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Fawkes - Belgian Tervuren, Knee Injury (What to Expect?)
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Member Since:
1 April 2017
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3 April 2017 - 8:21 pm
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Hi, everyone. 

I'm Tanya and Fawkes is my 12 yr old Belgian Tervuren. He tore his cruciate a year and eight months ago.  He's had 2 surgeries, many failures,  complications,  drug issues and now resistant infection that has culminated in amputation this coming Friday. 

Can anyone here please tell me what to expect when I pick him up from surgery?  Will I need supplies to change bandages? Will the pain be more than his knee surgery? 

I have lots of questions and I'm not sure where to start. 

Thanks, 

Tanya 

On The Road


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3 April 2017 - 10:07 pm
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2gr8tervs said
Will the pain be more than his knee surgery? 

Honestly, in most cases amputation recovery is easier on dogs than CCL surgery. In fact, the vast majority of dogs cope with recovery much better than we silly people do. Our best advice is to Be More Dog .

Many vets do not even apply bandages. Please consult yours regarding any special discharge instructions—some insert a drain to help discharge fluid. You'll find more information about post-op wound care in the Tripawds News blog .

Check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the various FAQs for lots of information about what to expect during recovery. Every dog is different, and many members have shared their experiences here in the forums and in the Tripawds Blogs . A quick search found this forum topic specifically about what to expect.

While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!

Start here if you ever need help navigating the vast resources this community has to offer.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.

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

Member Since:
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3 April 2017 - 10:14 pm
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Thank you for your response.  I'll take a look through all of the suggested links.  I did try to search for what to expect and came up with nothing.  I must not have used the right wording. Thanks again. 

Michigan
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3 April 2017 - 10:55 pm
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Hi Tanya ~

Fawkes will probably spend a night or two in the hospital.  Murphy came home on Tramadol, Rimadyl & Gabapentin for pain.  Some dogs come home with a Fentanyl patch and some with antibiotics (I assume Fawkes will have antibiotics, since he already has an infection going on).  You can also use an ice pack, wrapped in a cloth, on the incision for 10-15 minutes a couple of times a day for pain & to help reduce swelling.  Most dogs are able to walk ok, but some take a little bit of time to figure things out.  Rest is very important, so just short leash potty breaks, limit stairs, no jumping on furniture.  The staples usually will come out in about 12 -14 days.  Murphy had a front leg removed & came home with a dressing, but it only stayed on for a day or two.  After that we put a t-shirt on him to keep his incision clean.  For rear legs, some will put boxer shorts on, with their tail going through the fly.  Males sometimes take a little bit to figure out how to balance to pee, but he'll get it.  I think someone said that they took their dog to the corner of the house and kind of propped him up to help him out.  lol  Most dogs seem to hate us interfering with their potty habits and almost seem intent on just not going at all if we try to help (stubborn things!).  Sometimes they don't have much of an appetite after surgery - whether it's from surgery itself or from the medications, who knows?  So whatever you can get him to eat works!  I cooked rice and poured chicken broth over it, then added chunks of chicken to it.  Murphy took his pain meds with peanut butter.  Make sure that you space out his medications so that he gets something every couple of hours - not everything at one time.  He will probably take them for 2-3 weeks, weaning down during the 2nd week.  You probably won't sleep a whole lot the first couple of nights, but you'll get through this.

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

Virginia







Member Since:
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3 April 2017 - 11:02 pm
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Hi Tanya and yiur handsome Fawkes!!

Oh gosh! We have a other magnificent Terv here named NOVAK! He's an athletic rear legger and is doing unbelievably well!!

You have some great links from the Admin Guy. As heartbreaking and scary as it is to have to move forward with an amputation, it really is a solution that will help your Fawkes get back to living life to the fullest!

He really will amaze you once he gets past recocery!! It IS MAJOR SURGERY and it does hurt. The pain meds will help with that though.

We have another member here, "Meg", who jad her front let amputated due to recurring issues resulting in numerous surgeries, etc. That dog is like a puppy again! Enjoying playing full out and getting to be a dog again! 🙂

This is ONE surgery and, although recovery can be rough for about two weeks, it is one that removes a bum infected a d painful leg.

Your pup will probably spend one night at the 24 hr clinic. He'll most likely come home with an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory like Rimadyl, Tramadol and Gabapentin.

Some dogs come home somewhat lethargic. Some dogs, like my Happy Hannah, are restless and uncomfortable and whining for a couple of nights.

Your pup needs rest and only to go out for short potty breaks and then more rest. No jumping up on the bed and no stair climbing for awhile.

Drinking and peeing are more important than eating and poopi g the first several days. You do want to make sure he eats e ough food to coat his tummy when he gets his meds though.

You'll want non slip scatter rugs or yoga mats to cover jardwood floors for traction .

When you pick your pup up, don't even look at his incision. Just look into his druggy eyes and tell him what a good boy he is! All he cares about is getting out of there and going home with you!! 🙂 Be strong and confident! You are doing this FOR him, not TO him!!

Some dogs come home with bandaging, some don't. There are a lot of stitches and there is a lot of shaved fur! Some dogs have to wear a cone to stop itching the incision. My Happy Hannah never bothered hers though.

There will be swe@ling and bruising, and maybe a little drainage.

Keep a note of meds, the dose amounts, etc. You may have to tweak the doses to keep the pain managed. Sometimes there is a bit of a crash around day three because all the hospital meds are out of their system.

