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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midnighter94 said
Murphy is a front leg tripawd. He came home with a bandage, but I think it only lasted a few days. We kept it covered mostly with clean t-shirts. We did do chemo. Murphy had histiocytic sarcoma, so he had 6 doses of CCNU, which is a pill, each dose was 3weeks apart. He also had to take a daily pill, denamarin , to help protect his liver. He did really well with it all. Dogs don't usually have the same type of side effects to chemo that people have.Donna
Hi Donna and Murphy,
Thank you for the info! We appreciate it! I have a couple of questions.
Did you raise your pups feeding dish? I've been holding it for Gus, seems much more comfortable than him bending over(front leg amputation). Wondering if people get an elevated dish holder?
Also, any issues when hair growth started back? I can already see that Gus is wanting to scratch at the area!! We still have bandage on, so that's saving us for right now! Anything we can do to help so it's not so itchy??!!
Thanks!
Alice
Hi Alice,
Putting the food and water bowls higher is commonly recommended since it reduces the strain of bending down. You can find stands pretty easily or you can improvise. Since Ellie preferred to drink from the water bowl outside we used a clay pot upside down and put the water bowl on that. Her food bowl had always been elevated so that was OK.
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Hi Alice, yes we have raised bowls that we got before the surgery to try to get him used to them. He eats his food there now - after surgery he wouldn't eat for a week, so we were hand feeding and spooning yogurt down his throat to get all his pills in him. As for the water, he prefers the bowl on the floor, (we have a westie also) but he will drink fro the raised one occasionally. Nitro never scratched or licked his incision, we kept a t shirt on at all times, pretty much till his hair grew back.
As for the chemo, dogs seem to handle it far better than humans. Half way through his white count didn't bounce back as quickly, so we adjusted the time to 4 weeks between treatments instead of 3. He got s little nauseous about the 5th dose and then they just gave him cerenia beforehand to combat it. He may have seemed a little tired for a few days, with his appetite a little off, but it really wasn't anything we couldn't deal with. This is my second dobe that has gone through chemo, so it wasn't that scary this time around.
Keep us posted, keep the questions coming, that's what we're here for.
paula and nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Dirro Paula and Donna! I also improvised at first with a stack of books. Eve tually got the raised feeders.
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!
I would say yes to the raised dishes, especially for bigger front amps. I tried a raised dish for Tripug Maggie but she would not use it. You can use a box or upside down bucket or anything that is the right height. You can put some non-skid shelf liner or the mats that keep rugs from slipping to keep the food dish in place.
Have you tried tee shirts with Gus? That might keep the stitches safe.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Yes, we got the raised dishes - sort of lol We free-feed our other dogs, but we switched Murphy to the grain-free food, so he gets that once a day, so we feed him separately. He's a bit spoiled and likes to lay down now when he eats, so we tilt the bowl for him. We also couldn't raise the dishes too high since we have cats and they needed to get to the water dish (and Max is short - his beard tends to get wet every time he drinks!!) It's a regular zoo at our house!
I don't really remember Murphy acting like he was itchy too much, but I think I probably felt he was because I remember lightly scratching his skin for him. But I don't think it lasted long. It took a long time to grow all the way in because his hair is long, but it wasn't stubbly for too long.
I laughed when I read about Gus lifting his leg to pee. Murphy has pretty much always just stood to pee, he only really lifts his leg when we're out on a walk. So not long after his surgery when we were out walking we cracked up at him when he decided he wanted to try to lift his left leg to pee, which only left his left front & right rear leg on the ground! I'm like, "Murphy, just turn around & lift your right leg!" ugh what a doofus! 
He couldn't quite figure out how to do it!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Good morning everyone!!!
I am excited today!! Feel we cross a major milestone last night!! At least for us!! Not sure if anyone else felt this way!
Gus has not laid on his amputation side since having his surgery one week ago today. (can't believe it's already been a week!!)
