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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Brady, Front Leg Tripawd Min Pin Due to Bad Break
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Member Since:
27 November 2014
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2 December 2014 - 9:05 am
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First, I would like to say my heart & prayers go out to all of you who have not only had to deal with amputation with your precious pet's,  but had to also continue to endure cancer treatment after that process <3   You are far stronger than I feel I could ever be.  I feel so blessed that you all share so openly on this great website your experiences as well as advice and support.

I am asking, for anyone who is willing,  to please send lots of Prayers & Healing for our Brady Boy <3

Tomorrow is his surgery to amputate his front right leg.  It has been almost 8 weeks now, and after a bad break that happened at home by a freak accident, his leg just is not healing.

We are at the point we cannot afford any more major vet bills after this surgery. If he doesn't do well with this surgery I will have to say we have depleted any means we have.  

Brady is tired of the burden of his casted leg so I Pray we are doing the right thing for him. I am trying to stay POSITIVE but it's not easy right now :'(  I am very scared of all that could go wrong and don't want to lose my boy :(

But I am focusing MORE on the fact he is 2.5 years old and healthy besides this major set back.

..................Not sure why at the moment I can't figure out how to get a photo in here :/  Sorry !

Thank you for any advice you can give and any Prayers sent xo

Sincerely,

Sheryl

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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2 December 2014 - 10:27 am
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Hi Sheryl, Welcome to the Forums, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

This is a major surgery, but after all Brady has been through in the past 8 months I bet he will handle it just fine.  We have seen often here that the younger pups bounce back pretty quickly.  And lots of people here will tell you that as a smaller dog he will do great.  I had a small Tripawd, a pug named Maggie. She was as stubborn and non-adaptable as they come. She was unhappy for close to 6 weeks before she got her sparkle back.  But that is by far the exception- most are back to themselves in 2 or 3 weeks.

Now that you have made your decision you have to go foreword positive that you are doing the right thing.  Brady needs a strong pack leader to show him that everything is normal and he is still your best boy.  Not that it matters, but based on what you have said I think you are making a wise decision.  And remember- you are doing if FOR Brady.

Amputation is a scary proposition when you haven't been through it before- I was really worried when our vet's said Maggie need to have her leg removed.  But now that I have been through it, and have meet many other pups who are Tripawds its not such a scary thing.

 

Here is how you add Photos to a Forum Post.

 

I'll keep Brady in my thoughts tomorrow and I'll be looking for an update.

 

Karen and Spirit Maggie

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Martinsburg, WV
Member Since:
3 June 2014
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2 December 2014 - 11:18 am
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Sheryl,

I will definitely send up prayers and keep your precious Brady in my thoughts for the upcoming surgery.  He's such a cute little guy from the avatar pic and it took me MONTHS to finally figure out how to post pics in the forums...winker

I know you will be an anxious and worried mom till Brady comes out of surgery (we've all been there) but I'm sure Brady will be ok.  And like Karen mentioned since he's a smaller pup his adjustment to being a Tripawd should be a little easier than it is for the larger breeds.  He'll probably be really happy not to be dealing with the injured leg anymore and the castings.

Hang in there and know that this community is here for you to lend support and advice when you need it.

Hugs to you and little Brady!

Sahana and her Angel Leland

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

Member Since:
13 May 2014
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2 December 2014 - 3:56 pm
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Hey Sheryl and Brady! 

I think having your pet go under anesthesia at all is always scary, no matter what the procedure. My guy Domino also lost his leg to injury. The biggest advantage there is they are already used to walking on three legs for the most part. And hopefully he'll just need to adjust his balance and foot placement. 

For my guy the first couple of days after surgery were the roughest, he seemed uncomfortable and painful. It seems like in general that the first two weeks are the roughest for everybody. But as they've said, his size and age are in his favor! 

I'll definitely have my fingers crossed and be thinking about Brady tomorrow and hope that everything goes perfect and smoothly! 

