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 everyone! My dear Nina (11.5 years old) has been amputed (front left leg) only 2 days ago, because of osteosarcoma. I have to be honest, I thought I would cope with it really well, but it is quite a shock to see her like this. I may have had unrealistic expectations as well, I thought she would be walking around as if nothing happened right away! Unfortunately, this is not the reality. She barely walks. She can do a few steps, but she is easily exhausted. She even urinated in her bed, which never happened before. I know I should give it some time, it is an adjustment for her, but at this point, I'm freaking out and I almost do not believe she will get better. Are there cases where the dogs do not recover from the amputation and never walk again? I try to tell myself I made the right decision, but it's hard to see the benefits of the amputation when I see her like that... Â
Hello there! I see you are in the Tripawds Chat right now so I'll go talk to you there. In the meantime, take a deep breath.
Yes, it's hard to see our dogs this way. But you said it here:
amputed (front left leg) only 2 days ago
Only is the key word. Your dog just had major surgery, is doped up and needs to rest. Senior dogs especially take a little longer than most to recover, but in general the majority of dogs no matter their age, will recover and go on to have a great quality of life.
I almost do not believe she will get better. Are there cases where the dogs do not recover from the amputation and never walk again?Â
You need to know that a major aspect of a successful recovery has to do with the attitude of the human. If you believe she will recover, she will pick up on that and move along faster. if you only see and picture the worst, well, you get the idea....
What pain medication is she on?Â
I'm going to chat with you now but for the sake of others reading this, I encourage you to go to Jerry's Required Reading List for more insight on recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry you find yourself here, but really glad you reached out to us!!
I didn't join this site until Day Six of my Happy Hannah's amputation. I was sure I had made a HORRIBLE decision and could not believe I had done this TO my dog!! So we understand the fear and the uncertainty you are experiencing.Â
If I may be so bold (and I say that lovingly), your "expectations " of how you thought your sweet Nina would be acting within 48 hours of MAJOR surgery were, indeed, a little unrealistic!  Yes, some dogs, are mobile within 24 hours, and many are not!! The fact that Nina is mobile at all is good!!! Celebrate that, okay?? Â
Your girl is still shaking off the anesthesia and all the hospital meds. She endured a major surgery and is trying to learn how to walk on three, all while doped. up!!! Humans would still be in the hospital on a morphine drip!!
Yes, peeing in bed those first several days of recovery does happen! Right now she needs rest, rest, rest and, when ready, SHORT potty breaks and then more rest!
Drinking and peeing are important. And she's already peeing, so that's good...even if it's in bed!!! Eating and pooping may be a bit off for a few days, but that's normal.
What pain medsmis she on and the frequency? How much does she weigh?
Just love on her right now and gently massage her to help her relax. And yes, be patient....Imknow, I know, easier said than done!!
She needs a good two weeks of rest to help her recov from the surgery itself. The mobility adjustment takes a good thirty days before her gait is balanced and in good form.
Stay connected, grab some chocolate, and eat it by the handfuls.  Take some deep breaths and KNOW that Nina will get her sparkle back, slowly but surely!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you for the encouragement! It's such a relief to know that her behavior is not uncommon and in the realm of normalcy. She is starting to wag her tail when I talk to her and even tried to come welcome me at the door when I came back home after a few hours yesterday. She is awesome 🙂 She is currently on gabapentin, tramadol and metacam. On my end, I can feel that the first shock of seeing her like this is slowly going away and when in doubt about my decision, I remind myself that we got rid of a very bad tumor that was only going to make her feel worse and worse. Whereas now, she is going to get better and better!
Oh that's terrific! Celebrate those little victories, they are HUGE when it comes to recovery.Â
You're settling into the right frame of mind, this will take you very far and make this phase go so much easier. Yes she IS getting better and better!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Recovery can be tough for your dog and you, especially in the beginning. It does gets easier. Our dogs are stronger than we think. And yes celebrate those victories.This is the most amazing network of people and they will be here to help.
It is definitely an adjustment. We are 18 days post-op and Ciara is just starting to come around personality-wise. As much as it takes a lot out of us, it's easy to forget what it must be like for them!
Keep coming back here, it's an incredible support system with a lot of good advice. 🙂
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
1 Guest(s)
