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, my name is Norma and I am new to this forum.Its been hell since Monday morning when I was pulling up to work and got a frantic call from my mom saying that Scooby had been hit by a car.This is my worst nightmare come true..I rushed home to find my baby in our living room pretty peaceful but his leg covered in blood (my mom doesn't drive).I was trying to carry him but i was afraid of hurting him even more..but he managed to limp to the car.I couldn't believe this happened! He was in the front yard while my mom took out the trash, and he never crosses the street...well this day he did!I took him to the animal hospital and they said the leg was pretty bad..it was fractured in multiple places and it had road rash as well.They gave him morphine,took xrays, sewed some of it and we went to a specialist to see if they could save it.Well they said to save it it would take many surgeries,more anesthesia and it would take long to heal..They gave us the night to think about our decision, and honestly it was one of the worst nights I've had... We took him home because nobody was going to be at the hospital during the night and I couldn't bare to leave him alone.Although he was on pain meds,around 3am he starting whimpering..I woke up and tried to comfort him, I was crying like a little baby. I couldn't believe what had happened,and my heart was aching from hearing him suffer. You see, he is the most loving dog I know.My first dog, he gives unconditional love to everyone he interacts with. He has never been aggressive,he just loves people and people love him.I've had him since I was 15, and now im 26. He is not just a dog to us, he's a family member.Although he's 11, he is extremely active and doesn't look old at all!It's been 3 days since they amputated his leg and it's been sooo hard to adjust. We haven't really been sleeping bc we are watching over him, making sure he is comfortable, and giving him his medications..We feel so guilty this happened to him! He has been very sleepy bc of the meds and on top of that he has the cone bc he was messing with the staples at the hospital. I know my doggie is a trooper, and that soon enough he will be running and acting like his old self, but its very hard to take this in..I don't know how to cope with this.Every time i see him i get sad..should i look into getting him a prosthetic leg??We already spent 1600 for medical expenses....I need information pls!!!
Okay, first things first: take a deep breath. Amputation is a major surgery. It's going to take a little time for Scooby to heal from this. Additionally, all the meds he is on will probably make him a little loopy. The first 2 - 4 weeks after surgery are rough, no doubt about it. But it will get better. Scooby will heal, and he'll adjust to 3 legs. I think you'll be pretty amazed when Scooby shows you a tripawd can do pretty much anything a four-legger can do! You just need to try to not stress (easier said than done), and give him time to heal. If you're staying home for a few days with him, try to sleep when he does. It will be tough, because you'll jump at the slightest sound (at least I did)!
Keep updating on Scooby, and post questions often; these forums and the members are full of great advice and personal experience. Can't wait to hear more about Scooby!!
Thank you soo much for your advice and information! I've been a crybaby all week..but thanks for reassuring me that the meds are making him loopy..we have been watching him like a hawk lol.I will post pics of him and update!Again thanks,it's good to know other people love their pets and have gone through this!
Hi Norma, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts will not require moderation.
I'm sorry to hear about Scooby's accident. The first thing you need to think about is being a strong pack leader for Scooby. If you are sad and upset he will be too, if you act stong and positive he will know nothing is wrong. It is hard to do I know, and these first days after surgery are emotional and draining for you. You need to rest when you can so you can stay strong.
I suggest you read through Jerry's Required Reading List
: http://tripawds.....ding-list/. This is a good source of information on what to expect with amputation and recovery. The first couple of weeks after surgery can be tough, full of ups and downs, so don't get discouraged. Once Scooby heals up and gets the sutures out, and gets off the pain meds you will see your boy back again.
Most amputee's don't get prostetics- they get around just fine without them. And there are alternatives to the cone- check the gear blog: http://gear.tri.....ernatives/. Some people have had luck covering the incision with a tee-shirt for a front amp, or boxer shorts for a rear amp. Which leg did Scooby lose?
It's too bad the accident happened- but you need to move beyond it. Scooby isn't mad at you, he won't hold a grudge. You need to show him that love now that he has always showed you. You can help each other heal.
Lots of experience and support to be found here- take advantage!
Karen and the pugapalooza
welcome scooby and mom. so sorry to hear of your accident, but we agree with karen. you need to be strong, brave and positive, that will tell scooby that it's going to be ok, even if it hurts now, it will get better. we haven't seen too much success with prosthetics , most dogs adjust pretty well to having three legs. the first two weeks of recovery can be rough - the pain meds, the re-adjusting to a new gait, etc...but you guys will get through it and will be fine. you might want to consider some rugs around your house if you have tile or another slick surface - walmart has a great selection of rugs with rubberized backs. also, we found a raised food and water bowl helped, making it easier for our tripawd. paws crossed for successful surgery and speedy recovery!!!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Hi Norma,
We're sorry about the accident, that must have been a horrible experience! But at least he MADE IT and is going to be fine! If it's any comfort at all, we see many dogs here whose folks tried to save their limb after an accident, and the surgery didn't work so they had to lose the leg anyways.
