Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Maizey Blue, our 2 year old English Mastiff, was hit by a car about 4 months ago. Her rear broken leg has healed wonderfully but the non broken rear leg suffered nerve damage and is basically dead from the hock down. She now walks of the top of this paw which has created a sore. We have tried massages, cold water therapy, braces...basically whatever we could do to help these nerves heal. We have decided that amputation will be her best option for a full and happy life. I'm looking for any information I can get about...
1)length of stay at vets after surgery
2)pain levels - she is in no pain right now
3) recovery time (home kennel/crate time if needed???)
4)any advice
Any information or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Jenn, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts won't require moderation.
We're so sorry to hear about Maizey's accident, but that's great she pulled through. It sounds like you've done a lot of your homework and taken many steps to help her heal. Are you working with a rehab therapist? Just curious.
Meanwhile, I encourage you to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and our ebook library, which can answer many of your questions until you get feedback here, which I know you will. Our members are fantastic! As for the vets who help us out, one in particular, Tazziedog, aka Dr. Pam Wiltzius, joined Tripawds many years ago because of her amazing Tripawd who was also an English Mastiff, Tazzie. You can read her story here. I'm hoping that Pam will see your post so she can share more about her experience with you. You might also want to check out our Size and Age Matters Discussion Forum topic for more inspawration.
I'm not a vet, but I hope I've helped alleviate some of your fears. Feel free to post elsewhere too, we're here to help and look forward to hearing more about Maizey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for your reply. I will definitely check out all the stuff you recommended.
We have not been working with a rehab specialist. Out vet is wonderful and between his advice and lots and lots of time researching online we have tried our best to help our "big girl" recover. I do want to thank your website for making this procedure seem more of a new lease on life than a loss of a limb.
My dog lost her front leg due to cancer but it is easier for a dog to lose the rear leg. If she is already getting around fairly well on 3 legs she may only have to stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights. I would suggest that your vet start gabapentin prior to the surgery and continue for 7-14 days (for phantom pain ). I usually use an NSAID like Deramaxx or Metacam for 2 weeks and Tramadol as needed for further pain relief. At our clinic we place a Fentanyl patch the day prior to surgery and we use a morphine drip during surgery and as needed post-op. That sounds like a lot of drugs and some dogs get a little loopy from the narcotics but I would rather have my dog be a little high than in pain.
Your dog will not need chemo so you are lucky! I would keep her on the thin side and consider using a glucosamine supplement since her other legs and joints will be under extra stress.
Good luck!
Pam
And how do you do Maiizey Blue?! You jave my heart already! I am owned by a tripawd Bull Mastiff, Happy Hannah, (rear leg amp. osteo.) so, I now for you, Maizey Blue gives you mich more of a "vehicle" to cuddle and snuggle! Mastiff's produce some of the finest slobber in their kisses, dn't they?
All of the dowloads Jerry gave you, along with Tazzie's info. will probavly answer most questions. I'm sure somewhere in tnere it mentions scatter rigs for tractin if you jave hardwoods. I had Happy Hannah's ramp (dor outside stairs) built about a weekor so ahead so she could get used to it. My brother built it wide enough for me to walk beside her and with RAILS. I've put some old asphalt shingles down one sise of it for traction in wet, snow, etc. I think some use idoor/outdoor carpet which thet find helpful.
Rememer that eveey dogis different! Some take longer to recover than others, some recover quicker, Pain meds are tolersted differently with each dog. Have a person nelp you if at all possible when picking her up from surgery. When you do see her for the first time just look into her eyes and not her incision site! She's just happy you are there and she is going home! Get lots os sleep before surgery...the first weekor so can be rough! Not always, but can be!
Cannot wait to see more pictures of your beautiful girl! I kow she's a sweetheart! And I also kow she's lucky tohave you as ner voice!
And yes, as tragic as this seems right now, remember, you are doing this FOR her, not TO her. Most dogs here have some form of "that terrible disease" and, although we want as much quantity time as possible, for us, quality is our main goal for whatever time there is. Maisey Vlue can look forward to a long happy, pain free life! You will be amazed at how well she will adapt to three legs. You think she's your hero now? You just wait! You "ain't seen nuttin' yet"!
We are here for you,okay" Stay connected to us. You are NOT alone!
(((((((((hugs)))))))))))
Sally and 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!
Welcome Maizey Blue!
Sorry about the diagnosis, but glad you found the site. Since you've already gotten the best advice from Dr. Pam and Sally I just wanted to let you know we are here for whatever support you need.
Keep us updated.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Thank you all! Maizey's surgery is scheduled for next Friday, Oct 4th. I'm very anxious but also excited for her to start her new life on 3 legs.
Ohh couldn't have picked a better day, it's St. Francis of Assisi day, he watches over all the animals!
Let us know how we can ease your worries, we're here to help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Maizey Blue is in surgery right now...I'm very worried about her but I know this is the best thing for her.
All paws crossed lver here...and that's a lot of tripawd power!!
Maizey Vlue is highon drugs and not feeling a thing!
Eat a lot of chocolate and get a good night's sleep, okay? She'll be fkne!
Yeah, first weekor two....prett darn rough! We're here for you to helpmyou get through that! You are going to be so amazed at how well she does and how good she will be feeling!
Hugs and chocolate toya!
Sally and 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!
Strong, positive thoughts headed your way.
Maizey has gone through a lot in her short life, she is tough enough to conquer this surgery and recovery too.
Keep us posted on her progress.
Karen
Maizey came home 24 hours post surgery. She walked (hopped) from the SUV to her kennel. Walked around, stood and had a big drink of water. She's doing amazingly well. She is now resting thanks to the pain meds. I will post videos shortly of before and after surgery.
Thank you all for your support.
Jenn and Maizey Blue (soon to be hell on 3 legs!)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! Maizey Blue is home and n tne road to recovery! Sounds like already is adjusting to those three legs just fine!
Now remember, she's still full of meds and can be a little loopy but she's high as a kite right now! Enjoy fkyingit with her!
Look forward topics and more good updates!
MAIZEY BLUEIS HOME!!!!!
Hugs and love!
Sally and 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!
Maizey took 3 short walks today (48 hours post op) and continues to amaze us. She is eating and drinking....squatting to poop and pee!!! Her pain level seems to be controlled. She sits and lays on her amputated leg without a whimper. If she had it her way she's be out running with the other dogs.
That is so pawesome! Please consider starting a new topic all about her recovery in "Size and Age Matters" if you'd like, I know others can benefit from it when they're looking for big dog stories. Yay Maizey! Yay you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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