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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We've reached the two week post op point and Atlas is doing good coming off the tramadol and seeming more his loving sweet self. About day 11 when his tramadol dose was lowered he seemed to have the realization that he was missing a leg. He had a tough night in distress and moving around a lot, but we made it through the night and things were much better the next day.
Today we took him for his first round of chemo and get his staples out. I'm a little nervous about the unknowns of how he'll react to it, but I'm hoping for the best as that is what he's shown us so far about how mighty his strength. He even chased squirrels yesterday and had a nice pogo looking jumps at the tree! He was not pleased that mommy put an end to that so quickly.
Marc and I were so pleased at his attitude this morning. We were trying to stay focused on the positive...lets get those staples out .... when we took him into the hospital. Trying so hard to not let any of our 'chemo nerves' show through. Well, the boy drug me like a cart with his new 'get a grip' harness from tripawds! I was sliding all over that reception room as he wanted to go greet everyone and give kisses. Most folks loved it, some were none too pleased. The receptionist was laughing her butt off....'just amazing how quickly they recover isn't it?' Yeah, and we were worried he'd be upset that we were taking him there and leaving him again. When his doctor came out, he popped up and led the way down the hall ....come on...I'll show you....it's this way. What a champ! Just goes to show....humans are the ones with the hang-ups. Atlas had us laughing as we left the hospital. We both looked at each other....there he goes again teaching us how to live life.
We do have one pressure bed sore on his opposite side of the amputation that we are dealing with. It's the only complaint about the hospital, he came home with pressure sores on elbow and side. At home we have beds stacked everywhere so we're hoping to get them under control quickly and we did take an ortho pad with him to the hospital so hopefully he uses it today. Any advice on pressure sores is greatly appreciated!
Tomorrow we have an appointment with the best vet rehab in our state. It's a little over an hour drive, but if they can help him with the wobblers and core strengthening it's totally worth the driving back and forth. So excited to get started and help the boy feel betters!
SOOO glad he's doing so well!! 
I had to get a DogLeggs elbow guard for Kermit's remaining elbow. He didn't have a hygroma, but he had some swelling & open wounds... they weren't from the hospital, but from his inability right after his amp to let himself down to the floor (or rug) gently. They're supposed to wear it non-stop until healed but he wore his just during the day- it's very thick & hot, but it does cushion the elbow nicely. He only needed it for about 2 weeks between the ability for it to heal & his rehab making him stronger.
And speaking of rehab, you will be SO glad you took him. We're not dealing with any neuro issues but Kerm has some significant arthritis so I figured it would be wise. Best choice I've made since the surgery. He goes twice a week for underwater treadmill, massage, exercises, electrical stimulation pain treatments, acupuncture, and he gets Adequan, and he LOVES to go there. And your rehab vet will be able to give you exercises & stretches specific to your dog's challenges.
Can't wait to see how he does & having happy thoughts for that rotten Wobbler's to stay at bay as long as possible!
Great report! Way to go Atlas!
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Atlas did good with chemo and is home resting. boy was his Sissy Sophie glad to have him back home! She was clinging to my arm and begging for Atlas kisses....poor baby, this is hard for her too.
The doctor said to make sure not to let Sophie (gross and she never would anyway but eweee) eat his poo or pee because it is toxic and if he has an accident in the house to use gloves when we clean up. THat kind of freaked us out! Yikes!
Also have to share that the doctor told us when we went to pick him up today that Atlas had inspired another daddy to go ahead with amputation. Unbeknownst to us he was in the waiting room when we arrived and Atlas drug me all over the place, and he was grappling with his dogs OSA and what to do. When he saw Atlas, he said if that big guy can do so well just 14 days post op, then he believed his dog could too! I started crying when she told us. I don't know who he was or what kind of dog, but I just felt for what he was going through. Oh, and I also printed out lots of Tripawds brochures and cards and took them back to the receptionist at UGA. She was very happy to have them. I can't begin to tell you all how grateful Marc and I are that we found you and that you have all been so helpful and kind and generous and understanding and how we couldn't have made it through to this point without you all. So, trying to pay it forward and maybe some others like that man at UGA can find the help we did at Tripawds in caring for our beloved fur kids.
