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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Hi, My name is Liz. I have a 17 year old border collie (Jonsey) who is in excellent health with the exception of the cancer or tumor growing on her leg. She has had the mass removed twice before and she needs it a third time. This time however they wont be able to take it off unless they take her leg with it. after consulting with the vet and doing my own research we feel because she is so healthy that amputation is the best option for her. Shes just not ready to go yet. the vet agrees. What i would like some help with is what type of harness to get for her post surgery. Its going to be a front leg amputation. I'm torn between the CONVERT or the WEBMASTER. Does anyone have any advise on this or what i can do to help her after the surgery. I just want to make her as comfortable as possible. Its rare that people my age can say they still have their childhood pet. I'd like to have a few more years with her at least. Please HELP!!!! thanks LIZ 
Welcome, Liz & Jonsey! 17 years, that is amazing! How blessed to have your friend for so very long. I've approved your post. If you make sure to login before posting to the forums, your post will not require approvals.
I used the WEBMASTER for a front amputee and was very satisfied, but am unable to compare the two for you. Someone will pop in and give you the info you need.
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.
WOW! 17 years! How blessed!!
Welcome! Looking forward to reading about you and your pack. I love border collies and Jonsey sounds like a wonderful heart-dog. I'm so glad that you've done your research and have made the decision to address the cancer and the pain. Bless her heart, she's gonna really surprise you.
Good us informed as to how she (and you) does. We're here for you.
. . . and . . .
We love pictures!!!! Post bunches!!
Hugs to you and Jonsey!
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Hi Liz and Jonesey, welcome! I'm so glad you joined us, senior Tripawds are a great inspawration! Be sure to check out our Size and Age Matters Discussion Forum if you haven't already, there's lots of great examples of mature dogs and cats on three legs.
As for harnesses, have you visited the Tripawds Gear blog yet? See these posts for some tips:
Best Harnesses for Three-Legged Dogs
Which harness is right for my dog?
If Jonesey travels with you a lot and you need to get him in and out of vehicles all the time, or you have a lot of stairs in your house, or both, I'd recommend the Webmaster. If you want a harness primarily for walking, the Covert is the way to go. They both have handles on top that allow you assist the dog but the Webmaster offers more leverage for you when lifting and assisting.
I hope this helps! If that doesn't make sense feel free to contact us by phone or email and we'll try to help.
Can't wait to hear more about your amazing pup!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everyone. I'm so glad that i found this place. Thank you so much for the support. Jonsey or Munchkin as we call her a lot is so important to me. She does go everywhere with me. She just loves going for a ride. I never leave home without her unless I'm going to work. This whole situation has been very stressful for my family and I. I never thought it would come to this but it seems it has. I'm so glad that i found a place that is there to support my family and I and give us answers and advise to our questions. I thank you for the advice on the harness for her that really made my mind up for me.
Does anyone have advice for what i should be doing or looking for after her surgery? I already have a nice firm foam pad for her that is her bed right next to mine that she sleeps on. Should i have more than one? Like in other areas in the house that she likes to lay down at?
Like i said before this is not her first surgery but it is a lot more of a drastic surgery than her last two. I'm sure I'm worrying more than i should, but I'm just trying to be prepared for all of this. I have already requested extra time off at work so that i can be with her 24/7 after the surgery. I'm sure thats when she'll need me the most, But anything that anyone wants to tell me to prepare me would be most appreciated.
Thanks Again To Everyone!!!!!
Liz and Jonsey (Munchkin)
jonsey1786 said
Should i have more than one? Like in other areas in the house that she likes to lay down at?
Confinement is key to a safe speedy recovery. Creating a comfortable space in one spot is best. Using pet gates or a portable ex-pen can help. There's no need for her to be wandering about too much.
Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for more helpful links and consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for many more helpful recovery and care tips.
We're glad you found us too. Please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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