TRIPAWDS: Home to 22969 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Hemangiosarcoma point of origin left, front elbow.....
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
31
2 April 2018 - 10:17 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Wooooaaaaah. Wow Bev that is crazy news about Bear, what a wild week. I'm pretty sure that has never happened here among members, at least in such a short period of time.

And he came home from surgery the same day too? Wow, you get a gold medal for outstanding Tripawd mom of the century! I'm sorry you had to go through diagnosis, surgery and recovery all over again but so glad he's doing quite well. How's he doing this morning? Any signs of pain? 

Oh your vet gets a medal too, what a keeper superstar

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
32
2 April 2018 - 10:26 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

SPEECHLESS!!!  HOLY S OKES!!!  UNFLIPPIN' BELIEVABLE!!!

Words cannot convery how sorry I am you are dealing with this!   And, from the way Imw readiw this, you STILL have yiur sanity!!  YOU,and Bear and Nila, are all our SUPER HERO ROCK STARS!!!

We're here with youa d we will be sending every ounce of positive healing energy this whole community has to Bear and Nila!!

And what a wonderful Bet you have!-!

Lots and lots of love and hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS.  Let us know how the boot helps.  See Donna, CASSIE continues to give in a way that helps othersheart

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!

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
33
2 April 2018 - 1:33 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I know members here who have more than one cancer dog, but I don't remember anyone having two amps in the same week!

Wow.

Your vet is awesome- what a caring person.

I'm sure glad Nila is doing so well. You haven't even had time to settle into the Tripawd lifestyle yet with her.  Bringing a pup home the day of surgery is always tough- those hospital meds really throw them for a loop. 

I guess you don't need all the links and advice for new Tripawd parents...

People are going to start to gossip about what goes on at your house big-grin

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:
12 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
34
3 April 2018 - 6:17 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

megstamum said
I can't quite believe I am reading this, Bev! Two amputations in a week?! I was going to say your whole world must be spinning, but you sound quite remarkably on top of things. I must say I do tremendously admire the way you have faced the situation and got your dogs the help they need. You're one hell of  a dog Mum, truly!

It is always challenging to bring a dog home the same day as the surgery, and for a big dog such as Bear, it must be additionally tough, but it sounds as though you are doing quite remarkably well, and the fact he was able to go outside, with a little help, is great news. The crying and whining last night could well be a reaction to the general anaesthetic earlier in the day. But just to check, what pain meds is he on? Meg was in hospital for three nights post amp, so I wasn't providing the care at this stage, but I'm sure others will chime in who have. I'm pleased he's relaxed and comfortable now, but if that changes I guess you may need to adjust his meds schedule (with advice from a vet of course). Not that I'm telling you anything you don't already know. You've been here before, after all!

I'm pleased that Nila is doing so well, and here's hoping Cassie's boot helps with the knuckling.

Big hug for all of you. Please stay connected and lean on us any time you need some support. We're here for you.

Sending love,

Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx  

Hi Meg, Clare and Angel Pie!

Yes, you read it right....2 front amputations in 6 days! My whole world is a bit busy at this point and just taking things one day at a time. Thanks for the compliments! We do stay on top of their health and get them the care they need. We've seen far too many medical issues with our dogs and foster dogs over the years and are familiar with many symptoms and most of the meds.

We always bring home the day of surgery. Our vet knows we can handle recoveries and if we need anything we can reach either of the vets we work with at the clinic on their cell phones. Plus it's not a 24 hour clinic and we can watch them 24/7. Yes, the crying and whining was just recovering from the anesthetic. Currently he's on Tramadol and Rimadyl, but we do have Gabapentin here too. We have only given him the Gaba once on Sunday night. We're adjusting as needed. Will start tapering down his Tramadol in a few days. We'll be looking into some supplements to help fight this and once we have the histopath will adjust our plan as needed.

Nila is doing really well! We're always looking into new supplements that are beneficial for her too. The only issue to correct is her knuckling which we're hoping Cassie's boot will help! Just staying on top of it because HSA is a beast. We'll be right beside them fighting for both of them as long as they want!

I will for sure keep in touch and try to keep everyone updated. Thanks for the hugs....they're appreciated! Are there a few front end harnesses everyone recommends? The only issue Bear is having at this point is how to potty as a tripawd (he's always been a leg lifter outside). We do have a sling, but would like to find a harness that can just stay on him to give better access. 

Thanks so much!

Nila, Bear and Bev heart

Member Since:
12 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
35
3 April 2018 - 6:30 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

jerry said
Wooooaaaaah. Wow Bev that is crazy news about Bear, what a wild week. I'm pretty sure that has never happened here among members, at least in such a short period of time.

And he came home from surgery the same day too? Wow, you get a gold medal for outstanding Tripawd mom of the century! I'm sorry you had to go through diagnosis, surgery and recovery all over again but so glad he's doing quite well. How's he doing this morning? Any signs of pain? 

Oh your vet gets a medal too, what a keeper superstar  

Hi Jerry!

