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 adopting a 1 year old Australian Shepherd. And he is having his front left leg amputated today after being hit by a car a few months ago. His surgery is today and Im so nervous. I'm a vet tech so i know the technical part of it, but I've never been on this side. Any support or advice on aftercare for a new tripawd would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Hi Cassie,
I'm in the chat now, hop on over! (Scroll down and a window will load)
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just saw your blog post! What an amazing and kind soul you are!!! Domino will do great! We can't wait to hear more about him and his recovery!
Sending healing energy!
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
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
Hello again, ok, so your future posts won't need approval, thank you for joining us and starting his blog! I was just going to hop over there when I saw your post here. You are a great human for adopting Domino, he so deserves to have a great life with you!
First, take a deep breath. You have the skills and the talents to see his recovery through to a successful conclusion. You are most likely going to be amazed at how well he does, especially a hearty breed like his, he'll do great! Sure, there may be some ups and downs but most dogs and cats are back to their 'new normal' within a couple of weeks.
One thing that will put your mind at ease is Jerry's Required Reading List . That addresses the basics of getting you and your home mentally prepared, and when you're ready to dive into more detail be sure to check out the Tripawds e-books library.
For now, focus on staying mentally strong and being a good pack leader. Domino will look to you for guidance; if you are confident, and truly believe he will be fine, he will follow your lead.
If your house has slippery floors, now is the time to find throw rugs and carpet runners to put down; good traction (click on that link for ideas) is critical to help him gain confidence on slippery surfaces. You can get inexpensive 4x6 runners at Costco for about $10 each, super good deal.
Raised food bowls are also helpful, especially for a front leg Tripawd.
He's a young dog, and the hardest part will be keeping him calm so he doesn't overdo things and get too much activity right away. When he's ready, you can start focusing on core-strengthening exercises, which help a Tripawd get strong and steady on their feet.
Hang in there. You're in a very unique situation in that you are right in the middle of his care and can oversee a lot of the quality control, he's going to do GREAT! Keep us posted oK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Cassie,
I love Australian Shepherds! I used to have Watson, an aussie, and if I know his breed, I know that an amputation will NOT slow them down! They are so intelligent and agile. Just be patient with him and know that the first two weeks will be the toughest, but just remember to be encouraging. You'll be shocked at how well he will do!
Keep us updated!
Lots of love,
Anna and Tyson
I agree! I used to have an Aussie mix. She was a ball of energy. I really do nor think an amp would have slowed her down much. As stated before, the first 2 weeks are the hardest. Being a vet tech should help you some with the meds etc. Domino will do just fine. It is us humans that have the hardest time adjusting, I think. We think In our terms instead of dog ones. He is just waiting for his next snack and belly rub, oh and if he is like mine was, tennis ball launch. Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Thank you all so much for your kind words of encouragement and helpful tips!
Update: Domino had his surgery this morning around 11am. It around 2 1/2 hours. He had the full front left leg removed including shoulder blade. He was slow to wake up, but is now doing ok (despite being doped up). Since I'm a vet tech, my Vet that I work with had me bring Domino home to monitor him overnight. Right now he's resting comforably on my bed with me. I'll update his blog and post some pictures there!
Thanks again to everyone. Im so glad I found this site!!
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Welcome to the club, Cassie and Domino 
I have to say that Aussies are awesome when it comes to being tripaws, you just can't keep them down for long! Before you know it, he'll be bouncing and racing around and you'll have your hands full of crazy aussie in hyperdrive. It may be just me, by I think Mav got three times faster after his bum leg came off. I've pounded this drum before and I will continue to pound it so here it is: find yourself a great certified canine physical therapist! Core strength is SO important to a tripaw and even more when it's a front leg amp. Take these two weeks before his sutures to come out to find someone you really click with since this is a long-term relationship, lol. PT truly is the best decision I made for Mav and his health.
The next couple days are the hardest, once you get through this it should hopefully be smooth sailing. Domino has youth on his side so the hardest part is going to be keeping him quiet right now. Simple puzzle games and frozen kongs worked wonders for Mav during his recovery. The best thing you can for him right now though is just to take a deep breath and remember that you can handle this. We are never given more than we can handle and we always get the pet that we need to improve ourselves as human beings. In the end, you will be better for this experience and you will remember this time through rose-colored glasses and it won't be so bad.
