Hey,

I am afraid I can't add anything to the "other dogs" situation, since I, too, only had the one. Once he was up again, after the first few weeks of healing, we didn't have problems meeting other dogs although I was a LOT more scared of the encounters than my dog -go figure...

I started taking my dog to rehab pretty much the minute his stitches were out -I had actually looked for a good rehab person when Manni was still at the vet's after his amp. I personally am a firm believer in rehab/maintenance/exercises although I am sure it's possible to do without. The first couple of appointments were massages only, to relieve him of the tension in his muscles from all the new strain on his muscles and once he was better we moved on to exercises. We actually continued going to a class for that throughout his life. -I am sure that's partly why he stuck around as long as he did and also it was fun for both of us. 

I think that a lot of times we tend to mistake the effect of meds or even pain with "depression". My dog's healing process only really started when he found self-confidence and motivation in the form of his doggy bff that we had over at our house continuously after we found that out. For some dogs, doggy companionship can even help.

i bought a great "ortho bed" for my dog -that was pretty much the first and only dog bed he never used... I do think that a soft yet stable bed makes sense, though, as tripawds tend to be lying down more than before. 

hope all goes well and to a speedy recovery

tina

leslie827 said
After spending hours on this forum and browsing the site I'm encouraged and 98% sure that Lady will have her front leg amputated next week. The other option is euthanasia. Lady is a lab/shepherd mix, 62 lbs and in good spirits, general good health, solid appetite and a love for the loudest squeaky toy ever made.

Yay, and welcome! We’re so glad you’re here (although not glad for the circumstance that brought you). Sounds to me like Lady hasn’t thrown the towel in yet, so I’m so happy that you’re encouraged to move forward with the amputation. She has a lot of fun times and love left for the loudest squeaky toy, and she’ll be just as happy on three as she is on four! I was in a similar situation, and we’re now almost a month post-op and I am SO HAPPY with my decision to do the amputation.

I've taken notes on suggestions for meds, rehab therapy, gotten an idea of how long it will take for her to walk again, dealing with stairs, etc. I may keep her at the 24 hr overnight vet tech staffed facility until she can actually take some steps.

Not a bad idea, all dogs are different, but in general it seems like most vets keep them at the clinic for at least 24h after surgery. Most are able to walk right after, but some still need assistance — my girl was one of them. We used a sling for about a week after surgery, and the first couple days she was still getting her sea legs. It took her a little bit to figure out she could still support herself.

Is there a possibility that she will go into the blues and a deep depression after surgery and just give up?

She may lose her sparkle for a little while, but it’s just the drugs! I promise that she’ll be back to her same antics a few weeks after surgery. Like many have said already, if you keep your spirits up she won’t know any different. Dogs really do feed of your energy. So stay positive! The only time I’ve seen Chy “depressed” was when that scratchy chin comes and there’s no leg there to get it. Which is usually followed by those big brown eyes asking for a little help, which we happily give. 

I would like to purchase the Ruffwear Harness with the insert for her. When can she start to wear it? Do I buy it before surgery or after for measuring?

I bought mine pre-op, and started putting it on her after we got the stitches taken out. This thing is a godsend! It’s so easy to help her get on the couch, take her up the stairs, and help her into the car. The best part is that it seems to be really comfortable and she doesnt seem to mind it.

Should I invest in an extra thick support bed for her?

I did, one of the Big Barker beds that’s on the helpful items list. Go figure she still likes her ol’ Costco dog bed, but I admit the Big Barker Bed is the only one where she’ll lay on her stump side voluntarily. I’ve laid on it myself and it’s crazy comfortable!

How soon should I find a rehab specialist? Is there a website list or should I ask my vet?

After stitches are out, or later, depending on how well the incision has healed. Rehab isn’t required, but most around here advocate doing it as it can be very helpful in building muscle and overal maintenance.

Sending good vibes your way!

Everyone else has already said these things but since my Gus is 4 weeks out from amputation, I thought you'd find out story pertinent. Gus has Osteosarcoma (which is terminal) and like you, was at a pain point that I would have had to euthanize him if we didn't amputate. 

Gus spent one night at the vets after surgery, and was standing same day - walking with a little assistance from the vet techs that day.  

When he came home the day after, he was able to get into the house, outside to go to the bathroom and needed far less help than we anticipated.  I have hardwoods and I put down rug runners (after advice from this site) and glad I did. He had one bad fall off rug a few days after surgery which was horribly traumatic (he yelped in pain for a long time).  

I slept downstairs with Gus for 12 days before he tried the stairs to get up to the bedroom. I'm glad we waited - he is a 70 pound Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and he is not an athlete. 

Week two was actually the worst for me.  He slept 22 hours a day, had no personality, was in pain (and we had trouble figuring out the right combo of meds- what he had been tolerating suddenly stopped working well).  

Week 3 we started to recover.  

4 week ampuversary is tomorrow and Gus dashed around our very large backyard today. he needs a bit of help getting up stairs still but gets down them with no difficulty. I bought a harness which helps to get him into the car but we don't use it other than that. 

If you want more detailed info please reach out - I'm happy to tell you more about my experience if you need!  The info on this site is incredible and everyone is so helpful.  I wouldn't have survived this month if it wasn't for this group! 

Good luck. We are rooting for you both!