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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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My new tripawd and our story
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Member Since:
14 December 2014
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14 December 2014 - 12:27 pm
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My 6 year old American Bulldog became a Tripawd on Friday.  I brought him home this morning (Sunday).  The first few hours were scary and traumatic, probably mostly for me.  The first hour or so was really really really hard. The drive in was fine - he loved the cold wind in his face and I think it helped with his anxious panting. He jumped out of the car, but his back leg just wasn't strong enough and he fell. We used a towel as a sling to help carry him up the steps which was traumatic but he made it inside. I knew that was going to be the hardest part. But really, it was just the beginning. He peed A LOT of pee onto the wood floor. I felt so bad for not taking him out to pee first! He then drank a full bowl of water, and then we took a trip to the back patio and he peed 3 more times. He also somehow pooped out a poop nugget. Trying to get him back inside (one step) was really hard. He didn't want to do it, plus he was getting tired. He was shivering and I'm trying not to freak out and I'm standing there, like an idiot, holding the towel that is propping up his 100 lb body. I was tired and not strong enough to carry him. If I could've burst into tears right then, I would've, but I know Oscar is feeding off my energy. So I gave in and we hung out outside in the cold for a bit.  I moved the towel more up to his midsection to really carry him up, and that worked. Got him back inside, and he walked on his own into his room. He was restless and pacing, lying down, getting up, jumped up on the futon, jumped down (more like slid down). I worried about his strength and rupturing his incision. So I fed him half a sedative pill and he is slept like a baby.

It's only been about 2 hours and I'm already amazed at his resilience.  I led him out to pee again, and without any hesitation or misstep, he hopped outside, peed a gallon, and hopped right back into the house (granted, he peed so much for so long he ended up stepping on his own pee, but nothing I can't clean up) and back to his resting area.  He eyed his favorite couch, and I tried to discourage him from jumping up.  Stubborn as he always is, he ignored me and jumped gracefully into his favorite nap spot and now he's snoring and sleeping.  I could cry with happiness.  In two hours, he proved how much I underestimated him. 

I know it will be hard still.  But this gave me just the right amount of hope and confirms that Oscar's dad and I made the right decision to amputate.  What the vet original thought was a sprained ACL, turned out to be osteo sarcoma in his left hind leg.  Between the first xray and the amputation (3 weeks) the tumor had significantly progressed.  We're not too surprised - the limp was happening since September and only a few weeks ago we finally got the right diagnosis.

We know we don't have a very long time with Oscar, but we wanted him to have a good quality of life for the time he has left.  It was a hard decisions and 6 years with a dog is not long enough, but we're so blessed to have such a goofy dog in our lives. I found this forum and it really has helped me demystify the scariness of amputation, and really put things into perspective.  I'm probably more scared than my dog is, and he's teaching me to be brave.  Thank you for reading, and really grateful for this forum.

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Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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14 December 2014 - 2:58 pm
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Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

I'm sorry cancer has brought you here, but this is the best place to be for information and support.

Sounds like your boy is doing well already.  There could still be some bumps ahead but you are off to a good start. If he needs help getting around you might try making a sling out of a reusable shopping bag, you slit the sides open and the handles are built in.

And don't settle on having a short time.  Based on stats OSA isn't good, but we have lots of examples here of pups and kitties outliving their prognosis.  My local pal Cemil is a 150 pound Anatolian Shepherd front amp who is 5 years past his amp for OSA and he did not do any chemo. My own tripug Maggie lived almost 4 years after her amp for mast cell cancer, her prognosis was 6 to 9 months.  Not everyone gets so long of course but there is always hope.

 

Karen and Spirit Maggie

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

Member Since:
16 February 2014
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14 December 2014 - 3:15 pm
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I second the shopping bag.  It worked really well for us although we only needed it a few days.  My dog was given 3-6 months and we are on 10 months now.  Hope that the recovery goes well for you guys.

Xrays taken Jan 31, 2014, Osteosarcoma biopsy results Feb 10, 2014, Amputation Feb 17, 2014, Happy and healthy until June 2015 when a hip tumor started to form, passed away Aug 22, 2015.  18 months past amputation is pretty remarkable for this miracle dog!

