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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Well Bonnie is one tough cookie!
We're so sorry to hear that it's OS, but another opinion is definitely a good thing. We hope all goes well. Keep us posted.
xoxo
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, all the specialists have been consulted and final decisions are, hopefully, made. We are just waiting for a schedule date for the amputation. We do not have an oncologist but rather a team of a orthopedic surgeon and an internist who also does oncology.
Bonnie decided that she was SuperDog when she had the cast type bandage on her leg from the biopsy. She saw someone walking down the street and took off 90 miles an hour Wednesday afternoon. Before I could catch her she caught the toe of her bad leg since it was longer and flipped herself over. We both were scared. I took her in the next day to have it checked and they removed the bandage and stitches. The bandage must have provided support because as soon as we did that she was limping. She was in obvious pain for the first time and I had no doubt what I was going to push for when we met the doctor today.
We met the internist and he discussed all the test results along with the chemotherapy protocol. The only thing that I have questions about is his decision to start the chemo immediately after the amputation. If anyone has experience pro or con, I would love to hear it. Her diabetes is not a problem for her because we can monitor it they tell me. The amputation will be sheduled with the surgeon when she goes in on rounds tomorrow. Here's hoping it is ASAP. I have told them that other clinics actually allow you to spend the night with your dog, so I am hoping they will bend the rules a little for me. Bonnie is ready for it, I just have to be.
How awful to wish to hurt your dog, but how awful to allow your dog to hurt!! What away to tear your heart apart. Without the support of this forum though, I would not have been ready to make that decision and for that I am eternally grateful whatever the outcome.
chris & bonnie said:
How awful to wish to hurt your dog, but how awful to allow your dog to hurt!!
Interesting way to put it ... But you are not about to hurt her. What you're doing will end her pain! Sugery wounds will heal. Cancer won't.
Yes, it does tear your heart apart. And it's good to hear you are preparing for any outcome. Just wait until she's back to her happy self!
Best wishes for a successful procedure and speedy recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You guys are AWESOME!!! Bonnie and I send our love to you all. Keep us in your prayers and hopefully it will happen soon.
You must keep us posted on how things are going. I really feel for you and Bonnie. I'm praying all goes well.
Love & Hugs, Vicki, Blazer & Kimber
Thanks for your prayers and please keep them up.
I would insert an image, but can't seem to get it accepted. If someone would steer me toward directions it might happen.
Bonnie will be having surgery on Wednesday. We are spending quality time together and having a pool party this afternoon for her "Final Four". I am mentally ready and she is great. I just cry at slightest tail wag. Thank God they are not taking her tail. 🙂
chris-bonnie
chris-bonnie said:
If someone would steer me toward directions ...
Detailed instructions for adding images to forum posts can be found in our Tech Support forum . Can't wait to see them!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We are keeping our prayers going in Portland, OR. This is such a tense time. Bonnie is a "wonder dog" and, hopefully the vets can stop this terrible disease from metastasizing.
Love, Vicki, Blazer & Kimber
Bonnie is now an official member of Tripawds. We went in yesterday morning. The operation started at 8 and around 11:30 Dr Cabell came out to get me so I could see Bonnie. She was still groggy because she had just awakened, but she was happy to see me. I saw her again about 2 hours later and she was raising her head and wagged her tail. She had not tried to stand up yet. Around 6, the technicians said that she was trying to stand but had not mastered it yet. Finally at 7 PM the door to the back opened and I saw my Bonnie standing between Dr. Cabell and a nurse. Her tail was wagging as fast as the tears were streaming down my face.
We got her to eat dinner and gave her insulin. I left to allow her to rest. That did not happen easily and they had to give her some anti-anxiety medication. I spoke to them at midnight and she was resting comfortably,
I got there first thing this morning and we brought Bonnie home by 10:30. She has not tried to walk since she got home, but has sat up , eaten a snack and had some water. I am hoping she will try to move on her own soon. I have a sling and, if she does not, I am going to try to convince her with a little help. Is this normal? I read all the stories about dogs just taking off, and Bonnie is REALLY having trouble even with assistance. She has a Fentanyl patch for pain, but I think she still hurts. How long does it take for them to stop hurting? That is HUGE incision, I know how much I would hurt just from having all those muscles cut.
It is great to both be home and she is much happier being here with her family. Her brother has spent the afternoon sleeping next to her making sure some part of him was touching her. Her mother is constantly checking her and inspecting all the work. She knows she is loved for sure.
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates were fantastic. The allowed me in the back with the dogs so I could be with Bonnie. She was hot after the surgery and I told them that when she is not sleeping on a cold floor and sleeping in bed with us that she has to have a fan and the ac turned down. Next thing I knew, they showed up with a fan for her. Everyone was caring and helpful. I felt like she could not have been in better hands. Dr. Cabell was available whenever I asked and she made sure that everyone was aware of keeping Bonnie cool before she left for the night. She was worried about Bonnie resting comfortably and said that was the main reason that she wanted her to go home today. I am the one that is scared but she said to call no matter how trivial I felt the question was.
