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 all,
I'm new to this site and have found it extremely helpful, so thanks everyone for all the info already on here. I have a 5 year old Leonberger (Harry) who was diagnosed with suspected osteosarcoma a week ago today. 3 days later he was at the oncologist for more tests and the results confirmed what we suspected. We decided to opt for amputation (front left leg) and a spleenectomy as a mass was also found on his spleen. He was in the following day to undergo surgery. It all happened so fast that I'm still getting my head around everything. It has been a heartbreaking week for the whole family, but our boy has come through everything with amazing spirit. We brought him home 3 days after the operation so have had him here with us since yesterday. He was really awesome yesterday, getting around well and eating his meals and seemed quite comfortable...today has been a different story. He's struggled moving around and has only got up for toilet breaks. He's seemed really flat all day and is now hiding out in our bedroom in the dark. Is this what we should expect? I don't know how to help him and it's awful watching him seem so low. I know it's really early days but will he ever get his sparkle back? It's as if his back legs are hurting today and he'll hop a step then stop for a minute or so then hop another step. Did he overdo it yesterday? He's on carprofen and gabapentin tabs and begins chemo in 10 days time. What can I do to help?? Any advice would be great.
Hello Harry and family, welcome to the club nobody ever wants to join. We're sorry you're here but we will do our best to make this journey easier for all of you.
We're not vets but is sounds like a fairly typical recovery, especially for a larger dog like a Leo (which I think are cool doggies!). Many dogs come home extremely hopped up on the dope, then once they let their guard down and can relax again with the pack, they tend to crash for a little while.
Due to their sheer size, giant dogs generally take a little longer to get back on their paws. We see that a lot here. He's eating and going potty, that is a great sign that things are on track! Remember, he's on pain meds and he's got a lot of weight to maneuver around. He's using his body in all new ways with parts of his muscles that have never been used before. AND, he's had a double whammy with that spleenectomy, which only adds to his recovery time. He WILL get there, but it's still very soon after recovery. Be patient, keep your vet updated, and know that rest is what he needs now.
In the meantime check out Jerry's Required Reading List and our ebook library where you'll find resources that can put your mind at ease.
It's a pleasure to meet you. We have other members in Australia. I'm not sure how close you all are in proximity but it would be neat if you were! Keep us posted, we are thinking of you (and your future posts won't require moderation). Oh, be sure to add some photos of Harry, we'd love to see what your gentle giant looks like!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the site, although its too bad you are dealing with cancer.
What you are experiencing sounds pretty normal- Harry was probably contained at the vet- only short hops for potty breaks. Just getting to the car, the excitement of being home, maybe moving around more at home then he had at the vet- all that can add up to extra soreness. And meds can put a pup in a funk too. I remember a member who's pup wanted to lay in the bushes and be left alone during her recovery. Harry is dealing with a lot of new stuff- a new way to walk, and a sore ab area too. Be patient and he will be amazing you soon!
I have a local friend Cemil. He is a 150 pound, front amp Anatolian Shephard, also from OSA. He is over 4 years from his amp and doing great! Here is his blog, although his mom Mary doesn't post much.
I can't help you too much with size, my Tripawd was a 17 pound pug named Maggie. She was one stubborn pug who did not deal well with change. She was unhappy for about 6 weeks, waaaaaay longer than most pups here. I was really doubting my decision to amputate. But Maggie came around, and lived almost 4 years after her amp for mast cell cancer.
Hang in there and don't get discouraged. Recovery can be rough. Keep your vet informed, and always call them if you get concerned. But if the incision looks good, and he is eating and eliminating then you are on the right track.
Karen
Welcome Harry-
So glad you found this site. It is a lifeline for all of us going thru this battle. Just know we are here to help you through by listening, giving you a shoulder to cry on and provide a smile when it is most needed.
Recovery has its ups and downs, but you will begin to see the normal Harry. Sometimes it's just one little thing, but those make the biggest celebrations.
Keep us updated and take care.
Luanne and Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Hello Harry,
Sorry about your diagnosis but you have come to a wonderful site that gives support, information and sanity. Our boy is 2 months post surgery and going on his fourth round of chemo. Our weeks of recovery had ups and downs, but when we rounded that bend it was amazing how well Snoop was doing. Be patient it takes time and there are days when it's difficult, but take each one at a time. It gets better and your boy will start to become his old self. We kept in contact with our vet throughout his post op healing, they called daily for updates and we called if needed. Good luck in your healing process with Harry and remember to get rest yourself.
Hi Harry, Welcome to the cancer club that no one wants to join. We are glad you found us for support. I can't add too much to what others have said.
I know Sassy is a bigger Rottie 138 pounds at amputation. It took her a little while to adjust moving and with all the muscles. So it does sound like a normal recovery plus a double whammy with the spleen
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Plus there is also the great resource of the live chat. 
when you hit that live chat button scroll down to the middle of the page. You will see a box that says loading chat then it will come up.
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."
Itto to all the comments above.
For me, recovery seemed like an eternity! I second quessed, cried, ate buckets of ice cream! Most importantly, I stayed connected to this site and was able to stay strong and positive due to all the support here! They promised me it would get better........and it got sooooo much better!! Happy Hannah is a real light weight compared to your "small horse", but larger dogs do need a little more recovery time. But Harry has barely started the process...and he will!
Gosh, he had his spleen taken out on top of the amptation?? Can you imagine the recovery time for a human? It would take months!
Now, obviously I'm no vet,but the o co waited three weeks to start chemo as she did have slower recover and was on pain meds..gosh...I think going i to four weeks...I've forgotten.