Well, last night, I was lying on the floor with him and he was lying on his chest...then, he kinda looked very hesitant, but he started to...ever so slowly...roll onto his amputated side!!! I saw what was happening and guided him very gently and told him it was ok.
PRESTO!!! He did it! Which tells me....it must not hurt anymore. Right?!
Also, I'm seeing that I am being way to over cautious with Gus....and he doesn't like it....and he's trying to tell me that he can do certain things on his own.
Biggest example...to go outside I have one step down. I've been having him come close to the door, then I kinda scoop him up, one of my arms supporting his head/chest area and one under his belly/groin area. Same thing when we return from our potty break, to get back up the step. This morning, Gus did the step up by himself and actually did a much better job than what I've beendoing! Hope this makes sense....... I'm still cautious as heck.....don't get me wrong, but I think I may be a little too over protective.
Also, when he starts to pee outside, he reallywants to lift his leg....so I normally run over to "catch him"...so then he gets all wigged out and stops peeing. I've got to let him figure it out himself......bad mommy!
All these little things.......which are huge for us!
Alice and Gus
Oh yea you and Gus are definitely making progress! Now I knew Gus would because that's what dogs do. They pick up and go on to their new normal life. You however are making as much progress as your dog is! You are now living like dog which is huge in this journey. You're figuring out that Gus has to learn new ways to do same old things and Gus is telling you "I've got this mom". Your Gus is talking to you and you're listening! Pat yourself on the back! Now you can truly take one day at a time and live it fully. The worry will never go away but you have to tamp it down in order to celebrate all your success'. You are doing a great job with Gus Alice we're all so proud of you!
Linda & Max
Yep, ditto Linda!
Buddy's letting you know he's got this! You ARE a good mom! Being cautious is a great trait to have. But Buddy is clearly showing you he can handle that step just fine and, most importantly, his thought bubble! Yeah, lretty sure it says, "Mom! For the love of doG, step away from me while I pee!" Even if Buddy stumbles a bit, it's time to let him be Buddy again.
As far as laying on his amp. side...YAY!! It took Happy Hannah five weeks before she laid on that side! Five weeks!
You are doing a great job...and so is Buddy!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
WOOHOO! 
You are getting it Alice, you are learning how to Be More Dog .
All of your observations are spot on. Rolling on the amp site is a good indicator that he's feeling spunky and yes, there is less pain at the site. As you mentioned, his mobility is another issue and you'll still need to use care when he goes out walking and such, but for now this is fantastic news. YAY!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone for the encouragement!!! Gus and I appreciate it!! I feel we are doing really great! Question: you speak of wearing a T-shirt. Did you purchase a childs t-shirt? did you tape it to the torso? how is it worn? sorry to sound to dumb.... I'm just not clear. Thanks!! Also, how far should I be walking Gus now...it's been one weke today. still just out to potty and back in? maybe building up to longer walk??
gus3 said
sorry to sound to dumb....
You don't sound dumb. Just put on any old shirt that will fit. If they are all to big, a child's shirt from the thrift store may be better. We wouldn't recommend taping it—some members have tied the shirt to tighten it if too loose. Others have sewn up or tied the other sleeve for a better fit...whatever works! Find more wound care tips by searching the blogs or download the Tripawds e-books for fast answers and much more info.
Also, how far should I be walking Gus now...
We recommend only short leashed potty time until fully healed. Then, slowly build up the walking distance while focusing on building core strength, balance and confidence. Walks do not build strength, only stamina. Find much more helpful exercise info in the Gear blog , Downloads blog , and Loving Life On Three Legs .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Gus is now sporting my old "life is good" t-shirt! I thought that was appropriate!!
gus3 said
Gus is now sporting my old "life is good" t-shirt! I thought that was appropriate!!
Perfect! And we need pictures.
Our surgeon told us that Maggie was only allowed potty walks for the first two weeks until the stitches came out. We started increasing activity slowly after that.
Congrats on the milestones! Things are going well and Gus is starting to take charge of things!
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
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