Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So I dropped Zuko off at the clinic this morning. I stayed for a bit while they prepped him for surgery since I work at the clinic so it's very assuring knowing I can be more involved and that I know everyone that's going to be there and caring for him. I'm just feeling very overwhelmed and unprepared right now!
I'm getting him boxer briefs to cover his incision site, bought him some of his favorite foods for when he comes home, and getting some traction on the floors so he doesn't slip.. He loves sleeping in bed with me (I've bought him countless of dog beds and he doesn't put them to use) or laying on my carpet, should I try and get him his own dog bed or a futon for his recovery? is there anything else in missing??
Best of luck to Zuko. Â Tripawds has so much to share for what you are going through. Â I hope you are able to read through the very helpful information on this site. Â My dog Bella is 13 days post op and she too liked snuggling in the "big bed". Â She also likes her doggy beds for naps, so my compromise was to "Be More Dog " and camp out on the living room floor with her on my own doggy bed. Â This way she feels like we're still a pack. Â I know this is not the solution for everyone, but it's working for us. Â I've found she's very clingy and this just seems to work for now. Â I also like to give her schnuffies so it's comforting to me too. Â Please let us know how Zuko does.
There was just a forum on list of needs for post op , I had to go dig for it;)
http://tripawds.....-op-needs/
Ten Tips for a Tripawd Friendly Home- http://tripawds.....oof-house/
There is also Tripawds Required Reading List
http://tripawds.....ding-list/
I am certain other dog owners will chime in. We have a tripawd kitty Purrkins so that is the best I can do to offer help.
There are ebooks you can download also
http://download.....-library1/
we actually downloaded them for our cat;) They were informative for us too! That is really reassuring knowing everyone who will be caring for Zuko. Overwhelmed goes with this journey stay connected here and others will chime in and you will get you thru this! Try to get some rest tonight and while Zuko is at the clinic. You will need a reserve! I can assure you of that !
We are thinking of you and wish Zuko a uneventful, successful surgery!
Lots of chocolate for you!
Hugs !
Holly & Purrkins
Hi there - that's great that you work at the clinic! Thinking positive thoughts for you and Zuko 
If he likes sleeping on the carpet, you may want to set up a comfy place for him there (and maybe for you as well!) When Zuko first comes home, it's important to keep activity low as he heals - short breaks outside to pee & poop are usually all that's recommended.
I camped out with Tai in the living room (our bedroom is upstairs) when she first came home from surgery.Â
Remember to stock up on some of your faves as well - things to help you relax as you help Zuko recover. He will take his cue from you.
Do you have something to help him outside if he needs it - a harness or a sling? Is he a front or rear amp? There is good info on how to handle both situations - you don't need to buy a sling, a sheet or towel will do, for example.
Keep us posted!
Tracey & Tai
Hi everyone!
Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement!
Zuko is a rear leg amputee and no, I do not currently have a harness or sling yet but Zuko is doing great! I visited a few hours after surgery and he was still pretty out of it. He was given something to keep him calm so he can rest since hes a VERY hyperactive dog. I was able to take him home at the end of the day and he was up and walking like a champ! but on the car ride he just fell back to sleep and is currently resting 🙂
I have some photos posted on my blog!
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR ZUKO!!! SURGERY IS DONE! And Zuko is seeing pink elephants right now and feeling no pain! 🙂 🙂 🙂
My Happy Hannah would just freeze if I tried a towel sling on her, so just play it by ear with Zuko.
Gonna go check out Zuko's blog now!
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!
Oh yay glad he's home! How did last night go? Did you get any sleep? Sure hope so! He sounds like he'll be a challenge to keep calm but do your best so the recovery phase flies by. Let us know if you have any questions.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAY! Glad to hear Zuko is home and seeing the pink elephants! Rest when he does!
HugsÂ
Holly & Purrkins
Everything has been great so far. I put his doggy bed next to my bed and we both slept through the night! I did wake up a few times to check on him and he was totally knocked out haha he still doesn't have an appetite and fights me when I give him his meds but he's pullin through and drinking water just fine.Â
Wow! Sleeping through the night is spectacular! 🙂 🙂 🙂 My Happy Hannah whined and was so restless for the first several nights, almost all night!
Hope this "smooth sailing" continues! And YAY for drinking! 🙂 🙂 Just try every yummy food you can think of to help him get his appetite back. The meds mess with their appetite wuite often for awhile.
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 think I was just blessed for the first night because last night he was restless! He was constantly waking up, walking around, and wanting to go outside that I've been sleeping in 1-2 hour increments. Im definitely in zombie mode right now.
He actually ate late night! but wasn't feelin it this morning. He usually takes his meds with his food so I was VERY difficult for him to take them today because he's just such a fighter and resist sooooo much. This whole day he's been eating bits and pieces of chicken, sausage, and some canned dog food but not an actual full meal.
Yeah, the hospital meds are getting out of his system and he may be feeling the hurt a bit more now.
Even little snacks throughout the day add up. Keep giving him anything he'll eat for now.
Keep us posted and TRY and get some sleep! May be another couple of restless nights, but eeventually sleep will come for 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!
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