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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.

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Akira Joined Tripawd Family Today
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Member Since:
2 September 2016
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6 September 2016 - 11:18 pm
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Hi,

My beloved, Akira, a Shiba Inu, had her front leg amputated today.  She is currently sedated and I am sitting next to her stroking her forehead and telling her how well she did today in surgery and sending her images of what it will be like when she is active again - smiling, playful, and healthy.

She was bitten by a very poisonous brown recluse spider 4 months ago and the toxins eventually created two cancerous tumors in her leg.  Thankfully from our concerted efforts of chinese medicine, laser therapy, water therapy, reiki, and traditional medicine we were able to isolate the toxins and cancer in her one leg.  

Akira had this leg and her scapula removed today.  In preparation for the surgery (we only had 6 days notice) I found this Tripawds website and downloaded the eBook recommended.  I am extremely grateful to this site and the ebook as it helped me to quickly learn what was needed to know and what to ask to make sure that Akira had the best care.

Her surgery was a great success, our doctor and board certified surgeon were very pleased with the results.  So now we are just starting the recovery mode.  Honestly, I haven't even seen her bandage or "missing" leg and scapula yet because she is sleeping on that side in her bed.  I'll admit to being a bit overwhelmed given this is the earlier stages for us, but I take solace in having the website to reference.  What a blessing.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce us and hope to get engaged with the community.

Warmly,

Debby

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 September 2016 - 10:16 am
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Debby and Akira, welcome! We are sooo sorry about the terrible spider ordeal, wow. I'd feel overwhelmed too, anyone would. But I have to say I LOVE your attitude and the way you're envisioning a happy future ahead. It's exactly what Akira needs to feel better and get on with life and have fun again.

I'm so glad you were able to share her story with us, thank you. It reminds me a lot of Kawi, who won a fight with a rattlesnake:

Tripawd Tuesday: Kawi Wrestles the Rattlesnake

If you need anything at all please don't hesitate to ask. We'd love to see some photos! Here's a post about adding images to the forums.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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7 September 2016 - 11:28 am
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Wow... welcome to our community ... I had no clue about spiders doing that kind of damage. Eeek! 

Your positive attitude will help Akira THRIVE and do so great on three legs! Can't wait to see photos..

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

Member Since:
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7 September 2016 - 11:52 am
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Jerry thanks for sharing Kawi's story, I can definitely relate, and appreciate your positive encouragement and acknowledgments.  Thanks for the welcome, mom2shelby.

Having a hard time today.  Just took Akira to vet to be monitored through out the day, change bandage, and monitor her pain (and after a sleepless night try to get a few hours of sleep in).

Akira has been crying and yelping out periodically and it is truly heart-wrenching to hear.  I am told from our Intuitive it is partly pain and also that she is confused and scared because she realizes her leg is gone.  I just don't know how to help her get past the fear and confusion and it gets confusing for me to know whether she needs more pain medication.  She is already being given a lot and I don't want to over-medicate.  I realize no one can give me advice really on this, but if anyone has personal experience with how I am feeling and experiencing with Akira I'd greatly appreciate it.  I know this will pass, but it is absolutely heart-wrenching right now.

Thank you for listening and any encouragement, insights appreciated.

p.s. tried to attach an image for you, but it looks like I need to upload (host) somewhere else and provide a link to image?  Is that correct?  I have a personal blog I've created for Akira, but didn't include because I noticed the rules about asking for donations and there's a page that links to my Go Fund Me account so I didn't share the blog.

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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7 September 2016 - 2:28 pm
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Oh, poor Akira!  When they come home the same night as surgery it's always difficult as they still have anesthesia in their system, so they are somewhat confused.  Many dogs tend to be very vocal.  What have they sent you home with for pain control?  It's sometimes hard to balance the pain control - the side effects of the medications are similar to the signs of pain, so sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.  Murphy came home with Tramadol, Rimadyl and Gabapentin.  Some have a Fentanyl patch and some have antibiotics.  You can also apply an ice pack, wrapped in a cloth, to her incision a couple of times a day for about 10-15 minutes.  This helps with pain and with swelling.   

For pictures, yes, they need to be hosted someplace first.  I started uploading mine at Photobucket (you can start your account with your Facebook account), then you add them here by clicking on the little picture with the mountains .. at Photobucket, you click the "direct link" to copy the link, the put it in the picture with the mountains.

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 September 2016 - 3:29 pm
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I'm glad Kawi's story helped. He's really doing great these days.

Anyone who's been through recovery knows how confusing it is to manage pain medication. You aren't alone there.

