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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First, I'd like to say I'm so grateful for this site. Though I just joined today, Tripawds has been invaluable to us over the last two weeks. One day, she was in pain, the next day at the vet, and diagnosed with osteosarcoma! Devastation is the only word I can use to describe what we felt. The good news is the her lungs were clear, and after much consultation and research (Tripawds was a great source), we decided on the amputation. It was a rough week, but her health is priority.
We brought her home yesterday and it's been rough. She's used to having the run of the house, literally, and doesn't understand why she's confined (she had the entire family room including a mattress on the floor where I'm spending a lot of time with her). She doesn't like not having access to the couch
She is having trouble staying comfortable, and was extremely restless last night-we didn't get much sleep. Her front right leg was amputated, and walking is a challenge. Mostly finding the rhythm I think.
Thanks to everyone who posts on this sight! You're all so supportive and give great information!! You've helped me through some very emotional 'moments'...
Thanks again! Lilah and jackie
Welcome Lilah and Jackie! Your future posts won't require approval.
We are so sorry you are in the club nopawdy wants to join, we understand how difficult the transition is, especially when you have no warning. And yep, most of us suffered through the post-amp sleep deprivation too. Hang in there, it usually doesn't last more than a week, maybe two. What kind of pain meds is she on? You may need to call your vet to adjust the medication so she's more comfortable.
Tell us more, what kind of dog is she? How old/ young? And photos! We need to see them 
Here's how to add images.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jackie and Lilah,
My lab, Tucker, had his right front leg amputated six months ago and he is doing GREAT!
It does take a little while for them to adapt....Lilah will now have to hop to move forward....but after these few weeks of recovery you will be amazed at how well she will do.
Since you have been reading, you must be aware of the raised bowls and carpets that are so helpful for tripawds. Right now, the "dance" will be to keep her comfortable with medication while realizing that some of the meds have side effects like panting, agitation but are so helpful for the pain.
For now, tell Lilah to rest :), and you try to rest when she does.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Welcome Jackie and Lilah! That first week home can be pretty rough. The meds can make them a little loopy and restless. What is she taking? Our Jake was really restless with one medication, we switched and it was much better. A call to the vet wouldn't hurt, just to see if they might recommend changing the dosage or trying something else.
It gets better, just hang in there! Glad you found us!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Hi Lilah and Jackie!
Gad you fond us...sorry you had to!
Make no mistake about it, this IS major surgery and can cause a lot of restlessnss, whining and discomfort..... and you can't do a thing but just be bynher side loving her through it.
Balancing ghe pain meds can be a little tricky once the hospital meds wear off. While they help tremendously keeping the pain der c trol they can make them acta little "whacky sometimes too! Ghis is one crazy journey!
Is Lilah eating, pooping,peeing, drinking okay? Getting any tail wags yet?
Once recovery kicks i full time...and it will...you will be astounded at how well she does and how happy she is to be vree of that leg pain!!
Keep us "by your side"...you are nog alone, okay? And posg pics when you can! We love pictures!!
HUGS and hope or a good night's sleep...or a least a vew hours!!
Sally 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!
A big thanks to our new Tripawds family! You've been helpful in ways I can't explain. I'll be honest though...Shelby's story is breaking my heart, so I've had to limit my time on these blogs! While at work yesterday, I made the mistake of checking in and started crying after reading Shelby's update. I'm praying for them!
Lilah is doing well. Surgery was 9 days ago. She has been doing much better. Sleeps a lot, but brings me her ball when she's awake! She doesn't understand why I'm not 'throwing' it like I used to...but then she tires pretty quickly. She's balancing pretty well-was able to send our kids a video of her hopping a long-they say she's still the cutest thing ever!! They both felt terrible that try aren't here, but one is living in DC and the other is in her last semester of college...videos will have to do!
Her sutures come out Monday, and we should find out about the chemo...one day at a time!
I cannot figure out how to post photos either...looked at the instructions but don't have the options mentioned. I tried to copy the photo, no luck pasting it. Maybe I need to be on my laptop, not my tablet?
Thoughts, prayers and puppy love to those of you going through tough times!
Lilah's Mommy,
I saw your comment on my thread - thank you so much! Do know that Shelby has had quite the go of it and she has a different cancer than you and she's a fighter, like Lilah!!! There are good days and bad days but definitely the good days have outweighed the bad ones and I have no regrets with anything I have done for Shelby. That is GREAT news that she is sleeping so well... Shelby had some rough times post-amp but recovered after about 3 weeks. I am so glad Lilah is bringing you the ball and acting like nothing is wrong!
Stay close to us ... we are all here for you!
Alison & 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
A late welcome. Sounds like Llilah's recovery is going pretty well. There is an adjustment period, and all pups get to their new normal on their own schedule.
And for photos you will need to use your laptop, can't post pictures on this site from a tablet...yet.
Looking forward to pictures, and hearing that Lilah is back to chasing her ball!
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
A belated welcome. Glad you found the site and you will find it becomes a lifeline during the good and the bad. We look forward to learning all about Lilah and hope all is going well.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
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.
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