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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Sawyer is a 7 yo Golden Retriever who had R leg amputation. Need suggestions on taking her to the bathroom. I was given Help Em Up harness in a bag; wasn’t fitted but bought a Ruffware Flagline based on the high recommendations on this forum. I didn’t get any advise when she was discharged other than medication and making sure she gets plenty of rest for the next couple of weeks. I’m trying to be calm but incision is scary and don’t want to cause her anymore pain. Any help will be appreciated.
Hi Kimberly,
So how far does Sawyer have to get outside and toilet? From what I recall in the Tripawds Chat , she has a front right amputation, correct?
Does she need stairs to get outside? We generally recommend using a harness when stitches come out but if you have stairs she must access, you can put a t-shirt on her first, and then the harness over the shirt. Then you can assist her with the handle of the harness. You can feel free to leave it on her all day as long as it's not directly on her incision and bothering it.
Did you see our What to Expect articles ? They will give you a good idea of what the next few weeks can look like. And we are always here to help too! Ask as many questions as you'd like.
You are correct from our previous chat, it’s her front leg. Out of all the harnesses we’ve bought and tried the Ruffwear Flagline is the best.
From other people’s experience, is it okay to let go of the harness once she reaches the yard (of course I’m right beside her) so she can relieve herself or should I continually hold her up with the handle taking some of the weight on her good leg?
This is a great question and one in which I'm eager to hear advice on. My baby girl, Sky, had her right front leg amputated today. She is currently in the hospital overnight for observation and we bring her home tomorrow. I don't want to hurt her, but also want to provide support, and as you said relieve some pressure from her left leg.
Sawyer should only be doing short leashed potty breaks and bin for more rest. If Sawyer is like many dogs, she’ll refuse to do her badness of you are trying to assist her with a harness. So depending on how far her favorite potty spot is, you could assist her towards it and let let go.
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!
Everyone, thank you for your responses. UC Davis Vet School referred me to this site and have been reading it non stop today for insight and help. It’s definitely a great resource.
AWW we LOVE UC DAVIS! Wow you are so lucky to work with their team.
Did you know that Gayle is on the Tripawds Helpline today, and her dogs have all gone to Davis for care? She's fun to chat with, give her a call!
From other people’s experience, is it okay to let go of the harness once she reaches the yard (of course I’m right beside her) so she can relieve herself or should I continually hold her up with the handle taking some of the weight on her good leg?
Really depends on the dog. See how she does when you let go. If she's wobbly, assist. If not, let her do it on her own. Take it baby step (or baby hop!) by baby hop!
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