Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So our goldendoodle, Saffy, is back home with us after yesterday's amputation. The surgery went well, but oh my... she's not a pretty sight right now. She's all shaved and swollen and miserable. She wanted water, but couldn't reach it with her e-collar on, so I put it on a stool and she spilled it all over the floor. I cleaned it up, but meanwhile her legs had given out and she slipped on the bathroom floor. So she just lay down. I tried to haul her up, but I couldn't get her legs under her. Along with the pain meds and antibiotic, the vet gave us a sedative for her as needed, so I think she's just completely drugged up. But without the sedative, she was anxious and trying to get off the collar and she tried to run when she was outside for a pee. Anyway, I'm sure it'll get better eventually, but I had no idea that nursing a dog could be a full-time job!
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Great news on a sucessful surgery! Oh gosh! Yes - the amputation is no walk in the park for the caretaker! I'll let others give you advice because they have been thru amputation.
In the meantime....hooray for being home!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
It does get better, I promise. I wonder, why is she wearing the e-collor? Is she trying to lick her incision? The pain meds make them lethargic and confused — the collar may exacerbate that and further affect her balance. But, maybe it is a necessity for her?
By the way, Saffy is a beauty! She looks like a teddybear.
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
It does get better, I promise. I wonder, why is she wearing the e-collor? Is she trying to lick her incision? The pain meds make them lethargic and confused — the collar may exacerbate that and further affect her balance. But, maybe it is a necessity for her?
By the way, Saffy is a beauty! She looks like a teddybear. Pretty soon she will be tearing around the house and you will be amazed ...
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
If the e-collar is causing problems, you could try a couple other options, such as a donut collar (one of those blow-up ones) or a loose t-shirt (so it doesn't chaffe the incision). We used the t-shirt on Max, and left the e-collar off because he always hated those. Glad to hear your girl is back home with you. The first 2+ weeks after amputation can be rough, but it will get better.
Glad to hear Saffy made it through surgery!
Yep, a new amputee dog is like bringing home a newborn, at least for a week or two.
I agree with SmilinSammy. You may want to see if she can do OK without the e-collar, at least while you're directly supervising her. It's a wait-and-see thing. Some dogs do OK with it, others do not. If she needs one, try these comfy inflatable collars.
The reason she's losing her balance is because she's doped up. But I'm also curious if you put down any slip-proof rugs in your home, or at least in the spots where she hangs out? Adding traction to her favorite areas will greatly increase her confidence.
Things will definitely get better! Just be patient and let her sleep a lot the next few days. Remember many dogs lose their appetite and don't want to eat. That's 'cause they're smart enough to know how to save their body's energy for recovery. So if she doesn't eat, don't be too freaked out. Just make sure she's drinking water and eliminating (although #2 may take a few days due to constipation caused by the pain meds).
If you need anything just let us know, and of course call your vet if you suspect something isn't right. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update--
Saffy is doing great! The incision looks good and she doesn't lick too much. I put the collar on her when I'm out of the house or not supervising her. She eats great and is getting around really well... Even running to go pee and going up and down stairs. The vet said to keep her crated and not do any activity but she seems so happy and wants to get back to her usual routine, so we're following her lead... She's definitely in a lot less pain than she was in the first few days. Rimadyl alone seems to take care of most of it though I have been giving her some tramadol in the evening too. The kids are getting used to her new look. Well start carboplatin - probably 6 rounds 4 wks apart... When the stitches come out.
What a super update!!! Way to go Saffy!
Treats all around for such good news.
Laura, Angel Tai, and Kali
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
glad to hear she is doing well. my house has learned it takes all of us to nurse dozer. i have been an icu nurse/nurse practitioner for almost 20 years and it is less work that caring for the pups. hang in there it will get easier.
hugs and wet kissess from dozer. renee7979
What a terrific update! Sounds like she's having a classic, good recovery! She is a terrific patient.
Keep us posted on how things go.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Happy to hear sweet Saffy is home and on her way to recovery.
Spirit Shadow's mom, Heather
Hello and welcome Saffy!! Caring for a recovering Tripawd can be just as exhausting as caring for a newborn baby. The good news is it's usually the hardest during the first two weeks or so. I tried to sleep when my Dog slept but I was still very tired from the whole ordeal. It's a good idea to put rugs or runners down where ever Saffy walks so she cannot slip. They are super clumsy at first and even after they are healed they still have a tendency to slip easily. As for the E-collar I took it off of Valentina when she ate and drank water and whenever I could watch her. When I was unable to keep an eye on her that's when I would put it on. They do have those inflatable kind at Petsmart I noticed recently. They were between $20 and $40 depending which size you need. They are probably worth it. The Tshirt thing can work quite well for lots of people.
If Saffy is lying down and you are having trouble getting up to a standing position try slipping a sheet under her belly but away from the incision to help hoist her up and use it like a sling. I would always just throw the sheet over my shoulder in case I needed it when I was taking her out and stuff. I see from your update that she is doing better now though so you might not need that.
Tell us more about Saffy. How old is she , how big is she and what kind of cancer does she have? Oh and is she a front or rear amp? We love to everything about our Tripawds!
Good luck with Saffy's recovery. It sounds like she is doing great so far!! 
Glad to hear Saffy's doing so well! It's typical for our tripawds to have occasional 'down' days, even after doing well for awhile. Don't get freaked out, it's perfectly normal. Just let her take her time finding her 'new normal'. Sometimes keeping our recovering pups quiet is the toughest task, but it really does help healing.
It's good that she doesn't have to wear the e-collar too much! I'm sure that makes her happy.
Keep on healing!
Wags and Slobbers,
Judy and Baby
angel said
Tell us more about Saffy. How old is she , how big is she and what kind of cancer does she have? Oh and is she a front or rear amp? We love to everything about our Tripawds!
Saffy is 19months old -- part golden retriever, part miniature poodle, part standard poodle.I dont know how much she weighs now, but she used to weigh 60-65 lbs. She has a rear amputation after a pathologic fracture a month ago due to osteosarcoma. I think her youth makes the recovery especially easy. She's already doing all the things she used to do, so it's quite a relief. It's amazing how quickly she has returned to her happy-puppy personality.
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