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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Hello! I am new to the site and looking for guidance and peace of mind. My abused rescue that I have had for 3 years had his left front leg amputated on Thursday and is still at the hospital with not a lot of progress. He won't stand or move on his leg, not eating and they had to put a catheter in him because he is not peeing. I'm being told that he is slow to progress and that most times the dogs are up and around in a day or two. I'm so upset, scared, worried and feeling guilty. I know it had to be done and they think we were ahead of the game (osteosarcoma) and will need chemo as a follow up. HELP this upset momma please 
Hi Rocky's momma, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away. Tell us more about Rocky. What's his age? Breed type?
I know this is a scary time made even scarier when the vets want to keep him longer. But they are doing this as a precaution, and that is a good thing! Remember that Thursday isn't that long ago and most humans would be in far worse shape. Some dogs just need more time to recover, they are all on different timelines. Rocky is his own dog and he will get back on his paws on his own schedule. It will happen!
My best advice right now is to 1) check out Jerry's Required Reading List to access some of our most helpful articles, like our What to Expect series, and 2) remember to Be More Dog . That means, don't let your guilt or worry get the best of you. Focus on the fact that Rocky got rid of that cancerous leg and he's on the road to recovery. Celebrate each little victory when he comes home, even if it's just eating kibble from your hand. And remember that he will look to you for leadership. You must be the strong pack leader and set a positive tone for recovery. He will reflect back any feelings you put out there, so the more optimistic you are the better.
Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the support I needed to hear that. I will definitely check out your advice I could use all I can get. Rocky is a lab/border collie mix and is 11 years old and weights 86 pounds. He's very skittish because he was kept in a basement and abused so he is my precious baby and want to do everything possible to make him happy. He's had a bad beginning so I want to make him as happy and healthy as possible.
Jist catching up on your sweet Rocky.
You may have noticed the site was down for a bit due to our Adnin Guy .....well...to use his words "breaking things". Seriously, he's been working feverishly not stop to make the site better and better! Just remember, we always have the TRIPAWDS HELPLINE available 844) TRIPAWD.
Yes, it takes some dogs longer than others to get their "sea legs" the first several days after surgery. And your Rocky is a "larger, somewhat mature" fella, and they take a bit longer too. So no, not all dogs are up and walking within the first two or three days. I know its hard to be patient, but just remember, Rockymjas jajad MAJOR surgery and, hopefully, on some good pain meds. All these things combined can definitely delay mobility and even peeing. In humans it's not unusual for a catheter to be used after surgery.
As Jerry said, he IS on the road to recovery with that vum leg gone!! It's just hard to realize that at this point. You are in the "Oh craaap, what have I done TO my dog?" Soon uoj eill ve saying you are so glad you did this FOR your Rocky!!
Update us when you can. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! We are all here helping to cheer for Rocky!
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!
Hello and welcome to you and Rocky.
Try not to worry about him being 'slow' to adapt. As Sally said sometimes the more 'mature' pups take a bit longer to get going.
And based on his history I'm not surprised at all that he is not seeming to make progress. I have a quad-Pug who was abused and left in a carrier for hours before I got him at 4 years old and my current Tripawd is very skittish and has severe separation anxiety. Neither of them do well at the vet for routine visits let alone surgeries.
Have you discussed his history with the vet? I bet his sensitivity is contributing to him not wanting to get up or eat. A big surgery like this is hard on every pup, but a pup with Rocky's history there is an extra hurdle to get over.
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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