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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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15 year old front leg amputation
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Member Since:
16 December 2016
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22 December 2016 - 9:06 am
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Sally- I honestly think it is both. She can pull up some on her back legs, but she never stands all the way up. Her front leg is just not strong enough. There has been two times when she almost was up and the front leg collapsed and she hit her mouth on the fall.
So last night, I told her goodnight and went upstairs. I laid down and could hear her whining and barking. After a few minutes I couldn't handle it so I headed back to her...as soon as she could feel the vibration of someone coming down the stairs she stopped. I stopped moving, she started again, we repeated this several times... haha...cat and mouse games. So I went and sit with her until 3am- I couldn't hold my eyes open...and she finally decided it was bed time and let me leave with no crying.
This morning..
Breakfast✔️
Sponge Bath✔️
Medicine✔️
Incision cleanup✔️
Leg exercises✔️
Lots of loving✔️
I am going to take her outside now and see how she reacts today. Then time to get ready for the vet!
Wishing you all a great day.

Virginia







Member Since:
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22 December 2016 - 1:48 pm
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You are such a good Mom! I KNOW this is soooo stressful and you are exhausted beyond words! You are doing a great job!!!

Knowing thst she's deaf and felt comforted feeling the vibrations of your steps coming to be with her....heartstrings pulled over here!!!!

Is there anyway you could get someone to move your mattress downstairs? Or maybe you could swing buying a twin mattress for the floor?

Your check off list just shows yet again the devotion and love you have for this sweeeeet and adorable girl!!

I'm glad the Vet will check her all over again. She is trying soooo hard! Bless her heart! Muscle loss and lessening strength happens with all seniors, regardless of the species. All the adjustments may just take a little longer

Has she pooped yet??

We'll be looking for an update after your Vet visit as soon as you can, okay?

Hugs and love!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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:
16 December 2016
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22 December 2016 - 6:14 pm
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She's my baby! We have grew up together! She's always been there...the thoughts of losing her, well I just can't...

The vet visit went well. He said he can definitely see major improvement with her- she is perky and even wants me to carry her around her waist now so she can see the world, which frees one of my hands up to do important stuff like entering my PIN number (which the girls at the vet have memorized by this point). He took her back and cleaned her wound again. It looks so much better, but he chose not to remove stables just yet. And he says she is going to poop soon! He sees it and I didn't ask questions, I will trust him on that one 🙉. He said to be patient- she is old and it is going to take her longer to get up and for me to help her with strengthing her torso and chest area. He stopped her tramadol but kept her on the carprofen for her arthritis. He was not comfortable starting her on gabapentin, for a couple reasons, first she doesn't act like she is in pain. He said she never makes a peep and is so well behaved. Second, it could make her more groggy and he needs her to wake up and get up! I have the pain meds if needed, but he wants to see how she does without them. If in time we find she needs medicine, he will make that happen. She had a cheeseburger on the way home, was an angel as I snuck in hobby lobby to grab a last minute Christmas present, and when we got home, her baby brothers were in the front yard so I thought that was a perfect opportunity to let them hang for a minute. I laid her on the ground and they ran by her and oh she got mad! It was the hardest I had seen her try to get up. And finally she sits up on her tail and back legs and pulls that front paw in front. So there she sits and as I fumbled for my phone to get a picture, down she went! I told the boys to stop teasing her they would regret it when she finally got up. But I was thrilled and I tried to put her back in that position, but she was exhausted- we had a long day! I just ran to tractor supply to pick up more supplies (pee pads, little champions pouches, some ear cleaner, and a specific shampoo the vet suggested for where the infection has ran on her skin and possibility caused a yeast infection. So special bath tonight! 

I can't move my bed downstairs I have young children upstairs and it's not feasible for me to sleep down there with her. I have three children on the 3rd floor and 2 in the second floor. I have to stay on the first floor to be in ear shot of everything going on. We were right in the middle of a remodel when this happened, bathroom completely gutted. And she can't come upstairs because it is entirely hardwood or tile and dangerous for her. And none of my pups come upstairs. The basement is their stomping ground. So it's comfortable and familiar to her.

