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 everyone. My lab piper, age 6, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on this past Wednesday and is scheduled for surgery to amputate the leg and shoulder bone this coming Wednesday and I’m in complete shock. I don’t know what to expect, to do, or anything. This is really hard to deal with for me emotionally and I am not doing well. It’s all happening so fast. Any support, tips, and tricks would be great appreciated! I never imagined to have gotten this news this week. We thought she had dislocated her shoulder and would possibly be in a cast worst case scenario. Im so overwhelmed and her dad works out of state so it’s all on me to take care of her. I have cried to the point I shouldn’t have tears left…. This is not anything that ever would have crossed my mind happening to my little pack.
Hi to you and Piper. I'm so sorry you are having to join our club but we are here to help make it easier.
First, have you seen the Tripawds Start page? It begins with:
First, don’t panic. You are not alone.
We promise, you won't go through this alone. Although we are at a distance online, you can lean on us for all the emotional support you need. Did you know we have a Tripawds Helpline you can call too? 844-TRIPAWD.
Yes, this happened really fast. But that is a good thing overall, especially during a time when it's so hard to get into a vet clinic at all. You are making a fast decision to help her get out of pain and start living her life again! Much better than waiting too long until she is in worse shape.
Osteosarcoma is scary. But you know what? Many dogs outlive the prognosis! Our Jerry lived two years, others have gone even up to seven and eight years! You just never know. Don't let the statistics discourage or upset you. Focus on the here and now. Piper is getting rid of that bum leg and will start to feel better when recovery is over. She's younger and that is a big plus!
The most important thing is to Be More Dog ! Stay strong and pawsitive, and try not to cry in front of her. She needs you to be the leader right now, and if you are upset and spinning your wheels, she will too. Try to see the big picture. You are helping her get out of that awful pain and into a bright new future on three legs.
For now, please check out our Tripawds What to Expect articles for tips about things you can do to prepare your home and yourself.
Our Tripawds e-books library is a compilation of our best tips over the years. And Jerry's Required Reading List is too!
The best place is to begin with your own emotional health.
The next place is to look around your home and learn how to prepare it. Our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List has great tips.
I don't want to overwhelm you with too much info. Others will chime in too. Stay strong and know that we are here for you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Can only ditto everything Jerry said.
We understand all of the emotions and the physical and mental exhaustion when you are first trying to process all of this. You're so full of uncertainty and fear and it's a scary time. We can all assure you however that you are making the right decision to give yourgirl a good chance at they quality pain free life and that is a gift any dog would want.
Continue to do your research and read all of the links Jerry gave you. You will begin to feel more confident as you move forward and as you recognize you have a whole team here chewing cheering for you and supporting you. Let us know what questions you have as you continue to inform yourself. Recovery is no picnic for the first couple of weeks but it doesn't last forever. She will have some good pain meds and clearly lots of good care from you. You take care of her and we'll take care of you, okay?
(((((((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!
Thank you guys! I will be definitely leaning on this for support! I’m so glad you have this for people to use. I was in a tailspin and am finally starting to get more relaxed and understand. She’s on plenty of pain management right now and is being spoiled rotten. My employer has allowed me to start bringing her with me to work so that she isn’t alone during this. I will keep you guys updated on how she is doing. The encouragement you’ve already given me is giving me the hope that I had lost back.
Good morning, Couldn’t agree more, the support and encouragement from this forum has been so helpful along with the resources here on this page. There is lots of hope and I empathize with you having been in a whirl wind of change for us over the last two weeks. We are post surgery as of Wednesday and in the recovery stage. As hard as it all has been there was a huge release once the surgery was done and our dog was in recovery. It is still challenging as we try to find our routines and new ways of getting it done but as you have said these forums provide a lot of hope that there are easier days ahead. We are just doing our best to get there now on three legs. Hope all goes well for you in the coming days.
So quick question! The harness webmaster. Is that good for front leg amputees? The website recommended the flag line but they don’t have her size available. I’m trying to get everything she might need before she comes home from surgery
Hi and welcome.
I think we can all empathize with your feelings! When I was told my Pug Maggie needed to lose a leg to mast cell cancer I was devastated. Mag lost her leg before this site existed so we were very alone. Definitely lean on us now!
As far as the harness- the Webmaster has been the 'go-to' harness here for years and works well. The Flagline is relatively new and is recommended partly because there are buckles on both sides which makes it easier to get on and off a front amp pup.
I've never used the Flagline harness so I can't give you first hand input. I've love the Webmaster and have used it with my last 4 small dogs including two Tripawds, but both Tripawds were/are rear amps.
One thing to consider- some vets will ask you not to use a harness that goes over the suture line until after the sutures come out so check with your surgeon on that. That might give you more time to order the harness you really want.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Awesome! Thank you for that advice I just got her one ordered. Daddy’s getting the house ready for post surgery. And we have found a list of restaurants in our town that actually allows us to bring her with us. So she is living her best life right now!
klav said
So quick question! The harness webmaster. Is that good for front leg amputees? The website recommended the flag line but they don’t have her size available. I’m trying to get everything she might need before she comes home from surgery
Oh gosh thank you for bringing that to our attention. All sizes and seasonal colors are back in stock here. Some colors are not available yet but will be on 5/5.
Yes, the Flagline is the better choice for front leggers.
You are doing such a good job preparing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Getting prepared is the only thing keeping my emotions in check until I can take her in for surgery and have my meltdown without her seeing. So I’m reading everything and getting everything I can to be ready for her to come home. Thank you guys for all your help! This fur momma is struggling.
You are doing exactly what needs to be done! Yep, meltdowns in private are the best thing right now. I had many! Once I got the anger and worry out with my tears, it felt like I could move on to caring for our Jerry. It's hard not to worry, I get it.
Holler away with anything you need. Lean on us.
This fur momma is struggling
Of course you are, this is a big deal! I had never dealt with such a decision before, I stressed when the dogs were fixed or had a dental!
You may not feel strong enough, but trust me you are. You will find the strength and courage because Piper needs you now more than ever.
When I think back to the beginning of our cancer journey I was lost and had no idea what I was doing. Maggie took her time getting used to her new normal, but she did. She was the inspiration- if she could cope then I could too.
BTW- the shower is a good place for a breakdown!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Today has been a really bad day. Poor girl has cried all day long and nothing I do helps her. We are two days before surgery and today I am sure my decision is the right one but she is breaking my heart today. I’m not sure if her dad leaving to go out of state this morning is what’s got her all upset or if it is pain but she is miserable today.
I'm so sorry! You must be so worried. It sounds like the pain she is in is excruciating. Have you called your vet to let them know? Two days is a long time in a situation like this. Please let your vet know what's going on.
Not sure why you disconnected from the Tripawds Chat earlier, I was hoping you would come back. I should be there tomorrow mid-day Pacific time so stop by and let me know how she is doing OK?
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