Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Before Riley's paw started acting up- we had scheduled a hiking vacation to Fundy National Park (Canada) and Acadia National Park (Maine, USA) for us and our four dogs.
Now, Riley is having her right front leg amputated on 4/16. We are due to leave on our trip on 5/15 so she will be 4 weeks post-op. We basically planned on hiking ten-ish miles per day and then camping at night. I realize that she will certainly NOT be able to hike these distances. In the past, we have used a dog carrier to carry her. Will she be healed enough for this? She basically just lays inside the carrier. Otherwise, our options will be to cancel the trip or leave her with my mother-in-law.
Riley has been walking on three legs since 11/2013 when this whole fiasco began so she has built up some strength in the remaining limbs already. We were thinking that maybe she could walk like 10-15 minutes and then we could carry her the rest of the time. Thoughts?
Riley weighs 8.6 pounds and is about 6-7 years old. She has no health conditions other than this leg. She has always been a very spry pup and prior to this injury- would walk 10 miles easily. After the injury, she has regularly been walking 4 miles and spending the remaining miles in her bag. If you would like to see pics of Riley, please see our first thread "Making the Decision" in Presentation and Diagnosis.
TIA!
Riley in her bag:
I personally think if Riley is fine at your mother-in-laws I would leave her there so you don't have to worry about her and she is not stressed about the trip. But if she doesn't like it at mothers she would probably do fine as long as you have all the pain meds figured out and there have been no complications with her surgery.
Penny
Aww how neat to have a dog you can put in a pack! We've been to Acadia, it's gorgeous and one of our favorite places. When we got there after traveling from the Pacific, Jerry got to swim in the Atlantic for the first time. We never thought we'd see that day because he had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma one year earlier and was only expected to live six months. We bawled happy tears.
Honestly I wouldn't take her along. I know you probably dont' want to hear that, and it will be sad to leave her, but amputation is major surgery that can wallop a body's immune system. And even a month out, a 10-15 minute walk is a lot even for an experienced Tripawd.
Like Penny said, you'll have less worry if you leave her in the good care of your mother-in-paw.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yeah, I think we're going to wait and see how she's doing. We don't mind carrying her in her bag all the time if necessary. We also have a dog stroller (LOL- pathetic I know but two of ours have luxating patellas).
I really don't see any reason not to bring her.
At 4 weeks post surgery she should be healed well enough to come with you. If she's already been walking on 3 legs for a while then it really isn't going to be a major change for her. I would just see how she does after the surgery and if she seems to be getting along well, which it seems like she will, bring her with and monitor her closely during the hiking and put her in the pack when necessary.
Love to see another tri-pawd hiker!
I think for now, we are going to pan on taking her. If she continues on the path that she has been on- she will be going. She's really doing great with her recovery. This is 4 days post-op (Surgery was 4/16).
I thought I would say that my amputee was cleared for flyball 2 weeks after his surgery. We have had a few backslides but NOTHING too serious. I would take the dog with you as long as you have the ability to rest often and have the carry bag too.
quixote said
I thought I would say that my amputee was cleared for flyball 2 weeks after his surgery. We have had a few backslides but NOTHING too serious. I would take the dog with you as long as you have the ability to rest often and have the carry bag too.
Thank you. That's good to know. Today is day 7 post-op (I guess because her surgery was last Thursday 4/16) so I'm thinking the majority of the "healing" should be over in another week or so. And then, it's on to the adjustment phase.
Update: We have made the decision that Riley will not accompany us on our trip 
We really wanted her to be able to come but I really think it's best for her to stay behind on this one.
She is not really walking much. And, even though we planned on carrying her- she doesn't really like to be moved much. Her carry bag naturally sways/bumps as you walk.
My MIL is about 4 hours away from us so I can't take Riley there this late in the game. As such, we are looking for in-home care for Riley. We have used a local pet-sitter in the past to watch the girls so I have e-mailed her to ask if she ever lets the pets stay at her house. I don't want Riley her alone for 22.5 hours a day. So hopefully, we find something that meets her needs and that we are comfortable with.
Last update:
We ended up taking her on the trip after all. She spent most of the time in her bag but she was able to get out and walk a little bit on the beach. I think she enjoyed herself and we were glad to have her.
Oh that's great you all got to be together and had fun! Got any pics?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Online
I knkw that was a win/win for you and Riley! I'm really glad she got to go and everything wentnwell! I know it was a worrisome decision regardless of which path you took.. But clearly this was the right decision!
Yes! Please post pictures! Can't wait to see them!
How is Rikey doing overall!
Thanks for the update. We look forward to more.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR RILEY!!!!
*0And HAPPY ONE MONTH AMPUVERSARY!!
Love and 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!
Riley in Maine and Canada:
In Fundy National Park, Alma, New Brunswick, Canada
In Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
At Sand Beach, Acadia National Park
ahhhhh.... adorable!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Riley must melts my heart!
And just reading your other post about her rear legs issue, Im really glad you got to have this family vacation! And Riley looks tickled pink to be with you! Looks like you visited some very scenic and pristine locations. Thanks for sharing these delightful photos.
We're all cheering for Riley!
Sending love and 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!
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