Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
It's been a while, tormenting ourselves, but a decision has been made.... I went for a second opinion to the vet clinic that has looked after our older GSD Raven. These are older and very experienced vets, and they had no hesitation in stating that the leg would have to come off completely.... They explained to us, (as one of you on the forum did earlier) that partial amputations are not in the best interest of the dog.. They said that the dog will go ahead and try to use any stump that is left after a partial amp. and that is where the problems will begin... So, the surgery is going ahead there on the 15 May.... I'm not going to offer any criticism, simply to say we are now relieved that the situation is settled..
The poor "little" guy, is now a solid 36 Lbs, and growing like a weed.. We are noticing though, that even though he scoots around quickly, when he is outside running after Raven and the ball, he is stopping more frequently to lift the bad rear leg.. He must now be placing a lot more weight through the empty joint on to the part of the foot that is flat to the ground there, and we clean it and apply ointment on a daily basis.This went a long way towards making the decision to amputate, because we realized that as he grows, the foot will just become a source of pain and infection, and we don't want to inflict any suffering on the "little" guy..
There you have it....
Have a good week everybody, and I'll send some more pictures soon
Regards
Richard
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Happy that you have reached a decision that it sounds like you are all comfortable with! He is going to bounce right back after surgery and be running around in the yard non-stop! Our Cody wrestles with his brother and chases him just like he did before! 
Good luck!
Cody and Family
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
A second opinion is always a great idea.....in Tucker's case it made the difference between palliative care and the amputation and here we are now seven months post amp and enjoying life on three legs.
Good Luck on the 15th....after the initial recovery Serge won't even remember that he had that fourth leg.
Keep us posted.
Linda and Tucker
We LOVE second opinions, they can make all the difference in the world. These vets sound great, kudos to you for going the extra mile.
Whatever questions you have, whatever we can do before surgery day and after, just let us know. We are here for you and can't wait to see more pics!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks a lot for your kind words and encouragement... I will post more photos when I have them back on the system. I just finished wiping Windows, and instaling Linux on our laptops, and the photos are on a flash drive waiting to be reloaded..Retired IT managers sometimes cannot resist the tempation to "play" the part of the computer "techie"...
I do have one question... How should we pick him up (if necessary) during the healing time..I don't want to rip out stitches, or cause him any grief, if I can avoid it...I know, the smart answer would be "Don't pick him up then !!"
We got an fairly large enclosed "play area" for indoors, for the first little while. It will basically prevent Raven (playing the mothering German Shepherd) from constantly licking his wound, and secondly, we will know where he is. It has a gate, so he doesn't have to be lifted out, and his bed fits in there, with lots of play room.
I'll keep you all posted..
Regards
Richard
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
I'm sure you are relieved your decision has been made. It makes going forward easier. Since our boy is large picking up wasn't an option. We used a sling to help with walking and going out. So I'd ask your vet the best way to proceed. Keeping him contained is a good idea for your recoup period. Ours was a good month of recoup and we also kept Snoop in a restrained area. That rest and quiet is important. It's a good month for most since it's major surgery. I'm sure Serg will do great.
Esther and her Snoop
Oooooh we have a techie in the house! Careful, we might be recruiting you 
We always recommend trying the old recycled canvas grocery bag trick to assist any dog in getting up. You take a canvas grocery bag, cut the sides open then use it as a sling to assist (the handles help you hoist him).
Good idea to keep him confined, that's always a smart idea.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
Oooooh we have a techie in the house! Careful, we might be recruiting youWe always recommend trying the old recycled canvas grocery bag trick to assist any dog in getting up. You take a canvas grocery bag, cut the sides open then use it as a sling to assist (the handles help you hoist him).
Good idea to keep him confined, that's always a smart idea.
What a superbly simple solution...I always forget to take them with me when I (under protest) have to do the grocery shopping !!! ....As regards "the techie".... It has been 5 long years since I retired, and actually did anything constructive on a computer.. I always hired "techies" to do "that sort of thing !!!! ...lol"... I am sadly out of practice, and never really did understand HTML scripting !!!!
Have a good week and thanks for the support
Richard
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Too funny Richard. Well now you have a good use for those bags. Be aware that not all dogs want that support but you can give it a try to see if your help is wanted in that department.
How nice to be a retired techie!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to send support and to let you know...as you've already found out...you are not alone!
You will be amazed at how well yourpup gets along.
And yeah, maybe start getting him used to the sling now so he'll be more receptive to it. My Haph Hannah...125 lbs. of love...wouldn't let me use the sling....I think I tried a towel once or twice, but she didn't like it. She was able to go down stairs to the outside, but she used a ramp I built to co e up.
Maybe when yo do have to do lifti g, you could pick her up n her blankie and knda' keep evdrything all protected that way. The amp. site will be very gender for awhile.
Hugs to all,
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!
Hi Everyone,
Probably the last photo of Serge, before his surgery (a week from today)..Photo will follow, I goofed somewhere and lost my pic... OK, I found the photo.. He is now almost 40Lbs, and it will be interesting to see what he is like when the rest of him has caught up with his "Fledermaus" ears.. Our older GSD Raven, is going to the breeder, for a week, when Serge comes home..This way, he can have some peace and quiet..Raven will be running about in the kennels, with her GSD family, and (hopefully) losing some Winter fat !!!! I'll keep you updated as soon as he has had the surgery.... Thanks for all your support,
Richard
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Hi Richard
What a handsome boy.
Good plan for both of your pups post-surgery....more TLC time for Serge and lots of fun for Raven.
Good Luck on the 15th - keep us posted.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
OOHHHHH! WOOOF! WOOOOOF! We loooooove you Serge!
He's just growing up so fast, thanks for sharing the pic. It's smart of you to send Raven to her GSD family for a bit, that will really help keep Serge a little mellow so he can have a smoother recovery. Puppies can be a challenge to keep calm during recovery that's for sure.
Looks like Serge is giving Wyatt some competition in the satellite ears department. Maybe Serge can join Wyatt and enlist his ears to help the scientists at the Very Large Array!
Well the countdown begins, let us know if we can do anything to answer any questions you have.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Soooooooo cute! Paws crossed for Serge! remember, he's not worried about a thing!
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!
Serge is so cute. He will do great. Glad you have a plan of action in place. Let us know if you have any other questions
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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