I know it's so hard when our pups don't feel well. Harry will start feeli g better soon! The sparkle will co e back and you both will be estatic! PROMISE!
We are here for you, right by your side! Hold on to us, okay?
Now, there is something you MUST do!! It's vitally important! We have got to see pictures of Harry:-) There are links on nere now to do photos. So when you can, please send us a photo or two of your big teddy bear!
Surrou ding you with peace and calm,
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!
Hi Harry and mom, so sorry you are going through this. I have a giant breed (great dane) so I thought I would chime in. Everything sounds pretty normal especially since he had a spleenectomy too, poor buddy. The drugs had a huge effect on our Atlas, I don't think he acted his old self until about 3 weeks post amp. Most giant breeds are whimps when it comes to drugs and are a little slower to recover from surgery. I think it was Dakota's mom who helped me realize Atlas was seeing psychedelic squirrels, but once he was off the drugs, he started to come back.
Also, I know it's hard, but try to go about business as usual and not hover and worry. These gentle giants are especially sensitive and pick up on our energy big time. I remember when I started to cry, Atlas would wake up and look at me like what are we worrying about mum. Dad would usher me out of the room to take a break.
You are in the right place, these folks are awesome and have helped me over many hurdles in the past 3 months. So keep posting and let us know how Harry is doing.
Patricia & Mighty Atlas
Thanks everyone for your responses. It's good to know Harry seems basically on track. He had his 10 day check up this afternoon and his surgeon said all looked good. He also has his first round of carboplatin chemo so I am crossing everything that it doesn't make him feel too bad. Poor boy, I'm feeling really emotional about him tonight. It's been a rollercoaster 10 days, even though he has coped well physically he has been very lethargic and almost depressed for nost of the time. I'm hoping it's just normal recovery although the surgeon said it may have been the meds he was on (these finished today). I'm finding it so hard to see him like this when he was one of the silliest happiest dogs I've ever met. It's like he has become an old man overnight. I miss my boy 
I just want to rewind to 4 weeks ago when everything seemed normal.
I will upload photos of him soon I promise The surgeon said I can start short walks with him from tomorrow so am hoping this lifts his spirits.
Michelle.
Michelle, glad to hear that he's doing better! Hang in there, it is tough to see dogs not being themselves after surgery. But try to remember what your vet said; what humans often think of as depression is typically a reaction to the pain medications. This is only temporary, you'll be in your new normal in no time!
Enjoy the short walks, and take it easy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sooooo good to hear from you!
This is thr hardedst part and patience just goes straightmout the wimdow! ....."Give me patience! Hurry up! I want it now!"
Ten days is very early in recovery---especially for lrge dogs! In your case, EXTRA LARGE dogs!
Walking? Pooping? Peeing? Eating_ Drinking? Adjusting to walking? Just acting like a dog recoveri g from major surgery and probaly still feeing some pain, right? All NORMAL!
Happy Hannah is alost six months out from amp. and, after the first three weeks of me thinking I had made a horrible decision, she is doing EXCELLENT! At the time--123 lb. Bull Mastiff--8 1/2 years old--and she was miserable at first! I stayed glued to this site everyday for support! This site carried me through...promised me she would get better...and boy oh boy.....her sparkle is back and shining brilliantly!! And she IS feeling better than before, although i thought she was feeling fine pre-surgery!
Makr sure your attitude is upbeat! Praise everything she does! Applause! Good girl! Treats! Does she have a special friend...human or sotherwise...who can come visit her and bring lots of positive energy? Csr rides?
You can put the chemo off a a few more days too...
Now, you give yourself a big HUG!! Come on ow' a really big o e!! You are doing a great job!!
By the way, I've been on this site everyday since and I'm ot letting go!! We are here for you always! You are ot alone!
(((((((((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!
It is true the giant breeds seem to take a bit longer to get back on track. If he doesn't perk up much after the drugs are out of his system then I would consider something like Power Mushrooms (an immune booster). I think you can order them on this site and your dog would take 3 twice daily but ask your vet first just to make sure they won't interfere with the chemo plan.
Pam
I'm on the other end of the size spectrum, tri-pug Maggie was about 17 pounds. Maggie was unhappy for almost 6 weeks after her amp for mast cell cancer, I was sure I had made a terrible decision. We had no complications, just a stubborn pug who did not deal well with changes to her routine. When she decided she was ready she came back to being the happy pug she had been before the surgery.
The big pups do seem to take longer, but Maggie proved that small pups can take their time too 
. I know it is hard to watch, but stay positive and upbeat around Harry, show him everything is normal and fine (I did not do this with Maggie at first and probably made things worse). He will get used to his new normal and be amazing you soon.
Really looking forward to pictures!
Karen
Hang in there - I just know your Harry will come back to you. Try not to worry and give him some time. Atlas wasn't depressed but he didn't come back to his old silly self for like 3-4 weeks.
Thanks all, I will try the power mushrooms definitely if he doesnt seem to be improving. We had our short walk yesterday - and I mean short! After literally 5 minutes he stopped and looked at me like 'time to go home'. But at least it was a start. I also saw him attempt to play mouth one of his brothers very briefly which he hasnt done since the amp. Anyone with multi dog families experience their amputee withdrawing from the others? Harry has kept himself to himself since we brought him home.
I have worked with dogs for years and everything I know tells me to be positive and upbeat around him but I've been having a hard time keeping my emotions hidden. I will start from today though Hope everyone else fur kids are doing well this morning...
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