Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Well, Alexander goes for his amputation tomorrow....I am so nervous. I keep having mini panic attacks. I keep thinking of all the things that "could" go wrong. I know I am dealing with good surgeons, we are getting two great ones!
I called today and asked about feeding Alexander while he is in for the two nights/three days. The receptionist/manager said that they would try feeding him that night. I was like, "ummmmm....", she finally asked if he was on a special diet and I said that he was RAW fed. I think that took her aback! She was like, "okay, well you can bring in his food, we have refrigeration units here". LOL, they reaction of those who do not understand RAW feeding.I AM concerned that these techs MAY try to give him dog food if he doesn't want his food....
I certainly have a nervous belly. I just can't wait until this is over. I want the first two weeks over and done with, since I know those are going to be the hardest.
I think Alexander is letting me know we are making the best decision. The whole time this has been going on from suspection to diagnoses, he has been himself and showing no pain. Yesterday and today he is hurting. He is favoring the leg and just unhappy...Is it bad that that makes me a bit happy? Ugh, sorry I am a nervous babbling momma.....
Alexander The Great Dane
Suspected Osteosarcoma July 12
Diagnosed Officially 7/16/2010
Amputated 7/27/2010
Became Spirit Xander 2/20/2011
That's what us momma's do well - babble, fight off nervous bellies and worry about the future. The unknown is scary. It's okay. It's a nerve-racking, nail-biting time. When your anxiety becomes a runaway train, BREATHE deep and slow. It's amazing how that can centre us. Of course, give that gorgeous big boy of yours lots of hug and kisses too.
Will be thinking of you and Alex tomorrow. Sending wishes for a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery. Hang in there, mom.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
I feel for you. I can understand being happy that he is showing signs of the illness now. I get what you're saying. You're not happy he's hurting, but you're happy that you have confirmation through his actions that you've made the right decision. And tomorrow you'll be helping him take that pain away. Try not to think of the things that could go wrong. Maybe instead spend the time preparing your home for his triumphant return. Stay strong, you all can make it through this!
Leslie
Alexander and Mom,
Yes, you are doing the best thing possible. Without the amputation, the pain will only get worse and Alexander's life will only continue to deteriorate. However, such facts often do not make it any easier to "live" with the decision to amputate. It is still some what of a uncomfortable point with us, but it was the very best thing that we could do. From the first limping to our local vet appointment was just hours. Since that was on a Friday, Cherry was on pain meds until our visit with the surgical/oncology team on Monday. By her amputation on Wednesday, the pain meds were not as effective as we would have liked, and she was carrying the leg and would not eat because of the pain. Her condition would have just continued to get worse, but like you I was extremely nervous, worried, and questioning our only real course of action. Such is the love that we have for these wonderful companions.
Rather than fill the server with another reply stating my usual suggestions to help, I would like to refer you this link to a previous posting. These suggestions may help Alexander and that is really what it is all about. Please keep this community posted regarding the recovery. We can always hope that Alexander will do as well as Nova who recently celebrated more than eighteen months since her amputation. Nova is also a Great Dane and an one of the "November Five" – five who had amputations over a four week period starting with Nova on November 11, 2008. Cherry is also part of this group.
Sending Pawsitive Thoughts
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Oh gosh no need to apologize, we've all been there. The waiting is (almost) the hardest part! But instead of thinking of what could go wrong, envision what can (and will!) go right. That's what will keep you sane while you wait. Envision Xander being one hoppy dog and feeling pain free!
You'll find that most vets and oncologists are not keen on RAW feeding while undergoing cancer treatment. There is debate over whether or not RAW is riskier while their immune system is compromised. I was on RAW and although I didn't get IV chemo, I was fine with it, no problems whatsoever. You'll need to decide whether or not you want to continue it against the medical community's advice. It's an individual decision for sure.
Just curious, how long has Xander been on RAW? I would love it if you could fill out our Survey (see my signature) as we're trying to track things like diet before a dog's diagnosis.
We'll try to be in the chat today and tomorrow if you feel like talking. Hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
All your feelings are normal from what I've experienced, along with others! Yes, I too, would be "happy" (if that's the right word!) that he's feeling pain now with the leg prior to amputation. Just makes your decisions easier for you to rid himself of that awful pain.
