Hello everyone, I dont know if I am doing this right or not but here goes. Cooper became a tripawd on Tuesday October 26th, 2010.He was diagnosed with bone cancer in his left front leg 3 weeks ago, I took him for a second opinion as the first vet didnt do any xrays, and also more or less stated that Cooper was better off left for dead than to try anything. The second opinion did confirm bone cancer, but the vet offered us some treatment options. Coopers chest xrays came back perfectly clear just before his surgery, and the vet said his bloodwork could not have been more perfect. Coop came through the surgery just fine, but was VERY slow in recovery. He came home Wednesday afternnon, but could not get up at all on his own ( background info – sorry ) Cooper is part lab part newfy so he is pretty good size, he was 119 pounds on the day of surgery. Cooper is also not a ball of fire he is very laid back, never been much of a runner. On the first morning I was able to get Cooper outside with the sling the vet fashioned , but then Cooper laid down and showed no interest in getting backup, I had to call my wife home from work to help me carry him in. I searched and found a 24/7 mergency pet center with rehab for post op dogs about 50 miles from here, I was able to drive there and pick up a rear suuport sling which after getting that home I was able to get Coop in and out about 5 times through the day. Cooper hasnt pottied yet, my vet says he is super concerned yet, that when Coop really has to go he will, but that is my major concern right now, as of this morning Cooper was able to get up on all 3 just by me giving a tug on his collar and he walked outside without me supporting his rear at all, just light support on his collar. His new Ruffwear Harness will be here today too , so hopefully that will be an aid. But have any of you veterans had situations where the pup just would go potty? any tips or ideas? I have been scouring this website since I found it and it is a wealth of info! there are so many carry pet owners here! Thanks for any advice in advance!

Coopsdad

Welcome Cooper and Coopsdad,

My suggestion would be get the wine out and get ready to celebrate. That's what we did the first time Fortis had a movement!!! Just like the admin said we hooted and hollered. I can only imagine what the neighbors must have thought.  Seriously, do keep an eye our for any abdominal discomfort and call your vet if you have concerns. Keep us updated. we are sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Fortis'Dad

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. Coopers doctor said the same thing,  that when he has to go he will go,but I still worry. He urinated at the hospital but hasnt even done that since he came home, he doesnt stand up long enough to do either – can they go laying down? I will surely celebrate when he finally goes! Also waiting for him to learn to center the remaining front leg in the center when he steps, he cant seem to get the hang of that! I know its only been days , but it feels like months! The level of love and care I see on this forum is amazing! Thanks everyone, I would be in an institution by now I think if I had not found tripawds!!

Your way ahead of me. It took me 6 months to start a blog!

For posting pictures here on the forum follow this tutorial posted by the famous CometDog.

here's a little tutorial since you probably have a Facebook account.

http://tripawds…..mp;ret=all

Fortis'Dad

here is Cooper before his surgery.[Image Can Not Be Found]