TRIPAWDS: Home to 25309 Members and 2182 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Tripawd Heroes

Join The Tripawds Community

Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!

✅ Easy Photo Upload
✅ Direct Messaging
✅ Subscribe to Topics.
Live Chat and much more!

Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!

Lost password?
Advanced Search
Forum Scope




Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_Feed sp_TopicIcon-c
Nervous about bringing my boy home from surgery today
This forum is locked
28 September 2021
11:17 am
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 30
Member Since:
27 September 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

My best buddy Atticus had his rear left leg amputated yesterday morning, due to osteosarcoma. Atticus is a 10 year old Catahoula mix that we adopted 3 years ago. He is the best dog I’ve ever had. I can’t describe all the cool stuff he’s done, but to name a few: he’s traveled across the country with our family, helped train first responders how to deal with pets in a disaster, was in our wedding, helped me escape a flash flood, and once ate an entire pumpkin cake.

He stayed overnight at the clinic, and got IV pain meds through this morning. They are transitioning him to oral pain meds over the course of the day. He did eat some breakfast this morning, and some pill pockets last night. When I last spoke to the vet, he was not walking yet. They said he seems very nervous and tenses up, and he might not walk until he sees us and knows he’s going home. 

My question for everyone is- how did you get through that first look at your tripawd, and that first night? I’m feeling wracked with guilt at the moment that he is is hurt and scared because of a decision I made, on top of my grief about his osteosarcoma. I’m really worried about him walking- at what point after surgery did your tripawds start getting up?

~Megan

28 September 2021
4:15 pm
On The Road

Team Tripawds

Administrators
Forum Posts: 35
Member Since:
25 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

meganandatticus said
My question for everyone is- how did you get through that first look at your tripawd, and that first night? I’m feeling wracked with guilt at the moment that he is is hurt and scared because of a decision I made, on top of my grief about his osteosarcoma. I’m really worried about him walking- at what point after surgery did your tripawds start getting up?

Hi Megan and Atticus, welcome. Your future posts won't require approval so post away.

Atticus sounds like a pawsome dog. What adventures that boy has had so far. And that's so wonderful you adopted an older pup! smiley_clapI'm sorry you are dealing with cancer and amputation though, it's such a tough thing to go through. But that's why we are here! Lean on us. We understand your feelings and fears! You are not alone. And your adventures are just beginning. Atticus is going to show you that he is stronger than you realize. Prepare to be amazed! Catahoulas are a pretty tough breed, just wait and see how he makes the most of life on 3!

Of course you feel guilty. Making that decision when they don't really know any better is hard. I felt guilty too! But you know what? Atticus isn't going to feel grief about his missing leg. He's going to feel BETTER once that bad leg is gone and recovery is over!

Your vet won't let him come home until he gets up and around on his own. During the first few days he may be wobbly but that's mainly because of his pain medications. If they're doing their job, he's probably wonky and dancing with pink elephants icon_lol. It's only temporary! As long as you have plenty of traction around your home, he will figure it out without much help mos tlikely.

The best way to manage your fears is to educate yourself. You're already doing that by being here! Learn about life on 3 in our What to Expect articles . Prepare by checking out Jerry's Required Reading List . Stay busy by reviewing our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List . And above all else, keep a pawsitive attitude. Atticus sounds like a sensitive dog underneath that tough exterior. You want to make sure you stay as upbeat and hopeful as possible, so that he can reflect that right back. 

Please keep us posted on how he's doing! I'm usually in the Tripawds Chat during business hours so stop by anytime or call the Tripawds Helpline too.

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

28 September 2021
7:26 pm
Virginia
Moderator
Members


Moderators


Helpline Hosts


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 24581
Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Already in love with Atticus! ♥️.  Such a sweet avatar  picture.

Not much I can add to Jerry's informative  response.

Keep in mind Atticus just went through  MAJOR surgery,  all while trying to adapt to three legs and all while shaking off anesthesia  and strong hospital meds. 

Atticus is GRATEFUL  that bum leg is gone and he has been given a chance  at a qu pain free life!!! Nothing to feel guilty  about st all!!

Don't  even look at the inc site when you go to pick him up.  He just wants to see your hapoy smiling  face tell him he's a good boy and he's going home!!   Put forth a strong and confident energy and that will help reassure  Atticus all is well.

Sray connected  and know that we are here fornyoj to help you navi thru recovery  and on to celebrating  all his victories as a handsome tripawd!!!

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!

29 September 2021
12:02 pm
Mike
Guest
Guests

Don't worry Megan. We were so nervous when our Callie was coming home. We had no idea what to expect and thought she would hate us. But she of course didn't. Here's a link to a video of her emerging after her operation last February. <a href="