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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I'm so pleased Leo's clearly feeling very much better. It will do your heart such good to see him smiling and wagging his tail. As others have said it's great that the vets are on the ball with things, both physical and emotional. Also just to add a voice to the 'some dogs take longer than others' chorus... My Meg stayed three nights post op because she was refusing to walk at all. This was a dog who lost her leg for orthopaedic reasons, so she had been extremely one sided for a while anyway. She didn't need a blood transfusion either, so really no excuse at all, lol. When she was good and ready (day three) up she got, came hopping out of the hospital and never looked back. She went on to have one of the most straightforward recoveries I have ever heard of, so there really is no telling...
Also, just wanted to pick up on one thing you said about Leo being depressed about his leg. He really isn't, I promise you. Dogs just don't think like that – though we do, of course, so its entirely natural for us to project those feeling onto them. He's just tired and drugged up and out of it, and I know he will be SO pleased to see you tonight, and to be back home with you when he's physically ready. It sounds like you have an amazing bond.
Sending you a big hug,
Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
So glad you got to see some sparkle from Leo. We celebrate every "little" improvement, because on this journey, they are HUGE!! 🙂
Ditto Clare!
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, everyone.
We got to talk to our dr last night. He said he thinks Leo is destroying his own red blood cells, but he’s also producing a lot of them. hoping today will be better and it will stop. Doc is hoping this isn’t some long drawn out thing either. He said his red blood cells were fine before surgery and surgery went great.
Leo and I do have a strong bond. He is extremely loyal to me. I did not expect this because I am a cat person. LOL I didn’t even want a dog. My family begged me to get one. Of course I’m the Mom, so I walk him, bathe him, take him to all his vet appts, and he goes bye byes with me all the time. He is a very obedient dog. Especially when I ask him to do something. He just always wants to please me. You can tell everytime we come to a visit and leave, he tries to or at least thinks about getting up for us. I really think if he gets all this red blood cell crap sorted out, that all I have to say is “You wanna go bye byes and he will get up on his own”
Who did the surgery? Was it your regular vet, or an orthopedic surgeon?
As an RN I'm not sure what he means by "thinks Leo is destroying his own red blood cells, but he’s also producing a lot of them"
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Jinx, Donna! I was wondering the same thing about that comment from the vet. If a human experienced this, it could mean they have an antibody to the blood they are receiving, but I don't know if dogs experience this in the same way. If Leo's blood count is still dropping, would he get another transfusion? Could there be a "leak" somewhere that wasn't sealed off from the surgery? (I'm a lab tech by the way). If it were me, I'd be asking a lot of questions, like "exactly do you mean by that comment". Of course I'm no vet, but I haven't heard of this before. I'd ask what more can be done to remedy this situation. Of course by now, maybe you've gotten word that Leo is on the upswing and ready to come home. I guess my point in all this rambling is, don't be afraid to ask questions, or question if your vet is doing the right/best thing. You always have the right to a 2nd opinion too. If this persists, maybe put a post in the forum here "ask a vet" and see what they think. Information is power. Sending positive vibes that Leo is home with you soon.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Donna and Paula, your expertise as two people in health care is so appreciated, thank you, I was wondering about that comment as well. And ditto, ask as many questions as you need to help you feel like progress is being made. It can help having a second person there to take notes and such.
We hope Leo is doing better today! Any news? Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well I am not medical savvy at all. I come from a long line of pretty healthy people and I do not work in the medical field. I think that’s what he was saying about his red blood cells. He may do another transfusion today if his red blood cells don’t go up. I almost need to record him when I talk to him so I can go back and listen to it to try to understand everything. He told me his “something” was high and that was basically baby red blood cells. So he thinks Leo is producing red blood cells, but then they are dying off.
My vet did the surgery. He’s a very reputable vet in my area.
I haven’t gotten an update yet today. I usually call every morning, but today is their surgery day so I thought I would just wait until I go to see him after work. They have been REALLY good about letting me see him. I never have to bring it up. They always say “I’m guessing you want a visit today?” Or “are you coming for a visit today?” They let me sit with him for as long as I want.
Yes, thanks Paula and Donna!!
Write down each of these questions when you talk with the Vet. If you just speak with him over the phone, do not get off u til you write down every anser and until you understand what you have written! You are paying them big bucks so don't hesitate to getbe all your answers, okay? One thing I do sometimes is take my tavlet and video my questio s and the answers during the appointment. You are like most of us. I think I'm hearing and understanding everything they are saying....til I get home! Then I don't remember squat! So the video is INVALUABLE!
The main takeaway should be, what is the cause, what is being done to determine the cause and, most importantly, what is the treatment.
We'll be looking for your update
Hugs from all of us
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
Give Leo an extra s.ooch for us to ight, okay?
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!
Oh no! I am so, so sorry. This is just the saddest news. You did everything you possibly could to help him and I know this must hurt so badly. Please know I am thinking of you and Leo and sending so much love. I’m so terribly sorry.
Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
OHHHH NOOOOOO!!! Shocked and stunned and speechless. Our hearts are broken and we cry so hard with you right now. Will come back. No words....no words
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!
Oh no!!!! So sorry to heart this! There are no words that will comfort you at this most painful moment of your life....just know that we are all grieving for you and with you on the loss of Leo. You did everything in your power for him, never doubt that he knew you loved him. Saying prayers for you and wishing you peace.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
I'm so so sorry. I don't really know what else to say. You did everything you could for Leo, and he did everything he could for you.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
We are all so shocked and heartbroken, this is so sad. I'm really, really sorry. Your sweet boy fought so darn hard, as did you, I can only imagine how much your heart hurts right now. We all grieve with you. It's never easy to say goodbye but when it happens like this, it's extra hard.
If or when you want to share more about Leo, please write him up a tribute in Coping with Loss OK? We would love to get more acquainted with Leo's life and honor your angel.
With all our love and condolences, you and Leo are in our hearts now and always.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OMD, I am so so sorry! I was at work today when I first read this & couldn't really respond. I just can't imagine how devastated you must be! Leo knew how very much you loved him ...please know that you did nothing wrong, you were trying to give him a better life ...We are all here for you.
Hugs,
Donna 
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
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