Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have a 10 year old lab who was battling a licking granuloma on his front leg for the last 6 months. The granuloma became so infected and large that we ran out of options and decided to amputate. On Dec 23 he had his left front leg amputated. We were able to take him home on Christmas Eve. Its been a very difficult 3 days. We have been giving him tramadol for pain which is working ok (only whimpers here and there). The trouble we are having is getting him to pee. He peed once since he has been home (and that was after 24hr) We have been taking him outside every 2 or 3 hours (using a modified duffel bag which has made for a very nice harness) and he has drank a whole bowel of water, but still no pee. I don't know what else to do. We called the vet and they didn't seemed to worried. but its been over 24 hours again.
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Sarah said:
We called the vet and they didn’t seemed to worried.
I wouldn't worry either ... many dogs don't pee or poop for days after surgery. What they need most is rest and time to regain their strength. When they have to go, they'll go. Don't force it.
Ending up with an accident on the carpet, may be better than struggling to get him outside too ften. The first couple times going on three legs is difficult. But if the first time is traumatic, either from a fall, or being lifted, other another reason, they may not want to go again any time soon.
Make sure he has lots of water. If he's eating and drinking, he just needs patience. He'll probably wow you before you know it. Getting through the first weeks is tough, we know. That's why we're here.
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I wouldnt worry either....We have a 19mo old Lab who had TPLO surgery and then 8 weeks later was diagnosed with osteocarcoma in that same leg and had it amputated. After both surgeries he didnt go to the bathroom for at least 24 hrs and struggled when he did. The drugs play into it as well as the fact that their bodies are adjusting. Like Jerry said..when they have to go they will go. What I have noticed with Max is that it takes him longer to find a "spot". He wanders more and then will just squat. Be patient....Im learning to do that myself! 🙂
Paula and Spirit Max
Well, because I get paranoid about things like pee and poop we took him to the vet. Like you all said..they also told me not to worry. Another worry that we have is the whole 'walking on his own thing" Right now we are using his harness and supporting most of his weight. I've read a lot of other comments and some people said that their dogs are up right away after surgery. Not the case for us. Tux can stand up on his own with a little encouragement but as for taking steps no way. Will he ever get it? Is there a chance he will not get it? He is a big dog about 90lb. Should we get him into rehab or will he be able to figure it out on his own?
Sarah said:
... the whole ‘walking on his own thing" ... Will he ever get it?
He'll never get it if he's not given the chance to learn on his own. Once he's off the meds, and feeels more like getting up and around he'll start regaining his strength. It's still so early, he just needs rest, and time.
By helping him too much, you may possibly do more harm by teaching him to be dependent on you. In the wild, a strong pack leader may just nudge Tux a bit to get him going. And if he didn't go on his own, well ... let's just leave it at that.
It's now your responsibility to be a strong pack leader. Keep water and food close to Tux's bed. Give him lots of love, and time to recuperate. If he doesn't want to walk around, don't make him. Take it one day at a time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
GOOD BOY TUX!!! 37 hours later he finally peed!! We were so excited. The trick was to bring our other dog outside with him. Once she peed he made it his mission to do the same. What a good boy!!
Sarah,
The first 2 weeks will test your strength & will. Be strong & take it one day at a time. These tripawds seem to have a turning poit at the 2 week mark. It's tough, I kid you not, but this forum will give you the strength to get through it.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Good boy indeed. And good for you too. Thanks for the update!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Way to go Tux!
I definitely have to second that you need to go easy on yourself the next couple of weeks. Tux will pick up on your worrying and he doesn't need that kind of stress right now. Be confident and positive around him and don't try to help "too" much. Radar is a big dog too (95lbs) and he was down most of the first week but then started doing things on his own. Before long Tux will feel like 3 legs is the way to go.
Connie & Radar
Thank you everyone, i am now posting Tux's updates in the "Share your story" forum! Thanks again and I appreciate everyone who has been there for us.
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