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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I picked Tonka up today (1 day post op). Everything went really well with the surgery. He had his first chemo treatment today which went well also. He ate his dinner and even was up to old tricks like barking and begging for some treats from Dad.
He's pretty well balanced and getting around pretty good for 1 day after surgery. He's still figuring out laying down on his bed without falling but I'm sure that will come with time. I learned from the Dr that he even lifted his leg to pee this morning. Tonka is a tough cookie for sure.
It was definitely rough first seeing him. I don't think anyone is prepared to see their "fur baby" like that. I reacted better than I thought I would though. He was very happy to see me and to get home. Even though I have some doubts I know this is the way to give him a real shot at beating cancer. 
WAY TO GO TONKA!!!! I had my amp Dec 21 and I surprised my Mum with how quickly I adapted. I can't lie there were days I seemed a little depressed and kind of missed my leg. And I did have some frustration when I couldn't do things I used to be able to. One thing my pawrents noticed was that I seemed to be really sleepy when on my pain meds. You should also get your pawrents to look over the posts that deal with post-operative "yelping" as it can be quite scary for them when you do it, which you probably will in a week or so. Sorry that you had to join but welcome to the "Tripawd" club - we are a really special group of amazing dogs!!!
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.
I'm glad to hear that Tonka is home where he belongs! It sounds like he is doing really well for one day post op. Take care that he doesn't do too much and get worn out. Keep us posted. 
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Good news that Tonka is at home, sounds like he is doing very good. Keep improving day by day Tonka ! 
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Happy homecoming, Tonka! We're so glad to hear you're doing so well already. Remember to get lots of hugs, and lots of rest over the next days. Best wishes for a good recovery!
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
What a relief you must have! That's great news!
Mom, don't worry so much. He's pain free except for surgery pain. And really isn't that all that matters?!!
Glad you are doing so well, Tonka!
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.
Tonka, we knew you could do it! Now, rest a lot but remember to wag for your mom and dad.
Hope everything continues to go well.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Welcome home Tonka, there is no better place to get better then at home!
Shaun & Supai
Welcome home Tonka!!! Good to hear that you're doing so well just 1 day post-op! Remember not to overdo it too much the first 2 weeks... You'll be getting lots of love and be super spoiled... so get used to that! 
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
jakesmom said:
Remember not to overdo it too much the first 2 weeks...
It's great to hear that Tonka is home and doing so very well. Cherry's first chemotherapy treatment was just hours after the amputation and it sounds as if Tonka's oncologist also believes in getting onto this quickly. Marguerite is right because many attempt too much too quickly and then have minor set-backs. There is often ups and downs during these first two weeks and the chemotherapy is just another complication. Hang-in-there and you should see improvement over time. Tonka will amaze you. Regarding the re-learning, it often takes time for them to learn how to lay-down. Cherry started by leaning against the couch and then gently sliding into the down position. What took the longest was her learning to sit. As a front leg amputee, siting was actually difficult for her because she had to twist her body to position the remaining fore leg for balance.
Sending Pawsitive Thoughts and Wishing The Best,
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
Yeah Tonka we knew you would come through just fine. Remember as my Dr. told me that there are layers and layers of stitches so be good and do as you are told for the first few weeks. Isn't it just wonderful not to have that pain of that bad tumor anymore!!!
Sending you a big lick!
Tehya 
Wow, if Tonka can lift is leg while going wee, he can do anything!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much for all of your kind words. Day 2 things are still going pretty well. Still resting a lot and had to take care of Dad. I think all the stress has gotten to him as he is fighting off a nasty virus. We had a good day snoozing on the couch.
Snoozing on the couch is the GREATEST!!! And belly rubs!!!! AND all the extra attention isn't too bad either. It all helped me feel so much better. Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy. Glad to hear that you're doing so well. Keep it up Tonka.
Tai
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.
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