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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Miley got her front right leg amputated yesterday. I know the vet should explain after care to me when i pick her up but i want to be extra prepared and untie some knots in my stomach. Lend me any advice, tip and tricks that you can. Thanks!!
Also, will she still be in "puppy mode" and be rambuctious? I'm worried about her being to rough and messing up stitches..
Gosh....first let me say how sorry we are about Miley. You dont say in your post, but was the cause of the amputation osteosarcoma? Max was 18 months old when we went through the process.
Im sure your vet will give you good instructions on what to do/expect. Every dog is different, but it seems that the one constant that we see is the 2 week initial healing period. I personally call it the 2 weeks from hell......but some people may disagree with that description. It is a time when basically you are doing nothing but taking care of and watching over your dog and worrying that you are doing the right thing for them. They cant tell you whats going on and you have to go on advice from your vet and your instincts.
Pain meds will make her act differently. She may whine (Max whined alot), or sleep alot, and just act generally goofy. Your vet will be able to advise you on what to do if you feel that things arent quite right.
Make sure that you have a bed for her in a place that she doesnt have to walk too far to go out for potty or go up and down stairs.
The meds may make her not want to eat or drink much. If she doesnt eat for a day or so its not that big of a deal, but the water is important. I used to give Max ice cubes. He would only take cubes or his water with ice in it (must have been the cold) and didnt drink a whole lot the first few days. It was ok...at least he was driniking some. If she refuses to drink anything for more than 12 hours you should call your vet for advice. I have even seen posts where people give their dogs cat food so that they will eat something.....you should use your best jusdgement along with the advice of your vet.
Pooping is another thing........Max did not poop for 5 days. I was freaking out! My vet reassured me that it was fine, but I have to tell you...Ive never been so happy to see a dog poop in my life! When they come off of the meds it makes a big difference and they finally get back to a normal cycle. Again..if you think its too long..call your vet.
The vet may give you a sling to help support Miley, and if not a towel under the belly will work too. I think you will be surprised how well Miley does on her own. They are amazing, resilient and just plain tough! For a front leg amp many people will put a t shirt on their dog so that the amp site is protected and to keep them from licking. Max was a rear amp, so I dont have much expereince with that. Im sure someone will chime in and give you some good information on that.
These first 2 weeks can be a really trying time...so remember to take care of yourself too. Miley will need all of your attention and energy to heal....but after that initial 2 weeks....you will be back to normal so to speak! As for the puppy stage...Im counting on her to still be a puppy, but she will know how far she can go with a little guideance from you.
Good luck and keep us posted........if you need help or advice just post. There is always someone to help!
Paula and Spirit Max
Every dog recovers differently and I hope Miley does really well. Expect Miley to have her good days and bad days. We were really lucky with Emily, She lliteraly ran/hopped out of the clinic, down the steps, and to the car. (My husband did have to help her hop into the car.) Even with that, she did have some really zoned out days while on the pain meds.
It would be helpful for Miley to have a bed made on the floor in case she can't get onto the bed or furniture. It seems like most dogs with front leg amputaations need some kind of sling to help them get around. What kind of dog is Miley? Go back and read some of the previous posts. They are a wealth of information. Also, check out the Size Matters Forum if Miley is a big dog, like a St. Bernard.
Our vet said that dogs that are people pleasers recover more quickly. Emily is a doberman mix about 65 pounds but she thinks she is a lap dog and even though it is not nice to say, she is an attention whore.
If you have non carpeted floors secure rugs on the floor would be helpful. Sometimes Emily would slip on the kitchen floor and fall and it brought me to tears and played havoc on her self-confiidence. Now she takes in stride and so do I.
Expect to watch her every move and panic about it. When she breathes too fast you will think it is lung mets (if the amputation is due to cancer) and if she breathes too slow you will think she is shutting down.
After recouperation though you have every right to expect Miley to be just like she was, but with three legs!
Good luck and let us know how she does. Try to relax.
Debra & Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Miley, we're so glad you found us, and made it through the surgery.
I know there's so many questions you have, we all did. So that's why my pawrents wrote these two Forum posts about coping with amputation and cancer. We like to tell new Tripawd pawrents to start reading here:
As far as wheather or not she will be rambunctious, well it all depends on the dog. Every one responds differently. Some will be bouncing off the walls as soon as they're sprung from the hospital, but then crash hard a few days later. Some will be sleepy and groggy for days. Most dogs have a low appetite, and don't potty for a few days (pee yes, not poo).
Most take around 2 weeks before they don't need a ton of help getting around, and most dogs take anywhere from one to three months before they are really read to play hard, walk farther, etc. Just take things slow, and remember Miley is different, try not to compare her recovery to others. Celebrate every little achievement, and remember to enjoy eachother's company instead of spending that time being worried.
My best advice is to write down your questions before you go pick her up, and express your concerns to the vet. Ask what to look out for, and if/when you should call the vet. Don't leave without alleviating your concerns.
If there are any questions we haven't answered anywhere, please let us know OK? We are here to help.
Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Everyone has given you excellent advise, so I'll just give you a big WELCOME to our group. Lots of fantastic folks here and tons on info and moral support.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I ditto Shanna & Trouble - great advice so far. Just remember to get some rest for yourself (tough to do, but try), stay as positive as you can around your pup - she will follow your lead and let us know how we can help...we have all been through this and stay involved because we WANT to help others going through it. Jerry's place is THE place for info, support, answers, love and understanding.
Tons of prayers for a quick recovery. Please keep us posted ~
Welcome to our little family
Love Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
I have a 2 year old boxer mix Lily who (due to osteosarcoma) will be 9 months post amp. on Oct. 14th. She is still all puppy. Lily thinks she has 5 legs and swims and catches frisbees better then ever! None of this seemed possible two weeks after surgery but believe me it can happen. I'm so glad that you too have found this wonderful site to help you through this.
Best of luck Miley!!!
Kim & Lily
Your Miley had her surgery the exact same day as my Jake! How are things going so far? We've had our own ups and downs... tons of anxiety and many sleepless nites... but this past weekend, I really think that Jake turned a corner. He was able to go swimming for the firs time in over a month since he first broke his leg and we found out it was osteosarcoma. His amputation surgery was also on the 17th.
Please post and let us know how Miley is doing now!!
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Hello!!
I am also new to the tripawd website and am picking up my handsome boy tomorrow. We should definitely both have some experiences to share .. I found this site yesterday and it has been absolutely amazing so far so welcome!!!
Erin and Jack
Welcome Miley's parents, and Kim and Erin! I can't add anything to the advice you've already been given, but remember to post if you get worried and someone will share their experience.
I hope all your recoveries go well.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
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