My dog, too, is raw fed...I didn't bother though with bringing her food...well, I did but never used it. They fed Maggie canned food. When she would eat it. She basically only ate if I was there... I was fine with them feeding her canned food...as I just wanted her to eat something! 🙂
Good luck tomorrow and I'll keep you in my thoughts!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
We'll all be here pulling for you and Alexander!
You are perfectly normal in your feelings! It's not easy to go through the surgery!
Of course, some of us resort to medicating ourselves to calm our nerves! My mom forced me to take a 1/2 a xanax of hers because I was on verge of insanity when Comet had her second knee surgery. (YES, I said it out loud! I have no shame!
)
But just know we are here to help you through. So, keep us updated tomorrow, okay? Let us know when he's out of surgery.
Lots of hugs and wishes for no mini panic attacks!
P.S. Don't go get your nails done while waiting! I did it once and I was so out of my head I let the nail person put RED tips on my fingernails! I had to live red tips for a while!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I'll be thinking of you and Alexander tomorrow, and praying surgery goes well.
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
I know exactly how you feel.
All of it.
That big range of emotions too.
I have to say that this forum and all the wonderful people and puppy kids in it, help me so much.
We understand all of it.
Big hugs to you and Alexander.
I'll be thinking of you both and sending pawsitive thoughts and prayers your way tomorrow.
You're doing the right thing. Absolutely NO DOUBT about it.
Denise
Kona turned 9yrs on April 16, 2010.
Kona was diagnosed Memorial Weekend 2010 with osteosarcoma.
Right rear leg amputated on June 4th. First chemo June 18th 2010
Second chemo July 9th, 2010 Third and final (yea !!!) chemo July 30th, 2010
ONE TOUGH GIRL this Australian Cattledog !
***Kona's journey/fight ended late in the evening of December 22, 2010***
We Love you so much Kona….always
Bella 9yrs, albino lab/aussie shep/pit?(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind (from birth) in one eye limited vision in other.(laid back, ok lazy 73 lbs)
Cotton, 5yrs, albino hound/terrier of somesort/???(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind in one eye(from birth), excellent vision in seeing eye. (ball addict…destroyer of Kong balls…yes,etc), high energy 55lbs knots of muscle)
Kona Kai's pup brother and sister as well as her buddy and playmate cat, Shaymous 12yrs (like Seamus), miss her terribly.
I am right there with you on this ride...Malachi my 8 year old pit bull/rhodesian ridgeback is having his rear right leg amputated tomorrow due to OSA. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions as well since finally deciding to pursue the surgery after meeting with an oncologist last week. No doubt I will be a nervous wreck tomorrow untill I hear back from the doctor following the surgery. Sending good thoughts and pawsative spirits your way. We will get through this together!
Malachi
Pitt Bull/Rhodesian Ridgeback
dx – osteosarcoma – 7/8/10 oncologist confirmed – 7/19/2010 life begins as a tripawd – 7/27/10
Good luck Malachi, we'll be thinking of you tomorrow!
Please tell your pawrents that while they're waiting for you to get out of surgery, to please consider registering so that their posts appear right away and don't need moderation. We want to hear all about how you're doing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sending lots of good thoughts for Alexander and Malachi for successful surgeries and speedy recoveries.
I will share this the morning I took Trouble in for surgery I still wasn't sure we had made the right choice. I left her at the clinic and cried all the way to work - and each time someone looked at me I cried again. Our vet is amazing, and was in contact with my husband throughout the morning. He gave us updates when he had the chest x-rays completed, gave us one last option to biopsy before amputation, and called again when she was out of surgery. Trouble's surgery was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, so she stayed at the clinic until Friday. when she came hopping out, it was clear she was looking to us for acceptance. One she greeted her, she knew all was well and it's been us and her against the 'C' ever since.
Stand strong today, there are many of us holding you in our hearts as you face this day of dread.
And Malachi - please start a post of your own so you can keep us updated on your progress.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I remember how stressed and anxious I was when Jake was having his surgery. I had to go to work after I dropped him off at the vets and I was totally useless there... I kept imagining everything that could go wrong. But once I got the phone call from the vet telling me that everything went smoothly, well I was totally relieved!
Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers for Alexander and Malachi's surgeries today!!! Hoping that everything goes smoothly and there are no complications!!! Keep us posted!!
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
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