Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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How about another update?
Things accomplished since the weekend:Â
- Took a walk all the way around the block.Â
- Played ball in the backyard (he runs better than he walks at this point).Â
- Jumped up on his favorite couch for a nap.Â
- Got sneaky and jumped up on the bed while I was brushing my teeth before going to sleep.Â
- Had his first post-chemo blood work done, and everything looked good.Â
His family vet saw him for the first time since the amputation today. He said if not for the obvious missing leg, he'd have never known anything had changed with Rocky. I always knew Rocky was a pretty resilient guy, but he's handled all this like a champ.Â
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.Â
Great job Rocky!! way to go!Â
he will probably continue to run better than he walks -it's just a little easier for them to use the momentum.
sounds like you guys are doing great!! thanks for the update!
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
Great update!
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. Â
Wherever they are, they are together.
I think Rocky got sneaky again and got on my computer while I was away to watch Manni's video. He definitely picked up some tips on his walk last night.Â
Thanks Manni!
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.Â
Oh my dog, Rocky!!! You are a super star!!! You are just flying through everything with a grand attitude! And playing already?!?! You will need to teach CharlieBear how to do that ! Congrats on showing us how it's done! You aren't named Rocky for no reason there... Best wishes, hugs, and PyrPaws all around!!!
RESILIENT ROCK STAR ROCKY!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 So tickled to hear how well your feisty self is doing:-)
And I just adore yiur avatar photo! You are such a handsome boy!
And you use a computer too?? WOW! And your typing is far better than mine!
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!
So he's got the hang of the show-off peeing?? 🙂 🙂
good to hear! important things first!! 🙂
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
First minor setback yesterday.Â
Took him for a walk around the block again. We hadn't gotten far when he wiped out on the sidewalk. He got up on his own, but when he tried to walk it looked like his back legs were buckling. I picked him up and carried him back to our yard, and he hopped on his own back into the house from there. I'm not sure what happened, but he seemed to be OK after that.
It's been just short of a month since the amputation, so I guess it's normal to still have some issues as the other legs learn how to balance and deal with the extra strain?
In January, I started giving him Cosequin DS for the bad leg when we thought it was just a soft-tissue injury. I'm still giving it to him now, hoping it will help the remaining three legs. Would Dasuquin be better?Â
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.Â
Yep, face plants and being off balance definitely happen especially with front leggers. I would definitely just do short potty breaks for a couple of days just to be in the safe side to make sure he hasn't tweaked anything.
A walk around a block is a lot right now UNLESS Rocky's taking lots of breaks to stop and rest and do a little sunbathing. If you haven't already done so, check out the site for links on how to build core strength...core muscles. Onger walks don't really build the right muscles tripawds need for strength and balance. Rehab Specialist is another great resource.
A d good for you for using joint supplements. There are a lot of good ones on the market. Dasequin is one I use for my tripawd Frankie. Others will chime in with what their preferences are.
Glad Rocky is getting on with enjoying life and returning to his normal fun activities! That's why we do what we do here! Rocky is doing great...and so are you! Good job both of you! 🙂
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!
I'm thrilled to hear that Rocky is doing so well overall, that is terrific. Sorry to hear about the setback though, I know that's scary and a little heartbreaking too. But stay strong!Yeah, sometimes these setbacks happen soon after surgery. Keep in mind that a month really isn't that long and most dogs still aren't ready for activities like ball chasing, jumping, etc. Try to put yourself in his paws: could you do those things if you were only a few weeks post amputation? Our dogs and cats aren't all that different from us in those terms.
I'm not a vet, but I would scale back Rocky's activities and his walks for a few more weeks and take things much slower. Have you had a chance to read our articles about core-strengthening? Or browsed our e-books library? There you'll learn that a dog's ability to handle longer walks isn't related to leg strength, but core strength. Check out the link and then start a little slower with him, and you'll watch him get stronger by the week.Â
Also, do consider a visit with a certified rehabilitation therapist. It's SO helpful and the Tripawds Foundation will pay for that first consult too!
As far as Dasuqin versus Cosequin, it really depends on the dog. Talk to your vet after checking out this information about Cosesquin and Dasuquin in our Nutrition Blog to make sure Rocky is getting the supplement that works best for his needs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I agree with both of you that we probably got a little too ambitious. I guess that's the balance we're all struggling with to some degree: I don't want to hold him back, but I don't want him to overdo it either.Â
We've taken it easy this weekend, but he's doing well. Whatever the issue was on the walk the other day seems to be the exception. He's been out in the backyard exploring and runs back to the house when he's done. He started venturing up the stairs for the first time since the surgery as well. I don't want him going up or (especially) down by himself just yet, so I went to help him and he turned around and went back down the three steps he had climbed up. But I think it's a good sign that he at least attempted it. I'll still keep the stairs blocked off when I'm not around just to be safe.Â
I meant to ask his vet about rehab. I found a specialist (in town too!) so I'm going to look into that.Â
Thanks!
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.Â
Glad to hear Rocky is feeling better after a bit of "slowing down" a bit! 🙂 Yeahc it IS a good sign thst he thinks he's ready to tackle the stairs.....just not yet sweet Rocky! He's a smart boy! Extea treats for not heading up the steps on his own!
You're doing an EXCELLENT job of watching over Rocky. Glad you found a Rehab Specialist. I think you'll get some great insight. Keep us posted!
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!
Rocky got his first bath/haircut since before Christmas. He was due for a grooming appointment right as all this stuff started, so it was badly overdue. He's looking pretty good though. And his incision has healed to where he doesn't need his shirt anymore.Â
I'm going to have to update my avatar again.Â
I'm still weighing whether to do physical therapy. There is a certified specialist in town, but his vet says he thinks Rocky doesn't need it at this time.Â
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.Â
Look at your HANDSOME, HAPPY, GOOD LOOKING SELF!!! 🙂
And your eyes are just sparkling with joy!! 🙂 And you couldn't be happier with your treasured green ball! 🙂
You've got me grinning ear to ear sweet Rocky! 🙂
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!
Lookin' good Rocky!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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