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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New here - my rescue pup (11 year old 33 lb. Basenji or pit mix) is having her rear leg surgery tomorrow. We noticed a smallish lump on her knee less than a month ago. Regular vet sent us to oncologist - who took x-rays, and needle biopsy. Somewhat inconclusive results, but leaning towards tumor of some sort (most likely cancerous). Because it is basically over her patella, there is no good way to just remove the tumor, and with her age it didn't make sense to put her under to do an open biopsy and then have to amputate anyway. The mass has doubled in size in 3 weeks!
I am OK with the surgery, but husband is nervous.
I got a 20 foot runner rug because out downstairs is tile and hardwoods, and we have a "baby jail" 8 foot gate where we plan to keep her quiet for a while. That room had foam tiles in it. Got her a new clean orthopedic bed and some puddle pads in case of accidents.
Is there anything else I am missing?
Any tips for an easier recovery?
She has always been a trim, healthy pup until a month ago.
TIA!
Hi Tia, welcome! Sorry to hear about your pup, what's her name? She sounds like a healthy mature gal, that's great her vets gave her the green light for amputation. They wouldn't do so otherwise so I hope that can help your husband feel a bit better. Yes, everyone gets nervous, that's totally natural. But once she gets around without that bum leg, you'll both wonder why you were so anxious about it. Animals are much more resilient than we ever give them credit for.
Sounds like you've done your research for her recovery, that's great! What about elevated water and feeding dishes? And have you seen our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List? Lots of good tips there too, as well as Jerry's Required Reading List .
I have to run now but I'll be back tomorrow! Stay tuned for feedback from others. We look forward to being there for you and your pup!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello and welcome.
What is your pup's name?
Not all dogs need assistance getting around right after surgery, but some do. If your vet doesn't send a sling home you can make a temporary one out of a re-usable shopping bag- HERE ARE INSTRUCTIONS.
Many of us here use the RuffWear WebMaster harness to help our pups get around. Not every pup needs a harness but I find it useful to get my little rear amp Elly in and out of my truck and help her over rough terrain. Elly is my second small rear amp pup, she is 3.5 years old and lost her rear leg to a car accident at 7 months. My first rear amp Tripawd Maggie lost a rear leg to mast cell cancer. Her tumor was in and around her knee too and could not be removed without amputation. I did have a harness for her, she was 7.5 years old at the time of her amp and she hated wearing harnesses. She was able to hop the day of surgery and never needed assistance getting around but she was much less active and adventurous than Elly.
Keeping her quiet during recovery is important as is pain management . Be sure you understand what pain meds she will have when discharged and the dosing schedule. Sometimes some tweaks in the meds or schedule are needed so keep your vet informed on how your girl is doing.
Best of luck with the surgery tomorrow and update us when you can.
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
Good morning Tia and Stella,
Good luck today, I hope all goes well and she glides through the surgery with no problem!
Hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Hi Tia and Stella🌸🐾
Sending pawsitive energy to Stella today, please know we all have our fingers, toes and tails crossed and will be awaiting your update after surgery.
Hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨✨🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Our vet said that she did great. Sent the leg off to Texas A&M vets for pathology. She will stay there till Friday, and then come home. Thanks for all of the good thoughts! We will hope for the best!
That is great news! I'm so happy for you. Now you need to get some rest, make sure your house is the way you want it, and stock up on comfort food 😉
If there are any last minute things you need or want to do, now is the time.
I know you'll be anxious to get her home, but rest, limited activity, pain meds, and nutrition are what she needs right now.
Keep in touch and we will help you with anything that we are able to... You have a great support team here!
Hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry ❤️
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Wonderful news 😁 I am thrilled to hear surgery is done and dusted!
Have a rest as Jackie says and make sure everything is in place to welcome Stella home on Friday.
Sending you a big hug and cuddles to your brave girl 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Just catching up on the amazing STELLA!! YAY FOR SURGERY COMPLETE AND RECOVERY IS STARTING!!
Excellent suppprt from everyone and great job of preparing for the homecoming! The only thing I would add is to not even look at the incision when you go to pick her up. All sje wants to see is uour smiling face telling her what a good girl she is and she's going home!
Stay connected and let us know of you have any questions. Recovery is no picnic for a week or so. She may not have much of an appetite at first, vut drinking is important, ass is peeing. Pooping may take several days too.
Get some rest!
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!
One more day 
Hope you are all doing well!
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
So we are home! She is doing OK. Peeing great, but no #2 yet (but I'm not expecting that yet after major surgery) our other dogs were so relieved to see her again.
Hopefully everything continues on the good healing road, and I can do some doggie PT with her here in a few weeks! I am a people PT 😉
corriesail said
Hopefully everything continues on the good healing road, and I can do some doggie PT with her...
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Consult with a CCRT or CCRP and the Tripawds Foundation can even pay for your first visit from the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That is super awesome! Does it have to be a facility on that list? I would have to check into it next week, but there is a vet practice down the street that advertises that they provide rehab, but I'm not sure what type of provider does the rehab.
corriesail said
Does it have to be a facility on that list?
You just have to visit a certified canine rehab therapist or practitioner (CCRT or CCRP ).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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