Much love and thanks and prayers for all your babies!
Patricia, Marc, Atlas and Sophie
Atlas is so regal looking! Sounds like he's doing well with the chemo.
I remember you saying the amputation was done at UGA. Chemo too? We're in Atlanta and grappled for a bit about where to go for chemo (amputation was done at a GP where a good friend is a vet tech). We have found in place in town, but I was kind of surprised at the limited choices in such a major metro area.
Wooooaaaaaaah! That portrait is a show stopper. Wow! Atlas you have the most talented artist daddy in the whole world, what an amazing talent he has. Looking at your portrait is like peeking into your soul, it's incredibly touching and gorgeous.
So what a fantastic report on your big day, from beginning to end. You handled the first chemo like a champ and you are inspiring so many people and probably don't even realize it. Wow! I'm telling you, there's something about seeing a Dane Tripawd that just makes pawrents believe. After all, it was a Dane who inspired my folks to proceed with amputation!
I just love the details about how your life is going on these days. From your sissy and her love for you to how you hauled your pawrents all through the hospital, you are HOPE defined Atlas.
Thank you so much for spreading the word and showing countless people what's possible even when there are already a few additional challenges thrown into the mix. You are amazing and so are your people! Our community is richer because of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What an awesome portrait of Atlas. I am so glad he is doing so well. Yeah, my vet warned us of the pee & pooh stuff too. So we actually built a little pen out front for the first 3-4 days while most of the chemo was excreted then we would let Sassy be around him during that time. Not that Bosch every ate or licked her pee or anything.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
So glad he is doing so well! Love that portrait - it shows his special soul.
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.
Oh my goodness......the portrait.....the photos.....you guys are really giving the tear ducts a workout:-) 
That portrait---WOW:-) What a treasure.....a forever treasure!!
So glad the chemo went well...atlas may, or may of feel a little tired.....but I don't think he minds lounging around and getting kisses from Sophie at all:-)
What a lovely tribute Atlas that he was able to touch the life of another "future tripawd" in such a positive way. That's certainly part of a tripawd's legacy
I keep scrolling back up to look at that portrait........to have the essence of Atlas put to canvas and with you forever.......just plain WOW. And Marc did this?? Another huge WOW:-)
Love hearing about Atlas.....please keep the victories coming:-)
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!
Awesome portrait!
The amp and cancer journey sucks for the most part. But those moments when Atlas inspires the next pup's pack- well those are priceless.
I hope he sails through the treatments. And there is no such thing as too many pictures!
Karen
Thanks everyone, but that portrait I commissioned from one of Marc's students, Kathy Wochele. (I can't afford to commission my own husband! LOL) i do love Kathy's style and think she totally captured Atlas's love and grace in his face and i will treasure it forever. Marc's schedule is so tight with his commissions, but when he gets free time he is doing a big giant portrait of me and Atlas, its still in progress but I will try to sneak in the studio and snaps pic of that one too.
Lilly's mom - yes UGA is doing his chemo and I love his oncologist Dr. Northrup. He is getting 4 rounds of carboplatin at $400 per treatment. I'm only about 40 minutes from UGA so please let me know if I can help in any way or if you need a rest area along the way, we would be happy to host another tripawd.
Well that student is awesome too and Marc is a great teacher!!!!
Thanks again for telling UGA about Tripawds. We almost went there to get Wyatt Ray treated last fall when he suddenly became sick, but ended up going back to Texas for treatment.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
ok, so here's the portrait Marc is painting. He NEVER shows his work before he completes so this is a special preview only for Tripawds people. 
He started the portrait last year before I cut off all my hair. Atlas and I were walking around the farm doing our fence patrol and he called us into the studio and asked us to sit for a painting and took lots of pictures.
Can't wait til he finishes! The red outlining is how he draws corrections, but everything, hands, jewelry, details will be incredible when he finishes. I'm so amazed by him every day. What talent! but I'm not bias or anything.
That is beautiful too. He has amazing talent. I can't wait to see the finished picture.
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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