The important thing now is to breathe, and move past what happened so you can focus on Scooby's recovery. As Karen recommended, our Required Reading List is a good place to start, as is our ebook, Three Legs & a Spare.
I'm gonna bet that Scooby will get along GREAT on three legs. Just be a strong pack leader, because if you believe he will, he will believe it too. Feeling sorry for him or crying won't help him with confidence. You need to BELIEVE that he will be fine.
Leave the cone of shame on him it's the best thing right now. The first two weeks can be rough with the pain meds, many dogs are really anxious when they're on them. You'll have to monitor him to watch his behavior and see how he's doing. If you have any indications at all that the pain pills are causing more stress than relief, call your vet to discuss adjusting the dosage. Whatever you do don't hesitate to call them, that's what you paid them for.
And remember we're here to help you get through this. It won't be forever, and he'll be back to his old self in no time. Hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to you and Scooby. Sorry you had to find us here, but you've come to the right place. Everyone here loves their pets like family, and we've been where you are now. Those first 2 weeks are especially rough, and you get sleep deprived, and then everything seems worth. But it will get better! In fact, it will get amazing. You just wait and see... when he is done with the pain meds and the staples come out, you'll see his old personality start to come back, and then he will amaze and inspire you. It's an awesome thing to be a tripawd pawrent and you are now part of a special club.
In the meantime - don't be surprised if he seems "depressed". It's part of the recovery from major surgery/an effect of the meds. He'll get better! Like others said, try to not feel sorry for him - I know it's hard, but be positive around him and he'll pick up on your good energy.
Hang in there and keep us posted!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Oh, I'm so very sorry about Scooby! Gut-wrenching indeed!
Scooby should be fine with 3 legs if he is in good health otherwise. So, don't waste any worry on that issue. You just need to concentrate on getting him recovered now.
Like everyone said, he is on pain meds and probably has a little shock. So, you have to ignore his behavior. You have to not just be brave, but be happy around him. It's terrifying for a dog to have you stressed and unhappy. You have to show him how happy you are. AND YOU ARE...HE SURVIVED!
Sending you lots of good thoughts!
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.
Thank you all for your well wishes and support,I really appreciate it. We are on day 5 and he is a little more cheerful.Of course he is very tired and seems a little out of it.I am very tempted to take his cone off,how much longer do I keep it off??His balance is still not so great but he does get around pretty fast.That day I picked him up he got loose and I had to literally chase him lol. Its hard seeing him limping but I am trying my hardest to be cheerful, I told my mom this as well since she seems to have taken it the hardest. I got home today and she was teary eyed saying she still felt very guilty.Other than that he is still on antibiotics and pain meds.He has like 4 more pills left, I might call the vet and ask if he will need more. He is being spoiled to the max and he is loving every bit of it lol..
I'm so glad Scooby is cheering up a bit. There are pros and cons to the pain meds. On the one hand, you obviously want to do everything you can to prevent pain, but the meds can also keep him loopy and out of it. Don't worry to much or jump to any conclusions about his happiness or personality until he's off the meds for awhile. Then he will likely perk up quite a bit.
We took the collar off Baby any time we were with her. The point is just to make sure he doesn't chew on his stitches or hurt himself. You can always put it back on at night or when you need to leave him alone.
Sounds like you're doing great! Hang in there!
Judy and Baby
ilovescooby86 said
I am very tempted to take his cone off,how much longer do I keep it off??
Do you mean keep it on?
As Baby's people said, it's generally OK to leave it off while he's within your sight but anytime he's not I would leave it on. If he chewed up his stitches that would mean more of a vet bill, so monitor him closely. As the incision heals it will become itchier so the next few days might actually be more of a temptation for him to gnaw at that area. Generally for dogs who go crazy with the itchiness, the cone stays on until stitches are out.
Hope this week brings you closer to a complete recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Scooby and Mom Norma. I am one of the newer members of this community. I am glad you found us. I have read some of the words of advise and comfort that have arleady been given to you. One important piece that I will add (that I learned here) is to be more like a dog. Scooby loves you and your mom. He doesn't blame anyone for what happened. He is alive and you are with him. Enjoy the moment of NOW. Life is good!
Heather & Spirit Shadow
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