Virginia
Member Since:
26 January 2014
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14 December 2014 - 3:47 pm
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Oh my goodness, what a cutie Oscar is! First, hooray for peeing and pooping! Sometimes that alone can be quite a hurdle due to all the meds in their system. The next few weeks are usually up and down, and Oscar will try to do all the things he's used to doing. Good call on giving him some meds to sleep, the best thing he can do right now is rest. No one knows how much time any of these guys have, but we can make sure whatever time it is, is quality time and Oscar sure seems like a lucky pup to have you guys in his corner. 

HUGS

Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”  

      

Member Since:
9 December 2014
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14 December 2014 - 6:05 pm
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I am sorry to hear about your struggles but what a lucky boy! He is already defying the odds and something tells me that there are more surprises in store for you. Reality is that it is NEVER long enough. We as owners always want one more day and you have given him a fighting chance for much more than that. I hope his recovery is quick and you get to spend many much more time together! *hugs

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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14 December 2014 - 8:44 pm
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Wow Oscar is one tough doggie!

I'm so glad you joined us, thank you for the kind words. Yep, this community is incredible, you'll find so much support here and since a lot of folks have been through osteosarcoma, they can definitely relate. Your attitude is fantastic, and with that kind of approach to this journey Oscar will have a great quality of life. Always remember that nobody can predict anything, even statistics can be wrong and we've seen it happen here a lot and hope that Oscar gets to keep on rockin for a long, long time!

One tip though: I know it's hard but the more you can do to keep him from jumping, the better and faster he will heal without any issues like his sutures coming out or a seroma build up. He sure sounds like a determined dog though, so all you can do is your best and the recovery will be over before you know it. Meanwhile let us know how we can help OK? 

Keep posting those photos, he is so handsome!

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

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15 December 2014 - 9:11 am
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Thanks everyone for the message and kind words of encouragement.  Last night was a good night and Oscar is pretty much back on his schedule. He's peeing without any issues and pretty much getting in and out of the back patio fine.  He's still a bit timid to get into the house but I think he'll get better with confidence. No poop yet, but that's expected. 

This morning he's been alert and happy, and just content to get head scratches and kisses. He's never been much of a snuggler, but he lives for butt scratches. 

No leakage issues and he let me massage his thigh of the amputation area fine and we also removed his IV bandage.  He hasn't tried to lick or touch his incision.  I'm happy  he seems to be more comfortable.  There were no cries at night and even his morning he barked at our morning commuters.  I'm working in his recovery area, so trying to keep him off the couch, but he's a bulldog - very stubborn. :)

He hasn't needed any tramadol or sedatives this morning, and is doing fine with just gabapentin and Rimadyl.

Here are some more pics from the morning. My boy is a mini cow.

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Martinsburg, WV
Member Since:
3 June 2014
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15 December 2014 - 12:52 pm
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Oh Oscar is such a handsome fella!!  When I started reading your first posting with trying to get him in and out I totally understood how frantic you were.  My Leland was also a hind leg amp and a 108 lb Dobie.  It is tough assisting larger dogs but we find what works for them and us and just make it work.  You'll notice as the days pass Oscar will get stronger and more confident and won't be as dependent on you for assistance or to carry the majority of his weight.

Also, like Oscar my Leland only needed the Gabapentin.  He didn't do well on Tramadol...every pup is different and some do better with certain meds than others.  If Oscar seems comfortable on just the Gabapentin and Rimadyl I wouldn't worry about adding in the Tramadol.

I'll be keeping sweet Oscar and you in my thoughts while going through this recovery period.

Sahana and her Angel Leland

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

Member Since:
14 December 2014
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15 December 2014 - 2:48 pm
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Thank you!

I made the mistake of giving him some tramadol before I left for a few hours. I thought it would help him sleep and not get into any trouble while I was gone.  Instead, it made his brain fuzzy and he reverted to anxious/scared dog mode. I ended up letting him sit outside on the patio and gently talking to him and trying to bring him inside with my pizza.  Eventually, I had my fiance lead him back inside with the leash while I pulled him inside.  Oscar tried to resist at first, but I think he was super happy when he was back inside.  It really is about learning what works and doesn't work - and then trying to remember! Hopefully this mom will get it right soon enough.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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15 December 2014 - 9:13 pm
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Oh I love this boy!

Good job Oscar, you sure are leading the way when it comes to RADICALLY PAWESOME recoveries!