Yes, crazy news! I had a feeling it was cancer, but was hoping I was wrong. I'm glad we did try to treat for osteomyelitis, but will now move forward in another direction. I can't say I'm glad I'm the first to have 2 amputation surgeries within 6 days, but....we'll work it out!

Yes, he came home from surgery only a short time after it was done. My vet knows we can handle the recovery here...and if truly needed is only a cell phone call away (as is the other vet there). He had to fly out for a business meeting mid afternoon and was kind enough to come in on Easter morning for Bear. Yes, our vet is a keeper! I'll take that gold medal and wear it proudly. I'm sorry we had to deal with a first, second or any cancer diagnosis, surgery and recovery, but....we'll deal with what we're dealt and do what's best for the dogs. He's doing well. So far no crying or whining since Sunday night/Monday early morning.....no signs of pain since. When we got up Monday he was ready to go outside, just can't quite figure out how to potty as a tripawd. We used a sling we have, but are looking for a few suggestions for a front harness that would handle his 135 pounds well. We want something we can leave on him for easier accessibility. 

Thanks again!

Bear, Nila and Bev heart

Member Since:
12 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
36
3 April 2018 - 6:36 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

benny55 said
SPEECHLESS!!!  HOLY S OKES!!!  UNFLIPPIN' BELIEVABLE!!!

Words cannot convery how sorry I am you are dealing with this!   And, from the way Imw readiw this, you STILL have yiur sanity!!  YOU,and Bear and Nila, are all our SUPER HERO ROCK STARS!!!

We're here with youa d we will be sending every ounce of positive healing energy this whole community has to Bear and Nila!!

And what a wonderful Bet you have!-!

Lots and lots of love and hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS.  Let us know how the boot helps.  See Donna, CASSIE continues to give in a way that helps othersheart  

Hi Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Yup, who would have thought 2 front amputations in 6 days? Not me! Sanity? Sleep? What's that? 😉 We just have to be strong for them and move forward. It's funny you mention "super hero rock stars"! When Nila had her surgery and recovered so well, that's what I would tell her she is, now I'm telling the same thing to Bear!

Thanks for all of your good energy! We'll take it! 

Yes, we have a pawsitively fantabulous vet (actually 2 at that clinic)!

I will be letting everyone know how Cassie's boot works for Nila! Paws crossed that it fits!

Thanks for the love and hugs...we all send it right back to you!

Bear, Nila and Bev heart

Member Since:
12 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
37
3 April 2018 - 6:47 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

krun15 said
I know members here who have more than one cancer dog, but I don't remember anyone having two amps in the same week!

Wow.

Your vet is awesome- what a caring person.

I'm sure glad Nila is doing so well. You haven't even had time to settle into the Tripawd lifestyle yet with her.  Bringing a pup home the day of surgery is always tough- those hospital meds really throw them for a loop. 

I guess you don't need all the links and advice for new Tripawd parents...

People are going to start to gossip about what goes on at your house big-grin

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls  

Hi Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls!

Yes, our vet is pawsome!

Yes, Nila is doing really well and will be even better when we get the knuckling corrected. She is not our first tripawd. We have a 12 1/2 year young rear tripawd named Abel and have had a few foster tripawds too. I prefer to bring them home the day of surgery so I can watch over them 24/7. Yes, coming out of anesthesia is a bit ruff, but we're right there beside them to help. 

Trust me, I'm always looking at lots of links and new things for them! Still looking for a few recommendations for a front harness for Bear that will support his weight and we can leave on him. We haven't had a front leg tripawd in quite a few years and now have 2 in 6 days ranging from 37 pounds to 135 pounds....12 1/2 (almost 13) years young to 6 years young...HSA versus whatever Bear's histopath comes back as. One foot in front of the other one day at a time!

There's always lots going on and never a dull moment at our house with the furkids, but not in this way. At least our nearest neighbor is 1/2 mile away..so other than people who know us, the "gossip" will be kept to a minimum. Most people around us aren't dog people and could give a hoot anyway. Only the people we know are like.... what the hell?!?

Thanks!

Bear, Nila and Bev heart

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
38
3 April 2018 - 9:20 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Go to the Gear link and check out the E-Z Convert Harness.    It's harder to find a harness for a front legged that doesn't slip amd is easy to put on.  This one is abput as good as you can get for a front-legger.    It's not one that you would probably leave on all the time, but again, it's real easy to put on.  You just slip it over his head and put a strap arpund hus tummy.  No legs have to be lifted and no balancing act takes place.

ALSO, the Webmaster with Brush Guard is good.  And it's "softer" so, if need be, you can leave it on longer. 

Of course, you'll wa t to wait until the incision is healed, or at the very least, pad it with a tee shirt and some sort of "cushioning".

 Bear will get the hang of peeing.  Many just learn to sort of "squat standing".  Some learn to go lean on a fence or a tree.  Believe it or not, some even hike that leg and do a two legged stance.