What do you consider to be a lot of medication? Maybe we can guide you based on that info. We have lots of info about managing pain medication, like this post:

http://tripawds.....ts-part-1/

Yes, the photos have to be uploaded somewhere. You can still share them here by right clicking on them on your existing blog, and then copying/pasting the Image URL here in the little toolbar icon (with the image of the mountain and sun). This post about adding images discusses in detail.

And a very big "Thank you" for reading the Tripawds Fundraising Appeals Policy, it's greatly appreciated. You can feel free to share the URL of your blog but we just ask that you refrain from directly linking to fundraising pages. Thanks so much.

OH one more thing...you may appreciate these blog posts / discussions with our favorite animal communicator Stacy K:

http://download.....rom-stacy/

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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7
7 September 2016 - 3:43 pm
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Welcome and so sorry you are having a rough patch.  A lot of what you are experiencing is really quite normal, but it is heartbreaking to watch.  Donna gave you good advice.  Try to stay calm and positive.  Akira is looking to you for assurance.  If you are calm she's more apt to be if you panic so will she.  Try to just act like this is all normal.  Easier said than done I know. 😀  The first 3 or 4 days are the worst by far and after that you will find a routine that works for you.   Hope you managed to get some rest yourself today, sleep is a rare commodity these early days.  Hang in there it will get better very soon.

Hugs

Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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7 September 2016 - 4:02 pm
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I will also add that my Shelby was quite vocal (and part Shiba also) after some of the pain meds wore. The send home pain meds can make them a little nutty and confused. Shelby would pace and cry ... they are seeing pink elephants for sure! It is tough but like the others have said, be strong and she will be strong. Positive energy all around!!!

But feel free to check w/your vet about the proper dosage of meds ... you want to stay on top of the pain.

As for that leg ... dogs don't think like we do. She doesn't realize she is missing her leg. She realizes she might be in pain but it isn't grieving the loss of a limb like we humans would do! 

Hugs ... you WILL get through this!!!

Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart 

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

Member Since:
2 September 2016
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8 September 2016 - 6:21 am
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Donna, thank you so much for your insights and kind words.  It really gave me peace of mind and assurance that what we were/are experiencing is normal.  Unless you've been there no one can really get it or share wisdom and I am very grateful to this community and you taking the time to respond.

Jerry, thank you for the blog post with the animal communicator!  I have used animal communicators Akira's entire life starting when she was around 1 years old (she is 13 now) when she got pesticide poisoning and almost died from it.  That changed our life trajectory to one of organic foods, pesticide-free and toxin-free environments.  Between the animal communicator and a homeopathic vet they saved her life - not to mention Akira's incredibly strong will and desire to live, which once again saved her life this time.  🙂

Linda, thank you for your wise reminder of how important it is to stay positive for Akira.  When I was first told Akira had cancer and either amputate or let her go (only 8 short - but feels long - days ago) I really broke down emotionally for days.  Then I started reading the Tripawds ebook and my intuitive as well was saying how important my mindset was to her recovery.  So your reminder was well received and appreciated - and timely!!

Alison, part-Shiba, then you know the Shiba temperment all too well! 🙂  Willful, drama queen, and sometimes so hard to discern where to "be strong" for them and when to hunker down and address their reactions.  Given she didn't let on to how much pain she was in before learning she had bone cancer (she wanted to spare mom worry and stress), I am leaning on the side of lots of TLC and pain support.

For those who asked about her pain management support, I am happy to report after last night that I believe we've started to figure out the medication balance and weaning her off the ones that were fine for surgery and now causing angst for her.  

She has the most wonderful care team which I am eternally grateful as they monitor her very closely, give pain management support, and look for the optimal drug support and how to transition her off as comfortably and effectively as possible. Their approach is to prevent the "wind up" of pain and provide ongoing pain support with the intention to tailor off at the most opportune and earliest time without pain.

She is currently taking Gabapentin, Amantadine, Metacam, and has 2 Lidocaine patches while at home.  We will continue to monitor and wean as soon as ideal!  

Post-surgery day 1 I took her back to the vet for all day monitoring and care, so glad I did.  She received laser therapy on the incision, IV fluids (she was dehydrated), pain support only available at the clinic, and monitored her vitals closely.  I took her home the night after surgery sedated and first thing in the morning brought her back (they brought in a specialist/board certified surgeon to their clinic for the surgery and I could have transported her to their facility for overnight care but opted to bring her home for the night).  

While at the clinic the following day they gave her Acepromazine, Dexdomitor, Hydromorphone.  That evening we concluded it was definitely time to wean her off/stop the Hydromorphone (an opiod for pain) as it was really causing upset for her and lots of whining. Once that started to leave her system and we used natural anxiety support - Rescue Remedy + Lavendar she relaxed and is doing very well now.  Such relief!  I am taking her back in for ultra-support for one more day of monitoring primarily for the laser therapy, hydration as needed, and re-bandaging/patching.  I spoke with the doctor last night and we are planning to forego any more Hydromorphone and any further sedation at this point and rely on Gabapentin, Amantadine, and Lidocaine patches for pain support going forward.

