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
I joined Tripawds earlier this week as my doberman was diagnosed with cancer in her elbow and our vet suggested amputation. The posts I have read have been very reassuring, and inspiring. I thought I knew what to expect until tonight. Yasmin went to the vets this morning and waited all day for her op... The vet who was meant to be operating phoned in sick, so Yasmin had to wait for another vet. We were on tender hooks all day waiting for the call. Eventually the vet rang tonight to say she was through the op. I waited a couple of hours then phoned to see how she was doing. When the vet nurse answered I could hear Yasmin howling in the background. It was the most difficult phone call I have ever had! The vet nurse assured me she was not in pain as she is on methodone and appears comfortable lying on her side. She said the howling was a side effect of the anaesthetic or the pain killers. I really don't know how Yasmin will cope over the coming days and weeks. Personally I feel guilty, making the decision to go ahead with the amputation and just hope that she doesn't blame us. I know as i write this it sounds stupid but can't help the way I am feeling right now.
I have been strong and positive in front of our children and Yasmin but had to air my feelings, don't think it's healthy to be strong all the time
Any advice would be gratefully received.
Hi Kate and Yasmin, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts will not require moderation.
The cancer diagnosis leading to amputation is very difficult to deal with- you are not alone in your feelings. First though- DON'T worry about the howling you heard today. It is a very common thing in dogs who are coming out of anesthetic and are doped up on pain meds. Yasmin is alternating between being really out of it and being asleep. This reaction is why some vets discourage or don't allow visits right after surgery. She won't remember much of any of this until she comes out of the anesthetic all the way.
Did you check out Jerry's Required Reading list or download any of the ebooks yet? Both are good sources of information on what to expect with amputation, recovery and treatment if you go that route.
I have been strong and positive in front of our children and Yasmin but had to air my feelings, don't think it's healthy to be strong all the time
Some dogs do have a reaction to the anesthesia that makes them vocalize as a side effect. Don't beat yourself up. If the nurse said all is well, then it is. They aren't going to risk telling you something that isn't true.
The day of surgery is a difficult one for the humans. So many raw emotions. Once you have the big sweetheart home, you will begin to relax a bit. The first two weeks are not fun as both of you learn to adjust to the new normal, but once you are past the recovery, it will start to be like old times.
Many good thoughts coming your way for a speedy and uneventful recovery.
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.
Hi Kate and Yasmin,
Welcome to the group...I'm sorry you have to join us 
I know the first little bit is SO stressful, but everyone else is right, animals react strangely when coming out of anesthesia and to the pain meds, I'm sure thats all it was! Yasmin is going to do just great as a tripawd.
Come on over to the chat room if you need to vent or need some advice in the coming days/weeks ahead. We've all been through it and we're here to help!!!
All our best,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Kate,
Hang in there. Yes, many dogs do vocalize when they're hopped up on pain meds. They are a bit confused and aren't sure why the feel odd, and they might even be seeing pink elephants. But trust me; Yasmin doesn't blame you one bit. And when the meds wear off and she's feeling good again, she will be SO grateful that you helped alleviate the terrible pain of bone cancer.
I know it's hard to believe, but dogs really do cope better than humans. You will be amazed at how much better she does during recovery than you ever imagined. And one last thing; remember that if you are strong, she will be too.
We're sorry this is why you joined us but please know that we are here to lean on. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or just vent, we totally get it.
Keep us posted, I hope Yasmin gets to come home very soon.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She doesn't feel a thing, right now...and certainly not guilt. The "morphine crazies" are not an uncommon effect...and they can be a HORRID HORRID thing. But honest to god, they sound way worse than they are. And Yasmin really won't remember anything (I say this both as the owner of an extremely med-intolerant dog...and a person susceptible to morphine crazies herself 
).
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
I am also new to this group and am having very similar feelings that when my baby wakes up from surgery he will wonder why did mommy and daddy take my leg...But Yasmin Knows how much u and your family love her and that you only want the best for her!! Plus she is probably so happy to not be in pain anymore!!! everyone on this site has been so supportive and positive! i hope the very best for Miss Yasmin!
~Suzy & Alpha <3
Hi all
Just wanted to say thank you for all your messages. I spoke to a lady last night on chat. She helped me get through it with similar advice. I rang the vets this morning and spoke with the vet that did the night shift. He said when they had finished dealing with the other animals they let Yasmin out of her cage and she wandered round the surgery fine. I am waiting for another update from the surgeon and will let you know Yasmin's progress.
Thank you so much. It means so much to not be alone xxxxx
suzyq said
I am also new to this group and am having very similar feelings that when my baby wakes up from surgery he will wonder why did mommy and daddy take my leg...
