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 new to this site and the diagnosis of bone cancer to our 6 yr old Rottweiler, Zeek.
This was so sudden, we took him to the vet on a Friday because we thought he had maybe sprained his front left leg somehow only to find out he had bone cancer. It got worse over the weekend so we made the decision to have his leg amputated this past Tuesday. We may be bringing him home this afternoon and I am so scared to care for him. We have gone to the vet everyday to visit with him and everyday he seems to get better and stronger. He still face plants sometimes when he starts to walk because he hasnt realized he only has one front leg now.
Any suggestions on how to care for him or what I need to have here at home for him. This happend so quickly I'm afraid I wont be prepared to bring him home. We do have wood floors so I do plan on getting some runners or rugs to help him with is traction .
Any tips or suggestions from those who have been through this would be greatly appreciated. I'm soooo nervous but anxious to get him home so he can be around us.
Stefanie we're in the chat now, hop on over!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, I'm sorry you are finding yourself here with us but rest assured, this site has lots of experienced people who have lots of great advice. I am still learning too. My girl, Shelby, is 3 weeks post-amp but she was a rear amp so I don't know much about the front end kids. I am sure someone else can weigh in.
It's great that he's looking well and happy to see you. Dogs are amazing and I am impressed by how well Shelby has adapted. He sounds like he might be a bit bigger than Shelby (she's 22#) so you probably can't carry him up and down any stairs so I would suggest a sling of sorts to help move him around. Make sure you keep paths clear for him and also limit mobility for the best healing. Keep on top of his pain management and give him lots and lots of loves! And look into his eyes - he's the same guy - just on 3 legs!
The first 48 hours or so are scary, scary but keep in touch w/your vet, call them if you have questions (I had mine on speed dial) and let him rest (and you try and get some rest). And come here if you have questions.
Lots of hugs and love!
Alison and 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
I'm so glad you posted here! Well first, that's terrific you caught the cancer so early. Many people aren't as fortunate and the diagnosis gets dragged out for months. So that's your first victory! Yay!
I know this kind of news turns your world upside down, I'm so sorry you're dealing with it though, it's tough but we promise to do our best to help you get through it.
First, check out Jerry's Required Reading List and you'll see that this isn't as scary as you imagine.
Next, go out and get those runners. Costco has them for about $11 each. Adding traction so it's there when your pup gets home will go a long way toward helping him feel confident and safe.
Do you have any stairs? Baby gates to keep him away from them will ensure his safety.
Finally, breathe. If you are strong, he will be strong with you. He will follow your lead so you set the tone for the recovery. Check out these videos from CARE and you'll get some great tips there too.
Oh, be sure to ask your vet about his pain management care. He should come home with at the very least Tramadol and a NSAID like Rimadyl or Metacam, hopefull something stronger though like a Fentanyl Patch &/or Gabapentin.
Others will chime in soon. Hang in there!
Thanks again for joining!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can't offer any advice, my Marley is coming home in just a few hours. I'm right there with you. But I can tell you, the people in this community are amazing. So supportive and knowledgable. I can't wait to hear how you and Zeek are doing tomorrow. Keep us posted!
Hi Stefanie! Glad to hear Zeek is on the road to recovery and going home! Two very important things for you to remember:
Be sure to get sleep when Zeek sleeps. Major surgery is a stressful situation, and you may find yourself lacking in the sleep department. Get as much rest as you can!
Also, (and this is from personal experience) don't have any meltdowns in front of Zeek. Zeek needs to know that everything is okay right now. So if you feel you are going to "lose it," go in another room where he can't see you. He will pick up on your stress. That is probably the one thing I would change about our whole cancer journey with Max if I could go back in time!
My boy Max was also a front left amp. When he gets through the recovery period, make sure he doesn't jump and land too hard on that remaining front leg. You may want to invest in a ruffwear harness (you can find them in the Tripawds store). They were a lifesaver for us! We have two SUVs, so it was really great to be able to "lift" Max to the ground when he got out of the car, instead of him landing hard on that front leg!
Be sure to post questions here often! We're all here to help!
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