[Image Can Not Be Found][Image Can Not Be Found]

Not sure these photos are posting?  Here's a gallery of pics of Akira and me over the years with some recent tripawd pics, too: Akira and Me

My next "hurdle" is I am so afraid to pick her up because I am afraid to hurt her so that doesn't work so well yet.  Since she is bandaged I have a hard time knowing where to hold her.  I believe we are taking the bandages off Monday following this weekend.  

Thanks again everyone for so much encouragement and support!!  It really made a LOT of difference during the first few days after surgery and I'll definitely reach out as we continue the path.  

Warmly,

Debby

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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8 September 2016 - 10:19 am
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OMG .. those photos!!! Some of those photos remind me SO much of my sweet Shelby! That face!!!! And yes, Shiba's are strong-willed pups! I am so glad the med situation is getting worked out. It is such a balance and it's a hard thing when they can't speak. 

She will continue to improve and you guys will figure out your way and how to hold and snuggle on Akira. She will let you know as I suspect she won't want to be away from her mama for long...

SUCH cute photos!!!! Thank you for sharing!

XO

Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart 

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

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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8 September 2016 - 12:09 pm
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Akira is absolutely adorable!  Just a stunning girl.  The bond and love you share with her is amazing.  Glad to hear things are starting to look brighter on the meds end of it.  This is one intense journey but you're doing wonderfully well!  

Member Since:
2 September 2016
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23 September 2016 - 10:50 pm
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Thank you, Linda!  The past 2 weeks have been beyond intense and being so sleep deprived I just now found my way back to the forum.  Akira is doing better and we sleep more now the past week.  She's been on the Lidocaine patch for 2 weeks now and as a highly sensitive dog we are having to follow intuition when and how we wean her off the pain medications safely and as quickly as possible.

I've posted some new pictures and blog posts to her website where you can follow her progress: AkiraAndMe.com

Today is my birthday and you'll also hear a rather vulnerable, raw, and authentic video I shot and also see a video from today where Akira is looking really good! (look for the 2 blog posts from today)

Next week we wean off Lidocaine patches and at the end of the week begin massage and water therapy (very very gentle - like watsu - to begin).  It's been distressing to see that one of her back legs she is walking uncomfortably likely from the imbalance of only have one front leg.  We need to get her musculoskeletal support for balance and comfort.

I've just started reading up on the "Living with 3 Legs" ebook on the next phase and rehabilitation.  FOREVER grateful to Tripawds.com and the 2 Getting Started ebooks.  I've shared them with both of our vets (one is traditional and other holistic) and our RVT water therapist and they were all very impressed.  So happy to spread the word and support education for other tripawds to come.

Warmly,

Debby

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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23 September 2016 - 11:38 pm
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Hoppy Birthday Debby! I hope that you and Akira had a grand celebration. It does sound like she is making loads of progress, that's wonderful. She is getting awesome post-op care from some great vets!

Thank you for the kind words about the ebooks, and spreading the word about the Tripawds Community, that means sooo much.

P.S. Very cool to see you are using the Thundercap on her. We too have used it for years with Wyatt Ray . It's miraculous isn't it?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
2 September 2016
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23 September 2016 - 11:47 pm
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Thanks!!  I feel eternally grateful for the compassionate, heart-centered, and skilled care she is receiving from some amazing vets!  Happy to share the impact you are making with people like me and their beloved dogs!  Truly a gift and the positive feedback I am receiving from the practitioners when I show them the ebooks is wonderful.  They are quite impressed and I find them flipping through the ebooks and saying how thorough the information really is (yes, I printed them out even though the links within provide oodles of additional resources).  I will continue to share the materials with them as we collaborate on Akira's best rehabilitation and care post op.  Our new "bible" for Akira!  

Our traditional vets office has a "Fear-Free" program and they use both the thunder shirts and the thunder caps (this one was new to me).  I thought the thunder shirts were awesome - and they are - then I got to see first-hand the thunder cap in action while Akira was getting her laser therapy.  Awesome!!

Thanks for all you do!  Happy to share Akira's story (feel free to share blog posts) if I can help someone like myself going through this very challenging time.  The reassurance I received with all your resources and this forum truly made the difference!

Warmly,

Debby

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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24 September 2016 - 12:17 pm
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akirasmom said
...the thunder caps (this one was new to me).

We've used the Calming Cap with Wyatt for various purposes over the years and love it! It's his Kryptonite... way-cool

Tripawds Stress Less with the Calming Cap

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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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