“It’s important that we share our experiences with other people. Your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else. When you tell your story, you free yourself and give other people permission to acknowledge their own story.” _{~ Iyanla Vanzant}

---

It is my sincere hope that sharing my experience – the things that comforted and prepared both Whiskey and me – will help other PAWrents by providing empathy, advice and reassurance while they embark on the same or a similar journey. Please note: This post is not meant to provide information in place of seeking the advice of a professional. Sharing this post not only gives me the opportunity to process the information, it also assists me in healing from the trauma and stress. Most importantly, I hope that in sharing Whiskey’s story, it will encourage others to reach out for support and help fellow pawrents realize they are not alone when going through something like this with one of their four-legged children.

The Backstory

At approximately 4 month of age, Whiskey (then known as Wish…aka “Wish the Fish”) was saved by Pointer Rescue Organization from a kill shelter in TN. When she arrived to us in NJ from transport in May of 2018, I noticed she had a deformed right shoulder, a front-end limp and all of her lymph nodes were swollen.

Video of Whiskey’s gait the week she arrived to us in 2018 (Margarita {“Sweet Reet”} in the background!):

Video of Whiskey’s gait the week she arrived to us in 2018 (with Lager photo-bombing!):

After numerous tests, no significant findings were discovered in regards to her lymph nodes but radiographs showed she had previously suffered a broken right shoulder as well as a fractured right growth plate.

An orthopedic evaluation provided us with the alternatives of (1)fusing the shoulder, (2)amputation, or (3)leaving it alone to see how Whiskey adapted. We chose option number 3…to let Whiskey develop and observe how she adapted, with the understanding that an amputation was certain sometime in her future.

---

As she grew, Whiskey’s body developed and quite miraculously compensated despite the fact that her injuries caused an angular deformity of her right limb and an abnormal gait. Over the years, her vibrant personality didn’t allow her malformation, wonky gait, or compromised mobility to stop her from doing just about anything she wanted to do. She had a few incidents of lameness that resolved quickly with periods of rest and short cycles of pain medication….but over they years – and especially more recently – those episodes became more frequent, and Whiskey’s ability to recover dwindled – despite rest and maximum doses of pain management.

We had been told early-on that it was a “when” not an “if” as to further action needing to be taken… but as much as you mentally plan for that, it’s never easy to process. I’m grateful that Whiskey is otherwise healthy and had 7 years of 4-legged shenanigans.

The Problem

Whiskey’s chronic malformation and osteoarthritis associated with her right shoulder has caused increased lameness and decreased range of motion. Despite efforts, her arthritis would get worse as would her comfort and range of motion. It was determined that an amputation would provide Whiskey with a greater quality of life in comparison to lifelong use of max doses of pain medications and other options like Librela. Right now Whiskey is also still young enough to handle the recovery and surgery as opposed to waiting until her senior years.

Radiographs were difficult to obtain, as even under sedation, her right shoulder could not be manipulated thoroughly.

Images below are from January 27, 2025

The Plan

A forequarter amputation (also known as scapulothoracic disarticulation) was scheduled- which means along with her right forelimb, the surgeon will also remove her right scapula (shoulder blade). This is the preferred method for the best functional outcome for our gal, especially when the injury/pain also lies in the scapula (as it does in Whiskey’s case). Muscles around the scapula can also atrophy if left in place, potentially leading to pressure sores. Removing the scapula also allows for better visualization and control of major blood vessels and nerves during the surgery.

The Power of Preparation

In nearly every aspect of our lives, the probability of our success depends heavily on the preparation we do. However, I don’t think there is enough prep in the world sufficient enough to get your mind and heart ready for seeing your fur-kid go from a quadruped to a tripod…but I did my best!

Preparing Myself

I’d like to say that 7 years was enough to prepare for the amputation that we were told would eventually happen…but instead…as the years went on, I planned and prepared less, and quite frankly, became overconfident that Whiskey would somehow be able to avoid the surgery.

I was told that first and foremost I should prepare myself and our home, as the amputation would be harder on the humans than it would be on Whiskey….and her physical and mental recovery would feed off of my energy. Beyond any other type of preparation, managing my fear and anxiety leading up to the pre-op appointment and surgery was by far the most difficult. Here are some things I did that helped me:

• Searched the internet for post-surgery canine amputation photos to be prepared for what the incision will look like – – these were difficult to look at but helped me to see what Whiskey may look like immediately after surgery.
• Did my best to refocus my thoughts on the long-term outcome (Whiskey no longer in pain)
• Talked to other PAWrents of dogs who have gone through an amputation and asked LOTS of questions
• Joined Tripawds.com community
• Downloaded the Tripods Support Circle app and joined the group
• Joined Facebook tripod groups: Tripaws , Tripaws – Three Legged Dogs , Pet Amputation Support Group (TRI-PAWS)
• Read the book: Three Legs and a Spare by Rene Agredano and Jim Nelson (also available for download on Tripawds.com )
• Read the book: Loving Life on Three Legs by Rene Agredano and Jim Nelson (also available for download on Tripawds.com )
• Spoke to other veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and rehabilitation therapists about if the surgery is right for Whiskey, what to expect during recovery, and PT exercises I can do at home with Whiskey in addition to any PT that would be done by a certified canine rehabilitation therapist
• Prepared a list of Questions to ask the surgeon at the pre-op appointment

