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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Day 2-Post Op: What is within the realm of "normal"?
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Member Since:
11 August 2016
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27 August 2016 - 4:47 pm
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My beagle Buddy had his right front leg amputated on Thursday for a grade 2 mast cell tumor.  The tumor wrapped around his paw right above the joint and could not be removed with clean margins.  Amputation was a possibility to save his life.  We were urged a bit to act ASAP and I did not have time to prepare us and the house.  

Buddy has been moving around a little, taking his meds in treats, drinking some and I got him to eat a little (cat food--his favorite forbidden treat), and of course sleeping.  This sounds pretty normal from what I have read on here???

The vet also provided us with a great "help me up" harness.

I'm stressed and exhausted.  This is normal, too??  Has anyone ever had "oh my gosh what have I done??" thoughts?

Thanks for your help so much!

Buddy's Momma

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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27 August 2016 - 8:04 pm
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Hi Buddy's Momma, welcome. This is the club nopawdy wants to join but you are in great company because anyone who's been through amputation decision and recovery TOTALLY understands what you're going through.

Yes, Buddy's recovery sounds pretty normal, and great if you ask me. He's eating? Drinking? And resting? Wow that is really terrific! Many new patients have trouble with some or all of those things.  Oh and how old/young is he?

What kind of pain meds is he on? Is he showing any signs like whining, pacing or restlessness that might indicate his meds need adjusting? If so, talk to your vet.

With so much that happened and now to think about, of course feeling stressed and even regretful at times is normal. Just keep in mind that your attitude will be reflected back by Buddy, so the more optimistic and hopeful you are, the more he will be too.

Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of answers to questions you'll have. And stay tuned, this amazing community will chime in shortly.

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

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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27 August 2016 - 8:48 pm
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Hi and welcome.

My first Tripawd was a pug named Maggie who lost her left rear leg to a MCT.  If you are interested you can read her story- the link is in my signature below.

What you are feeling is quite normal- most, if not all of us went through the 'what have I done?' phase during recovery. All the decisions and the lack of sleep make for very stressed parents.  Maggie was quite a stubborn pug who hated any changes to her routine- she didn't play with me for 6 weeks! I spent every day of that six weeks sure I had made a huge mistake.  That being said most pups get their sparkle back in around two or three weeks.

I know it's hard not to get discouraged, but hang in there.  Lots of information on this site and the support of people who have been where you are now.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

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:
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27 August 2016 - 9:00 pm
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Absolutely normal!  Unfortunately, the first 10 or so days are pretty intense.  Sleep and short leashed potty breaks are the best thing for Buddy right now.  And when Buddy sleeps, you need to sleep - it's kind of like having a new baby!

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.

Member Since:
15 July 2016
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27 August 2016 - 9:17 pm
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Uhhhh..... there is no "normal" other than chaos, uncertainty, doubt, and a roller coaster.

On Day 2, Milo literally fell over while peeing and laid there and peed on himself.  We got him in the house and he wouldn't even lift his head for hours!  You better believe we wondered "what did we do to him?!?!?"  Milo is ~75 lb Australian Labradoodle.

Day 4 he climbed the stairs while I was in the shower.  Day 7-8 he was great.  Day 10-12 was awful.  Day 13-17 were good again.  A slight step back on Day 18.  He's been fantastic from Day 21-30 (where we are today!)

I will say our saving grace has been this forum.  There is so much experience here regarding medications, prepping the house, pain management , etc.  Read, search, post, ask -- these people are amazing.

What I can tell you is that I have not had one teeny-tiny ounce of regret at this point, and haven't had since about Day 7.  Milo was in pain.  We got rid of that.  He's happy, and goofy, and mostly himself these days.  He has a rare form of osteosarcoma (Giant Cell-rich Osteo) that is extremely aggressive, so the odds are against him, but that doesn't matter.  He only understands pain, food, and things that make him happy like chasing bunnies and belly rubs.  We can manage pain and food and things that make him happy. 

Best of luck.  We think it's been worth it.

Peace,

Jenifer & Milo

P.S.  I need to write a post about our recent road trip while taking a kid to college.  What we found was that Milo brought so much cheer to others.  People couldn't help but notice him hopping along -- it comes across as so much energy, and his ears bounce.  People are just drawn to him more than ever, and he brings even more joy to strangers than ever before.  Who would have thought that would have been one of the positives in this?

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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27 August 2016 - 9:21 pm
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Yep! Ditto that you are soooo normal!!! No sleep, exhausted, emotionally spent, scared, panicked, second guessing your decision, feeling helpless...........all part of a "normal" recovery!

You've been hit with some scary news that required what seems like a very extreme "treatment" called amputation. Ne easy in yourself. This is a very intense time! You are stronger than you realize!

And now you have us by your side to help you navigate through the recovery phase a d into the joy of seeing Buddy loving a joyful and happy lofe pain free!!! His sparkle WILL come back!

