Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi guys -
An update on our schnuazer Rosco - he's almost 10 years old and was diagnosed with melanoma on his hind right paw.
Rosco is out of his amputation surgery and was waking up when the vet called us this afternoon. He will stay at the hospital tonight and likely tomorrow night, and we will pick him up on Friday. They said it went well, but that's all we know.
My husband took him in this morning and our vet did a last minute chest x-ray - he had coughed twice, so we just wanted to be sure nothing had spread before we put him through the surgery. The great news was we were overly concerned - his scans were still clear. It's funny - when I thought there was a possibility we couldn't do the surgery, that's when I knew how much we really wanted it and needed it for Rosco, and I know it was the right decision, no matter what the recovery brings us.
I'm doing better today now that the surgery is finally over. We've had a ton of support from our family and friends. I was worried that people would think we were putting him through too much, selfishly, but we've only had supportive comments, which is wonderful. My husband has been so strong. I don't think I would have been able to drop Ros at the vet by myself, and he did it all today.
It's hard tonight to come home and have him not be here to greet me at the door, especially knowing he's just a few blocks away and might be anxious or in pain and I want to be there for him, but we know visiting would potentially excite him and his in the best care right now.
I will post on this thread with updates - it's been so great to hear from you all with your insights and support.
Hi there! So glad to hear that Rosco is doing well after surgery. I know it is so hard to have them away from you and wonder what they are going through. Cody spent the night before and the night after his surgery at the hospital and I was a nervous/anxious wreck the whole time! You are a good parent for knowing that your visit could excite him and your departure could upset him. The wonderful people on this site told us all about that! Keep us posted through the next two weeks as they are the hardest part of the recovery.. but you can do it! He'll do great!
Cody and Family
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
Yay for the clear chest x-ray and a successful surgery!!! I know it's so hard to have to leave them at the vet, but it's definitely best for them!
You rest up now, soon your little three legged baby will be home and you are going to be SO SO happy!
Keep us posted!
xoxo,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Whooooopeeeee! Rosco made it! The scariest part is over, this is fabulous. Glad to hear his medical team is taking such excellent precautions with his care, you can't ask for more, that's neat they're keeping a close eye on him just to make sure he is ok to go home this weekend.
I remember this surgery day well and it was soooo stressful. It's terrific you have such suppport in your life, there's a lot of folks who get negative feedback when they choose this path, so tell your friends and family that the Tripawds Nation sends three paws up to them!
Whatever questions you have don't hesitate to ask, we're here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good to hear Rosco's surgery was successful, and that he is on the road to recovery.
Everyone is different, but I would not visit Maggie in the hospital when she had to stay overnight. I didn't want to upset her when I would have left without her.
Great to hear also that your friends and family are supportive, I had the same experience for the most part and it did help.
Rest up while Rosco is at the vet, sleep might be hard to come by for a few nights when he comes home.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Congrats, Rosco and Emily and family! Nice to have an ampuversary buddy. Hope Rosco's recovery continues to go well.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Glad that everything went so well with Rosco's surgery!
Try to get some rest before he comes home on Friday. As I'm sure you've read on this site, the first two weeks can be rough as Rosco adapts to his new normal and recovers from major surgery.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
Thanks so much everyone!
Heard from the vet today that Rosco is doing well post-surgery and they will plan to keep him another night. He has gotten up and hopped outside to pee and he's eating well. We bring him home after work on Friday!
Thanks for the great update. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Great news! I knew all would go well! It is very hard coming home without them there, but your sweet boy will be back to his old self in no time. Life is great on 3 legs! Best wishes for speedy healing 
Great news on Rosco! And he was already hopping around so well pre-op...bet that part of the adjustment will be pretty smooth.
Our biggest challenge so far is that Lexie doesn't want to be picked up or carried out of the car, up the steps, etc. I kind of wish we had gotten one of those slings, but the makeshift ramp down our front steps seems to be working okay, and when she slipped away from me she walked up the very slight incline of our lawn instead of taking the steeper steps near the end of our driveway.
That's great that you'll get Rosco after work and have the weekend to cuddle up with him and help him adjust. Somehow I think his learning curve will be pretty fast.
Good luck, and keep us posted!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Thank you all so much for your support! We are gearing up to bring him home tonight, but heard today from the vet that he's doing even better. They really think that without his bad paw he is happier and they were very reassuring to us that we have made the right decision.
Vet said when he comes home he will be on Rimadyl only for pain, plus antibiotics. I was very surprised to hear that as I've seen so many posts about Tramadol. We know Rosco tolerates Rimadyl well, he was on it before surgery because of the pain in his paw. Any opinions about Rimadyl? I'd rather he's on a drug with fewer side effects as long as its handling his pain, but we will see!
The apt is prepped - We bought rug pads and brought out the yoga mats to cover the hardwood, also picked up some elevated bowls and pee pads (weren't sure if we needed those).
Deb - thanks for the note and the update. Sounds like Lexie is a rockstar! I do hope Rosco will do okay being carried - he hasn't minded it at all in the past - but we do have 2 flights of stairs up to our apartment, so carrying is our only option. We have a pet carrier bag though if holding him is too painful.
Will post again after our boy has settled in at home.
Wow! Just catching up on your ADORABLE Rosco! YAAAAAY! He's up and moving!
And yes, after recovery, he will feel soooooo good with all the pain gone!
I'm no vet, but I would certainly ask for Tramadol for pain! ! This is major surgery with nerve endings cut, etc. Rimadyl has food anti-inflam. quality but the tram. is much more geared to pain. Someti es if not the right doseage it can make them loopy...but that's better than feeling pain. He'll be high on hospital meds the first day or so, s that will help.
Sending lots of hugs!
Sally a d Happy Hannah
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!
Coming home day! Sending wishes for a smooth transition. It sounds like you have thought through all of his needs! The support here is wonderful and it's such a blessing to have others who've been there and can understand!
Looking forward to an update from Rosco......
Cindy & Dolly Momma
I'm glad he's coming home. I'm sure your vet is terrific but it sounds like s/he isn't up on the latest pain med protocols. Again we aren't vets, but the new protocols we've been introduced to always have stronger post-op drugs than just rimadyl (the equivalent of an ibuprophen). At the very least he should have Tramadol, make sure your vet prescribes it and gives you dosage instructions. Imagine coming home with nothing but Advil after an amputation. Ouch.
I hope you have a great homecoming!!! Cant' wait to see pix!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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