Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
Sorry I haven't been on lately. Another one of our furbabies was sick last week and the vet thinks it's tick-related. But he's doing much better now.
It is now 40 days since Angel was hit by a car, 4 weeks since the pevic fracture surgery and 3 weeks since the right rear amputation. She is doing amazingly well! Since last week, she is allowed to walk (hop) on her own a little at a time (on her new hip). She gets 10-15 feet then plops down. She goes kind of sideways and I can't help laughing! She and our other small dog went to grandma and grandpa's on Sunday and played and played with my parent's dogs. It was the 1st time she played with a squeaky toy since the accident. She still has to go in for bandage changes, but the open wound on her side is getting smaller every week. She gets really close to the pond cause she wants to go swimming so bad! I can't wait for the bandages to come off permanently. (The docs think it will be 2-4 more weeks.)
Angel doesn't know she's missing a leg. She's just wondering why it takes so much energy to hop a little. But she'll be running with the rest of them in no time. Her little hind leg is so weak, but she's already building muscle.
It has been a long long road and there's more healing to come. But she is so amazing and strong. My inspiration. I'll send in a photo of her first steps. I was crying so much the first time she hopped on her own and had to hold myself back from helping her!
There won't be any stopping her now. How marvelous. It is so nice to know she is doing so well after having such major obstacles to overcome. I know you are very happy to see the progress she has made.
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.
Oh yeah, that is wonderful! What a relief, we were all holding our breath hoping you had good news like this, thanks for the update. Angel is AWESOME!
We're curious; are you using any ointment or salve to help with the wound area, or just letting it heal by itself?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Whew! I was getting worried not hearing anything for so long. I guess no news is good news, and of course it was! Way to go Angel!!! She'll be back to normal in no time. It's great that she's playing with the others so well already too.
I do have one suggestion for you, if you can find a pool that is about 1 ft. deep (as Angel is a small dog), when her bandages come off, if she swims in the pool a couple of times a day, she'll build that muscle up in her leg and stamina in no time!
She's a miracle Angel!
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Thanks ya'll.
The vets were putting some kind of cream on her wound for the 1st few weeks. I think they said it was high in salt or calcium. It's supposed to make the wound contract. Now they put on a sterile dressing and cover it with gauze and vet wrap. It's original size was 10x6 inches. About 1/2 died and now it's down to about 1x5 inches. I was putting vitamin E oil on her scar from the pelvis surgery, but then she wants to lick it and I don't want to OD her. It's just that it's right where the skin naturally stretches when they stretch their hind legs out and it's so hard and non-stretchy.
I can't wait til her bandages come off!! I think I hate them just as much as she does! Then I think (hope) she'll want to swim. I will definately get a little pool for her.
She was really tired this morning I think bc she was outside a lot with my hubby yesterday.
One of her sisters, Buttercup, wasn't letting Angel clean her all this time. She avoided her. But in the past 2 days, she's been letting Angel clean her! It's so cute!
Great update. Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have another milestone for Angel's recovery. She finally slept in bed with us! And without the dreaded cone collar! She has been crated for 6 weeks at night so we didn't accidently bump her. AND she walked about 50 feet in one trip yesterday! Furthest yet!
AND she dug in the sand!! Oh my gosh!
That's quite an accomplishment, Miss Angel. I bet you have one proud mom right now.
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.
Wow, she's coming along great! When this is all said and done, you are going to have one awesome story to tell. She is so incredible, and you are such a hero for hanging in there and helping her through it. Many many congrats!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
More wonderful news from the vet yesterday! She has only 1 more week of wearing bandages on her side wound! They took xrays and said everything looks 'fabulous'! And she can start doing whatever she wants without restriction (running, walking more, going up stairs) in 1 week!
For the 1st time since the accident, she did her crouching-hunting-stalking position when the other dogs were playing. Every new milestone in her recovery is a miracle!
Yeeeayyy! This is so great to hear. You'll both be so glad to move on and forward with life. She truly is a walking miracle dog. Can't wait to see pics of her playing and romping around!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Way to Go Angel! She is such a trooper and proving once again that dogs can come back from adversity stronger than ever. She is amazing and so are her pawrents!
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Yay Angel!!! What a powerful story of success. It is life changing to read.
Love and continued healing to you both from Buddy and I.
"be the change you wish to see in the world"
jgerman said:
For the 1st time since the accident, she did her crouching-hunting-stalking position when the other dogs were playing. Every new milestone in her recovery is a miracle!
More wonderful news is just fantastic! We must meet once Angel heals. Every milestone is a miracle, and there are many more to come. What a tough little pup!
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.
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