Good luck and come on here anytime you need support, we're always here
Mandy and Maverick
Maverick is a wonderful miniature australian shepard born with a malformation of the front right radius/ulna, amputation performed on 11/4/13 at 6 months old. Follow his story at mavericksjourney.tripawds.com.
It was so nice to hear that he's home with you! What a lucky dawg to have you as a Momma, you're both going to do just fine. I hope tonight went smoothly. Update us, and do let us know how the transport back to the clinic went. Since many Tripawds members also have to bring their animals home at night because the clinic doesn't have 24-hr care, the transportation is very worrisome for folks who haven't been through it. We would love to hear how you moved him, what it was like, etc., when you have a chance, no rush right now though!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The night is going ok, just restless. He'll sleep for an hour, then whine for an hour. He did get up at 1am and ask to go outside, he walked some and used the bathroom and came back in for some sleep. Now he's up again whining. We go back to the clinic in about 3-4 hours. So far he doesn't seem painful, just restless. He's also in a new home with new smells, so it's hard to tell what's surgery related and whats not. We're taking it in stride. He's wanting to sit up sternal most of the time now instead of lying on his side which is good. Hopefully this whining fit will pass soon and we'll get another hour of sleep. Luckily Im off work tomorrow, cause I see a nap in my future lol. Goodnight, I'll update in the morning after he's back at the clinic! Thanks for all the support!
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Domino is doing great! He's back at the clinic for some rest for a couple days. He's up and walking like it's all he's known. I hope the rest of his recovery goes this well. The trip to the clinic was easy, I helped him into the car with his front end, he hopped with his rear. He rode in the passenger seat the whole way and hopped out all on his own once we got there! When I left (which was way too hard) he was lying down for a nap. I never knew I could fall so in love with a dog that I've had less than 24 hours. But he's amazing. He's a little shadow, sticking to my side constantly. He's full of wags and kisses and just wants to be next to me. Thank you all so much for your support and advice. For now it's naptime. Check out Domino's blog for a picture of him walking this morning!!
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwesome!!!! So glad to hear that surgery went well.. and how lucky you are to be involved in his recovering at the clinic you work at!!!
It is a scary adventure.. and sometimes these pups of ours just breeze through their amputation.. and some have serious issues, complications, and worry us all todeath!! I hope that Domino breezes through this!!! I am sure you are well aware as a vet tech about keeping him confined for a while and not over-doing it! It is hard when they seem to be managing so well to not let them run around.. but with all those blood vessels, etc that have been played with, you don't want them to rupture! They need time to heal!!
Since he is a front amputee like my Franklin, washable throw rugs will be their best friend if you have laminate, wood floors or linolieum. They can slip so easy and it ia a good preventive measure. We also raised up Franklin's bowls so that he didn't have to strain down on his front leg. We built a bench for them and they were up off the floor about 10 inches.
We still keep our bowls raised up now...
Looking good Domino Kiddo!! We look forward to hearing of your recovery and adventures... and of course.. lots of pictures!!!!!
Christine... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
What a fatnastic update! I can see why it would be confusing to tell if his anxiousness was related to the pain meds/surgery or being in a brand-new home. As hard as it was to leave him it sure sounds like he'll get the rest he needs at the clinic. Hang in there, he'll be home for good in no time!
(Thanks for the description of getting him in and out of the car. Easy peasy right?!)
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello and welcome. I'm glad to hear things are going well so far.
The recovery period can be full of ups and downs so don't get discouraged! Domino is young and I bet he is happy to be free of that bum leg. He may be one where the biggest problem you have is keeping him quiet!
You will be rewarded many times over for adopting a Tripawd.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Yeah, he's realy going through it...major surgery...not going back to his "regular home and regular family", adjusting to three legs...yeah, quite a journey for sweet Domino.
The whinng was probably a combination of everyting, but mostly the surgery. My Happy Hannah whined and cried and paced, was restless for nineteen hours straight. I don't think she sat down (not sure if she even laid down during this time), for more than a few minites at a time. Once she recovered from surgeeynthough...MAGIC!! So happy!
Hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
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