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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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my 10 yr old lab is having op on Tuesday. Feeling very nervous.
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leesa
1
19 June 2016 - 5:04 pm
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Hi,

I've been reading lots of blogs on here, which have helped tremendously. My 10yr old lab was diagnosed with OSA in her left back leg last week and I have been in pieces ever since, crying, unable to sleep with worry and not knowing what to do! I was so unsure as to whether to go for the amputation and even now I keep questioning myself. She is due to have surgery on Tuesday and already I am beside myself with worry. I would be most grateful for any advice to help me and my fur baby...

I also have another dog at home and am worried how she will be when my lab gets home.

Many thanks,

Leesa

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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19 June 2016 - 6:44 pm
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Hi Leesa,

We are so very sorry to hear about your pup. I know that every one of us felt just like you do and shed a lot of tears when we got the same news. What's your dog's name?

We're so glad you found us. Have you seen Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books ? You'll find lots of our most helpful tips there and our amazing community will come through soon too, so hang in there.

As for your other dogs, based on what we've seen here, dogs just instinctively know how to leave the recovering patient alone so they can heal (unless there's a big dumb goofy puppy in the house!). What's your other dog like?

Having a recovery area set up for your new Tripawd will help tremendously, as will putting traction down on floors. And you know what the #1 best thing(s) you can do are?

Be strong. Be pawsitive. Know in your heart, and show it, that your dog can heal and have a great life on three legs! You set the precedent for recovery. The stronger and more optimistic you are, the easier recovery will be for everypawdy. Really, it works! And we'll be able to help you every step of the way.

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

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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19 June 2016 - 6:47 pm
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OH! Please consider registering as a member so your future posts won't need approval OK?

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

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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20 June 2016 - 3:31 am
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Murphy had a front leg removed due to a different kind of cancer.  Our other dogs pretty much left him alone.  He stayed in the family room with us, and they would be near him, but they didn't really bother him.  The first 2 weeks after surgery are the hardest, and some dogs need a little more time than that to recover, but after recovery they do really well.  Murphy came home on 3 different pain medications, so make sure that you give the medications around the clock for adequate coverage.  If you have wood floors, you'll want to cover them so that she has some better traction .  Either rugs with rubber backing or even yoga mats work.  A raised food bowl will help her so she doesn't have to strain to eat/drink.  A great harness will help to protect her good front leg - we have the Webmaster Ruffwear harness .  You can find it on the home page under gear.  It has a handle on the top which allows us to hold Murphy when he gets in or out of the car.  The newest version comes with a brush guard which should help keep it from slipping for front legged amputees. 
If your girl is otherwise healthy, she should do pretty good.  She's not going to miss that leg.  She just knows that the pain will be going away.  Remember that you are doing this for her, not to her.  And if you have any questions, we'll be here!

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

Member Since:
17 May 2016
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20 June 2016 - 6:44 am
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I was second guessing myself about my cat Teddy's surgery, even still the day of it! Just as was said above, which I was also told on this site when I posted a similar post to yours.... You doing it for your pet, not to them. When I was sobbing in my vets office they reminded me that I was prolonging Teddy's life this way.... That eased my mind. I can't speak for dogs, but my other cat also left Teddy alone during recovery, teddy would go to her if wanted her attention. Hang in there, it's tough. My cat is 3 weeks into recovery and I'm amazed. The members of this community are awesome, don't be afraid to lean on them!

teresa and teddy 

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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20 June 2016 - 7:05 am
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I also have two dogs at home - Tess is a lab/some sort of hunting dog and Otis is a lab/Dane.   Tess had cruciate repair last summer, and Otis was incredibly caring, even relinquishing "his" spot on the mattress so that she and I had it to ourselves.  He waited until she started to initiate play.   When Otis had his amputation in February, Tess acted the same.   She was very caring and careful of him.   The bond between animals is amazing.  Last night, Otis did not sleep well, and Tess was curled up in a tight little ball at the foot of the bed - at times, I can judge how one dog is feeling by the behavior of the other.  Once he fell asleep , she stretched out and did the same.   My two cents is don't worry too much about the second dog.   You might have to police them a bit, to make sure that neither initiates too much activity too soon, but I think they know when their companion is not feeling well.

We are also big fans of the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus harness (see the gear blog for photos, and my blog has photos of Otis wearing it).   A rear legger can use it almost immediately, I think, which will be helpful to get her up/out of cars, etc. 

We are four months out, after a fracture, and I would absolutely make the same decision again, even if this was all the time we got (which I hope it is not).  Otis can't walk as far, but other than that, he is happy and the same dog as he was before.   He can chase cats and squirrels, go up and down stairs, jump up on the sofa, steal food from the counters and is always ready for cuddles.  No regrets.

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.

Leesa
7
20 June 2016 - 3:58 pm
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Hi,

Thank you so much for your posts and advice. Her name is Bailey and my other dog is an 11yr old golden retriever who has recently had her share of health problems. They generally get on really well together although Bailey lets her sister take charge and steal toys from her mouth.

Just reading your posts and experiences really has helped, I was literally beside myself not knowing what to do for the best. Thank you for sharing your stories and offering such practical and supportive advice, it really is very much appreciated. I have wooden floors and have bought some non slip rugs for traction and an orthopaedic bed as I read on here that helps. I am trying to get a webmaster harness , still trawling the internet. Are the raised bowls so she doesn't have to stand while she eats/drinks?

