Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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As many of you know, my dog Willow recently had her right hind leg amputated because of cancer. She has had a rough recovery. Everything from anemia, a nasty bacterial infection, and even seizures. But she has proven to be a tough little dog who never gave up the fight. She is home now and doing pretty well. My one concern is that her incision is still not completely healed, even though it was sutured about 3 weeks ago. I am wondering if anyone could suggest a home cooked diet, and supplements that would help the healing process. I know she needs more protein, but I am wondering what specific vitamins and minerals would help, and how much to give. Right now she weighs about 24 lbs. Thanks, Mike
Hi Mike, I'm sorry Willow is having such a tough recovery! What kind of food are you feeding her now?
Let me preface everything I'm about to say with "I am not a vet... but"...
Does she have an appetite? If she isn't eating try enticing her with boiled chicken and rice. It soothes tummies and is pretty easy to digest.
If she is eating regularly without any issues a drastic change in diet can be difficult for some dogs. You may want to just start out by supplementing her current diet with some whole foods, like chicken breast and some fresh or frozen veggies cooked until they're super mushy, and maybe some fruits (especially berries) are good antioxidants and dogs love them. Too much change too fast will cause tummy upset.
Willow's immune system should be focusing on healing and rebuilding, so any change in diet should be really slow to introduce so that she doesn't get an upset belly and have her immune system dealing with that instead.
If you want to start down the path of supplements, there are many multivitamins available, like PetTabs that are general. For skin and coat (which may or may not help the healing process) I'd suggest Krill oil or Fish oil if you can't find Krill oil. Coconut oil and Olive oil are also good sources of Omegas that help with skin and coat.
If you still want to pursue a homemade diet, I suggest that you consult with your vet and do some research before going down that path. I took months to research, but it was the best decision I ever made.
Jerry posted an article in the Tripawds nutrition blog that links to my nutrition series of blog posts on That Pet Blog about homemade food and pet nutrition. I really suggest reading up on the subject before you make many changes.
Dr. Dressler also provides a free chapter on what to feed your dog with cancer that led me to change the way I cook for my dogs. Check that out here: http://www.dogc.....ncer-diet/
Best of luck to you and Willow,
Heather & Barret
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Wow, Willow is only 24 pounds? She looks so much bigger (in a good way!).
I agree 100 pawcent with Heather's suggestions. My biggest piece of advice is to try to find a nutrition expert, such a holistic veterinarian if there's one near you (our Resources page has a link with a directory). Also you can start with Dr. Dressler's Dog Cancer Guide, he has extensive nutrition information that isn't complicated. Also, Laurie Kaplan's book, Help Your Dog Fight Cancer, is another good reference book. Whatever you do, start slowly and don't go overboard. Use only what Willow enjoys, after all, mealtime is supposed to be enjoyable (and tasty and nutritious of course!).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Mike and Willow. I'm sorry you've had such a rough recovery, my heart goes out to you. I think you've got the best advice from Heather and Jerry, I'm following it too. The only thing I might add is that yogurt is a good source of protein and they seem to really like it.
Patricia & Mighty Atlas
What I have noticed since I changed TJs (the the rest of the packs) diet to the 4Health Grain Free dog food (a high, but not premium) quality food is that the poop is much smaller. Since there are no grain fillers its mostly digested and very little (compared to the Pedigree they used to get) come out the other end.
This helps TJ A LOT because he doesn't have to squat for so long... its hunch over and POP! (or PLOP!) and done 
That my help your hound. Plus giving probiotic plain yogurt 2-3 times a week really tunes up the old gut..... so even more is being digested.
Right now Willow is eating pretty well. She's never been a big eater and is kind of picky. Since she came home I have been giving her chicken (which she loves), plus some canned food from the vet. The vet said that her protein levels were low, and I know they are important for the healing process. I don't want to get to complex with a diet change right now. I just want to give her what she needs to heal properly and regain her strength. And I'm sure her immune system is a bit weak now after fighting such a nasty infection. I figured I would start mixing some chicken with some rice and veggies, and then adding a multi vitamin/mineral supplement to it. And maybe some extra vitamin C. I also have some Cosequin that I'm going to start her on. Any other ideas? Thanks, Mike
So ,any great li ks and great suggestioms from all.
I still cannot get over everything tjat sweet girl has been Through! So glad she's ho e!
I still supplement my "home cooking' (boiled chickecn, hamburger, turkey and broccoli... or some other greems..kale, spinach or green beans and sardines). with either Merrick, Origen (Six fish), Castor Pollix Oraganic Chicken, Evo (when back on market). I jist simmer all the meats together and add vegies for about five minites or so. Top off bowl with can of sardiines.
I somwtimes use bonemeal (KAL), cottage cheese amd blueberries. I use K9 Immunity Plus and Apocaps . There are a few other things I supplememt "sometimes" bt this is pretty much the daily stuff! Yeah, these dry foods have pretty high protein percentages. There's also another dry I use sometimes, Fromm Farms (?) and some of the Wellness dry.
And she loves watermelon as a treat! And I joke about she and I eti g ice cream all the time! I do---she doesn't. But she does get a small scoop every night and gets to lick the bowl
It seems that it was several weeks before Hapy Hannah's surgery site "settled down". With the way things have gone with Willow, I would certainly get it checked if it doesn't start looking better though soon.
When you can, how 'out posting another oicture for us of sweet Willow! She does look larger than 20 lbs.! To think this little girl jas had so many challenges must breaks my heart. What a stromg fighter!
The very best tomyou and the WONDERFUL WILLOW:-)
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!
Calcium. Dogs require much more calcium than humans. Food grade bone meal, pulverized egg shells ( what I use) or raw bones ( with caution) are all good sources.
Good Luck, heather
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
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