPad. If it doesn't, I need help!
Marley made it through the night just fine. The vet said she ate some dinner last night and breakfast this morning. So that's reassuring. I was worried about her not eating, but I guess we aren't in the clear on that front just yet. The techs were able to take her and to pee with assistance, another good thing. But she's not at all interested in getting up on her own. And the vet would feel comfortable is she stays another night unless she starts perking up today. I guess this is normal. I was really hoping she would be home this evening. My husband went to visit her this morning, hoping she would perk up when she saw him. And she did a little, but he said she was extremely out of it, dozing off while he sat with her. She didn't even wag her tail.
Thanks for all the support. It's greatly needed and appreciated. So I think I'm definitely going to need a harness. Is the ruff wear web master what you guys recommend or is there a different one I should look at? Also, when can I use it on her without causing problems to her staples. One more question, is it normal for the pain relief patch that the vets used to be stapled on? The vet said we have to bring her back in 5 days to remove the patch.
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