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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Abby's amputation surgery was this past Tuesday. Her vet called me post-surgery and said things had gone well, and that they had sent the tumor to be biopsied.
Wednesday, he called to say she was doing exceedingly well. Had eaten, pottied and was trying to stand and walk, and that she could come home on Friday. Me and a friend of my daughter's went and got her. I think she was more excited to see Maverick and his son than she was her mommy 🙂 We used the Tripawd harness to get her into the car. Using the handle to help her get her remaining front leg on the seat then helping her back end by boosting her up.
Today (Saturday) she went back to have her fentanyl patch removed and stitches checked out, she will go back in a couple weeks to have the stitches removed. We're still in learning mode at home. She's actually doing pretty well although she tires very easily (neither one of us are spring chickens and both a little fluffy) so she takes a lot of breaks and naps. She's eating well and refuses to use pee pads. I finally caved and walked her out back and down the 5 steps into the back yard using the handle on her harness to encourage hopping (I put a soft dishtowel between the harness and her stitches). She must've peed for 5 minutes and I was so proud of her. She even insisted on a hopping inspection of her backyard which wore her out but she was determined!
My daughter's friend had built a short ramp to help her get from the kitchen to the back porch and back door and not have to go down steps. I was afraid she wouldn't want to use it with only three legs, but when I went to check on her I found her on the back porch getting some sun. She'd used the ramp by herself! Almost gave me a coronary, but she just looked at me like what? This photo is her working on her tan (hope it posts)
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My next prayer is that the biopsy comes back as benign. I can't tell you how much strength you've given me to help Abby on this part of our journey.
Hey that is a pretty darn good pupdate! You've definitely done your homework and she came home with a prepared mom, great job!
Her recovery sounds like it's going to be smooth, and she's a smart girl to pick up on all the mods you've made. In the meantime be sure to have a list of questions ready for your vet at her next appointment. You want to work with your vet on some fluff-elimination strategies, so that her stamina can increase and joints can stay strong and injury-free.
I love the catching sunbeams photo!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Congratulations Abby and mom!! All this planning has paid off and it's clear that Abby is very determined and knows what works for her. She knows the sun is healing. It's when my cat Mona was seeking out sunny spots that I knew she was on her way to recovery.
I'll also read Jerry's fluff-elimination strategies for Eli, my cat with 4 legs. My tripawd Mona prefers small snacks all day. If she leaves anything in a bowl, Eli, the dish-washer, ensures it's all cleaned up. The challenge seems to be nutritious food that is filling and low in calories. I was able to control Mona's weight well after her amputation and more than anything I need to ensure she's eating enough. I hope Abby is successful too.
Thanks for the photo of Abby. Would love to see more.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
The vet suggested I lower her kibble from 3/4 cup twice a day to 1/2 cup twice a day which I have done along with switching her to a healthy weight food as well as 2 joint health chews in the morning. She does get her pills in peanut butter as she caught on to cheese disguises and would quickly strip away the cheese and leave the pill, but i only use just enough pb to cover the pill. I give her 1/2 treats when she's doing especially well with her hopping. Part of the problem, I believe, is that I really have no clue as to how old she is, she's a rescue. She could be anywhere from 9 to 11 (best guesstimate) and she's definitely slowed down into being matronly 🙂 she's always been a solid girl, I just hope as she learns better how to navigate the 3-legged world that some of the extra baggage comes off (vet says she's not obese, just a bit overweight)
Go abby! Nothing better than a nap in the sun to help with the healing!
Glad to hear that shes doing so well with her recovery. It sounds like shes got a fabulous team helping her ❤ a little healing and a little less fluff and she will be moving around just like before ❤
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
You're doing really great! I love that you've discussed her nutrition with your vet.
If you want to cover all your bases, you may want to check in with a canine physio therapist. They can really guide you with specific exercises and games to help her be strong and lean. Plus, the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first rehab visit , so we hope you'll take advantage of the program!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just catching up on all the great news about Abby! And I can tell ya', I'm in love with this doggy!!💗 And the love and devotion you have for her comes shining through.
I love that she's a determined "mature" gal. Yes, hopping o three legs does require a lot of energy, especially for a "solid" senior who is recovering from major surfery!!
We would .love to see pictures of sweet Abby. Update when you can.
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!
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