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This pet health content was written by veterinarians, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, and Dr. Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ. Dr. Zeltzman is a veterinary surgeon who is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and specializes in orthopedic, neurologic, cancer, and soft tissue surgeries. A.J. Debiasse, a veterinary technician supervisor, also contributed to this article, which was originally published in 2014 and is regularly updated. It was last reviewed for accuracy and updated on September 20, 2024
If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.
Understanding Pet Post Amputation Care: Coping With the Loss of a Limb
There’s an old saying that applies to both dogs and cats:
“Dogs [and cats] have 3 legs and a spare.”
This captures how 3-legged pets, or “tripods” (also called “tripawds”), adapt to life after losing a limb.
- Most pets adjust quickly, whether they’re agile cats or energetic dogs.
- Amputation doesn’t stop them from enjoying life.
- They often regain mobility and happiness in a short time.
If you’re concerned about putting your pet through leg amputation surgery, don’t let assumptions about their post-amputation quality of life hold you back. Many pets thrive afterward.
However, if you’re considering euthanasia as an option, carefully weigh the decision. You can explore more about whether euthanasia is necessary to guide your choice.
Fact: 3-Legged Pets Are Surprisingly Popular
It may sound odd, but it’s a fact: 3-legged pets often get adopted the fastest.
- At my clinic, which works closely with the RSPCA, inspectors frequently note that pets with a “disability,” like missing a leg, are adopted quickly.
- The sympathy factor seems to resonate with potential pet parents, but it’s not just sympathy. Many new caretakers see firsthand how these pets cope just fine without the missing limb.
The takeaway: No one eagerly says “yes” to amputation, but when necessary, most 3-legged pets have an excellent quality of life.
An Emotional Time for Pet Parents
Amputation is never an easy decision. However, it’s often necessary for several reasons:
- Cancer: Conditions like mast cell tumors and osteosarcoma sometimes require removing the entire limb to save the pet.
- Traumatic injuries: Severe injuries like degloving may require multiple surgeries. When this isn’t feasible, amputation can eliminate pain and offer the pet a chance at life.
- Deformities: Pets born missing a lower limb or with fractures at birth often fare better after amputation.
- Nerve damage: When the nerve supply to a leg is damaged, the limb can become a burden, impeding the pet’s movement and causing complications like infections.
How Pets Thrive After Amputation
We humans may struggle with the emotional aspect of limb loss, but pets adapt remarkably well:
- The source of pain or discomfort is removed.
- They quickly find their balance.
- Vet visits, often stressful for pets, become less frequent (source).
These pets live in the moment, unaffected by any perception of “disability.”
For more information on rehoming pets with the RSPCA, visit RSPCA.
Emotional Impact on Pet Parents
Indeed, it is often the pet parent who suffers greater distress at the thought of making such a drastic decision for their pet. Take comfort in the fact that you are acting in their best interests. You can find more insights from other pet owners at the pet parent who often suffers the greater distress.
Try to take the longer view, and remember that after just a couple of weeks, your beloved pet will adapt and get along just fine.
What to Expect When Your Pet Undergoes Amputation
If you choose amputation for your pet, there are a few things about the surgery itself to keep in mind:
- Amputation means removing the entire limb, not just the affected area. Leaving part of the leg could cause your pet to try to use the stump, leading to skin sores and possible infection.
- For a front leg amputation, your vet may need to decide whether to remove the shoulder blade. This is required if the shoulder joint or blade is affected by disease, but in other cases, it’s an elective choice.
While the removal of the shoulder blade involves a longer and more invasive surgery, it can prevent long-term issues like skin rubbing against bone. Discuss this option with your family vet or surgeon to decide what’s best for your pet.
Recovery and Adaptation
Pet amputees generally recover very well, even elderly pets with arthritis. Most do not experience major mobility difficulties, and some pets have even had two legs amputated and can still walk!
Post-Amputation Care for Your Dog or Cat
Your vet should provide clear instructions about what to expect after surgery. Initially, expect your pet to be sleepy and quiet for the first day or so. If you’re worried, don’t hesitate to call the clinic for advice.
Food and Toileting
- Your pet may need a bland, easy-to-digest diet for a couple of days after anesthesia.
- It’s normal for pets to go without a bowel movement for 1–3 days post-surgery due to disrupted eating routines.
For hind limb amputees, especially dogs, you can support their back end with a sling to help them toilet. Use a towel around their belly to assist with balance while they adjust.
Pain Relief
Pain relief is a critical part of your pet’s recovery. Your vet will provide 1–2 pain-relieving medications to administer at home. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. For example, if giving a non-steroidal like meloxicam, ensure you give food to line the stomach beforehand.
If your pet seems uncomfortable despite the medication, contact your vet. Today, there are many options for effective pain relief; it’s just a matter of adjusting based on your pet’s needs.
