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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi All
Just to keep you all updated, Breeze had her operation today and the surgeon has just called to say she is doing very well and should be ready to come home tomorrow.
She started dragging the paw today and during the amputation they discovered that the leg had actually fractured, I think she did this last night climbing on the sofa!
Fingers crossed I should have some more info and photos tomorrow.
Any tips for Breeze's return home would be appreciated.
Rhys & Breeze
Rhys & Breeze,
Thanks for the update and it sounds that you are doing as well as can be expected. Sorry about the fracture, but that and the pain of the cancer is well behind and you are off onto this TriPawd journey. Based upon you earlier postings and the replies, I would say that you are in fairly good shape. Just remember to stay positive around Breeze. Many have a problem the first time they see their TriPawd, but with all the surgery on all my previous companions, I was just beeming from ear to ear to be able to hold Cherry and know that the pain was gone. Keep this in mind and keep us posted.
Paws Crossed and Pawsitive Thoughts,
Bob & Cherry
Glad to hear the procedure went well. Thanks for the update, and best wishes for a speedy complete recovery.
Be sure to read Jerry's Top Ten Q&A and consider putting down carpet runners or area rugs with non-slip backing if you have slick hardwood or tile floors. A low firm bed is best for recovery, and raised food bowls will also help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rhys,
Good to hear the first part is over and Breeze did well. I know that wait to hear from the vet after the procedure, then the wait to see your girl are excruciating!
Remember the first couple of weeks can be tough so be prepared for ups and downs.
Go back and re-read the responses to your previous post- lots of good info there on what to expect.
Keep us updated when you get her home, and post what ever new questions come up as she recovers.
Karen and the pug girls.
If you had any doubt that you were doing the right thing picking amputation the fracture certainly cleared that up. Breeze's future would have consisted of fracture after fracture until you had to put him to sleep. Even if it challenging for these next first two weeks keep in mind you have done the only thing you could have done to release Breeze from the pain of bone cancer and fractures.
A big hug from me to Breeze and my prayers as well.
Debra & Angel 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.
Wonderful news. I'm glad to hear the surgery went well and Breeze will soon be home. Now you can both get started on the road to recovery.
Expect to take short walks for a bit... just potty breaks, really. Breeze may not poo for a few days after surgery. You may also need to assist her in getting up and down stairs, if you have any. A sling may come in handy for that. For Peanut, I used a canvas shopping bag slit up the sides.
She may have unusual behavior for a couple weeks while she is on her meds. Panting, restlessness, whining, that sort of thing.
The limited mobility and unusual behavior may make you worry more than necessary. Remember to remain unfazed in front of Breeze. You don't want her to think something's wrong.
Overall, though, I think preparing yourself for the change is the biggest preparation. The dogs seem to adapt fairly well. I found it very helpful to read through this site as much as I could, then use whatever advice I found most helpful. I also took a week off of work, just to be there for Peanut for a short time after her surgery. It gave me peace of mind more than anything.
Good luck!
-Melanie
~*~*~ Peanut is strength, love, and happiness. ~*~*~ 11/30/03 – 12/26/09
I recently posted this on someone else's question, but I'll put it here, too 🙂 I was unphased by the amputation (I was actually ready and excited to just get the surgery started) and not worried about Jack's ability to adapt, but I was really kind of shocked when this little guy hopped into the exam room with 2 long "udders" hanging down either side of his incision site. I guess it was the extra skin that they didn't cut away, but no one had told me that those nasty things would be there. We made the best of it, and whenever Jack would lick (after he healed, of course), we would laugh at him and tell him to stop milking himself. However, as the wound continued to heal both internally and externally, both udders shrank, one completely disappeared, and the other is now small enough to be covered by his fur (thank goodness!). I guess what I'm trying to say, is that even though you think you are totally prepared, don't be surprised if something comes up that you haden't heard about or didn't expect. Now when I think back to what I remember that day we got him back, the first thing that comes to mind is his big smile and wiggling body, so excited to see us 🙂 And also, don't forget that time heals, and things that seem bad today may not be that way for very long 🙂 Let us know how tomorrow goes! Cheers
<3 Laura and Jackers
Just to keep you all updated.
Animal Hospital called this morning to say that Breeze did well last night, however she will not eat or drink this morning. They say it's nothing to worry about but they are keeping her another night. So scared right now just want to see my baby.
Will keep you posted when they call later on to give me another update.
Thanks for the update. We are all wishing the best for Breeze.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
parksey said:
Just to keep you all updated.
Animal Hospital called this morning to say that Breeze did well last night, however she will not eat or drink this morning. They say it's nothing to worry about but they are keeping her another night. So scared right now just want to see my baby.
Will keep you posted when they call later on to give me another update.
It is hard not having them with you, but it is best they not come home before they are ready. Trouble stayed in the hospital two nights. She had surgery the day before Thanksgiving 2008 and we picked her up Friday afternoon. While it was difficult not having her home, we knew when she did come home she was ready. We knew when we picked her up she was eating and going out, had learned to hop, and the pain meds weren't causing any problems. It was worth the wait.
Breeze will be home soon and you will have a whole new list of adventures.
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.
So glad to hear that Breeze made it though her surgery OK... So, does this mean that you get to bring her home on Christmas eve? What a beautiful present!! Sending you lots of good thoughts and prayers! Hope that Breeze's recovery is quick with no complications...
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Angel 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!
I know you're scared and it is hard not to have Breeze home with you but she is where they can best take care of her. It is really good to know that they are on top of things and will not release her until they know she is ready. Try to take advantage of this time to get some rest so you will be fresh to take care of her.
My prayers are with you.
Devra & Angel 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.
Hi All,
Breeze was ready to come home today, she has been eating and hopping about in hospital.
Now I've got her home she looks so sorry for herself, but I am being as strong as I can. She has quite extensive bruising and quite a poor dressing if you ask me. She has been given 2 painkillers and an anti inflammatory drugs to see her through and needs to go back in 14 days to have the staples out.
One thing I have noticed is that she seems to be crying allot and looking at where her paw used to be, is this normal after surgery?
I am so glad to have her home and hope she gets through this hard period.
Also I'd like to wish you all a Happy Christmas!! and say a big thank you for all your help and support.
Hi All,
Breeze was ready to come home today, she has been eating and hopping about in hospital.
Now I've got her home she looks so sorry for herself, but I am being as strong as I can. She has quite extensive bruising and quite a poor dressing if you ask me. She has been given 2 painkillers and an anti inflammatory drugs to see her through and needs to go back in 14 days to have the staples out.
One thing I have noticed is that she seems to be crying allot and looking at where her paw used to be, is this normal after surgery?
I am so glad to have her home and hope she gets through this hard period.
Also I'd like to wish you all a Happy Christmas!! and say a big thank you for all your help and support.
It sounds like Breeze could certainly be having phantom pain . I would see if your vet can prescribe gabapentin since this works quickly and effectively to help with the pain associated with her severed nerves.
Pam
1 Guest(s)
