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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Our 7.5 year old Ridgeback had a front left leg amputation on 2/18 due to a growth. The weekend after the surgery he was showing signs of being on the mend. He was walking around a lot, eating well, etc. After a few days with a bad seroma , that eventually cleared up, he seemed like his old self. Since the 1-week post surgery mark, however, he seems to be regressing. He rarely leaves his bed (and sometimes stays there the entire day). His remaining front leg seems swollen and he is very stiff when he gets up. He’s been eating ok, but this morning he wouldn’t eat his chew, which is REALLY unusual. I’ve even taken his cone off when it’s meal time to give him a break, but it doesn’t seem to help. I’m concerned his remaining front leg is swollen because of water retention/edema, but he never stands up or walks enough to flush it out. I’m calling the vet to check in, but I’m so concerned that he’s in more pain on the remaining leg. Amputation was a very hard decision for us, but we decided to move forward so he wouldn’t be in pain long term and so he could run in the fields and on the beach—his favorite activities. I’m nervous that he won’t get that back now. Thanks for any thoughts. This website has been so incredibly helpful for me on this journey.
Hi folks, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I hope you've gotten some reassurance and a plan from your vet. What my gut instinct is telling me is that your dog (what's his name?) was indeed in pain, likely from overdoing things. Not your fault, we all want our dogs to get on with life and do what they love again. Most dogs give us the impression they are ready. But it's easy to allow them to do too much too soon, this journey is a learning experience! We definitely allowed our Jerry to walk too far soon after his surgery and the same kind of thing happened to him. And we see it all the time in the community so you're not alone there.
How far was he walking, and for how many minutes? Was he doing other activities that may have pulled a muscle? Is he overweight at all? And what kind of pain medication is he on? Even a week out, most dogs are on pain management for at least another 1 week, sometimes longer.
Rest assured your dog WILL get back to doing what he loves, but sloooowwwwly and incrementally is the best way to get there. Did you know that Tripawds Foundation has a rehab therapy program that will reimburse you for your first rehab visit ? Yep! That's the best way to learn what your pup needs as far as exercise so please take advantage of the program.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We often call the recovery period like being on a roller coastfull of ups and downs. Dogs are so resilient and stoic, it's hard to remember sometimes that they just had MAJOR surger, all while adapting to mobility on three.
As Jer4y mentioned, often pain management needs tweaking, as well as slowing down the pace during recovery.Bit yes, check with your Vet about the swelling and what the plans are to reduce it. The fluids that ised to go tonthe other leg now have no where to go. The body will reabsorb them. Check with the Bet avout gentle massage the leg and warm compresses.
He'll be running g in the field and running on the geaches soon! Just give him time to recover from the surgery and settle into his new gait. For now though, slooooow and easy.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thanks all for the advice and reassurance. Aslan (or Azy) seems to be a bit better. He is still on Rimadyl 2x daily but we are tapering off his gabapentin. Our vet said that it could be making him “dull.” So far, he does seem a little more chipper. We’re definitely taking it day by day, but it’s good to know it just takes some dogs more time.
Thanks again for the amazing resource!
Glad your Vet had a suggestion on the path forward AND that you can see a him veing a bit more chipper! What seems like jist the tiniest of improvement during recovery is a HUGE improvement during recovery!! YAY AZY!!!!
It took me a good three weeks before I felt like I could finally relax a bit and know that her sparkle was starting to come back mpre and more.
How is the swelling in the leg?
Give him some gentle massaging up and down his spine and arpund his next area. This should help keep his muscles from tenseness as he adjust to his new gait.
Thanks for the update. Hang in there. Asian will be the Tripawd RockStar of the beach before you know it!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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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