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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Hand hold please. Beloved Labrador hit by car and losing her leg

312 replies

SnowSnow · 22/01/2025 23:55

Hand hold please. Our lovely girl was hit tonight when we were crossing a road and her leg is not salvageable.
It was obvious straight away that the leg would not survive.
The vets are going to operate tomorrow when she is hopefully fully stabilised.

I’ve just come to bed to try and sleep but am just lying here thinking her legs been ripped off over and over in my mind.

I know long term she will manage as long as she recovers well but my poor girl.

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17
wandawaves · 26/01/2025 00:58

SnowSnow · 25/01/2025 20:37

She’s home 🥰

Will update properly at some point but it’s a bit hectic as she is needing lots of reassurance and help and we also are having to keep our toddler away from her which feels like a full time job!

But shes home and the vets said she is a miracle to have survived the injury she had 💕

Yay! ❤
So glad she's home.

minerva7 · 26/01/2025 02:43

So happy for you @SnowSnow.

Welcome home Luna ❤️

grassisgreen · 26/01/2025 11:59

That's amazing news. I think you're right to give her some space from your toddler, but to sit with Luna and reassure her. Labs are so owner orientated and she will like reassurance and safety in her bed. If the vet said it's a miracle she survived, that's a big trauma for her, and for you to help her through.
Best wishes for her recovery. We're all thinking of her and you.

Floralnomad · 26/01/2025 12:39

What sort of a night did you all have @SnowSnow . Coincidentally a tri paw Labrador must have moved in near us somewhere as I’ve seen him the last two days going past our house towards the heath .

0psiedasiy · 26/01/2025 13:38

So happy too hear she’s home

Onetimeonly2024 · 26/01/2025 17:44

So pleased she’s home 🥰 One of mine had to have a massive op, really invasive, followed by 12 weeks crate rest. I was so worried about how she would be, but she took it like a champ. She knew she needed to rest and she healed beautifully. I’m sure your girl will too ❤️❤️❤️

Original poster
SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 20:48

Nannyfannybanny · 24/01/2025 10:29

Holding your hand! I've had a couple of narrow squeaks..last year taking my 2 borders out for the night walk. I have a Luna she was 8 and a puppy, I live in a quiet village,left the pavement, having looked carefully,no traffic coming. There was a white transit parked further up the road facing the other way. I'm halfway across the road, transit does a u turn and is heading for me, not slowing down. So I pulled the dogs back to the pavement, the puppy is in a blind panic, struggling so much, I've got another dog and a torch in the other hand (I've got a head torch hat now) she has wrenched out of the harness, which is now stuck around her back legs, she's Yelping and struggling,it's pitch dark. Went home, she was terrified of all cats and headlights. Training started all over again, not sure if I mentioned they are border collies. Yes, have seen quite a few 3 legged dogs and cats, they manage fine. Keep us posted 💗

Aww hello to your Luna.

Glad you guys weren’t hit. It’s scary how quickly something can happen. Sorry to hear it affected your pup so much.

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Original poster
SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 20:52

Flustration · 24/01/2025 10:55

I hope Luna has a good day today. My DDog had an accident last year with a long, difficult recovery period and amputation was on the table for a while. The veterinary hospital reassured me by saying they really only need 3 legs, the 4th is a spare! Not strictly true I know, but it cheered me up a bit. I saw loads of tripaws whilst ferrying him to various appointments and they all seemed to be recovering far quicker than he was!

My DDog developed dog reactivity as a result of negative experiences with other dogs during his recovery (in waiting rooms mostly). I wish I'd known how common this was as I would have engaged a behaviourist at an earlier stage, so my advice is to carefully watch out for any new behaviours and deal with them quickly!

How is your dog now?

Our vet said she just won’t be able to run as fast. She was super fast before compared to a lot of dogs so hopefully still be able to keep up with her pals once she is recovered and built her fitness back up.

Thank you, we will definitely keep an eye out for any new behaviours.

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Original poster
SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 20:53

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 24/01/2025 12:21

I am so pleased to read your update, her breathing could also be as a result of stress/fear.
I second the suggestion of hydrotherapy, and being a lab she may love it.

She loves a dip any chance she gets, even in to a filthy trough so she would love hydrotherapy.