Appreciate all the support. I just got home, going to prep for bath #2! 

Love and hugs, 

Shawna & Gracie 



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22 December 2016 - 6:31 pm
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Hi Shawna,

There was a cat about the same age as Gracie who also got an infection and the healing was slower. I'm happy your vet recognized this and the possible yeast infection. Infections might make Gracie feel yucky and hopefully she'll feel better soon.

You certainly have a lot going on with your dogs, children and decommissioned bathroom. Gracie did well today sitting up! You can do it Gracie!!

Many hugs,

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

Member Since:
16 December 2016
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22 December 2016 - 8:20 pm
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Someone is clean and happy! That shampoo works wonders! Apparently the smell was NOT from the actual incision, but really from where the pus ran down her skin and gave her a yeast infection on her neck and chest. A full bath was fun...I pulled the rug away from the drain in the basement, laid her on some pee pads, got two buckets of warm water and proceeded to soak her the best I could avoiding the direct amputation site (covered it with the waterproof gauze) and soaped her up real good. It had to sit for 15 minutes at which time I gawked over her and she wagged her tail proceeding to throw water all over me and the walls! 15 minutes later, a good warm rinse and towel dry which took no time with her being shaved and now we are cuddled up on the couch fighting sleep! 

I have to keep the incision covered anytime I am holding her or have her on the couch because it still drains blood and just oozes...and any chance she gets, she will lick that off of a towel, pad...I assume that is normal and she ignores me when I tell her it is gross and whines when I take it from her so she can't lick it anymore. Anyone know??

Sweetest dreams from me and my Gracie girl! 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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22 December 2016 - 9:49 pm
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These two most recent posts of your really have me smiling! 🙂

I'm so glad the Vet visit went well AND glad that he's pleased with her recovery!!!

And I'm also smiling because it makes me so happy to see YOU so happy to see Zeus showing signs of being happy again!!! YAY FOR HAPPINESS!!! 🙂 :-):-) 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Wagging her tail, looking alert, letting you carry her, trying to go after her brothers AND GETTING HERSELF IN A SITTING UP POSITION!!!! HUGE IMPROVEMENTS!!!! Oh, and smelling good too!!

Cutting back on the Tramadol may help. But I like that you still have it on hand should she need it.

If I recall, Zeus has had one poop, right? So how long has kt been since she pooped? Hope that cheeseburger helps!!

A d heah, dogs seem to like licking up any infection droplets, etc. Yuck!! Maybe it's an instinctive thing so, kf they were in the wild no predator could track them.and assume they were injured or ill.

And one more reason to smile: Zeus could not have a better caregiver cheering her o ! I looooove that you recognize and appreciate and applaud every improvement!!! You are doing a truly spectacular job!

And here's hoping you are gonna get some good sleep tonight!

Hugs and love!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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:
16 December 2016
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23 December 2016 - 4:36 am
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Well I woke up to get the hubs off to work and came downstairs to see Gracie, she caught me and so we are back snuggled on the couch...she certainly loves being up here with me. I may sneak a nap in with her before the rest of the house wakes up. 

At this point she has not had a poop for me. The vet said she had several good movements before I brought her home 12/16 so it's been a week today. I have asked every time I talk to the vet and he is not concerned. 

So I'm on poo watch! Ha

Member Since:
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24 December 2016 - 8:25 am
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You two are going through so, so much - you are doing a terrific job!  Gracie is adorable and sure seems to be giving it her all - what a trauma to go through, especially at her age.  I well remember poop watch and hope you see poopicon_pngsoon - it was very exciting for me when Tai finally pooped after surgery. 

BTW, that video of your daughter reading to Gracie is so cute!  She has so much love and support around her.

