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Otis is home!!
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Member Since:
31 December 2016
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8 January 2017 - 12:55 pm
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We just got home with Otis.   The only thing that really shocked me was how he walks.  He can get up himself but only lifts the front a little bit so his face is almost touching the ground.  He then takes a few step and down he goes to rest.  Vet said his leg has to get used to supporting so much weight and build muscle. I hope he can get around better at some point!  Getting him out to the bathroom is going to be a long trip but we are committed and will be patient.

He is his old self , happy, goofy and lovable.  Does not seem to be in any pain.

Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X.  Started limping on 12/24/16.  Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17.  Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17.   2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017.  4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17.  Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight.  Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.

London, UK


Member Since:
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8 January 2017 - 1:10 pm
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Welcome Home Otis!!!!

Sounds like he is doing amazingly well. It will certainly take a bit of time for his body to adjust. It's not just that his leg needs to get used to supporting him, but his whole gait is changing, all the muscles shifting to accommodate his new stance. And he's a big boy. It's a tiring business and he has just had major surgery too. He'll get there. He just needs time and rest. Lots and lots of rest. My Meg didn't walk at all several days. Lazy sausage. There's no stopping her now. Otis will get there. Worry not. 

Sending hugs,

Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx

PS How did you manage with the car? Was that alright?

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Member Since:
31 December 2016
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8 January 2017 - 1:19 pm
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We took his big fluffy couch and put in the back of our wagon.  Worked great.  

Here he is leaving TUFTS 1 1/2 days post amp.

Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X.  Started limping on 12/24/16.  Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17.  Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17.   2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017.  4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17.  Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight.  Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.

Sunny California
Member Since:
23 February 2010
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8 January 2017 - 1:28 pm
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Hooray Otis!! So glad he gets to be home with his people now!! Spoil that kid rotten! Way to go, Otis, keep on healing up so you can be back to your shenanigans in no time! 

Warm fuzzies your way!

Kat and Astronaut

London, UK


Member Since:
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8 January 2017 - 1:46 pm
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Aww, it's a sweet video. Lovely to see him getting snug in the car to go home. Have you tried helping to support him with a sling at all? You know you can make one by cutting open the seams of a canvas grocery bag. Meg is far smaller than Otis, so I could pick her up if need be, but I'm sure the BIGpawrents will be able to offer advice for helping Otis out to the bathroom.

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar



Member Since:
27 July 2014
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8 January 2017 - 2:00 pm
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I love how Otis has found his way to get around. He's quite brilliant actually. He figures if he stays low to the ground and falls then he doesn't have far to go. 

I think the sling that Meg used is a good idea as it would help Otis get the three leg feeling as his front leg gets stronger. But then I have a tripawd cat who did many faceplants in her early tripawd days.

Happy healing Otis!

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

Member Since:
16 October 2016
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8 January 2017 - 2:25 pm
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That's great, Otis is home!  Big boy 😀 It does sound like a sling would help.  And spoiling, of course!

Tracey & Tai

Idaho
Member Since:
12 March 2013
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8 January 2017 - 2:57 pm
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I love how that big ol tail just keeps wagging!

I agree that a sling will be a big, big help in helping him get his sea legs. After the staples/stitches are out, i highly recommend a Ruffwear Webmaster harness . They are such a help with loading into the car and just general getting around.

He is still pretty drugged up on surgical meds, so you will likely see him seem to slow down as those drugs leave his system and the oral ones get adjusted. Before you know it, he will be back to the old Otis.

Remember, too, that in order for his other front leg to get stronger, his core muscles will need to be strengthened, too. Some sessions with a certified rehab vet can be invaluable.

You are all doing a great job! Welcome home, Otis!

Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel...and the Labradork

Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!

UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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8 January 2017 - 3:35 pm
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Great news!  Ditto on the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus harness.  We loved it.  For now, short leashed potty breaks only, and lots of sleep.  At some point, likely before the staples come out, you will see him shift his stance so the remaning front leg is more centered.  Right now, he is holding his weight like he did with four legs, which is likely why you observe that his head is so low.  It will take some time, but he will figure it out.  

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
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8 January 2017 - 4:04 pm
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Yay Otis! He did great moving about after his surgery. My Dobe, Nitro, is also a front amp and it didn't take him long to figure out his new gait. We also loved the Ruffwear harness , which we used from day one of picking him up at the vets - over a t-shirt to protect the incision.  It is totally normal for them to take a few steps and then need to rest at first. Before long, he'll build up stamina and balance, and there'll be no stopping him. Good luck, stay pawsitive and strong, the first 2 weeks are ususally the hardest.

Paula and Nitro

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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8 January 2017 - 4:19 pm
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THIS IS WONDERFUL!!! OH HAPPY DAY!! 🙂 🙂 OTIS IS HOME!!!