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Original poster
SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 20:56

Glitchymn1 · 24/01/2025 17:39

Glad she’s home and doing well. I’ve had 7 years of arthritis and torn cruciates (lab).
Rugs and runners everywhere the dog goes, limit steps, stairs, jumping, getting up off slippery floors. Modern flooring is a stinker for dogs with arthritis. Get an orthopaedic or memory foam dog bed- Dunelm do cut offs very cheap and thick that you can cover yourself. Don’t overdo exercise.
Try supplements like Yumove, cod liver oil, green lipped mussel. (Not now, mine can’t take them as he gets IBS and your dog needs to recover completely from her huge op and rest.

Limit moving too much initially and build up exercise very slowly.
Keep her weight down. If she isn’t moving she doesn’t need the usual amount of food. We use cucumber treats and the odd carrot and doggy peanut butter kong plus antlers. (His teeth are very good 🤩). He also gets good quality food/fresh cooked meats/fish/ eggs/bone broth. Probably bone broth is the easiest - you can make your own with a load of chicken feet from the butcher or buy it. It’s good for you too (Goldie Hawn drinks it see her insta lol).

Mine has had galliprant since age 7, laser therapy and conservative management for the arthritis so no climbing mountains and moderate off lead exercise.
From age 12 he has had 3 x human paracetamol per day, 1 Gabapentin at night, Librela every 4 weeks as per vet.
(He will be 14 soon and is now struggling but I know he’s had a good life, I’ll keep him comfortable as long as I can.) Good luck with your girl.

Thank you for such a thorough post with lots of ideas and suggestions.

We have cut her food portions down. I must say she has always thought a raw carrot is a great treat. She could be asleep and I could say from the kitchen do you want a carrot and there she would be waiting.

We have got two new runner shaped rugs which she is happily walking on but are going to grab one more as she slipped a little on the small corner of floor without a rug.

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Original poster
SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 20:58

Arran2024 · 24/01/2025 19:44

I wanted to mention the dog buggy again. Our boy has lymes disease and it has caused poly arthritis. He is on a cocktail of drugs and does really well on them but last Jan he simply couldn't walk. Long story but anyway, we have another dog and we couldn't leave the poorly one in the house as he has separation anxiety. So e got the buggy. He loved it. And he would walk as far as he could then pop back into the buggy. Some days he could hardly walk at all, other days he would surprise us. Then in Aug he suddenly didn't need it at all! He now does long walks no problem. Bit of a miracle. Here he is in his buggy

What a gorgeous pup. Thank you we will definitely consider getting one. So pleased to hear he is now not needing the buggy.

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MrsSkylerWhite · 26/01/2025 20:58

So sorry you’re all going through this.

It never fails to astound me just how well dogs manage on three legs. Not just manage but thrive.

Original poster
SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 21:00

grassisgreen · 24/01/2025 20:04

@SnowSnow - I can empathise completely - My lab was run over after running out of the garden onto the road aged 5. She was hit and had her back leg amputated. She lived very happily for another 6 years. Being a lovely natured dog, it was worth every moment keeping her going. Of course it reduced her mobility but she managed, and hopped along. Her back end didn't wiggle like it used to, but she still got up to greet strangers and her nature didn't change at all. You must feel distraught - It still upsets me thinking about what happened to mine many years ago. Hand holding for you.

Glad to hear she still had a wonderful life after her accident. So far Luna is showing moments of being herself. My FIL popped over earlier and he usually has treats in his coat and she certainly sat up and stared at him like she was asking for one.

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Original poster
SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 21:06

Flustration · 25/01/2025 20:45

I'm so pleased to see your update! I bet she will recover quickly now she's back home in her safe place with her people.

Is she needing help to go to the toilet or get up? We used a sling to help our boy whilst he recovered from surgery/injury to his back legs (both of them 😭)

A bit of a mixed bag, she has slipped a couple of times walking about, but mostly getting herself up. Today she has only got up when we have got her lead out to take her to toilet and encouraged her to get up. She did get up once other than that just briefly.

The vet used a sling the first morning she was up but said she was holding her own weight and it was only just in case and has said she doesn’t now need it. It may be if she keeps slipping we do get one. She has had to be carried a couple of times over doorsteps to get in although has done it herself other times.

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Original poster
SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 21:12

Floralnomad · 26/01/2025 12:39

What sort of a night did you all have @SnowSnow . Coincidentally a tri paw Labrador must have moved in near us somewhere as I’ve seen him the last two days going past our house towards the heath .

