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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

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RE: Surgery scheduleld for Wednesday, September 10th
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Member Since:
12 September 2008
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12 September 2008 - 10:10 pm
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Our Lucky dog!

Lucky's surgery went well.  We visited the day after surgery and even as sedated as she was, when they opened her cage door, she recognized me and her other dad (roommate) and she began to slither out of the cage wagging her tail.  She whined in pain the whole way out but she was coming out.  It broke my heart and at the same time warmed it.  They said she was doing great and even able to, with assistance from a harness, go outside and potty.   Today, September 12, I got a call at 8 AM saying there was a complication overnight.  She was bleeding from the site and her red blood cell count was dropping.  I authorized them to  open her back up and they found a ligature that had come loose.   They allowed us to come back in today and visit.  They are now administering her pain meds intravenously and the hemorrhaging has been fixed.  She, again, immediately slithered out of the cage when she saw us.  This time there was no whining and she wagged her tail every time I, or my roommate, kissed and loved on her.  I feel very comfortable with her caregivers (AVS) ability.  I know I'm happy that her meds are intravenous now.  The thought that she is pain nags at me all day long.  She might be able to come home on Monday, September 15th.  We have a visit scheduled for tomorrow, September 13.  I just want my baby back home.  She has a biological sister and an extended brother and I'm wondering if there is any advice you all can give me on how to handle their reaction to it when she comes home (hopefully Monday).  Any advice is SOOOOOOO greatly appreciated. 

Thanks again for a place for resources and a place to babble to people who know what you're going through.

Tim on behalf of Lucky ('til I figure out how to get her pic up)    

Tim Hess

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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13 September 2008 - 12:45 am
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Tim, thank you for registering here at Tripawds, and sharing Lucky's story with us. We are sorry to hear that she had complications, but relieved that she is doing better after that second surgery. Did the vets say anything about what kinds of things to look out for when she gets home? Since her surgery/recovery was atypical, you might want to ask them how her recovery will differ from a dog with a typical surgery, if at all.

Please try not to worry about her being in pain, and keep in mind that she was in even more pain before that leg was removed. That's what amputation for us is all about; pain free living.

Well, now about getting her re-introduced to the pack as a Tripawd. Honestly, I wouldn't even think twice about it. My pawrents were worried about  me too at first, and how other dogs would react to me. But what they noticed right away as soon as I was a Tripawd, was that some dogs would make a wide path around me, to give me space to recover, I believe. And the rest, well they didn't seem to give two hoots, and just wanted to play as usual. I'd say the biggest thing to be concerned about is Lucky playing too hard with her siblings. 

Hope that she gets to go home on Monday. Keep us posted, K?

Your friend, 

Jerry 

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

Member Since:
5 August 2008
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13 September 2008 - 12:49 am
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What a beautiful girl Lucky is! And lucky to have such a very loving family! We have female bullmastiff and a little male shitsu/maltese at home and when we brought Butch (male french mastiff) home from the hospital the other dogs seem to know to give him space.  They had the initial sniff but were very respectful and gentle.  Butch has been home a little over a month and we've had other dog friends visiting us in the last few weeks they act exactly the same. Don't worry too much just stabilise Lucky when she first meets them so she can't be knocked over and let them re aquaint themselves.  We were given some great advise on this site to try and make things as normal as possible for Butch to put him at ease, so we've tinkered a bit with the furniture (lowering the couch and closing doors to stairs etc) but otherwise it's business as usual.  He eats and sleeps in the same place goes to the same park albeit a very shortened version and it's worked well for him.  All the best to you and Lucky hang in there this is the hardest part, stay positive and take it day by day we're here for you x

Much love Annie and Butch

 

Darren and Baxter
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13 September 2008 - 10:34 am
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Tim, the best thing I can tell you is what my vet told me when he recommended amputation.  He said it's always harder on the owner than the dog. 

It's been amazing realizing just how true that is.  I've tried to keep that in mind and I think it's really helped both of us so maybe it will help you, too.

 

Member Since:
27 July 2008
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17 September 2008 - 1:41 pm
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Hi Tim, Lucky & Roommate:

It's good to see that you found this website.  You will get great advice here and there are so many dog-loving people here, it's like a warm blanket on a cold day.

I'm very sorry Lucky had complications, but it's good to hear she is doing better.  I doubt that she will have any problems with her siblings (like Jerry said) except for maybe playing a little too hard.  The other pups may try to play with her bandages, so finding a way to cover those and the incision would be a good idea (I read this in several other posts).

I'm just a little 9 year old miniature poodle who has a kitty friend.  I have not had any amputations and am healthy at this time.  My mom feels it is important for us to visit this site to give emotional support, so that's what I try to do.

Love, Blazer (and Kimber says "Hi", too)

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