Cassie and Domino

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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2 December 2014 - 7:29 pm
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Welcome to you and Brady! Thank YOU for sharing your story, every one is so different and very helpful to others when they find themselves in the same scary place.

I agree; after all that you've both been through, getting rid of the bad leg will be a breeze and SO easy compared to all the other surgeries. Most dogs do VERY well after that bum leg is gone and I'm guessing that Brady isn't a large dog, so he should do even better.

Please let us know how we can help you in your journey. We will be waiting for updates so don't be shy!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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2 December 2014 - 8:35 pm
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Shery and Bradh!
Whar an adorable fella! Even though he has that bignole cast on in his oicture, you can tell he is one strong little man with a lot of spunk and determination!!!

Recovery is no picnic so stay connected to is,! You are not alone, okay!? We're all right by your side!

Brady may not poop for a couple of days sfter surgery due to meds, etc. Let us know when he does...we LOVE to celebrate first poop around here!!

As others have said, Brady will amaze you at how happy he will be once he is free of that cumbersome leg that serves him no purpose! You are making this decision out of love and that is the right decision!!

If you nave hardwood floors, be sure and get some non skid scatter rugs for traction . No stair climbing, jumpingnup and down off things for awhile.

Let us know how surgery goes and when he comes home! Again, stay connected and let us knownif you have any questions..or just need some cyber hugs!!!

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
27 November 2014
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3 December 2014 - 3:44 pm
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12/3/14 5PM Finally got the call from the vet.  Brady is out of surgery.  His leg amputation went well, "text book" she said, no complications.  We will pick him up at 8pm.

Our Brady is a fiesty little guy and it seems to take some heavy drugs to chill him out so I am praying they send us home with a dosage that gives him a very restful night and days to come :/  But I suppose that issue is nothing a vet visit can't fix. So I will try not to stress.

So we are officially the Proud Pawrents of a Tripawd <3

Can't wait to see our Brady <3

I will update more once we get him settled over the next few days.

Thank you for reading and all your helpful posts and support.  I am sure I will be coming back with more questions xo

 With Gratitude,

Sheryl, Bruce & Brady :)

Member Since:
13 May 2014
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3 December 2014 - 4:01 pm
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Yay!!!! So glad everything went so well! We were thinking about y'all today. Good pain meds would be nice! Hopefully he'll be zonked enough that you'll get a good nights sleep. 

Cassie and Domino

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Member Since:
17 May 2014
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3 December 2014 - 4:56 pm
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Sheryl,

when you pick Brady up and bring him home, you will see he is the same dog.  All I wanted when I went to pick Johnnie up was to have eye contact with him, and when I saw his look I knew I had made the right decision and that he would do fine.  

Speedy recovery, and keep us updated.

Daniela

Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet.   Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues.   Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle.  October 17:  started having seizures.  Taking fenobarbital for seizures.  April 18: started prednisone.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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3 December 2014 - 5:15 pm
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YAAAAAAAAAY FOR BRADY! Surgery is over and Brady his onnthe road to recovery!!

Wow! Picking him up tonight! Not spending the night? I know it's not always an option though if the surgeon does not have a 24 hr. Facility. Many dogs stay overnight so make sure, as others have said, he has enough meds to keep him pretty well zonked out tonight....and you have the vet's phone number!!! And stay connected to us...we are all right by your side!! I only say this for YOUR reassur...Brady will be fine and dreaming of pink elephants!!!

Looking forward to hear all about Brady and seeing pictures!! You will be amazed at how well he does once recovery takes place!!!!

Sending lots of hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Martinsburg, WV
Member Since:
3 June 2014
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4 December 2014 - 7:22 am
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That's wonderful news!!!  I'm so glad that Brady came through the procedure with no problems.  I hope things went well last night.  Like Sally mentioned usually the pups are kept for at least one overnight and sometimes two.  Make sure the vet provides you with plenty of pain medication to keep Brady comfortable.

Now the road to recovery begins so Brady can get back to his feisty little self!!

We're here for you if you have questions.

