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 Tanya and my family and I just got approval from a recuse group to adopt a little sheperd girl who is going into surgery tomorrow for amputation of a back leg due to genetic defect. The vet said she should grow up like a normal pup due to ampoutation at such a young age. What things should I prepare for any advice could help. Thanks
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Thanks for joining the discussion Tanya, and congratulations on your new three legged friend! FYI: We moved your topic to this Treatment and Recovery discussion group where it is more appropriate. You will find loads of advice and information regarding what to expect in this forum.
One thing is for sure: you can expect to have a very happy healthy dog. Consider yourself lucky. Most of us in these forums are tripawds due to cancer which creates a whole bunch of other health concerns. Most puppies handle recovery very well.
You can use the search field above to find advice for specific concerns, or just browse the various topics that others have posted. Most have lots of advice about preparing for your new tripawd.
One thing we recommend is to get runners or throw rugs if you have hardwood floors. Getting used to three legs can be tough on slippery surfaces! Another tip is to make sure the pup's food bowls are elevated.
The best advice I can give, however, is to relax. Take it one day at a time and don't freak out about any little issues. Surgery wounds can seep or fill up with fluid. This is no big deal, they can be drained. Medications can cause your dog to whine or moan. Appetite may be surpressed and going potty may be difficult at first. But these things just take time.
We could go on and on, and on. Please browse the forums to see what others have already said and keep us posted with updates and pictures by starting a topic in the Share Your Story forum.
Hopefully others will throw in their two cents here and provide some more specific advice for you and your pup. Thanks for rescuing her!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Tanya,
Kudo to you and your family. Blessed are your hearts to adopt a pup knowing that she is going to have a disadvantage. What a fortunate little girl that she will be loved and cared for.
As my Genie was not a hing leg amputee, nor was she young when having the surgery, I have no experience as to how fast a pup would adjust. I imagine she would adjust well in no time.
The usual things most tripawrents need to do are: slip-proof any non-carpeted floorings, prepare ramp to help them get in and out of vehicles, get a harness.
Since she is a shepherd (german shepherd?), you might want to also start prepping her diet/supp to cut down the risks of the potential joints/hips problems.
Anything missing? perhaps others please join in, put in more suggestions.
Love,
Jessie
Genie said:
Kudos to you and your family...
Thank you,
Jessie for your great advice. We do have wood floors and runners will be next on our purchase list. She is a german shepherd mix so we will make sude we keep on eye on her diet. I hope to post pictures after we get her and keep you all updated. I think I will be visiting this site a lot.
Tanya
You couldn't have arrived at a better place. With such a wonderful pawrent by her side she'll be just fine. The fact that she's young and growing is a definite advantage. You'll find yourself surprised and inspired by her resilience. Try making a checklist of questions you have and answers will be on their way. Jessie's advice was spot on, and good thing you followed up so quickly. Good luck to you both.
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