I cannot even imagine your situation...cannot imagine!   TRY, TRY, TRY to get some sleep somehow.  You must be emotionally and physically exhausted beyond words!!

AND EAT @OTS OF CHOCOLATE!!!! 🙂 🙂

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!

Member Since:
12 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
39
3 April 2018 - 9:41 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

benny55 said
Go to the Gear link and check out the E-Z Convert Harness.    It's harder to find a harness for a front legged that doesn't slip amd is easy to put on.  This one is abput as good as you can get for a front-legger.    It's not one that you would probably leave on all the time, but again, it's real easy to put on.  You just slip it over his head and put a strap arpund hus tummy.  No legs have to be lifted and no balancing act takes place.

ALSO, the Webmaster with Brush Guard is good.  And it's "softer" so, if need be, you can leave it on longer. 

Of course, you'll wa t to wait until the incision is healed, or at the very least, pad it with a tee shirt and some sort of "cushioning".

 Bear will get the hang of peeing.  Many just learn to sort of "squat standing".  Some learn to go lean on a fence or a tree.  Believe it or not, some even hike that leg and do a two legged stance.

I cannot even imagine your situation...cannot imagine!   TRY, TRY, TRY to get some sleep somehow.  You must be emotionally and physically exhausted beyond words!!

AND EAT @OTS OF CHOCOLATE!!!! 🙂 🙂

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!  

Thanks Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

I'll look into that E-Z Convert Harness. I've looked a little at the Ruffwear Webmaster with Brush Guard, but will look at it again. I am really watching what they're made of and looking at reviews. He is already wearing a Thundershirt which covers the incision. We are careful with the incision with the sling and will make sure it's protected and cushioned. Seems many things are a bit more difficult with a front tripawd, but we'll work it out!

I'm sure he'll get the hang of how to potty in no time, just not yet. We're just trying to avoid any steps right now and keep him on the deck, but did take him out front this morning (only 1 step) to do his business.

Yes, it's a bit draining and sleep is at a premium. We're managing. Wish we had more chocolate here, but I do have some dark chocolate caramels with sea salt that are yummy!

Hugs back to you!

Bear, Nila and Bevheart

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
40
3 April 2018 - 1:57 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

We bought the Ruffwear Webmaster harness for Murphy before the brushguard was added.  It did slip some, but it still worked well.  He was about 50lbs and I used it to help him into & out of the car.

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Member Since:
12 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
41
3 April 2018 - 4:22 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

midnighter94 said
We bought the Ruffwear Webmaster harness for Murphy before the brushguard was added.  It did slip some, but it still worked well.  He was about 50lbs and I used it to help him into & out of the car.

Donna  

Thanks Donna! The only thing we're wanting to get one for now is to help him around versus using a sling. Were you able to leave it on Murphy all of the time or did it have to be taken off and only used when needed? Was Murphy was a front tripawd too?

Thanks again!

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
42
3 April 2018 - 6:11 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Murphy was a front tripawd.  We didn't leave it on him all of the time, but he didn't really need it most of the time.  We live in a ranch-style house, so there's only 1 step down from the kitchen into the family room.  And then 2 steps off the deck into the yard, and he never had trouble with those.  The only time he did very many steps was at our groomers because she groomed out of her basement, and he just ran down her steps (and then right back up! lol).  

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Member Since:
1 October 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
43
3 April 2018 - 6:18 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hearing you talk about Murphy just touches my heart. 

Jackie and Huck ❤️

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Member Since:
12 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
44
5 April 2018 - 6:12 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

midnighter94 said
Murphy was a front tripawd.  We didn't leave it on him all of the time, but he didn't really need it most of the time.  We live in a ranch-style house, so there's only 1 step down from the kitchen into the family room.  And then 2 steps off the deck into the yard, and he never had trouble with those.  The only time he did very many steps was at our groomers because she groomed out of her basement, and he just ran down her steps (and then right back up! lol).     

Guess if I would have paid closer attention to your info below your signature, I would have known Murphy was a front tripawd. It's just been a bit busy around here. So, I apologize for that.

Your house sounds very similar to our house. We have 1 step from the kitchen to the garage to get to the front yard, but 3 steps down the deck to the back yard. Plus with all of the mud and muck, the grass is a bit thicker in the front yard and the ground is more flat. So, that's where we take him more often than not since he won't potty on the deck yet. I think he will be fine, but since he's only 4 days post-op and is a big boy, we're just being cautious. He's doing really well and is a happy boy. Go figure that Murphy would run up and down the stairs at the groomer. He just wanted to show you it was no big deal 😉

Nila gets her sutures out on Saturday. The incision looks really good and only "seeps" a little in 1 area. So, we just keep moving forward 1 day at a time 🙂 

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
45
5 April 2018 - 7:13 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

paws120 said
Hearing you talk about Murphy just touches my heart. 

Jackie and Huck ❤️  

Awwww  ...thanks Jacki! heart

No apologies needed Bev!

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: Edward_1, Elizabeth_10
Guest(s) 158
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17731
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256797
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG