Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It's all my fault and I feel horrible. If you don't read anything else, then pay attention to this- Don't leave your dog unattended in a harness, especially a front leg amputee.
Today, I got home and Cora started barking like normal. i open the kennel and see it's really torn up and Cora isn't coming out. I realize something is wrong. I help her out. I haven't been taking the harness off lately when I leave her. She hates the on/off part. I know better!!! While I was gone, somehow the harness had gotten twisted around. I can't even explain what was wrong. It was like.... the neck part slid down past her stump and then got stuck and twisted? I don't know. I wasn't paying that much attention to what was wrong, just trying to get it off.
It was on tight and cora fell over and even though she was carrying on and horribly upset she wasn't biting me (which has become an issue lately). I couldn't get it off. I ran and got a pair of scissors but at first Cora was thraashing so much I was scared I'd cut her. I finally managed to cut the halter off. I checked her over carefully andphysically she is fine. She was stressed and grumpy but she calmed down. She's definitely tired though.
I am so, so mad at myself. And what if she is all freaked out about harnesses now. It's already been hard to get one on and off her. She has to have a harness. And how long was my poor baby like that? I feel sick to my stomach.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
Do not beat yourself up. I would have left the harness on also, especially if Cora hates getting in and out of it. She may have been a bit uncomfortable but she was not physically hurt. Maybe some extra treats might be in order when you go to put the harness on again. Maybe she wont fuss so much.
I think about Cora often and wonder how she is doing. You are such an amazing mommy helping her the way you do. I hope she is coming along and adjusting more and more each day. With you by her side, I have no doubt she will.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
Oh Chris! you are WAY too hard on yourself! I bet any of us would have done the same thing in that situation, especially since she doesnt like having it taken on and off!! Think about all the incredible things you do for Baby Cora! Do not beat yourself up over this, you are an amazing mom to her!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Chris,
Michele & Erica are right. Do not beat yourself up over it. I probably would have left it on too if she was having problems with taking it on & off. Try the extra treats to see if you can get it back on her. You do a lot of great things for Cora.
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."
Chris, I can't imagine how scary that must have been, I'm so sorry! Does Cora seem alright today? Are you alright? Please don't blame yourself, you got home in time and that's all that matters.
Thank you for sharing this with us, as hard as it was to do. We've known of many dogs who will chew the harness when it's left on and nobody's looking, our own Wyatt Ray included (when he was a puppy, not anymore). In our order confirmations to harness buyers we will reiterate not to leave it on when the dog is alone.
Dogs are resilient, Cora will be OK from this. Here is an article that can help:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you guys. You helped me feel less awful.
Yesterday afternoon Cora started having leg cramps or something. I don't know if it was related to what happened with the harness or something she did while playing in the yard. When she was playing in the yard is when she first seemed to have a problem. She was on the other side of some bushes so I couldn't completely see what happened, but she didn't fall or anything. However she had been running, so who knows.
I duck taped her harness strap back together until her new one arrives and today she doesn't seem so sore. She was trying to puppy attack me and didn't want to come in when I wanted her to come in, so that seems good. I'm going to make her have some rest days.
She didn't like me putting the harness on her but no worse than normal. It's the slipping it over her head part she mostly doesn't like. Jerry, I followed the link and glad to see I've been doing things right with Cora and the harness other than being an idiot and leaving it on her when she was unattended.
I don't know what I'd do without this group. Thanks.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
Chris you're not an idiot. We've allowed Wyatt Ray to eat his harness by accidentally leaving it on him when we weren't around. Lots of people have done the same, you're not the first I promise.
I'm glad to hear that she wasn't any more traumatized by the harness. With some R&R she should be back to her usual self in a day or two. I know a lot of times it seems like one step forward two steps back, but you ARE making progress. Hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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