Hugs

Sahana and her Angel Leland

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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4 December 2014 - 11:20 am
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Awesome pawesome! A textbook surgery is fantastic news, we hope today is going really great. Keep us posted and let us know if you have any questions.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Norene, TN
Member Since:
21 October 2014
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4 December 2014 - 2:31 pm
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Yay! So happy for you and Brady! He is such a cutie. Can't wait to hear more happy updates.

Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.

"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."

- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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4 December 2014 - 4:36 pm
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Yea for a successful surgery!  Textbook is always a good thing to hear.

I hope the first night went OK, Maggie stayed at the hospital for a night after her surgery.

Can't wait for the next update and maybe some pictures.

 

Karen

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Member Since:
27 November 2014
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4 December 2014 - 5:35 pm
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I hope I am posting updates right ?

Please let me know if I should do this differently ! lol

So WOW ! As I have been told, Brady seems like he will do better every day.  He is still in pain today but not nearly as bad as he was last night when we brought him home.

Brady didn't stay overnight due to the fact that we are very restricted on funds AND he seemed to do much better than they expected anyway........since every dogs experience is different.  Brady is young and not overweight so that helped him ALOT.

We have hard wood floors at home but he took fine to walking on the floors as soon as we got home !  I was amazed ! Though he was whimpering and crying from time to time he did sleep well thankfully.

SO FAR he has been resting and being quiet for the most part.  As the days go on I am sure he will be making me nervous in wanting to be his busy / fiesty self again.....but at the moment pain is keeping HIM in check ........to rest......for now.

I can't say how much I appreciate the "pink elephant" comment !  LOL  Rather than feeling stressed seeing Brady VERY chill......which is NOT my pup ! lol......I just kept thinking of him seeing those "pink elephants." LOL.....Thank you !!! xo

Finding a new way to handle him without causing too much pain is a challenge.

I look forward to getting one of those harnesses once he is healed.  It looks to be very helpful !

So we were told to pick Brady up last night at 8PM......and soon after they call they told us to come get him NOW since he was READY to go home, LOL........He doesn't like being crated at the vet with strangers around :/  As nice as they all were he was getting stressed and wanted OUT of there.  Once with us and home he did alot better.  So it thankfully worked out better he didn't stay the night.

Today so far has been a good day.  Just needing lots of Momma & Daddy snuggles which is fine by us <3

I was stressed a bit since he didn't do #1 yet as of late afternoon but I got a call a bit ago.......still at work, ugh :/   ......telling me Brady did a niceeeeeee longgggggggg pee :)  YAY !  I had called the vet about my concern with this and she said if he didn't #1 by tomorrow to bring him in to have a catheter put in so I am that much more happy he went :)

I read here #2 could take a bit more time....due to the meds....make sense !......so I am thankful to get that info on here !  lol   xo  

You guys are the best ! xo

As much as I love our vet I am really looking forward to not having to pay a weekly visit anymore.  It will also be a really nice break for our wallet $ and hopefully we can start getting caught up on things soon $$$

But again, this is worth every penny !

Sorry to ramble !

But to comment on what Daniela said......he IS the same dog to me :)  I wasn't sure how I would feel once I saw him, less his leg.......and though I am paying attention to how Brady's incision looks,  to be sure it is healing OK etc. I honestly don't have any anxiety seeing it the way it is and it doesn't feel like a bad thing at all !   :)  It is just how Brady is now thats all <3

I feel once his hair has grown back in it people may have those feelings at times that they don't even notice it  <3

I can definitely relate now, a bit more, to those who have handicaps as humans.  It is just something you accept and move on.  Atleast hopefully most people can to a degree and not let it control their life too much in a negative way.

"It is what it is"  is what I always say.

This has been such a life changing experience for me !  I have that much MORE love an appreciation for animals and pet owners in general and that special connection that is there :)

I look forward to keeping in touch here !  I will post some pics as Brady is feeling better.

With Much Gratitude,

Sheryl

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