Rest and Recuperation
- In the early stages, confine your dog to a single room or your cat to a puppy pen.
- Once they find their balance, they can begin using stairs or, for cats, jumping onto window ledges.
Preventing Licking
It’s essential to prevent your pet from licking the incision, which can lead to wound breakdown. Consider using an Elizabeth collar, an inflatable neck brace, or surgical body stockings to protect the incision.
Helping Your 3-Legged Pet Adjust
We’ve already mentioned supporting your pet while they toilet, but what else can you do to help them adjust?
Good Grip and Padded Bedding
- Ensure your floors provide good grip, like carpet, and avoid slippery surfaces like laminate or linoleum.
- If rugs aren’t possible, consider using dog socks with a silicone gel grip. This helps prevent your pet from slipping.
- Provide a well-padded bed for them to rest on. Cats may prefer an igloo-style bed where they can curl up and feel safe during recovery.
Ramps and Adjustments
- Place ramps where there are steps, such as leading to the garden, to help your 3-legged pet move around easily.
- Temporarily move furniture closer together to help them navigate from point A to point B. As they regain confidence, you can move the furniture back to its original spots.
- For cats, ensure the litter box has shallow sides and is close to their resting area. Some retraining may be needed, as postoperative depression can lead to refusal to use the litter box.
Grooming Your Cat
Cats love to keep themselves clean, but front leg amputees may need some help at first:
- Use a damp cotton wool pad to gently bathe their face.
- Clean the eyes, mouth, and nose on the side where the limb is missing.
While your cat will eventually learn to groom with the opposite paw, it will take some time for them to adapt.
Long-Term Mobility for Your 3-Legged Pet
As your pet regains confidence and mobility, it’s important to think about the long-term care of their remaining limbs. Without their “spare leg,” keeping those limbs strong is a top priority.
Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of arthritis and ensure your pet stays on their paws:
Joint Supplements
- A daily joint supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin can support long-term joint health.
- These supplements help repair inflamed cartilage and keep joints lubricated, much like high-grade oil in a car engine.
- They help keep the joints moving smoothly and prevent stiffness.
Measured Amounts of Exercise
- Three-legged pets still need exercise to maintain both their physical and mental health.
- Avoid overtiring your pet; instead, provide daily moderate exercise to build strength and support their joints.
- The “weekend warrior” model—long walks on weekends after little activity during the week—can harm unconditioned joints. Keep activity consistent throughout the week.
- Fatigued muscles can stop supporting the joints, leading to bone contact and inflammation, which may cause arthritis.
- Consider hydrotherapy to keep them active. Water supports their weight, reducing joint strain while building muscle.
Watch Their Weight
Carrying extra pounds puts strain on four legs, let alone three. By keeping an eye on your pet’s waistline, you help maintain their mobility. A healthy weight will prevent undue stress on their joints and ensure they move more freely. For more insights, check out how weight can impact pets.
The video below shows what to expect for a 3-legged kitten after amputation surgery:
Final Thoughts on Post-Amputation Care
Deciding whether or not to put your pet through such a drastic surgery can feel overwhelming. But with time, patience, and understanding, your dog or cat will adjust and thrive with their new mobility.
If you’re uncertain or have lingering concerns, make a list of your questions and discuss them with your veterinarian. They are best suited to provide guidance based on your pet’s specific medical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you take care of a cat after an amputated leg?
You can care for a cat after leg amputation by providing a quiet, comfortable space, ensuring they have easy access to food, water, and a shallow litter box, and preventing them from licking the incision.
How do you care for a dog’s tail after being amputated?
Caring for a dog’s tail after amputation involves keeping the incision clean and dry, administering any prescribed pain relief, and preventing your dog from biting or licking the area, often with the help of an Elizabethan collar.
References
- “Limb Amputation.” American College of Veterinary Surgeons. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/limb-amputation.
- Dickerson, Vanna M., DVM, et al. “Outcomes of Dogs Undergoing Limb Amputation, Owner Satisfaction With Limb Amputation Procedures, and Owner Perceptions Regarding Postsurgical Adaptation: 64 Cases (2005-2012).” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 247, no. 7 (October 2015): 786–792. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26383755/.
- Hanson, Russell R., DVM, DACVS, DACVECC. “Congenital and Inherited Disorders of Bones, Joints, and Muscles in Dogs.” Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders-of-dogs/congenital-and-inherited-disorders-of-bones,-joints,-and-muscles-in-dogs.
- Schubert, Thomas, DVM, DACVIM, DABVP. “Leg Paralysis in Dogs.” Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders-of-dogs/leg-paralysis-in-dogs.
- “K9 Hydrotherapy.” Animal Wellness Connection, LLC. https://www.animalwellnessconnection.com/K9-Hydrotherapy.html.