She settled really nicely just before 8, had meds at 8 and 10 and then slept through with a few shuffles to change position. DH slept downstairs and wasn’t needed in the end.

Today I popped to a friends for a coffee with DS to get him out the house for a bit and DH was going have a shower but she wouldn’t stop whimpering when he left the room so he didn’t. She is whimpering a lot but stops as soon as you stroke her so I don’t think it’s pain but frightened and unsettled.

He will definitely sleep downstairs with her for at least another few nights.

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Ellmau · 26/01/2025 21:16

Poor little girl, I hope she settles soon.

Floralnomad · 27/01/2025 01:06

Thanks for updating , poor girl is probably still in shock with everything that has happened to her .

Flustration · 27/01/2025 08:11

SnowSnow · 26/01/2025 20:52

How is your dog now?

Our vet said she just won’t be able to run as fast. She was super fast before compared to a lot of dogs so hopefully still be able to keep up with her pals once she is recovered and built her fitness back up.

Thank you, we will definitely keep an eye out for any new behaviours.

Show quote history

Physically, he's doing really well, thank you. It's quite remarkable really. I have him on joint supplements as I know he'll probably suffer a little more when he's older, but for now you wouldn't know.

Mentally, we are seeing slow improvements - but his recovery was much longer and more painful than Luna's will be. He was completely lame (and incontinent) for 3 months, plus another month before he could walk unassisted. If it was just one leg they have amputated and he'd have had a much easier time of it.

CarterBeatsTheDevil · 27/01/2025 08:18

Pretty traumatic for you and for Luna, OP. Can't imagine how it was when you realised just how bad her injury was. I'm not surprised you feel like you've been hit by a truck.

Original poster
SnowSnow · 27/01/2025 20:44

Flustration · 27/01/2025 08:11

Physically, he's doing really well, thank you. It's quite remarkable really. I have him on joint supplements as I know he'll probably suffer a little more when he's older, but for now you wouldn't know.

Mentally, we are seeing slow improvements - but his recovery was much longer and more painful than Luna's will be. He was completely lame (and incontinent) for 3 months, plus another month before he could walk unassisted. If it was just one leg they have amputated and he'd have had a much easier time of it.

Show quote history

Sounds like it has been really, really tough. I’m glad you are seeing slow improvements and hope he continues to improve.

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Original poster
SnowSnow · 27/01/2025 20:48

Today has been tough. Think we are all feeling a bit emotional. A grieving process I guess. I think it’s not that we are bothered about her having 3 legs but about how horrific it was and also the recovery process.

She didnt pee until tea time so I rang the vets to check late afternoon and then thankfully she peed about 40minutes later.

Then this evening she fell heavily and I have never heard screams like it. I worry that will have knocked her confidence. I have ordered another non slip mat just to be sure we have a full walkway all the way through. (It’s a only a small area by the door to the front hallway that wasn’t covered)

Shes not eating her dinner but has eaten a bit of chicken prior to that so I won’t worry.

To be a bit lighthearted as I type this she has started digging at one of the mats so she can’t be feeling too awful.

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Floralnomad · 27/01/2025 20:55

Have you got a date to go back for a check up or is it just a wait and see situation ?

Dearg · 27/01/2025 20:56

❤️❤️From my two black labs for Luna. They are such loving and loveable creatures, and I get that it hurts you to see her injured and not herself.

My 14 year old boy has bounced back from many a misadventure, several scaty, though none as traumatic as Luna’s.

Just remember, she lives in the moment, and right now, that moment is with the family she loves. Give her a gentle hug from us.

Original poster
SnowSnow · 27/01/2025 20:57

She has her first check up tomorrow morning near enough first thing which I think is a good time as deffo feeling a bit anxious after today!

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Original poster
SnowSnow · 27/01/2025 20:59

Dearg · 27/01/2025 20:56

❤️❤️From my two black labs for Luna. They are such loving and loveable creatures, and I get that it hurts you to see her injured and not herself.

My 14 year old boy has bounced back from many a misadventure, several scaty, though none as traumatic as Luna’s.

Just remember, she lives in the moment, and right now, that moment is with the family she loves. Give her a gentle hug from us.

Thank you this has grounded me a bit. I think because the nasty fall was this evening I’m just feeling a bit shaken up by it.

I said to DH one day she will be recovered and I may see a post like my own and be the person saying how well they cope with 3 legs etc.

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