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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Thank you Thank you! Today has been a much better day for me, thanks to you and the tripawds you've introduced me to. This year has been a tough one as it is...broken engagement, house falling apart, little commissions at work, personal health issues....heck, I could go on forever. So when Trevor was diagnosed with bone cancer, after I just spent the $3500 on the TPLO (lots of airline miles on that credit card purchase!), I don't think I could have hurt more even if I were hit by a semi. It absolutely blindsided me. So having said all that, you all know how sad of a week it's been.
BUT! On the positive side, since getting onto this website, something is changing in me. I'm 90% decided on doing the surgery and chemo, and 5 minutes ago, when I walked Trevor outside, I began to say to myself "hmmm, he's hopping a bit now, with the elimination of the leg, he'll just hop a little more" and it didn't make me cry! In fact, I even had a passing thought that what if we are catching this OS really early and that he will be one of those success stories with YEARS of survival!
Seeing the smiling faces on the tripawds made me realize that my emotions this week have been about ME, not about the DOG, and UGH how selfish is that! The best thing I can do for him is get this cancer off asap, and help him get around. The harness that I saw on one of the dogs is going to be the next purchase. I was thinking of buying a ramp too, but after seeing one of the videos (my apologies, I can't remember which kind soul shared that) of the dog 2 days after amputation and getting up a few stairs, maybe this really is going to work out!!!!
I'm going to figure out this blogging a bit more, because maybe in the future there will be another person with a dog recovering from TPLO who is then diagnosed with OS in another leg and they willl feel more informed and comforted. Pictures to follow!
Hi Ella,
What a thrill to hear about the ephiphany you had! Don't beat yourself up too much, your emotions are normal, especially after having such a difficult year. Life tends to be that way, moving in "good" and "bad" cycles, and it takes a lot of strength to find the bright spots when things seem the darkest. To thrive and be happy, the key is to shift your perspective, and you've done it! Congratulations!
And you are correct . . . by sharing your story, you are helping others who are going through a similar situation. And remember, nobody is ever alone here, we are always available to chat when you need someone to listen. Please let us know how things work out this week OK? Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry, how do I measure girth for the harness? Do I measure from under both of the dog's armpits up and around to the nape of his neck?
EllaKane said:
Jerry, how do I measure girth for the harness?
Thanks for asking! Ruff Wear recommends taking a girth measurement around the widest part of the rib cage. View their Sizing Graphic for details.
A complete sizing chart is also available on our harness order page. For in-between sizes, choose the smaller harness for an active, contoured fit.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This topic has been closed. If you have any veterinary questions, please add a new topic in the Ask a Vet forum with one specific question and be sure to include details about your dog.
This will allow participating doctors to provide answers directly, and help future readers easily find answers to questions. For more information please read our rules for Vet Questions. Thank you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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