Well here in the UK it's 22:45 and Bailey has her op tomorrow morning, I am still so anxious and keep asking myself if I am doing the right thing...

The members of this community are amazing and so supportive, I feel as though I have you here with me, thank you!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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8
20 June 2016 - 8:38 pm
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We are with you! Right bynyiur side! Do you see us?? Ah...oh...hooe you don't actually "see" us. That could be a little weird! I do hope you feel our collective hug as you take a deep breath knowing Bailey will be just fine.

We have all felt the fear, the panic, the sick on oir stomach feeling, the uncertainty p, the second guessing and the non stop crying. Does that pretty much cover it all? And maybe throw in some binge eating too! We LOVE CHOCOLATE around here!!

I even cancelled my Happy Hannah's sjrgery the first time! I was PETRIFIED! This all happened before I found TRIPAWDS. I finally proceeded a d was over thethe moon happy seei g her walk down the hall at rhe vets on her three legs!!!

You've already gotten some great advice. When you do go to pick Bailey up, don't even look at her incision...she sure isn't! Just look into her druggy eyes and tellnher what a good girl she is and applaud ner!! 🙂

Oh, before I forget. The raised bowls are so they don't jave to put any undue strain on tneir back, neck, etc. There may be other reasons, but zi think preventing strain is the biggest one.

Every dog is different! Every recovery is different! It took my Happy Hannah three weeks of recovery before I coukd finally say I did this FOR her and not TO her!! Once we recovered though and her sparkle came back...WOW! Best decision ever!!!

Bailey will teach you to Be More Dog ! Live in the moment...in the now...just like Bailey! She has no worries and doesn't give a rip about days on a calendar! She cares about soaking up all the loving and spoiling and tummy rubs you can cram into every moment of every day!

STAY CONNECTED! Update us when Bailey gets out of surgery. Deep breaths...........lots of CHOCOLATE!

Love to you and your pack!

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!

Minneapolis, MN
Member Since:
23 April 2016
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21 June 2016 - 8:09 am
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Sending out good recovery vibes for Bailey and nerve soothing vibes for you, Leesa.

Our Golden was very good with our Tripawd when he came home - had to sniff him over to be sure it was him, of course, but just seem relieved to have him back.  She held back on any play until he was clearly feeling more himself.

Lisa, Minneapolis

On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly.  His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.

Blog: Pofi, Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Amputation


Member Since:
26 June 2016
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29 June 2016 - 1:02 am
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Thank you all so much for your stories,  advice and words of encouragement. The surgery was postponed while they did more xrays to check the other legs and chest and a biopsy,so decided to wait for the biopsy results. They confirmed yesterday it is a type of sarcoma and that amputation would be best.

Bailey is due to have her surgery this morning. I AM so nervous and feel sick. Is this normal to feel so anxious and question  your decision? 

I will try to be positive and strong and thank you all again for your support and thank goodness for the tripawds site!

Leesa,Bailey and Sandy x

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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29 June 2016 - 9:42 am
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Thanks for registering as a member Leesa, your future posts won't need approval.

Sorry to hear about the biopsy. Ugh. We hope that today's surgery goes well and that Bailey is on the road to recovery by the time you read this. Keep us posted OK? And ask any questions, we are here to help.

P.S. We all felt as you do, yes, it's very normal. You willl probably have doubts during recovery, and that's normal too. Just remember, Bailey's recovery will reflect your emotions and attitudes so the stronger and more optimistic you are, the easier it will be on all of you. It's hard but you can do this!

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



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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12
29 June 2016 - 11:59 am
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Hi Lisa and Baileyheart

Just read your post and wanted to say we are so glad you went on with the operation as Bailey's pain will be gone forever. 

Dogs do get on with their lives remarkably well, we have a very large front leg amputee great dane and she has recovered much better than I ever thought. Our babies are so resilient and loving, you will see how quickly Bailey will forget he ever had 4 legs. 

And yes, it is normal to question your decision, you will probably even think at some point whether your baby Bailey will ever forgive you for what you have done. Well, he will be so, so, so happy to get back to your loving home and continue sharing his life with you, 3 legs or 4 is totally irrelevant for him. 

Staying positive is of paramount importance here as your dog will pick up your energy so if you are worried and sad so will he be. 

Don't let yourself succumb to sadness especially during these first weeks, it will be hard work for both of you but as soon as stitches are out everything will improve by the day. 

Sending you an avalanche of pawsitive energy and cuddles to your boy. Everything will be okheart

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 

Minneapolis, MN
Member Since:
23 April 2016
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13
29 June 2016 - 12:31 pm
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Hi, Leesa:

Goodness, I was a hot mess up to and through Pofi's surgery.  I really barely slept for several days until after he had been home again for the first night.

Best thoughts for Bailey's surgery and recovery.  We will be here when you have questions or need support!

Lisa, Minneapolis

On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly.  His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.

Blog: Pofi, Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Amputation

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14
30 June 2016 - 11:54 pm
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Ditto all the follow up comments!

Update when you can. We are right here bynyiur side, okay!

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!

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