Shari - I adopted Sid when he'd already been a tripod for nearly two years, so I have no personal experience of dealing with a recent amputee, which is why I was asking.  But, yes, it's a good idea to put something under him!  He's on a washable blanket or an old towel, but I have puppy pads somewhere that I can ease under his back end.  Thanks for that.

Pam - Thanks for your input!  I'm in the UK, and Onsior is marketed for both dogs and cats here.  Onsior for dogs is beef flavoured, and comes in 5mg, 10mg, 20mg or 40mg strengths.  Maybe you'll get it across the Pond sometime soon?

Thankfully, Sid is not an osteosarcoma survivor, but a tripod due to a racing accident, so lung mets are not likely. If he gets osteosarcoma, it would by a primary tumour - and let's hope that never happens because it really would be a death sentence for poor Sid, being a tripod already.

Michelle - I've been thinking about what I could make to help him and make it easier for us, so thank you so much for that idea!  I've actually been considering buying a greyhound weighing sling, like they use at the track here in the UK.  I have a query out to a supplier as to whether they can pee and poop while wearing them.  At least I know they would fit a greyhound perfectly and be strong enough to support him!  Meanwhile, cobbling something together like the one in your picture would be a great help!

I appreciate all the replies - what a great community this is. 

krun15 said
Another temporary sling idea is a re-usable, cloth type shopping bag split down the seams- and the handles are built in. You could add a towel for cushioning if needed.Hopefully Sid won't need any type of sling assistance for very long.Karen and the pugapalooza

I wondered about a cloth shopping bag, but which seams do you split?  Do you make a slit along the two long edges of the base, or just open up the two 'end' sides?  If it's making slits along the bottom long sides, I'd just worry about the cloth splitting while I'm using it and dropping him.

Ah yes, I see!  That should stop it from splitting in use, shouldn't it?  But I might have to perhaps cut a 'u' shape part-way along the bottom and bind it securely so he can pee while using it.  I'm going to do that, so we have something on hand for the next emergency!

Meanwhile, tonight, after a couple of false starts, Sid heaved himself to his feet, did a slightly tottery circuit of the house, waiting patiently for rugs to be put down in front of him to cover patches of laminate (yes, greyhounds DO think they're royalty!) and then took off up the garden pretty much by himself, and peed!

He's exhausted, and has slept solidly without moving, since, but I guess I don't have to worry too much about the poop, then?

krun15 said

You should have seen her in her stroller- if she would have waved she would have looked like the Queen in a parade!

Great update on Sid!

Karen and the pugapalooza

Hahaha!  I can imagine!  At Dewey Beach Greyhound Gathering, there is usually at least one venerable senior in a four wheeled trolley/handcart.  His or her owners have usually rigged up a canopy to keep off the sun and rain, and filled it with cushions and they usually have that same smug 'you may bow to me, Lesser Beings' look on their faces. 

Sid is still doing well this morning and is looking much more comfortable.  He has one more Onsior to take later today, so we'll see how he is when that wears off.  I'm going to ring the vet to ask if I need to collect more since it's NYD tomorrow.