Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Amos is a 13 year old (next month), Great Dane/lab mix, 87 lbs pre-op with osteosarcoma in front right leg. It's been three days since he had his amputation of his front right leg. He stayed in the hospital two days because he was not doing well moving on his own. I brought him home yesterday and he is doing no better. He barks to go outside but will make no effort to get up to go. He will lift his head but that is about the extent of it. I have to force him up and force him to walk, or else find someone to just lift him and carry him outside. When we get out there he will not pee and will not walk without extreme assistance ( I am using a halter to assist him in the front) and then he just keeps trying to lay down. I have tried having another person help me and tried to manually express his bladder to no avail. Maybe I don't know what I am doing. Maybe he is fighting it. I don't know. I'm feeling very, very frustrated and defeated, like I made the worst decision ever to remove his leg. I'm mostly concerned about him not peeing because he will never pee inside and I don't want him to get a bladder infection from holding it. But also, him not making any effort to move whatsoever seems very concerning. Help!
Hi Amos and Family, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval.
I'm so sorry to hear you're having a tough time. I'm hoping that one of our vet experts can chime in to give you some reassurance but in the meantime I'll tell you what my experience has been:
Three days is not a long time, especially for a senior dog since they do tend to take a bit longer to recuperate, and a larger one (although we've seen much larger dogs here who did fine after recovery). What kind of pain meds is he on? Keep in mind that pain meds make dogs sleepy, lethargic, not hungry and just not themselves. Have you talked to your vet about his behavior right now?
Don't get frustrated, things will get better. I would talk to your vet, and if he doesn't pee within the next few hours to take him in so they can show you how to manually express his bladder. Also, not sure what you mean by trying to get him to move with a halter, but have you tried the canvas grocery bag trick? Take a canvas grocery bag, cut the sides open, place the long part under his belly and use the handles as a way to hoist him up. He shouldn't be getting any more exercise other than going potty right now, so don't feel like he should be walking around for anything else. Remember, humans take waaaaay longer to get on their feet. So stay strong, and know that you are not alone. Many many other people have felt just the way you do, and in just a couple weeks time everything was so much better. I have my paws crossed that it is for you two also.
I hope this helps. Stop by the chat room during the evenings when you'll usually find someone there you can talk to OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The fact.that.he.is feisty.enough to give a good.solid bark.is a good.sign!
As hard.as.it.is...snd it is extremely.hard.....try.and.kee p.your energy.calm, confident and upbeat. Stay connected.to.us and know that y o u are NOT al o ne! We understand the stress.of.the.first.week.or.so.all too well!
I know this is such a scary time and a prime breeding ground for the.ole' second guessing.disease! Any.of.us.who have dogs with a slower more diffult recovery.catch that disease pretty.darn quickly!!! And it u sually strikes owners who.have larger, older dogs. For.now, just know that.is soooooo normal.and try and kick that "disease" to the.curb! B R E A T H E..........B R E A T H E.........B R E A T H E.......He will perk up! Many dogs have t o stay in the hospital several days before.they.can get mobile.
If he's like my.Happy.Hannah was, he.probably freezes up when you try.and use the sling anyway.
I also just want to offer support and ditto everything Jerry said. Yeah, make sure the peeing.thing is addressed if he doesn't go shortly. The getting.up.is.most.likely.drug related,.the.traumatic.surgery, etc. .Also,.the.not.peeing.could.be.so.com ewhat drug related.too.
Just so you'll.know, my first post here was someth i ng.like....."Six days after amputation and I fear I've made.a.HORRIBLE DECISION!! " The.support.of.this.community.pulled me.through! Happy Hannah.and I proceeded.on with THE MOST GLORIOUS, LOVE FILLED, SPOILING LIKE CRAZY,.JOYOUS FOURTEEN MONTHS one could.ever.imagine!!!
COME.ON AMOS! You've got the.whole tripawd.community.cheering.for you.to take a.PEE!!! Okay....one tip I wouldn't.just.share.with.anybody....shhhhh......do you have a male friend who will.pee.in the yard for you??? I'm.serious!!! Shhh.....to.anyone else.this may.sound.whacky and he obviously .has.to be.a good friend!!!!!! Or just pee in a cup and.pour.it.outside! Seri o us'll y!...Desperate.times.call for.Desperate.measures!!
((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))
Sally and 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!
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