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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Advice for shared custody of dog situation
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Member Since:
15 June 2023
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18 June 2023 - 1:14 pm
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Ophelia is a 9 1/2 year old 130lb Saint Bernard.  Ophelia was just diagnosed on Thursday.  We have appointments with oncologists tomorrow.  I noticed that Ophelia is in more pain today than she was yesterday.

 I share custody of Ophelia with my ex wife.  I have her with me a lot more of the time than she does, but Ophelia does usually go to her place 4-8 nights per month. I know that my ex loves her, but i don’t know that it’s good for Ophelia now to be away from home.  I also don’t want my ex to think that I’m being selfish.  I just want what is best for Ophelia.  I don’t care about anything else.  

does anyone have any experience with this?  Or advice or thoughts?  

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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18 June 2023 - 5:47 pm
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This is in the FWIW column, okay?

The first two weeks  at least  Ophelia needs complete rest and SHORT leashed potty breaks and back in for more rest.  She may need help with a towel sling or harness at first until she gets her sea legs.  IF possible, no stairs.  Al ost everyone sleeps by their dog on a sofa or on a mattress off the bed.  

Someone  needs to be able to stay home with them at least five days.  If not possible,  they mist be cnffined and have someone  check on them are minimal several times a day as well as administer pain meds, etc.

Ophelia  needs to be in as stress free environment  as one that she is most familiar  with and surrounded by a confident upbeat energy.

Guess it boils down to who can provide  the best secure and safe structure  with appropriate  surroundings during the recovery phase....wherever that might be.

Staying in one place wit the challenge of fetting in and out of car, etc will be best for her.

Once recovery is complete  then she can resume the back and forth as before

Hope that helps in deciding the  best enviornment for Ophelia  during recovery.  She's clearly loved by both of you and you both want what"s best for her.  That's nice.

Hugs

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:
30 May 2023
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18 June 2023 - 6:56 pm
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I’m going to echo what Benny said. Dogs are like people in that they recover differently depending on the person/dog. Some dogs are up within the day and the day after are trying to play and jump and some dogs need help. Either way, Ophelia will need to be around someone that can help and keep an eye on her. I bought a futon mattress and slept on the floor in a huge pallet with my boy until he was ready to use the ramp to the bed. Almost 2 weeks is slept on the floor but I was being conservative. You will need to keep Ophelia from jumping on furniture and up stairs. But your doctor will walk you through all that.  Depending on your baby’s overall behavior,  anxiety meds could be prescribed to help keep them calm and promote resting. Rest is important and moving at the individual dog’s pace being patient with them is key. 

With that said, talk to your ex and explain the detailed care they will need. Ophelia shouldn’t be in a car for at least 14 days after surgery. Remind your ex it’s not about who can provide better care or who knows the dog better or anything, but it’s simply all about what’s best and safe for Ophelia. And, as you pointed out, Ophelia spends most of the time with you so you know her a little better and can monitor her behavior and stuff to note any changes. Sounds like it would be more convenient to have Ophelia be with you where she can be looked over consistently. Some people recommend kenneling or confining but if your dog is generally calm anyways and you’ll be around, you shouldn’t need it. I didn’t even use the inflatable or plastic e-collar at all with Kota. The first several days he spent sleeping and resting. I even brought food and water to him to limit motion sometimes. I’m hoping your ex understands!

Member Since:
15 June 2023
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18 June 2023 - 11:12 pm
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Thanks Justin and Benny. Someone suggested that i put this question here in “anything goes”. 

anyway, you both said what i suspected would be said.  I just wanted to be sure that i wasn’t being overprotective or selfish.  It’s also good to know that I’ll need to be home during that two week period of time.  

thanks again!

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