Best wishes and hugs to you

Tracey and Tai  heart

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16 December 2016
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24 December 2016 - 9:46 pm
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Well Gracie has had a good day. I've held her up at least three times on her back legs kind of like snuggling a pillow. She just wagged her tail!  I swear she has always been so well behaved, but this has shown me even more what a good girl she is. Tonight was the big bath night again with the special shampoo for yeast and she just lays there and lets me scrub her up real good and waits her 15 minutes patiently wagging that tail the whole time. I think for once in her life she loves being clean, especially since she messes herself every time she goes. There's not a single time that I don't remember her running outside and rolling around in the dirt immediately after a bath. That's hard for me because I want to see her run again! She continues to try to get up occasionally but no luck yet. I'm afraid she will give up. I keep getting her up and she's just like a limp biscuit...Temps in KY have been good enough to go outside but it's rained for two days so that didn't happen. I know that being out will lift her spirits! Without her coat, it's hard to judge her body temps. She's always been so warm natured, but now she shivers all the time. I thought maybe it was the meds, but she's been completely off the pain pills since Thursday. We have a fire going in the basement to warm her up and then I fear it's too hot for her. She's not been barking or whining unless I leave her...she usually does this when she tries to get up and couldn't but now she just huffs and lays back down. She rolls from side to side a lot more now and the amputation site only has one spot still draining and that is a pinkish ooze, NO infection at all! Thank goodness for that! She is happiest when I hold her, when I am around, or my daughter Macy who has always claimed her as her dog! How I long to see them curled up and asleep together again! She spends a lot of time with her too and my husband is joining in on the spoiling! He bought her 6lbs of pepperoni today! Gracie has ate 3 of the little champion pouches since yesterday, in addition to her regular chicken and rice dish. I tried to sneak some pumpkin in again today and I actually ended up wearing it...

I have so much hope that she will get up! But then I am overcome with worry! I had a severe injury in 2015 and I didn't walk for 15 weeks...after the 2nd week my muscles were so broken down, they just kind of hung there. I'm sure that's happening to her as well. I need to get her stronger and I don't know how to do that. But for tonight, she is warm and content laying here with me and that makes me happy too. Merry Christmas to all you tripawd lovers out there! May your holiday be bright and your year blessed! 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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24 December 2016 - 10:32 pm
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I know it's jard to focus on the improvement she is making, when you are so worried about her walking. I can certainly understand, but each improvement will lead to another improvement, and then another, and then to sitting up on her own, ten to standing.

I think I already asked you. Does she show reaction kf you gently pinch one of her back paws or legs?

Okay, it's been eight days now since poop? I can't help but think itsw time for a little "intervention" from a Vet. She's a senior and the last thing you want to deal with is an impact! If only pepperoni nad a lot of fiber!

The fact that she's not whining and barking when trying to sta d up isn't a sign if givr up. She's just not as freaked out or as stressed about it now. It doesn't scare her as much.

Do you jave another Vet you coukd see for a second opinion? Maybe someone looking at her with a different set of eyes could offer some more suggestions. I guess the other Vet already ruled out any disc issues, or nerve damage or neurological issues???

Prior to surgery, no indication of bad arthritis, or spine issues, etc??

I would think that she wags her tail so vigorously is a good sign too!!

It still may boil down to the bottom line that she's a senior a d just needs MORE rime. That is certainly a very big possibility!!

She clearly has a lot of spunk! After all, she dressed you up in the pumpkin yiu tried to make her eat!!

She really ks doing very well though! I'm certainly not minimy her mobility issues, but the "rest" of ner recovery is looking good! So glad the incision is healing...slowly but surely!

Okay GRACIE, GRACE, EMMA GRACE! TIME TO STOP WORRYING YIUR MOM!! TIME TO POOP AND TIME TO SIT UP!!!! Then comes the walking, then comes the running!!!

But you do get YAAAAAAAAAY FOR TURNING OVER FROM O E SIDE TO THE OTHER!!!

