Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Fawkes had his left rear leg amputated 4 days ago. It was the result of a cruciate injury that ended up with an infection in the joint/bone that we just couldn't get rid of. Just as I suspected, getting rid of the source of significant pain has brought my youthful 12 yr old dog back to life 
I realize it is too soon to really start a rehab program since he is really restricted post-surgery right now. Is there anything I CAN do? He has a Ruffwear harness that is extremely helpful, but I hesitate to use a hip harness or sling at this point...partly due to the incision location as well as being instructed to let him do as much as he can on his own. Of course, he is only getting short leashed potty walks.
During his recovery/treatment from the injury and infection, he lost a lot of weight (~20 pounds!!) and significant muscle mass. He was not fat to start with, so we have a huge uphill battle coming. I'm worried he might hurt himself.
Any tips?
Thanks,
Tanya & Fawkes
Four days is a bit early. Focus on healing first—confinement, rest, and short leashed potty time. Once the stitches come out there are simple starter exercises you can do before moving onto more involved rehab exercises, stretching, and core conditioning.
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Thanks, that's what I thought.
My boy seems so happy to be rid of the pain. I had a hard time holding him back when I took him to pee today
I'll just have to enjoy that he's feeling so good until we can begin rehab. Already have an appt with our rehab professional.
Tanya & Fawkes
It really is spectacular that you can tell that, even after MAJOR surgery whch has to hurt, Fawkes still feels better than before the surgery! 🙂
For now jjst continue to focus on the recovery, the non-stop spoiling and non-stop feeding!!!! Cheeseburgers, steaks, a scoop of ice cream for dessert, and then repeat! 🙂 🙂
Keep js lpsted on how he's doing. He certainly seems to be having a smooth recovery. He may still have some ups and downs, but maybe not.
Give Fawkes an extra smooch for me. He's quite a remarkable ...er...."mature" pup! 🙂
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Still too early, and you might still see a bit of a crash as the last of the hospital meds wear off. Focus on rest, short leashed potty breaks only, until the staples come out about day 10 - 14. Then you can start moving a bit more, but also consider "brain games," to keep him stimulated. Treats hidden under Dixie cups, puzzle games, etc.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
There seem to be different views on this, and, of course, it must depend on the individual dog as well, and how they are getting on. In our case, Meg saw the rehab vet at six days post op. It was obviously very gentle. She had some laser on her wound, but she did also start standing with her front leg (she is a front leg amp) on a wobble cushion, taking treats from my hand, and a little from side to side.
In fact, even when I collected her from the hospital, just over two days after her amp, we met with a hospital physio, and she gave me some very, very basic exercises to start immediately. From what I remember these involved rocking her gently backwards and forwards to shift the weight between her legs. And a couple of other things I think as well, but I can't remember what. Sorry.
Meg didn't have any (visible) stitches or staples, so there was nothing to remove. I don't know if that affected things, or if it was just a difference of approach.
Fawkes sounds as though he is doing just great! And I am quite sure that now with the painful leg gone, and the wretched infection consigned to history, he will soon regain strength and muscle mass once you are able to start working with him.
All best to you both,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
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