Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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hey all!
My name is Lauren & my beautiful 10 y/o lab is Sadie. We've been best buds since the day I got her at 10 wks.
tuesday evening was like all other evenings, we went to work, I got home and took my dogs to the dog park to play w their buddies. Long story short, my sadies leg broke when her and another dog collided. Immediately took her to ER where, as you all know, they crated and we got the horrible news she had OSA. We decided to go forward w amputation. I know she wasn't ready to go, and X-rays of chest and lungs looked clear (we know it can be microscopic, and there still).
Last night she came home, and had an extremely rough night. Whining and restless. This AM she had a follow up w/ vet and incision area is good. She's eating, drinking and up a little bit. It's taking her some time to adjust.
I am so grateful to have come upon this site and to all you wonderful people who have shared your stories, I learned so much before we even got her home, and every question I've had I've been able to google and find through tripawds.
Anyway, my question is..I already suffer from anxiety, the thought of having to leave her alone terrifies me. Today I left her for 30 min to run to the grocery store and my parents watched her, the entire time I was miserable. Is this normal? Excessive? I'm dreading next Tuesday when me and my husband have to go back to work. This whole thing has been so hard for me. I sobbed all night and morning, I feel crushed/empty, I feel so....sad. Is this normal? Will these feelings go away?
sigh, thanks all! looking forward to being a proud tripawd owner (even thought I'm terrified!) and am so proud of her and how strong, brave and resilient she is.
Love, Sadie and lauren
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Dealing with cancer and amputation are tough! It is very important for you to be strong and positive in front of Sadie, you need to be a strong pack leader and and show her everything is OK. Be sure when you need to 'lose it' you do it away from her- I found the shower a good place
.
and am so proud of her and how strong, brave and resilient she is.
Print that out and post it somewhere! Take your lead from Sadie she will help you through! That being said- be prepared for some down time from her in the next few days. Don't get discouraged, it's normal for some ups and downs during recovery. It's sometimes hard not to doubt our decision making process. By next Tuesday she should be ready for some alone time. Make her a recovery area where she can't get into trouble- no stair access, no furniture to jump on. Can your parent's or a friend look in on her once during the day to easy your worry?
We often see the more 'mature' pups take a little longer to get their sea legs. What pain meds is she on? The whining can be signs of pain or it could be residual surgery meds in her system, or even a reaction to pain meds. It often takes some tweaking of meds, dosage and schedule to get the most comfort. Keep working with your vet on this if you think she is in pain.
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
Thanks so much for replying! Yes I have definTely kept it all together in front of her! She hasn't seen my fears and tears..my bed and pillows on the other hand...
she is currently on galliprant, gabapentin, cefpodoxime proxetil..
today has has DEFINATELY been MUCH better. about an hour ago we got her outside and she sat and enjoyed the sunset for about 30 minutes. Made my heart so happy!!
I'm a hairstylist, so I have a decently flexible schedule..I'm thinking of doing some half days next week so she isn't alone more than 4-5 hours.
Again, much love and thanks for replying.
My girl came home last night too! A restless night for us too, but we got this! They can do it & we can be strong for them. 
LOVE that attitude! YAY!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We are on day 2 post op and wow!!! what a big improvement! she just inspires me and amazes me constantly.
we are getting back personality wise to her old self, laying in the sun, eating and comfortable. she seems to not really be in any pain, maybe a little discomfort but not pain. she's doing great! and we were able to get almost a straight 6 hours of sleep!!
YAAAAAAAAY FOR SADIE!!!😁😁😁 SPECTACULAR UPDATE!!!
And you got SIX HOURS STRAIGHT SLEEP.......YAAAAAY!!!
Sometimes, not always, but sometimes dogs experience a bit of a crash around day three or so because all the good hospital pain meds are out of their system. So don't be alarmed if that happens.
You're doing a great job!!!
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!
Yaaaay! That is such hoppy news, what a great way to end the week. Enjoy some extra zzzs and get your rest, you deserve it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Today has also been amazing, she walked all by herself (even though me and husband were terrified!!) across the living room. Made my heart skip a beat! Today I got to experience a new happiness 💕 My sweet sweet girl!
Thanks for for all the kind words, I appreciate you all so much more than you know!
It's great that she is doing so well!
She is a Tripawd Warrior Princess!
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
Hi Sadie and Lauren
im sorry you find yourselves joining the Tripawd community, but Welcome!
Sadie, it sounds like you are kicking off your recovery to a glorious start! Giving Mum 6hrs of sleep, good girl! Of course your ready to hop on 3! You got rid of your horrid painful leg, good brave girl! It is critical that you get tons and tons of bedrest Sadie! We will be looking forward to all reports of good short pee breaks and hope for a good 💩 very soon!
Lauren pack your camping gear and hang out with your girl for the next few days. As Sally mentioned, some dogs need some meddling with their medications, under direct supervision of your vet of course, in order to keep her comfy over the next couple of weeks! You’re doing a great job so far of managing her Lauren! Karen had some brilliant advice regarding keeping Sadie’s recovery area small. The less she moves around for the first couple of weeks the better she will do.
Try not to worry, I know it is easy for me to say, but you will see improvements each day as Sadie shows you both how to rock the Tripawd life! Keep staying strong for your girl and you will be sooo very proud when you all get through this! You have already proven how strong and brave you are, or you wouldn’t be her chatting with us! Recovery is tough, but it is short lived...
Stewie is now 8 yrs old and almost 10 months as a 🎗 survivor!!! We have never regretted our decision for our big fella! He was ready to rock this Tripawd world the first day home!
All the very best for now
Petra, Stewie and his comfy Kittens
p.s. Welcome Sierra and Mum, it sounds like you have already into a great recovery as well! Well done!
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
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