Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Thank you all again...I visited Magic for the first time after surgery today...You know....I was not even startled at the leg being gone...I think partially because there was that big bare spot there after the bone biopsy on sat. They are not rushing him at all both for my sake and his!! And one of my neighbors is working overtime coming up with solutions to help with him getting in and out of the truck...depending on whether I can move some stuff in the garage and NOT run into my washer and dryer (I don't back very well) I can maybe back my truck up, he will devise a wooden bridge from the truck right smack into the hallway in the house. Tomorrow will be the day for building ramps and figuring the bridge thing out! He was very happy to see me but boy was he stoned! I was there for about 40 mins and he drank for me but really didn't even want the cut up chicken I brought...They said he did eat a little this morning. When I went to leave he attempted to get up and the two techs that were there to get him back to the hosp, moved really quick with the sling and he stood for about 30 seconds...I was as proud as if it had been an HOUR! And you all know what I mean. I have slit a canvas shopping bag (a suggestion from on here) and I'm going to go ahead and order the harness (the ruff thingee) tonight....the tshirt idea to keep him from licking is a GREAT one...I had even thought about using a tank top as a sling type thing but I'm not sure it is thick enough. OJ the kitty is really worrying me (he has kidney failure and is a cancer survivor and almost 17) he wandered through the house and out in the yard and in Magic's shed and all over the place crying .... and has eaten hardly anything. So I took a soft blanket and rubbed it all over the cat and me and took it to Magic and rubbed one all over him and brought it home to put in one of the cat's many beds! I'm off to eat and maybe, just maybe get SOME sleep for a change in the hopes that nothing falls apart for at least 12 hours!!
I shall be back soon...thank you for all your kind thoughts and ideas...it helps SO much to talk with someone who has been there, done that, got the collar....
What a great mom you are!!!! I'm so happy you were able to see you baby without feeling depressed! It's good he's 'out of it' so he didn't want to come home. I'm of the school that believes I need to see them very soon after surgery. (Maybe because I need to see someone that loves me right after a surgery!) SO, I'm glad you did!
I hope the kittie is doing better with all the scents. And I sure hope nothing in your house breaks again anytime soon either! The Ruffwear thingee will help you a lot!
Also, something I have done in the past with Comet's knee surgeries is ...I used Press n' Seal to wrap the incision area to keep it from getting wet. I did it just long enough to avoid any moisture. There was always dew outside and that helped. A friend did it when she had her knee replaced so she could take a shower. It works!
Give you neighbor a big hug for us for helping so much!
Hang in there. You are doing great!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
We're sorry about what you and Magic are going through, but are very glad you found us! It sounds like Magic is off to a good start, and he is one lucky dog to have such an awesome mom. We'll be keeping you and both your furbabies in our hearts and prayers this week. And we wish Magic the best of luck with recovery from his surgery. The first two weeks can have ups and downs, but we're hoping Magic has more ups than downs!
Lots of hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Diane, we thought about you yesterday wondering how things are going. That's a pretty good update I'd say. Don't be too surprised about his lack of appetite. I'm sure the vet already told you, but the medication will take a toll on Magic's desire to eat. Once he's off the harder pain meds he'll be gobbling up that chicken in no time.
I hope you got some sleep last night. Good luck with the projects today! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello Magic's Mom
How cool that you live in Santa Rosa and can join us for our monthly meetups in Mill Valley! I have a big dog too, bigger than I could lift so I know that helpless feeling. Cemil stayed in the hospital too until he could get around pretty well--his surgery was a Monday and he came home Thursday. He was able to walk around fine and get up the two steps into the house; he even jumped onto the bed all by himself when I wasn't looking. He's also a front-leg amputee. I think Magic will surprise you with what he can do for himself. Cemil certainly surprised me.
About the ramp--I had a friend build me a couple of mini-decks, which work really well. Now I just use one of them. I described it in a previous post...
"My Cemil is missing his LF leg; I made for him a sort of mini-deck which is like a large flat box, 30×36 and 10″ high. He can get up on it, and then up again into the back of my truck. The deck is small enough to fit in the back of the truck so I carry it around with me and use as needed. It works a lot better than a ramp because it's level–you just set it on the ground."
Besides being level, it's solid so he isn't worried about stepping onto it. Now, we just use it when he gets out of the truck, so he doesn't jump all the way to the ground. He can jump in by himself (and prefers to). I think it weighs about 15 or 20#, so I can position it by myself. Good thing--I don't have a helper either.
I'm looking forward to hearing about how Magic does and how he surprises you--also to meeting the two of you one day soon.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
THANKS MARY AND ALL...I mentioned Mary because of the Mill Valley connection and the step thing...First, I probably won't come to Mill valley...even tho my heart wants to, unless you can provide me a route that is really really easy and doesn't get too confusing (not too adventuresome here...I was the copilot...Bob was the driver)....I had made Magic a step type thing when I took him to the vet for the wrapping of the leg several days after the biopsy...I got a pallet from a local nursery (very heavy tho, lots of splinters til I thought to tie some rope around it to drag it) and I put two new foam cushions on top of that then backed the truck up to the lowest part of the driveway...wheels meeting where the driveway meets the road...and it was probably less of a step than the ones into the house...however I think something more solid than the foam will probably be needed for balance?
This morning at 7 AM I spoke with his night nurse and they have HAD HIM OUTSIDE for a little hopalong!!! And he did very well. Hopefully the catheter will come out today and I'm not looking at him coming home til tomorrow or even Monday night...for me Monday might even be better so that the surgeon could look him over one more time (he isn't on this weekend, but they do have something like 22 vets)..I have to keep remembering this is only the 2nd day post op (if we don't count op day)...it seems like a lifetime.
Thank you again everyone...off to figure out ramps and stuff!
Diane, Magic and OJ the kitty (who thank the good Lord has started eating again)
Hi Diane
Yes! Just make your step out of plywood--it won't be as heavy as that oak they make pallets out of--same size and shape, roughly. It should work great. For the size, I estimated the rectangle of Cemil's four corners standing, and added a little for his security.
We'll figure out a way to get you to Mill Valley. There's lots of healing in just watching the dogs play in the sunshine.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
In case you missed it while worrying about the step issue!
I couldn't resist posting this from Captain Jack who just showed us his silly side. Really, it's a 3-legged dog!
We heart Jack!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Mary, he's up and walking? This is fantastic! It's really a good thing they're keeping him there a couple of extra days, that'll give you more time to mentally and physically prepare things around the house. Just remember, breathe...breathe....breathe....
It seems like it'll be a lot of work but always remembe; we dogs are just so much smarter than you silly humans! Magic will get the hang of things, you'll see. And you are so much smarter and stronger than you give yourself credit for. Just wait!
While you have the time, be sure to write down all of your questions for the vet in a notebook and take it with you when you pick him up OK?
We're thinking of you...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I cannot believe that is a three legged dog…come on, you doctored the tape didn't you!!!!! feeling big for my britches today….went to the vet to visit Magic and they were very busy today and in comes a lady with ….. A THREE LEGGED DOG…She must have thought I was a crazy woman…I went right up to the dog and threw my arms around her and was giving and getting kisses and telling her what a beautiful girl she was…what are the chances of that happening….The pup is six months out, I wrote down this website for her and told her about the wonderful people and equipment…hers is having some trouble with the docs finding the right chemo combo, but she thinks they may have it now and you would not even know this dog used to have another leg…It is a rear leg while Magic's is a front, but what a blessing to see someone who was doing so well. When I went in the room….Magic was standing with a leash around his neck…they weren't even using the sling for awhile. He did need some help and when the nurse and I tried to help get him outside I could see that I need him to have another day or two of stability working with people who know what they are doing! They are backing off the pain meds and have taken out the catheter and I am just so encouraged. He will get up with verbal encouragement. My neighbor built a small ramp into his "shed" that he really prefers sleeping in, I have my regular dog ramp back and think it will work for the kitchen to the yard, and two of my guy neighbors have some ideas for the ramp from truck to house.
Right now, things are going good for him…one troublesome thing is he is not eating right now and I'm sure I can get him to eat SOMETHING at home, but he wasn't even interested in sliced roast beef…one of the things I do use to get pills down…that may prove to be a problem (I did see the topic about getting pills down)
So day two after surgery was so encouraging and Ruthie, my new Tripawd friend from the vet shows me in person and real life just how many possibilities there are.
Good morning Diane
Don't worry too much about Magic not eating for a couple days. Cemil took a little break and lost about 6#--I bribed him with everything I could think of and fed him out of my hand, and after he started feeling better, he started eating mormal amounts again and put the weight back on. It didn't seem to hurt him any. I think he just felt lousy.
How special that you got to see for yourself how normal tripawds are! Magic will have to finish healing, then he'll be back to his old self too. You must have a really great vet--they're working so much with him.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Thank you Mary and all sending positive thoughts and prayers…and know I am doing the same for your furkids….
The vet and techs and nurses have been phenomenal until the one last night…who had me hysterical after i got off the phone. I had talked to his reg vet for about 45 mins (she is wonderful wonderful wonderful…met her for the first time when she came to the house to send our first WD to the Bridge…home visit) and she is so encouraging and felt that Monday afternoon was fine and we could go even longer if need be…they are well aware of my physical limitations. The nurse told me he was depressed, kept looking at the parking lot when she took him out, didn't want to eat for her…I mean she was so so awful that all I could do was bawl when I got off the phone. Magic's reg. vet won't be back til next Friday so I talked to another one this morning who is absolutely furious at this nurse. This doc feels that we are proceeding at EXACTLY the right pace for both me AND MAGIC and i asked her not to say anything til Magic is out of there because given her attitude last night, I now don't trust that nurse AT ALL. The only person in…gee maybe close to 20 years (well make that the second person) that I have ever had an issue with at that vet. I realize she was probably trying to urge me to take him home probably thinking she was doing the right thing but….
So I feel better after talking to the vet this morning and as we were talking she said oh look there goes Magic walking by me…so he is up and moving today and I shall be seeing him in a couple of hours.
I think it is because I am still so unsure of what I am doing (I have ordered that book about second guessing) that anyone can knock me off my pins with the slightest disapproval…so now I'm off to see about moving the big ramp around and how hard that will be….the bridge from truck to house may have to wait to be utilized until he is truly steady on his feet…I sure wouldn't want him to fall off (oh just the thought of that just makes me want to …..you know)
THanks again…off to continue with the projects
Diane
Hi Diane
Think about some other surgery that one of your furkids has had to heal from. This is no different. Really. Healing from the surgery is much more difficult than learning to get around on three legs.
Too bad that nurse had to be such a jerk. Maybe Magic didn't like her either. But it sounds like he's progressing well. Have a great visit!
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
i wish that thinking of previous surgeries worked....other than neutering....we went with most of them straight from healthy to old and something that couldn't be fixed. The last two went from healthy kitty to cancer (never seen before at my vet in a cat...the particular cancer) then to kidney failure and we are still dealing (he will be 17 next month) and Magic from healthy to cancer. I had his teeth cleaned last year and he was neutered. With wds, it is best to avoid any type of anesthesia if possible...even pain meds can really really affect them strongly...But Magic is so low content we will be pretty fine....his previous companion...phew...could NEVER have done this for many reasons. And HE went from healthy to immediate overnight it seemed, no symptoms til the damn end, tumor in chest overtaking everything.
I just need to stop stressing....It will be hard enuf when we actually START the coming and being home process, without living it every waking hour prior!!!!! The plan is TOMORROW evening....when the neighbor guys will be home from work...He was walking even better today, but still I had some difficulty "holding up" my side of the bargain! I THINK stuff is in place and ready...a few last minute things to move around after looking today and I think I will have the guys boost him out of the truck and help boost him into the hallway of the house....it should be close cuz I'll back the truck in....I decided NOT to try to get him to use the new "bridge" that first day...don't want to overwhelm him with all the changes, and in fact am attempting to keep most everything else as change free as possible ....didn't want it to look like a different house..oh, wait, he'll find the dog and cat hair in the corners and know he is finally, at long last, home.
Okay, that idea didn't work. Well, expect him to sleep most of the time, get up to potty and eat (unless you let him eat lying down, which is what I did for Cemil)--if he eats. He may not, at first. I wasn't able to help Cemil so he learned to manage going out by himself. I was there, but not good for much. He did a couple of face plants, which make you feel terrible, but it's part of the learning process. Other than that, he did fine. If your neighbors could help him out of the truck, he can probably walk inside on his own. And building up his muscles might be good. He will need to do that.
I hope it goes well.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
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