Lots of hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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 July 2014
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24 December 2016 - 11:52 pm
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I know you have received a lot of encouragement from others so I'd like to add some. Gracie had a couple of set backs with first the infection at the incision site and then the yeast infection. I would imagine these infections make her feel poorly. I'd hope that when the incision site is healed and the stitches are out then she'll be ready to get moving. An animal rehab specialist can help you with this. It might be worth looking for one now and you can do a phone consultation to find out the best time to start. Gracie will need to learn how to balance a little differently.

My cat Mona did weeks of face plants and spinning when getting up quickly. I took Mona in for a chiropractic treatment and learned how to massage her and some stretching and range of motion exercises. She got stronger over time and figured out ways to adapt. 

Enjoy your cuddle time with Gracie. I'm sure it helps to make her feel secure and loved.

Hugs,

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

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25 December 2016 - 9:38 pm
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Thank you all for the encouragement. Today has been a busy day as I am sure you can imagine, but I've been with Gracie as much as possible... we just finished watching the Christmas Story since the kids are all tucked in after Christmas craziness! Gracie has ate real good today and had two sponge baths. We had one little hard ball of poo this morning! Still waiting on some major poop, boy it's going to be a mess when that happens! 

To answer some of the questions- We started seeing signs of arthritis in Gracie about 4 years ago so she does have a history of that which is one of the reasons the vet left her on carprofen. She has really good feeling in her paws and she had full body X-rays that were reviewed by 3 vets to rule out any additional injuries prior to the amputation. The only thing visible is the arthritis in her back legs. Her regular vet and I text often, but he doesn't do orthopedic surgeries so that is why he referred me to this vet to do the surgery. He doesn't have much input on the amputation because that is something he would always refer out- he just says to give her time, she will get there at her own speed. He said I could give her miralax to help her bowels move. He thinks the no pooping is because 1. She isn't walking, 2. She can't get in a position to push it out, 3. She probably doesn't want to make a mess being a house broken doggie. 

Where do I find a rehabilitation specialist? I have done an internet search but no luck. Is this something common? I am definitely interested in this! 

Wishing you all peaceful rest tonight and hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! 

Shawna and Gracie



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25 December 2016 - 10:06 pm
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A little poo is good. I know what the vet means about walking. Although I don't have a dog when I dog sit I always walk them to get them going. He sounds like a vet that understands Gracie.

Here is some rehab info that includes how to apply for funds for your first rehab consultation: http://tripawds.....n-therapy/

Isn't that great? They also have a link to rehab specialists: http://www.cani.....apist.html

It'll be exciting when her stitches come out. Enjoy the holidays with your family.

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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25 December 2016 - 10:35 pm
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Kerren gave you ood links to check out. And as she pointed out, Gracie has been through a lot! A d hes, those who have used a Rehab Specialist al.ost always give glowing replrts on hkw much it helped their dogs!! Acupuncture may be soy that they might consider too!

Wnere do you live? Maybe someone knows of a Specialist.

It's so good thst she's eating!

And now ladies ad gentlemen...drum roll please.....we have ONE TINY POOP BALL TO CELEBRATE!!!
After 11 days (I do believe that's a record), we have a tiny poop!! 🙂 🙂

And really glad to hear all the xrays a d work up done prior to surgery don't show any damage! Feeling in toes and legs...all good!

Don't know much about the Miralax, maybe others do. It seems like she coukd use a stool softener or something to help her along since she refuses to eat pumpkin.

Again, almost all dogs here were limping arpund on three for weeks, or even months before diagnosis and surgery. Gracie didn't have thst...hmmm...warm up practice time! Additional recovery time and additional tipawd adjustment time certainly makes sense.

Thanks for the update. I know you have your hands full, but we appreciate the updates. I look forward to seeing continued improvements! You hear that Miss Emma Grace??!

Love and hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!

On The Road


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26 December 2016 - 1:00 pm
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graciemama said
Where do I find a rehabilitation specialist

Check out the Rehab links on the Resources page. The Canine Rehab Institute has a directory you can search to find a CCRT or CCRP near you, as does the AARV when searching for a CERP or VMRT. Visit any of these certified professionals and you may be eligible fro reimbursement for your first visit thanks to the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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