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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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bringing home my newly tripawd
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Member Since:
8 May 2009
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8 May 2009 - 9:33 pm
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I am picking up my 6 year old weimaraner, Brody, tomorrow from the hospital. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 2 weeks ago and went in for leg amputation surgery yesterday and chemo soon after. It is all happening so fast, but after finding this website I know my decision to go ahead with the amputation is the right one. I am so nervous to take him home tomorrow, I don't know what to expect. Any tips to make Brody's transition easier? I am anxious, sad and happy all at once.

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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9 May 2009 - 6:07 am
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Brody will need lots of rest for the first couple of weeks while he recouperates.  You will likely see him get stronger by the day.  Some dogs have issues with the pain meds, restless, whining, panting but they come off those pretty quickly 10 days to 2 weeks generally.  Within 2 days of being home, Trouble required no help to get around.  We gave her lots of love and acceptance and she never acted like the change made any difference to her at all.

As they recover, come off the pain meds, and realize they are pain free, you see a transformation back to the fur friend you've known all along.  This is a great source of information.  Ask all the questions you want, someone is here and ready to help out.

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.

Northern CA
Member Since:
23 December 2008
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9 May 2009 - 8:15 am
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Welcome to the Tripawd family Brody.

Yes, Shanna is right, Lots of rest for the next few weeks. Even if Brody seems like he can take on anything ( alot of dogs come home ready to run) make sure he gets his rest. Keep him very quiet for those first 2 weeks.

I would recommend raised feeding bowls if you don't alreay have them. It makes it easier for them to eat/drink without the trying to lean down too low and balance.

Make sure Brody has steady surfaces to walk on- we had to add alot of runners to our wood floors .

Just know the first 2 weeks are very hard. Emotionally they can really take their toll. But try and remember you are the pack leader and Brody will be looking to you for guidance. If all is OK with the pack leader then he will know all is OK with him. Stay strong.

Just give a bark if you need anything. We're here to help you through this incredible journey.

Seanne and Angel Wrigley

Member Since:
26 November 2008
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9 May 2009 - 10:16 am
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Cherry's dad here,

Sorry to hear of Brody's diagnosis and want to lend as much support as we can.  This is the best place for information and support.  This will be the toughest portion of your journey, but know that better times for all your family are ahead.  Shanna is spot-on with her recommendation.  With time, support, and the passage of the chemicals, you will find a great quality of life for Brody.  Cherry started her chemotherapy literally hours after her amputation in mid November and the chemo was far worse than the amputation.  She totally lost all appetite and I had to literally "stuff" her for almost all meal for the first two months which was the duration of the chemotherapy.  Not all respond the same way, so if this does become a problem, get back on and we have some hints.

A constant theme I put into my postings is to treat the spirit as well as the body.  They need a purpose.  In Cherry's case, it is our daily trips in the car/truck.  She always looked forward to these trips and it was the first place where she would actually take food from me.  Find Brody's love that he can do after the amputation and exploit this love.  It will do wonders for all the family.  I also kept a journal detailing our journey and post these entries on the internet.  You can follow at http://home.com.....ryjourney/.  Cherry is doing absolutely wonderfully as we approach the six month mark.  With your love and support, Brody will also make as good a recovery.

We all wish you the best, will remember you in our prayers, and look forward to hearing of you journey.

Northern Indiana
Member Since:
15 January 2009
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9 May 2009 - 7:50 pm
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Welcome Brody and his family,

I am so glad you have found Tripawds, this is place for questions, answers, hope, support, tears at times and sharing. We have all been in your position with our babies.  Let Brody lead the way, he will let you know when he wants to eat and what he wants to do. Before long he will be begin to improve.

We all strive for the "one day at a time" mentality, our dogs can be great teachers.

Loving my girl one day at a time, Gineej & Paris

Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!

Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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9 May 2009 - 9:13 pm
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Welcome Brodyluv, thanks for joining. We're glad you're finding some help here. It's OK to be nervous, but just don't let Brody know it. He'll follow your lead and needs you to be strong.

We totally understand the emotional whirlwhind the whole diagnosis, surgery and recovery thing can be. So we tried to address the most common concerns in our top ten amputation questions posts. Be sure to searche these forums and the blog with any specific questions. You'll find most have been answered.

Use the Ask A Vet discussion forum for any veterinary concerns, because we are not vets. But everyone here understands what you're going through. Best wishes for a complete speedy recovery!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
8 May 2009
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9 May 2009 - 10:28 pm
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Thank you so much for all the support. My husband picked up Brody from the hospital today because I had to work. It broke my heart to hear him panting and whining over the phone. From the advice I have been getting that is the pain meds. All I can say is family rules! My sister came over to help out, she is my savior. My husband found it impossible to juggle our four month old son and Brody at the same time (understandable). When I came home B was pretty out of it but managed to raise his head and give me a few tail wags. What a trouper! We will see what tonight and tomorrow have in store. This site has been amazing and it's only been one day. Thank you all!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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10 May 2009 - 6:44 pm
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Oh that's great to hear he's home. Yes, it is probably the pain meds. If you ever feel like his behavior is being caused by something else, ease your fears by calling your vet. But for the most part, our experience here is that the meds make them see pink elephants and act weird for a while.

Hang in there. You have a lot on your plate, but we know you can do it!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
3 May 2009
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12 May 2009 - 6:59 pm
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To Brody's Mom,

My black lab, Zack, had his back leg amputated 10 days ago and I can tell you it is harder for us humans than it is for them.  It is a huge shock seeing them without all fours after surgery but they want to get right back into the swing of things.  Don't let that happen.  Brody will need to take his meds faithfully and it is necessary to take him for a 15 minute walk every day so that he progressively gets strength in the remaining back leg.  This is very important.  You will see that this routine works and every day he will gain strength. 

Please know that everything will get better.

Ginni

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