As for the Tramadol...we understand how you feel when you're high on that stuff, our Wyatt Ray does the exact same thing, it's the worst experience for him ever and Gaba is just fine for his post-surgery pain. Not all drugs work for all dogs, you're so right, you just have to find the right one, although sometimes it's a scary/sleepless job to do so.

Keep up the great recovery!

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

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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16 December 2014 - 8:32 am
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Is he laying on his amp side already?  It took Maggie weeks to do that.

Tramadol is a funny med.  Maggie got really agitated on it, once after a dose she didn't sleep for 12 hours straight, and if you know anything about pugs you know how amazing that is!  My quad pug Obie is on tram right now because of an oral surgery and you can't tell he is taking anything.

Oscar sounds like he is doing very well, he sure is a good looking boy!

 

Karen and Spirit Maggie

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

Member Since:
14 December 2014
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16 December 2014 - 1:19 pm
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Oscar has been sitting/laying on his amp side since day one.  It's his favorite way to hang out, so I guess it was natural. The vet also left a big chunk of the thigh, so there is cushioning.  Doesn't seem to hurt him and he's totally okay with it.  I did notice that his tail is tucked under his thigh sometimes and it points in various ways to balance him.

Today (Day 4 post surgery) we got through without tramadol and he's doing great. 

 

And best news of all?!! He POOPED!!! He was so proud but it really look all his strength to do it.  Happy mama here today. :)

Member Since:
23 November 2014
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16 December 2014 - 2:01 pm
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Hey Christina... What a gorgeous boy you have! My boy, Bubba, was a Friday amputation, too!! It really is amazing how fast they recover and just get on with life.  Bubba is really young (11 Mos) so you can imagine the amount of energy I'm trying to keep tame.  I hear that the rear leg amputation is harder than the front, which is what Bubba had.  I am so happy to hear that he is feeling so much better. I had a lot of people trying to discourage me from doing it, but we know what is right for our fur kids. Who knows what the future brings but I am certain that living for the day is the best way to love and live with our babies. I know that us pawrents are the ones who carry the emotional baggage around but they do feed off of us so as hard as it is, we gotta leave the baggage behind and let our dogs take the lead.  Good luck with Oscars progress. I will be for updates!! :)

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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16 December 2014 - 2:11 pm
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WOW!! Just catching up!!!!

Loving this guy Oscar! His pictures are ADORABLE!!!!!

My Happy Hannah..a 125 lb. "fluffy" Bull Mastiff had a hceck of a time for 19 hours straight...pacing, whining, crying, notlaying down at all, no sleeping....your Oscar is clearly having a much smoother recovery!!! As others have said, you may still jave some ups and downs before his sparkle comes back fully...maybe not! It took Happy Hannah FIVE WEEKS before she laid in her amp. site!!

Rear leg amps. generally jave a very jeard time going UP stairs...it rrquires strength and the ability to "push off" which, if done too early can cause a lot of stress on that remaining leg. I jad a ramp built prior to surgery and she always used that to come inside...and went down the stairs nust fine to go outside...but a lot of steps were involved.

And yeah, statistics don't mean much around here! Unfortunately, there are dogs that ge t "less" than what statistics say....and fortunately dogs who get MORE than what statistics say. So if you can...from this point forward focus on notheing but QUALITY and living in the NOW...in the MOMENT.....you and Oscar have just declared VICTORY over that piece of crap disease!!!! Let NOTHING rob you of your time together.....Oscar sure isn't!!!! Take tons of videos and dish out the spoiling and loving like crazy!!!

Stay connected! You are not alone!!

Hugs to you and extra butt scratches to Oscar!!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

PS....YAAAAAAAAAY FOR POOPING!!!!!!! We celebrate anything around here!

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!

Martinsburg, WV
Member Since:
3 June 2014
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16 December 2014 - 2:27 pm
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That's awesome that Oscar pooped!!  I know the first time Leland pooped after his amp surgery it was really hard on him.  He went 5 days after surgery before pooping.  He hunched up while I assisted with the belly sling so he didn't fall over and the poor thing huffed and puffed and pushed...sad.  I felt so sorry for him.

And I'm glad he's not needing the Tramadol.  Some dogs do alright without it which is good for Oscar so he doesn't have to deal with the "fuzzy brain" you mentioned earlier.

Oscar is doing great and I can't wait to see more pictures of that beautiful face!

Sahana and her Angel Leland

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

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