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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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Tips and advice for a new tripawd?
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Member Since:
14 May 2011
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14 May 2011 - 5:12 pm
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My 8 year old golden retriever (Kona) was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.  He had his right front leg removed yesterday, we are bringing him home from the hospital tomorrow.  I want to do what I can to help him make the adjustment to life on three legs.  What advice do you have for caring for a new amputee - how often should I try to get him to stand and walk, how should I support him when he is going to the bathroom, if he cries should I try to get him to just push through it?  Thanks, Melissa

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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14 May 2011 - 7:32 pm
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Melissa said:

What advice do you have for caring for a new amputee...

You'll find lots of recovery and care tips in Jerry's Required Reading List, and for immediate answers to the most common dog amputation questions download the new Tripawds e-book Three Legs and A Spare.

The most important thing is to remain strong for Kona, he needs a strong pack leader showing him that everything is OK. If he needs help getting around, use a soft towel slung under the belly. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling.  Help him too much, however, and he may become dependent upon your assistance.

Thanks for joining, your future posts will not require moderation.

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


Member Since:
13 May 2011
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14 May 2011 - 8:08 pm
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I had the same concerns when Gracie, our great dane, had her front leg amputated.  We are now two week out and she had figured out how to climb steps (even though we had a handicap ramp built just for her), get on our bed and her sofa.  The day after her amputation when I was allowed to see her she was lying on her mat and when she saw me she immediately leaped up on her three legs, wagging her tail. The pain of the bone cancer is often greater than the pain of the amputation-after her amputation her appetite returned (she was counter surfing 30 seconds after coming home) and even though she lost a limb she looked like she felt a ton better.

I agree you have to be a confident pack leader for her.  She needs your support but not your pity-they know the difference.  To help Gracie get around the first couple of days i did the canvas bag trick (used a sam's bag because they are extra large) but after that she was has figured out how to get around on her own.  She let me know when she wanted to go and when she wanted to sleep.  When we go on walks she takes a lot of breaks ( she is moving 154lbs on 3 legs) but thats ok.

The first few days for her bedding we used a thick pad as she had difficulty with fluffy bedding (it would trip her up) but now she is back to her old self of sleeping in the middle of our bed.  The one thing i have learned in the two weeks since amputation (and now first rounds of chemo) is that they adapt much quicker than we ever would!

Member Since:
14 April 2010
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15 May 2011 - 6:45 am
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Welcome to the family. My first advice would be don't try to MAKE him do anything. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well these guys adjust on their own. Now thats not to say your next couple weeks are going to be a walk in the park or he won't need any help, but just watch him and you will be able to figure out where he needs help and how much he can do on his own. If you get a chance to sleep, take it, you may not get much at times. As far as bathroom, they will find their own way to adjust, in a way, let nature take its course. He may not seem himself for awhile, might be meds playing with him, and its usually part of the recovery, but if you have floors that don't have carpet or rugs, you may want to think about getting something so his walking area isn't slippery. As far as crying, you may need to adjust pain meds. Gus had phantom pain which started about 5 days post, Gabapentin will help with that. His first few days when it happened, which was usually a couple times a day, he would yelp at the top of his lungs, if it happens at night, it doesn't do much for your sweet dreams, but it gets better, his lasted about 4 weeks. Expect ups and downs. Some seems to lok good when they come home only to crash a day or so later, so don't be surprised if that happens. Take each day at a time, you are about to learn how resilient and determined these guys can be. Treat him just like you did before, he will do alot better than if you make big fusses and keep saying my poor baby. Good luck, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan  

My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010


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14 May 2011
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15 May 2011 - 2:47 pm
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Thanks for the info.  This website has been very helpful in understanding what to expect during my dog's recovery.  We brought him home today and I am amazed at how well he is doing right now.  I tried to assist him with the slings that the vet provided but he wants nothing to do with them and seems to be pretty good at figuring things out on his own so far. 

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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15 May 2011 - 5:07 pm
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Be prepared for an adjustment period - for you and for the dog.  You will find yourself adjusting to allowing them to relearn to do things on three legs.  Be prepared for good and bad days in recovery.  Some just breeze through it, others hit a few snags along the way.  Both are normal! Be confident and upbeat and your new tripawd will follow your lead.  They truly are amazing in their ability to adjust and go on.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

Member Since:
19 May 2011
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30 May 2011 - 11:53 am
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Is it quite common that they may not need any help? Astra managed the stairs like a pro and doesnt seem to need assistance with anything. It has only been two days since she has been home and 4 days since the surgery. she seems to be doing too well? Tomorrow when I go back to work I will put her cone on and leave her in my bedroom. She is looking at me right now with those eyes that say "see Mommy I told you you didnt have to worry!!"laughing

Chicago, IL
Member Since:
5 March 2011
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30 May 2011 - 7:42 pm
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I didn't have that experience with Tate, he's pretty much self-limiting.  If he's not ready, he won't do it.  But I've read about other dogs overdoing it, so it just depends on which type of dog Astra is.  She seems to be doing great but you're the mom and you get to set the limits.  Expect some ups and downs.

http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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30 May 2011 - 9:13 pm
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That is such great news to hear about Astra. To answer your question, many dogs will come home high as a kite because they still have surgery pain meds running through their body. Then, a day or two later, they crash hard and sleep it off. I wouldn't be surprised if she does too, but if not, then paws up! She's amazing. Let us know how she does when you go to work. I'm betting she will be sleeping most of the day. Good luck.

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

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