Most importantly, STAY CONNECTED! You are not alone!! We are all right here ro help in anyway we can! Stock lots of chocolate! It comes in handy those first two weeks!!!

Keep us posted! We would love to see some pictures of Fawkes 🙂 🙂

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!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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3 April 2017 - 11:08 pm
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Here's the link to a videomof Novak running....You'll love it!! 🙂

http://tripawds.....-and-vega/

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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3 April 2017 - 11:17 pm
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benny55 said
Here's the link to a video of Novak running...

Don't miss Novak's blog too, and all the forum topics started by his mom (voodoo)...

Topics started by 'voodoo'

Novak's blog

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

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3 April 2017 - 11:23 pm
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My Otis lost his front leg to osteosarcoma, and his sister Tess had cruciate repair.  For us, recovery from the amputation was much easier.  The first two weeks are intense, but once the staples come out, about day 10 - 14, many dogs really perk up.  I did not have to change any bandages, but you might want to have some pee pads available in case a seroma develops or there is any drainage.  (We had none, but it is not uncommon).  Otherwise, many of the recovery "rules" are very similar - limited activity, no stairs or jumping on furniture, etc., although you will have more meds for the amputation, at least for the first 2 weeks.  

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Livermore, CA




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3 April 2017 - 11:58 pm
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Hello and welcome.  I'm sorry your boy has gone through so much!

My pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to mast cell cancer.  She was hopping the day of surgery, although she didn't get far, and was on pain meds for about two weeks.  Our surgeon told us Maggie was only allowed short, leashed potty breaks for the first two weeks, after that she was allowed to do what she wanted.  Years later my pug boy Obie had knee surgery on one side, then two years later the other side.  He was on pain meds for 4 to 5 weeks each time and was on crate rest for 6 to 8 weeks each time, followed by weeks of limited activity.

When Maggie had her amp I didn't know much about rehab and strength building, I let her do what she wanted and what she was able.  Now I have a pug mix rear amp named Elly who lost her leg after being hit by a car.  We spend time every day on core strength and balance which is really important for Tripawds.  We also have done lots of classes, mostly because she has trust and fear issues, but we have learned tricks and obedience and I use those skills to help with strength and balance.  We are doing Nose Work classes right now which is an excellent activity for Tripawds as it challenges their brain and tires them out without a lot of stress on the joints. 

Good luck with the surgery and keep us posted.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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4 April 2017 - 9:11 am
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Thanks everyone for your responses.

For both knee surgeries,Fawkes has been a champion patient.I hope the amputation is not too different. He's had a lot of troubles with pain medications and as a result can not take any anti-inflammatories. It sure makes this road difficult. Luckily he seems to not have any side effects from fentanyl. He's already taking near the max amount of gabapentin in a day and his pain from the infection(?) or damage to the joint (?) is barely managed. I almost think he'll feel better after surgery than before.

And thanks for sharing about Novak. My Fawkes is actually Novak's uncle laughing It is mostly due to Voodoo that I am here. She has shared with me how supportive and knowledgeable the group is. So far you have not disappointed winker

I'll spend some time going through all the links that have been shared with me, but I am already not feeling so ill-prepared for Friday's surgery. Afterall, I already have ramps and pee pads.

I'll get a pic up once I learn how smiley

Tanya & Fawkes

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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4 April 2017 - 9:24 am
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OOOOOOOMMMMMMDDDDDD!!! FAWKES IS NOVAK's UNCLE!! That is UNBELIEVABLE!! And Fawkes and Novak are here now with all of us cheering them both on ! 🙂 🙂

Have you gotten a tatoo of Fawkes yet? 🙂 Novak's turned out beautifully 🙂

Ramps, pee pads, pain meds, us and chocolate! Yep, you're prepared!!

Hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS. Can't wait to see pictures 🙂

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!

London, UK


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4 April 2017 - 11:42 am
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Hi Tanya and Fawkes, and welcome!

I'm struck by the similarities with what my Meg went through. Multiple surgeries (in her case on her elbow), complications, further surgeries and ultimately a chronic infection resulting in amputation.

The good news is that you have loads of experience to help you handle Fawkes's recovery. Every dog is different of course, and every situation is different, but if our experience is anything to go by, recovery from amputation was FAR more straightforward and less stressful than from Meg's previous surgery (in her case, a total elbow replacement). The great advice you've been given above will help get you started and this wonderful community will support and guide you through. You will not be alone.

Meg is now just over a year post amp and I look back on her surgery with the most tremendous sense of relief. That was the day our lives began to get better. We put all those failed surgeries behind us, the months of confinement etc. etc. And we've never looked back. Meg runs after hares, swims daily, digs up the garden as soon as I plant it whateverand generally lives a joy-filled life full of everything she loves. Her amputation enabled that. I hope and believe that after all you've been through, the future will be every bit as bright for you.

Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

On The Road


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4 April 2017 - 9:03 pm
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Oh wow we didn't know that you already had a connection with Novak! When we first read your story he was top of our mind and we hoped you would connect. Now that you already have, you are totally prepared, so don't worry too much! We will be here for you every step of the way, never fear.

Here is a post about adding images to the forums. If you'd like assistance please let us know and we'll share them so we can see what gorgeous Fawkes looks like. Can't wait!

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

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5 April 2017 - 1:20 pm
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Sharing a few photos.

[Image Can Not Be Found]

On The Road


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5 April 2017 - 1:39 pm
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Oh drats, sorry that didn't work. Are you on a laptop or desktop? Or mobile device? We'll try to help.

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

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