And nooo worries about his ...er..."unique" gait! You've gotten helpful hints from everyone. As everyone has already said, he'll adjust! Some dogs aren't even walking that well yet!

His front leg is now bearing all the weight that used to be carried by two. He's also trying to use the motion of his head (up and down) to give himself some extra momentum while trying to hop on that ine leg. And he is druggy on top of everything else!

Generally, it takes about two weeks to recover from the MAJOR SURGERY itself. It takes "about" one months for all the muscles, joints, etc to adjust to the new gait. Yes, in both instances it could be more, or less.

GREAT that Otis was able to get himself up off the snow! Many dogs are not able to stand up from a prone position without assistance at first. And don't hesitate to assist for now if he needs it. Dogs also gravitate to cool areas to lay on as it feels good all around their incision. And is incision looks REALLY good!!

You mentioned a "long" way to go potty. Not sure how long, but is it possible to put puppy pee pads close to the door so he only has to walk ato few feet to pee?? The training kind thst "attract" dogs to pee on them. It takes soooo much effort at first to walk. Front leggers can strain their neck and shoulder muscles fairly quickly sometimes.

STAY CONNECTED and let us know how things are going. You're doing great...And so is Otis!!!

Hugs and love!!

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:
10 September 2016
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8 January 2017 - 4:55 pm
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Well done you Big Baby. !!! 

I agree with everyone's comments. A harness will help. But what I found most helpful with Mistletoe (Saint Bernard, front leg amp) was a T- Shirt, firstly to cover the wound, and secondly, it was fab if we weren't quick enough with the harness. !!! The first few days he will be very slugish, and when he wants to go pee - it will be NOW. A harness, for me, took a bit of practice. So the t-shirt was a quick support. blush Peeing was also a problem to begin with, just where to put that wait, WHERE does that front leg go to support me. 

Seeing him leave the vets brings back a lot of memories, exactly how Mistletoe walked to start with. Otis will get there in his own time, try not to get frustrated, you're doing all the right things. Remember all he want's is your love. Not sympathy, or tears. The next few weeks will not be easy, but both of you will get there. Bennt55 keeps reassuring people to breath and eat chocolate. I know from experience that is the best advise. !!

Look forward to hearing how Otis is getting on. Love coming your way.

Fiona

Member Since:
31 December 2016
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8 January 2017 - 5:11 pm
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Hello everybody,

The reason we were not using a sling is because the vet wanted us to see him do it on his own.  We had two, already cut canvas bag slings in the car and have been using them today.  I fully intend to order the Ruffwear Webmaster harness .  I had to wait until he was home so I could measure him. He is also sporting his t-shirt now. 

He has a long way to walk in the house in order to get to the door that only has a tiny step outside.  He can and does pee the second we get out on the deck. (it's covered in snow so he thinks he is outside and not on the deck)

I am also looking into Hydrotherapy/PT for him.  I found a lady about 10 minutes from here that does it.  And if she is part of a certain association, Trupanion covers 90% of that also, because I have a rider on his insurance for REHABILITATIVE THERAPY, ACUPUNCTURE,   HYDROTHERAPY, CHIROPRACTIC,  BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATION AND THERAPY, HOMEOPATHY and NATUROPATHY.

I'm going to attempt to have him sleep as usual, that being in his bed in our bedroom.  If he is too restless I will sleep on the floor next to him, while he sleeps in his bed in the living room. 

Thanks to everyone!

Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X.  Started limping on 12/24/16.  Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17.  Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17.   2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017.  4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17.  Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight.  Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.

Member Since:
2 December 2016
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8 January 2017 - 5:41 pm
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I can't stand it: OTIS IN ACTION!!! That is a fantastic video!!! What I noticed most? No muzzle!!! Waaay to go there, Otis! Sometimes it is nice to make new friends!

And then, the tail wagging!!!! That is a whipsaw of a wagger there, Otis!!! And then the VERY smart saving the energy by keeping close to the ground. 

Ditto what everyone else has said. Otis is full of pink elephants and swirling stars and sooooooo happy that he may try to outdo himself. It takes a tremendous amount of energy and realignment to learn how to adjust nd build new muscles. Is there any way he can sleep closer to the porch for just a few days? Even though he CAN walk that far, he really kind of shouldn't quite yet. I do like that the vet recommended trying him without a sling though. With big dogs, it is hard to know if you are helping or hindering a natural gait. 

OTIS YOU ARE A SUPER STAR!!! And now, it is time for you to rest and your Pawrents to lose rest! You got this OTIS!!! PWESENTS!!! EXTRA NAPS!!! And you are HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs and PyrPaws all around!

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
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8 January 2017 - 6:28 pm
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It's awesome that your insurance covers so many alternative therapies ...Nitro gets chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture, both of which helps tremendously.

Paula and Nitro

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

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