We have made the first step... Bonnie goes back for stitch removal and chemo on the 8th of Sept. Until then, I am hoping we can both learn to walk. The rest does not matter. I have my tail wagger and its amazing what one little wag will do to your heart. I will try to send pictures for you to post later. I got the directions, but guess I will need to email them from what I can figure out. I will try to do that later today. Meanwhile, I am sitting on the floor with my Bonnie and loving every minute.
chris-bonnie
Wow, what great news about Bonnie. We really appreciate your sharing so many details about the big surgery day, and coming home. Lots of people will benefit from this. It's so hard to know what to expect unless you can talk to someone who's been through it. Thanks, Chris.
Yes, you've definitely made it past the first step. It's a doozy, but it sounds like things are going well. The fact that Bonnie is eating and drinking, and wagging her tail is a good thing. She will get up on her own soon, I'll bet, and it'll probably happen when you're not looking (although my Mom says she knows how hard it will be to take your eyes off of her for even a second!).
A little assistance is good, the old towel-under-the-belly can help, but don't force it unless she seems like she wants to try to get up on her own. She will, trust me, just be patient.
Her behaviour seems pretty normal to us. We knew there are lots of instances when dogs have walked and even ran, right after surgery, but many of those who do, crash hard right afterwards and sleep for a day or two. Others like Bonnie are a little more discretionary, and take their time moving around. She's a big girl, and probably saving up her energy for that first big potty trip!
Call your vet though, like she said, if you have any doubts or worries.
Keep us posted, and we will be happy to help you with the photos. We know you have lots on your mind right now.
Best wishes,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You can always trust Jerry to know everything you need to know. Bless his heart, he is a survivor, too. I'm so glad to hear Bonnie is doing OK. I know it is painful for you to have to watch her like this, but she will heal and, hopefully, soon will be back to her old self. I know you have the added problem of her having diabetes, but it sounds like you have one of the greatest vet's in the world. I'm so glad they took such good care of her at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates. They sound like wonderful people over there and they will, also, help you get through this. I have been waiting to hear the news about Bonnie's surgery and I'm glad you took the time to share it with us.
May god bless you and your wonderful dog,
Vicki, Blazer & Kimber
Well we can't seem to get enough of Metropolitan, and, thank God, they are there. After an almost totally sleepless night with Bonnie panting and not being able to get comfortable, we called Metropolitan and they told us to bring her back in.
Bonnie had not gone to the bathroom at all since the surgery and I was afraid that all the water she had consumed since she got home along with the IV fluids was building up and creating her discomfort. Dr. Von Esse took a look since he was the emergency doctor and Dr Cabell was in surgery. He explained that her bladder did not feel full but he would do a sonogram if I needed. I said I trusted him and to do what was necessary. Prior to the sonogram, they drew blood and urine for testing. After that they walked her outside and she urinated for them! Boy that was a relief. At that point they suggested that the discomfort might be from her Fentanyl patch and administered an antidote to counteract the effect and see if that was the problem. Sure enough, she calmed down and became my Bonnie with great big tail wags. So we removed the patch and she is on Tramadol for pain. She is eating, albeit "special" food. She likes the canned and has only gotten it in small spoonfuls in her dry food. Now she is getting it straight along with canned chicken. She is doing well on food and water so far.
After the visit, she was more alert and actually tried to walk a few steps. They she was worn out and has slept most of the day with me next to her. We both needed to catch up. Her bandage is removed and her stitches exposed. She is bruising and swelling a little but I have kept a Bella’s cold pack on her and that is helping.
We are ready for another night and she is snuggled in and snoring. Hope this is a good night and she has the strength to try a few more steps tomorrow. Will keep you all posted.
Thanks again everyone. You are my strength and support. I would not be this far without you. Bonnie says she owes you all a big lick and kiss.
chris-bonnie
I bet Bonnie's glad to be off the heavy meds. Tramadol is my pain killer of choice. And we're glad to hear the hot/cold pain relief pack helps!
All she needs now is time, and lots of rest. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Glad to hear that Bonnie has weathered the surgery and that you have a vet who not only goes the extra mile but listens to you as well. Vet's like these are angels in disguise.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the pain patch. For some dogs the side effects of the pain meds are harder on them then the pain itself. Again, great that you have a vet that understands this. Sharing your experiences may help others in the future. Now that Bonnie has that out of her system she can work on getting back to her old self. It definitely sounds like she has a great 2 legged and 4 legged support system and will be up and around in no time. One of the biggest hurdles many have is appetite so if she's eating that's a big plus. Try to stay positive for her (I know it's hard not to worry) and know that we are all rooting for her.
Hugs
Connie & Radar
Lots of hugs
As a human, I know how potent Fentanyl is. I can only imagine how hard it can be on a dog, such as nausea, difficulty urinating, etc. I'm glad the Tramadol is helping. It is a great pain reliever in short term pain therapy. It can be very hard on the stomach, I have heard, but it's not nearly as rough as the Fentanyl. I'm glad Bonnie's starting to feel better. Our hearts are with you all the way!
Love, Blazer, Vicki & Kimber
1 Guest(s)
