hi amanda, bless your heart, you are in the right place.  everyone of us has worn your shoes, and walked this path.  there are many great resources here.  i recommend the required reading list, it will answer many of your questions.  the first two weeks after amputation are the hardest, you will not sleep much, you will worry a bunch, and you will get through it!  once the amputation site is healed, get yourself a ruff wear harness to  use to help your buddy get around.  what's his name?  sounds like he's a big boy at 110 LBs...gayle is only 60 lbs, and she can be a handful when she gets stubborn.  your post didn't say, are you dealing with an accident, cancer, not that it matters this moment, but going forward your path will be different.  anyway, know that you are in a family of helpful, supportive folks.  welcome to tripawds, albeit under unhappy circumstances, and let us know how your guy is progressing.  you are not alone.

charon & gayle

We're so sorry to hear about your boy, but are glad you found tripawds.  This community can help you through - the first 2 weeks are usually the roughest.  We'll keep fingers and paws crossed for your boy that all goes well.  Please keep us posted.

Hugs,

Holly and Zuzu and Susan

Take care of yourself - especially now while he's with the vet!  I know it's hard not to worry, but sleeping and eating right yourself is really important!  Keep it up when your boy is back too.  Might sound silly, but setting a good example is a great way to help him!

The pain meds might do weird things to him, cause him to whine/vocalize alot.  It isn't necessarily pain at all.  It's a little tricky - reactions to meds and to pain can be pretty similar.  But stay in touch with your vet with your concerns - don't ever feel silly about it!  You're paying quite a lot for his/her help and how else are you supposed to know what's normal?  (Besides talking to people here )

Constipation and/or trouble figuring out how to balance to go potty on three legs is normal.  Could take a few days even for a bowel movement.  Again, check with your vet, if you're worried.  Usually it's fine unless there are other causes for concern.

Some dogs slip more than others on smooth floors.  If you find he has trouble when you get him home,  you might want to invest in some rugs that won't slup (rubber underneath).  But for my first tripawd, Yoda, my mom was so sweet and bought a bunch of extra rugs and he had zero trouble on smooth floors.

Results vary alot.  You might see a whole list of different challenges.  Feel free to bring your worries here!  Not instead of to your vet, but maybe while you're waiting to hear back

More thoughts and prayers coming your way!

Hi Amanda; 

I'm sorry you had to find us – but if you need Tripawds – this is THE best place. The people here have answers to questions you don't even know to ask !!

It will be, as everyone here has said, scary at first for you – and for your dog. Remember that your dog will look to you for a reaction, for strength, for a "read" of the situation. Be strong – for him. Treat him as you always have. Let him learn to do things for himself – you will have to help him with the initial adjustment. But it will be harder for YOU than for him.

Sophie, my 12 year old Golden Retriever, had her front left leg amputated on Feb 25th this year – due to cancer. It took her about 3 days to get her balance – and about a week until she was confident enough to climb the stairs "independently" – i.e., with me going up beside her – wearing her Ruff Wear Harness – and me holding onto the handle. Once the initial shock – for me – wore off I realized that this 3 legged animal was still my beautiful dog – still the same beautiful soul with the love of life that she always had. It was definitely harder for me to adjust than for her.

Advice? Get a Ruff Wear Harness. This will help both of you. You will not sleep well for the first couple of weeks – so figure out where you are going to sleep (many people here spent the first two weeks on air mattresses on the floor) and how you are going to keep your boy from wandering during the night. I got Sophie into my bedroom, and shut the door so that she couldn't move around without waking me up. The pain meds did not agree with Sophie either – one night she was so knocked out – I thought she was in a coma. It scared me to death. The meds do weird things to them, and affects their appetite, their balance (because they're stoned ! as well as missing a limb), and their sleepiness. As mentioned – stay in close contact with your vet – and don't be afraid to ask questions. 

Sending you many Golden (retriever) hugs – and wishes for a speedy recovery ! 

Sophie and Tana