It’s moments like this that I realize just how BIG our community – our family – really is. I am beyond grateful for those who were kind enough to take time from their busy schedules to speak to me on the phone to share their personal experiences, send me tripod tips, recommend tripod gear, and to send me detailed exercises to help Whiskey before and during her recovery. Your empathy, reassurance and encouragement is truly what fueled my strength.

ALL of the post comments, in person conversations and on-the-phone-chats helped me immensely. ALL of the words of knowledge, advice and support have assisted me to stay strong and positive. Below are just some of my favorites:

• “When we fostered a pup with a broken leg that needed amputated, the vet said God made them 3 legged creatures with a spare. They are amazingly adaptive.” ~Rebecca
• “We joke in veterinary medicine that dogs are built with many spare parts – a 4th limb is one of them.” ~Nicole
• “Remember you aren’t doing this to Whiskey, you are doing it for her.” ~Mark
• Dogs, especially Pointers, make the best of every situation.” ~Shirley
• “You can’t keep a good girl down.” ~Barb
• “We always say they’re born with 3 legs and a spare…You’ll make the necessary accommodations for her and you’ll be wondering how the hell you’re going to restrict activity for at least 2 weeks.” ~Stephanie
• “The fact that you can save Whiskey from debilitating pain and a future of struggling with mobility is a blessing and a gift to her.” ~Allison
• “Hang in there. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself.” ~ Kristin
• “Consider a car with four tires. 25% weight on all four tires. She has a flat, she’s already not using it, so she’s just carrying that flat tire around. She’s already shifted to 33% on three legs…. Not much will change when the flat tire is gone except the extra weight is gone.” ~Amanda
• “As for mental preparedness, talk to her. Dogs understand more than we know. Keep explaining what will happen and keep reassuring her that you will be there and that life will be better without the pain. Try to have your meltdowns when she isn’t around. She will pick up on your worry and sadness. What you are doing for her is a good thing. She needs to know that.” ~A.B.
• “Dogs adapt in ways that never cease to amaze me. They don’t dwell on what’s changed; they embrace what they have and move forward. And I have no doubt that Whiskey will do the same. This is a big change, but it won’t define her. Before long, she’ll be back to her beautiful self, soaking up love, and proving just how unstoppable she really is.” ~Vanessa

Preparing Our Home

• Elevated food and water bowl in recovery area
  • The raised feeder can help a forelimb amputee reach their food without tipping over.
• Baby gates at stair cases and other hazardous areas – especially stairs or blocking doorways with rooms that have furniture Whiskey may want to try and jump on
• Firm, supportive orthopedic bed
  • I was told that although a cushy fluffy pet bed seems more comfy, it may cause an amputee to trip. We have an amazing orthopedic dog bed – it’s big enough for me to lay on and firm enough to support an adult human’s weight. However, it is over 8 inches thick and too high of a step-up and step-down for a just-out-of-surgery tripod. I instead chose to use a memory foam crib mattress with a waterproof mattress cover. I purchased a back-up waterproof mattress protector and several cheap crib sheets at Walmart and on Amazon. The lower profile mattress would be easier for Whiskey, the mattress protector would keep the mattress safe from any weeping from the incision (which we were told would happen) and the changeable sheets would allow me to keep her resting area clean.
• Depend Underpads / Incontinence Bed Pads to put on her bedding / to have on hand in case the incision weeps more than expected
• Recovery kennel: We went with this one from Tractor Supply
• Sling – we love this Soft Quick Lift sling from Four Flags Over Aspen
• Interlocking cushioning mats on the flooring of her recovery pen to help with falling on the unforgiving hardwood floor
• Waterproof whelping mat on top of cushioning mats
• Rechargeable remote controlled camping light for ceiling of recovery kennel
• Non-skid runners lining a path from her recovery pen to the potty door
• Front-end lift harness
• Forelimb specific recovery suits by Medic Mutts
• Plenty of enrichment toys

Recovery Kennel: “The Fish Fortress”

I figured if Whiskey had to loose a limb, she mind as well have a decorated recovery space waiting for her arrival home on Valentine’s Day.

Runners

These runners created a non-slippery path from Whiskey’s recovery kennel to the water bowl and to the doorway of the mud room where Whiskey would be exiting outside. I made a double-wide section of runners at the turn into the mud room since I figured turns would be more difficult that straight-line walking.