Right nkw this is so very early in recovery. In fact, he may have a bit of a crash today or tomorrow as the hospital meds get out of his system. That's when it becomes very important to keep the pain meds balanced and on a consistent basis. Sometimes it's a little bit of trial and error. Most dogs come home with Tramadol, Rimadyl, Gabapentin and an antibiotic.

Oh, and if you have hardwood floors, you'll want non slip scatter rugs for traction .

I joined this site on day six of my Happy Hannah's amputation. My post basically was that I felt I had made a horrible mistke!!' I was beside muself with fear! This community helped me get through the fear and we'll do the same for you now!

STAY CONNECTED! You are not alone! And consume lots and lots of CHOCOLATE! It helps!!

Love!

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!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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27 August 2016 - 9:24 pm
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Well'said Jennifer!

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!

Member Since:
13 August 2016
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28 August 2016 - 10:22 am
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Hi our holly ( 7 year old German Shepherd) is 13 days post op and thanks to this site we are all surving.  Everything you have said we went through.  Also you get good days and bad.  You think they have turned a corner one day to be down in the dumps the next.  Also watch out for them walking funny.  I panicked and took holly off to the vets thinking the cancer had spread to be told she is sore in her other joints as she is walking funny.  Wouldn't you be like that asked my vet.  Stay connected on this site as we can all help as we are in this together.  Thoughts are with you.  Steve and Di (Holly's mum and dad)

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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28 August 2016 - 1:34 pm
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Hi Buddy's Momma,

You've had a lot to contend with in a short space of time and it is hardly surprising if you are feeling stressed and disorientated. You've definitely come to the right place, as there is so much experience and support in this community, and so much kindness too. It's helped me hugely.

In terms of what's normal, yes, what you describe sounds pretty much spot on. In fact, it sounds as if Buddy's doing really well. Meg didn't come home until day 3 post op (she lost the same leg, five months ago), but then she was much as you describe Buddy. What's normal varies from dog to dog and situation to situation. It seems to me, from hearing other people's experience, that Meg had a pretty straightforward recovery. Her pain was well managed and she seemed comfortable. In fact, it was very much a question of making sure she rested and didn't try to do too much too soon.

Of course, it's an adjustment, losing a leg. I remember my gulp when the vet told me he'd reduced Meg's meds 'because obviously she weighs less now.' But remember, it's not just the leg that's gone, it's the pain, and, in Buddy's case, the mast cell tumour. I spent almost a year trying to save Meg's leg. She went through numerous operations, because I'd been told that amputation wasn't an option for her. In the end, losing the leg, and the pain it represented was a blessed relief, I think, for both of us.

The stress and exhaustion will pass and you'll be amazed how quickly three legs becomes the new normal. I've just got back from Meg's evening walk. My other (four-legged) dog didn't fancy it, but Meg did. Somehow Meg always does. Tonight she chased three deer over the field, across a stream and into the woods. If I have any regrets (and I try not to, regrets aren't very 'dog' after all), it is only that we didn't do this sooner.

Hang on in there and stay connected. And ditto what Sally says re chocolate.

All best,

Meg and Clare xx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar


Member Since:
11 August 2016
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28 August 2016 - 1:51 pm
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Thank you all so very much for your help.  It really helps to know that the chaos, my doubts and my exhaustion is normal and it will all get better as my friend heals

Buddy has been hopping around a bit and he is so proud of himself.  The happy tail wags are incredible.  Potty breaks are the big Challenge today.  He takes one look at the three stairs down from the stoop and says "um, I don't think so--lets go back inside."

I really appreciate the support.  Dealing with a bit of "why would you spend so much money on a dog--you are making a terrible decision" attitude from family and friends.  Dealing with it by ignoring it!

Thanks,

Buddy and Karen

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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28 August 2016 - 2:11 pm
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OMD! Don't even get me started on the money thing. This does my NUT! Ignoring definitely the best response. I'm afraid I lack your self-control... I mean people spend money on cars for example, and nobody questions it, or tries to make them feel that it's in some way immoral. People spend money on conservatories, or capping their teeth, or taking a nice holiday, and all of that's okay. But spend it on an animal? You must be out of your mind!

Here in the UK, we had a case last year where a man spent £300 on treating a constipated goldfish (I'm serious). The press had a field day and everyone was up in arms about how frivolous it was. But how many people would have spent that money on a weekend away or even on a fancy meal out, without ever feeling they needed to justify it? Why is loving an animal and wanting to help it, and see it pain free regarded as so trivial. I just don't get it.

Anyway, rant over (for now). Well done for ignoring them. Know that you are amongst friends here and people who understand and share your priorities.

C&M xx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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28 August 2016 - 5:08 pm
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DITTO MEG's MOM!!!

And good for the Goldfish Dad! Having a reverence for the life of any critter is aa beautiful thing!

Yeah, just feel sorry for those who can never know hose deep their love can really be...how pure and selfless...the true meaning of uunconditional love...they are missing out on so much richness.

And then don't try to justify your lpve anymore. They'll never understand what they cannot experience. We get it though!:-)

Glad Buddy is giving you some tail wagx! And good for him for "just say no" to steps!

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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