Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our Standard Poodle -- Rocket --- had a confirmed diagnosis on 9/19 from an Oncologist that he does have Osteosarcoma in his left front leg. He is having Surgery today to remove his leg and we will follow up with chemo in 2-3 weeks after he starts the recovery from the surgery. I did receive a call from the surgeon a few minutes ago that his kidney and urine results were off a little and she would adjust the anesthesia to something with less impact on the kidneys. I have asked the oncologist about using K9 Immunity Plus after the surgery and waiting on a response. He is a Therapy Dog at a local nursing home and has previously won Rally Obedience at a couple of AKC shows. His temperament is great and he is the sweetest dog we've ever had.
He is 8 and weighs about 80 pounds. We took him to the vet within 2 weeks after he developed a mild limp and his chest x-rays are clear at this time.
We are devastated and worried and second guessing our surgery decision. He jumped to put his front feet on the counter and greet the nice lady at the surgery front desk this morning.
Any advice and all prayers are appreciated.
Rocket and family, welcome (your future posts won't need approval). This is the club that nobody wants to join but now that you have this community will be here for you during this journey and beyond. Many of us have been through the cancer diagnosis and understand how upsetting it can be.
We hope everything goes smoothly today and that the recovery period is uneventful. To prepare yourself, be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books , which have tons of tips and ideas for making the most of the weeks ahead and far beyond that too. Our fabulous members will also chime in so stay tuned.
Meanwhile, stay pawsitive and remember; statistics are scary but they aren't a predictor of what's to come. MANY Tripawds have blown those osteo numbers out of the water and gone on to live long, beautiful lives after diagnosis and surgery. We send all our love and and pawsitivity so that Rocket does too (he is gorgeous, by the way!).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi,
I am sending all my best to you and Rocket for his surgery today! He'll do great, and definitely be patient with recovery! Every pup will have a different experience.
You mentioned K9 Immunity . If your doctor approves and you haven't already purchased some, I want to offer to donate our bag to Rocket! We no longer have a use for them, and only used 2 chews.
Please let me know! We would be happy to send them to you! And how sweet the Rocket is a therapy dog, I always thought my Theodore would be perfect at that!
Hello Rocket and family!
I know how hard this day is! Just sit tight and wait for the good news. We're all behind you and you have a great new family now full of advice and support for you.
Jill's surgery was almost 2 years ago and I feel like I was sitting in your position just yesterday. Just wait until you see your Rocket again. It's the best feeling in the world! You have a journey ahead of you, but you will get through it! Animals are amazing amazing beings and will shock you at how strong they are!
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
Welcome to you and Rocket.
The devastating news of the cancer and need for amputation are hard to face. But, Rocket doesn't know he is sick, and he doesn't care about stats or chemo. He wants his warm bed, a full bowl, and his pack with him.
And don't start missing things he can't do anymore- I made that mistake when my little pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to mast cell cancer. I was so focused on the short prognosis and what she wouldn't be able to do that I missed some quality time with her. She never knew she only had 6 to 9 months, she was busy figuring out how to do all the things she wanted to do! Maggie really beat the odds and lived almost 4 years after her amp. Not every pup is so lucky, but the important thing is to proceed with optimism and make sure every day you have together is the very best day for Rocket.
That being said sometimes the recovery can be rough, that is when I started doubting my surgery decision. No medical complications and Mag was hopping the day of surgery, but she didn't really take to her new situation. But Maggie came around and was the happy, obstinate pug she had always been (maybe a tad more obstinate 
).
And just watch- I bet Rocket will be standing with his one 'power paw' on the counter at the vets office one day soon!
I hope the surgery is smooth, keep us posted.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement
We as you all know are basket cases today waiting for the update from the hospital. He probably is in surgery now or will be in the next hour.
Snagglemom --- I will graciously accept your offer of the K9 Immunity once I hear back from Rocket's oncologist with the approval.
Online
ROCKET IS ADORABLE!!!!!
You are doing exactly what needs to be done to remove a pain...a pain that would have beco.e unbearable in a very short period of time!
This is a very, very scary time. Trust me, everyone here understands that far better than anyone else could!!! Stay connected to n us. You are NOT alone, okay?!