Preparing Whiskey

• Set up her recovery pen and area a week early – this helped the other dogs in the pack become acclimated as well
• Introduced her to the lift harness and sling
• Talked out-loud to her about what will happen, focussing on reassuring her that I will be there for her and that her life will be better without the pain.
• acclimated her to the dog stroller

T-Minus Two Days Til Surgery

February 11, 2025

We met with Whiskey’s surgeon, Dr. Graham, for a pre-op evaluation for Whiskey on February 11, 2025. Despite how vigorously I tried to prepare myself, I had worked myself up into a panic and was so nervous that I had come up with just about every worst-case “what-if” scenario and every reason why maybe Whiskey shouldn’t have the amputation. During this appointment I asked many questions. Dr. Graham was extremely kind, knowledgeable, and patient as he answered all of my inquiries.

Here are some of the questions I asked:

• What kind of pain management do you use before/during/after surgery? (Antibiotic, Non-steroidal anti inflammatory, Nerve pain reliever)
• Will Whiskey be sent home with a sedative to keep calm at home after surgery?
• How long does the surgery take?
• Will Whiskey be staying overnight? If so, do you offer 24 hr care & monitoring post op?
• Do you use staples or stitches?
• What kind of pain management do you use before/during/after surgery?
• How long is recovery typically?
• Will Whiskey’s age, breed, or previous orthopedic issues (bilateral CLL repairs) impact recovery and/or her body’s ability to adapt to three legs?
• What supplements can we give post-op to help support Whiskey’s orthopedic health?
• Is Whiskey a candidate for a prosthetic?
• Do dogs experience phantom limb pain and if so, how do we support Whiskey through this?
• What medications should be ceased prior to surgery and when do we stop administering them
• Will the incision be wrapped and if so do we need to change the bandage or bring Whiskey to the clinic?
• I read that it is best not to visit after surgery /during her over-night stay, and that the best thing to do for Whiskey is to wait until her pick up day/time. What are your thoughts on this?
• When would her follow-up visit be?
• Do the pain medications used during surgery or post-op cause constipation, and if so, what can we use to help Whiskey who is on an exclusive prescription hydrolyzed protein diet?
• Do you suggest PT after surgery? If so:
  • Is there a certified canine rehabilitation therapist nearby?
  • Underwater treadmill?
  • What exercises and conditioning can we do at home to help Whiskey’s body be conditioned to her new way of balancing?

In addition to thoroughly answering all of my questions and providing me with further knowledge about the amputation process, Dr. Graham eased my apprehension as my anxiety-ridden brain tried its best to absorb the facts about Whiskey’s current condition:

• Whiskey now has barely any range of motion in her right shoulder
• She is in discomfort despite the max dose of pain medication
• The pain medications will reduce the discomfort, but not improve her shoulder’s range of motion
• If an amputation is done now as opposed to waiting, it will be easier for her body to adapt now at a younger age as compared to when she is in her senior years
• Since Whiskey has been relying on her left forelimb to do most of her balance and front weight-bearing for basically all her life, it is likely that she will adapt quickly to being a tripod compared to a dog who looses a leg more suddenly in an accident, injury, or cancer diagnosis
• With the right forelimb removed, Whiskey will most likely have an easier time getting around since she will no longer have a limited range of motion on the left side that she continuously tried to use

The Big Day

February 13, 2025

I really need to try and be more like a dog! …I think Whiskey was the only one who slept soundly through the night (while hogging my pillow)… no worries in the world…and she was in no rush to get up early on the rainy morning that was February 13, 2025.

Surgery began at about 10:50am and at 1:28pm Dr. Graham called us to let us know that Whiskey was out of surgery and recovering from the anesthesia. Dr. Graham said that surgery went well with no surprises. He said it was good that we did go ahead with surgery considering that Whiskey had significant muscle atrophy – which means she hadn’t been using that leg much at all. He also said that even under heavy sedation there was little to no range of motion in Whiskey’s shoulder joint.

Whiskey was required to stay the night with 24 hour monitoring. She was continued on IV fluids and IV pain medication through the night.

Love is a Three-Legged Word

February 14, 2025

Last dose of IV pain medication was administered at 6am, and my furry Valentine was released to come home at 11am.

Settling into her recovery kennel

Incision Photos

We were told that bruising, swelling, and weeping is normal at this stage.

First walk:

Second walk:

Recovery Plan:

• Activity
  • Whiskey will recuperate in her recovery kennel for the next 10-14 days. She will have limited activity and will be leash-walked only to potty during this time.
• Medication
  • Now that Whiskey is off her IV drugs, she will be on the following at home:
    • Cephalexin: antibiotic
    • Carprophen (Rovera): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
    • Gabapentin: Nerve pain management
• Follow-Up
  • Whiskey will be seen in 10-14 days for the doctor to inspect her incision and to evaluate her for a rehabilitation plan
• Monitoring
  • We will be closely monitoring for:
    • loss of appetite for over 2 days
    • refusal to drink water for over 1 day
    • weakness
    • depression
    • vomiting
    • diarrhea

Welcome Home

Thank you for the comments, private messages, phone calls and welcome-home gifts for Whiskey!