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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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Post Op recovery concerns
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Member Since:
12 July 2018
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12 July 2018 - 3:04 am
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Today was the first day post op of my pet losing a hind leg. It’s only been a few hours but she wanted to out so I took her. I thought she was going to per but she couldn’t hold herself up. I feel like she’s still drugged and doesn’t have the strength yet but really looking for reassurance. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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12 July 2018 - 7:15 am
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Hey there! Try not to worry, this is so early and she’s dopey from the meds, which is what she needs to heal. 

I have more thoughts but am on my phone now, so I’ll be back later. Stay tuned for feedback from others! 

What is your dog’s name? Why the amp?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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12 July 2018 - 1:56 pm
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Hi there, and welcome! As Jerry says, this is extremely early, and what you are describing is absolutely to be expected, but it's very hard and stressful on you, so I am pleased you have come here. We've all been  through it, and will be able to share our experience and offer support. 

When you say it's been a few hours, did she have the op today? Even if it was yesterday, she will undoubtedly be extremely drugged up and groggy, and probably seeing pink elephants from all the meds in her system. What meds did they give you for her? Keeping ahead of the pain is key to a smooth recovery.

What she needs now is quiet and rest. As much rest as possible, with just short potty breaks. If she is having trouble standing, (which is not uncommon) you could try supporting her with a homemade sling. You can easily make one by opening up the seams of a cloth shopping bag. Also, make sure she has good traction , especially if you have hardwood or tiled floors. You'll want to lay carpet runners, for example, or yoga mats is a cheap and easy option. The tripawd gait makes it easy to slip, and you want to avoid her falling, or straining a muscle trying to stay upright. Many tripawds also find raised food and water bowls helpful.

Is she eating and drinking at all? Water especially is important. You could try putting a little broth in it, or a swirl of ice cream, if she seems reluctant. Foodwise just give her whatever she fancies. Now is the time for spoiling (though, to be clear, if she had the op today, she may well not be wanting to eat yet). Also, keep an eye on the peeing. It may take several days for her to poop, but you don't want her to go too long without peeing.

Stay tuned, as I'm sure others will be along soon to offer you support. And please ask if you have any concerns at all. We are here for you and we understand like no one else can.

Looking forward to hearing more about your girl....

Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar


Member Since:
28 June 2017
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12 July 2018 - 4:19 pm
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That's normal, especially right after surgery. Try to limit her walking around though. I know it's hard but her recovery is crucial. Did your Dr give you a sling to help her with her hind? It goes under her belly so you can give her that extra support while she heals. Please take advantage of the pain meds as well. The first month she really needs to take it as easy as possible. The first couple of days our dog slept for most of the day and the dr said that was good cause he needs to heal. So scary but he's doing great now! Hang in there and if you need anything, we are here to help.

Susie & Yoshi


Member Since:
12 July 2018
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13 July 2018 - 3:42 pm
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jerry said
Hey there! Try not to worry, this is so early and she’s dopey from the meds, which is what she needs to heal. 

I have more thoughts but am on my phone now, so I’ll be back later. Stay tuned for feedback from others! 

What is your dog’s name? Why the amp?  

Thanks for the support! Her name’s Charlie and she had a mast cell tumor on her leg. We had it removed about 2 yrs ago and did chemo as well. We thought we were in the clear but it came back in the same place so we were advised to take the leg. It’s been 2 days now and she’s getting better and atronger everyday!

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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13 July 2018 - 5:33 pm
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Hello and welcome.

My Pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a MCT. You can read her story if you are interested, the links are in my signature below.

I’m on my iPad with a sketchy connection so I can’t type much now, I’ll check back later tonight.  

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

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo


Member Since:
12 July 2018
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13 July 2018 - 6:35 pm
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Thanks everyone for the feedback! Its nice to have support and in just three days she's gone potty several times and even felt froggy enough to remove and even eat her surgical tape cover when we left her alone for 10 minutes (LOLZ!). We'll keep an eye out for the tape situation but for right now she's at about 60%. She pretty spry for being 11 and losing a leg! Thanks again everyone!

Member Since:
1 October 2017
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13 July 2018 - 6:36 pm
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We posted at the same time, lol... so I will change my post way-cool  Watch her now and make sure her pain management is optimal. This is about the time that all those beautiful pink elephant hospital meds wear off. 

Keep her eating and drinking.. especially drinking. You will see changes here shortly.. If her appetite goes south get whatever she will eat and offer it to her. Scrambled eggs, cheese, hamburger, whatever will keep her going. 

Please stay in touch, it sounds like she is doing awesome, I am just trying to prepare you, not be the essence of gloom, lol.

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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13 July 2018 - 10:36 pm
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Just catching  up on your sweet Charlie!  You have gotten stellar advice from Clare, Jackie and Susie 😎  

And YAY for pee, poop, eating  and drinking!😁😁  This eleven  yr young pup is doing great!!

Yes, very, very, very early in recovery  from MAJOR surgery!  Rest and good pain management   are crucial.   

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!

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