Rocket will be seeing pink elephants all through the night...maybe even riding a few or sharing ice cream with them! You, on the other hand, will be all freaky and nervous and stressed out! We have a great solution for that around here for you...eat lots and lots of chocolate!!!
THEO AND MOM.....incredibly generous and compassionate offer...sending love...
For me, when I picked up Happy Hannah, I never evenlooked at her incision....I just stared straight into her druggy happy eyes and told her what a good girl she is...she wagged non-stop!!!
Rocket doesn't give a rip about any ole' prognosis or statistics!!! Rocket makes up his own rules! And his number one rule right now is to get this recovery over with and continue to live life to the fullest....AND...soak up al@ that wonderful loving and spoiling he'll be getting from you!!!
We'll all be checking in on you...keep n us posted!
Sending lots of hugs and love!......and a bag of miniature Babe Ruths.....
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Welcome to Rocket and family! I have been absent a while but I find it very comforting to come back to this wonderful site!
When my dog, Ripple, had her leg amputated in March I was SO scared but then traded that in for amazement at how quickly she recovered from it. I don't think she knows anything is amiss. Every once in a while another dog will sniff where her leg 'should' be but 1/2 the time people we meet and greet don't even realize it's missing until we're walking away. Rocket will be so much happier to have that sick part taken away and hopefully will be happy and enthusiastic and bounce back quickly. Ripple was ready for a walk w/in 48 hours! And just think how extra special a therapy dog he will be having gone through a major surgery.
Best of luck to you all, we are thinking pawsitive thoughts for you!
I just got a call from the Vet that Rocket is out of surgery and did well. He is groggy but, waking up. They plan on keeping him for either 2 or 3 nights depending on how well he does.
Thanks again for all the kind words and I will update via this topic.
Thanks for the great update! Best wishes for Rocket's speedy recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAAAAAAY ROCKET!!!!! Great news!!!!!
Get some rest now....Rocket is in great hands!!!!
Have you gotten scatter rugs in place if you have hardwoods? Maybe raised food and water bowls...it's less strain. Stairs can be hard at first...may have to put hi in a harness or "towel sling"....ramp if possible.
You will be amazed how well he adjusts to three legs....such resistance and determination....our tripawds are so special.
Post some more pictures of precious Rocket when you can! B R E A T H E.................
((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Hooray for Rocket. Please try to get your rest now! The first few weeks are draining. Read the required reading and look at some of the incision lines. When you see Rocket for the first time look him in the eyes, don't look at the amp. site. You will be amazed at how resilient they are. I think it perfect to have Rocket as a therapy dog at Nursing Homes, it will inspire the residents even more. I wouldn't resume visits until 100+% healed as you don't want to pick up germs. Keep us posted. Again Rest- Chocolate, and Breathe Sally taught me that.
Laurie
Hurray! The first step is over....Rocket has become an official tripawd!
As all the others have already said....rest, take some time for yourself, and do whatever makes you happy - eat chocolate (or chips :)) and get your house ready for Rocket's welcome home party.
Tucker, my handsome Lab, became a tripawd one year ago this month! Tuck did not have OSA but had an invasive sarcoma that necessitated the amputation of his right front leg. Raised food bowls, scatter rugs wherever floors might be slippery and a sling for those first few days at home are all things I would recommend.
Looking forward to future updates on Rocket.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Great news! Step one down, now on with the recovery.
Looking at photos is a great idea- it will help you prepare for seeing Rocket. You can Check out the Gallery, scroll down to the Surgery and Treatment pictures. You also got the great advice to just look at Rocket's eyes and focus on how happy he is to see you. Do you know if the incision will be wrapped? Some are, some aren't but you could ask so you know what to expect.
Then for some inspiration you might check out some videos. Tripawds YouTube Channel is a good place to start, you'll see lots of happy dogs who happen to be Tripawds.
Rest up, prep the house, and let us know if you have any questions. Can't wait for the 'Rocket's home!' post.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Day 1 After surgery.
The Vet said he is doing great and should be able to come home tomorrow. I went to visit him and got tail wagging and lots of licks
Picture of Rocket day 1 after surgery
Picture of Rocket Enjoying music at a local Dog Friendly establishment Saturday Night
Thank You all again for the support and I will keep updating the forum. I have put some additional pictures on his blog and he does have a twitter page RocketDog@rocketdogpoodle which he would sometimes update in the past
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