Welcome, and best wishes for Alpha's speedy recovery. Dogs are incredibly resilient and don't feel shame or question why when it comes to amputation. Consider downloading the Tripawds e-books or reading Without Regret for coping with the human emotions you describe. That was one of the first books that helped us understand how most dogs cope with this better than their people do.
You future forum posts will not require moderation. Please start a new topic or blog to share your story so others can follow along.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Kate..
The good thing about this group is that.. we have alllllll been where you are! We understand the emotional roller coaster that we go through as pawrents... did we make the right decision, will our furbabies cope missing a leg, will they be the same.. will they still be able to get around? welll.. let me tell ya... yes... yes.... yes... and yes... !!
Our pups and kitties don't focus on the fact that they are missing a leg, they get around just fine. And the fact that the PAIN is gone, is absolutely fantastic for them!
My Franklin was 14 when he had his front left leg amputated due to osteosarcoma. I was so worried about his age and whether he would be able to get around. I remember waiting for the phone call from the vet to tell me that he made it through surgery, worrying myself sick knowing that maybe he might not survive the surgery because of his age. It is a chance that we always take when our pups go under the anaestetic. I tried not to fucs on the guilt if something did happen. I remember bursting out in tears of relief when that phone call came to say he was a-ok. But the best part was I also remember how happy he was to be pain free!!
One little bit of advice that I can give you is.. when you go pick up Yasmin, don't focus on the fact that she is missing a leg.. focus on the fact that she will be so gosh darn happy to see you... !!!! Just wait until you see the spark come back into her eyes!!! It really is amazing what we can learn from our sweet furbabies...
glad to hear everything is going a-ok !!
keep us posted.. and pictures... we LOVE 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!
I am on the bus coming home from work to go collect Yasmin. Reading all your wonderful messages is great... Only problem... I am now a blubbering mess on the bus! This is indeed an emotional roller coaster! I am trying to take all ur advice on board and will update later. Xxx
Online
Kate and Yasmin!! Sorry I'm late to welcome you So Another TRIPAWD WELCO E!
So Yasmin is coming home today? That's wonderful news!
I remained a basket case for weeks so do 't use me as your role model!!But I hung o to this site for my lifeline...and still do...and now, al ost six months post amp. and xo tinuing...IT WAS THE BEST DECISION EVER! Now I cry for joy:-) 
Looks like you've done your homework so, even thoughyou kow what to expect, it's still really tough on YOUR emotions! Yasmin will handle his part just fine!
Remember, this is something you are doing FOR Yasmin---not TO Yasmin!!
You are NOT alo e! You have "tripawd power" helping you through this every step of the way! We are hear for you!
Stay positive and joyful for Yasmin. Applaud every little victory, praise him and just love and spoil the heck out of him!!
Is avatar picture is beautiful! More when you can!
Let us kow his first pee and first poop! We celebrate anything around here:-)
Surrounding you with calm and peace,
Sallyand 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!
HI Kate
I am so sorry that I couldn't stay on chat longer last night. I do hope Yasmin is doing better today and I tried to help a little while I could. Please try to stop back into the chat again
Hugs
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Sorry, missed the first pee and poop! She has done that already when the vet nurse took her out for a walk in their grounds. She doesn't even need a lead or harness. We got her home half an hour ago. My husband carried her from the car to the back garden and she bounded up and down the garden with great pace, tail wagging and not at all upset. After a meatball subway and two big bones she is wandering around the house.
The kids have coped extremely well (I showed them the post-op photos from the tripawd gallery so they knew what to expect). The vets are extremely pleased with her progress. Yasmin seems much happier and not at all in any pain, she's on loads of drugs!
It's less than 24 hours post-op - I can't believe how well she is coping. She has a big bandage which will hopefully stop any swelling and we r due to take her back to the vets next week to have it removed and check the scarring. It's early days but I truly think she is going to be ok. She looks brighter than she has looked for ages. Only problem is she wants to go upstairs to bed! I will let you know how we cope with this.
Suzy - please don't worry. Yasmin has coped so much better than even the vet thought possible. Alpha will get thru it. Trust me Yasmin has not looked at me upset, she seems relieved!
Michelle - hope all was ok for you last night. Just talking with you helped calm me down so much. She is doing really well.
OHHHHH YAAAAAAAAY:-) YAAAAAAAAY:-) YAAAAAAAAAAY:-)
Wonderful news today! Great! Good job mom and Yasmine!
Not too late to say CO GRTULATIO S ON FIRST PEE AND POOP!!! YAY and YAY!!
Now, remember, she is still high as a kite on nospital yummy drugs and she has to stay quiet. Probably, she will have a "crash" in a day or two when these super drugs wear off...maybe not...but don't be alarmed just in case. That's when tne fun of balancing the pain meds begins!
Packingup a box of Subway Meatballs for Yasmi!! That would make a great commercial......tripawd stops by for subway oy nojrs after major surgery!
(((((((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!
1 Guest(s)
