Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Wow those sound interesting. Do you happen to have any links to the trials?
No, we don't know of any connection between lipomas and cancer tumors. It's a good question for an oncologist, but here, I can't recall ever hearing anything about a definite or even suspected connection.
As for the coughing, it's something to mention to your vet. My guess is it isn't connected to his diagnosis. The cancer cough that happens with lung metastasis is very distinctive and happens during other situations (laying down, getting tired, etc) not just one type of movement in particular. Try not to panic, it could be anything but it's good to let your vet know.
You are so welcome, that's why we are here!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
No, I don't have any specifics yet on the clinical trials but when I do know more I will definitely share.
Thank you for the remarks about his cough, I will advice the Dr. but I think that I agree, it is just when he slurps up alot of water at one time.
I didn't think there was any connection between the lipomas and his osteosarcoma but trying to cover all bases. They are just fatty tumors.
BYW, do you know of any other Bernese Mountain Dogs who have become tripawds?
Cool, yes we'd love to find out more info when and if you're able to gather some. Thank you!
As for Tripawd Berners, oh yeah. One search of our community will take you to many different stories. Be sure to click both the "Forums Search Results" and "Blog Search Results" for different examples:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Reading all the posts about the fur kids doing 'face plants' and losing incentive to get up made me cry. Ryder will have his amputation in two days and I am already a basket case...Wouldn't it help them to steady them with a sling or just hold gently on the handle grip of the harness while they go out to potty to keep them upright? I think if I was repeatedly face planting every time I tried to move around I too would avoid trying to move around unless absolutely necessary. I understand that they have to learn how to cope with their 'new normal' but just a little assistance couldn't hurt. I'm having excruciating lower back pain right now (1 week today) and if I try to move just the wrong way it immediately cripples me with excruciating pain and I can barely stand up. Today is somewhat better and I will be (finally) seeing a chiropractor. So, I know what it feels like to want to avoid moving at all cost.
It appears that rehab once the wound is healed and consistent pain management is imperative. Ryder is getting along quite well right now by hopping on three legs but he does use his bad front leg as sort of a brace, not really walking on it but using it to steady himself. Sometimes when he is finished 'doing his business' outside he will tuck that leg up against his body and almost run on three legs back to the door.
Thank you for the link to the other berners who have experienced being a tripawd.
Georgiana, I'm in the Tripawds Chat for a bit if you want to talk. Back in a sec with some feedback.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wouldn’t it help them to steady them with a sling or just hold gently on the handle grip of the harness while they go out to potty to keep them upright?
Yes it sounds upsetting to us. But you have to remember that 1) not all dogs will face plant, and 2) they do not cry when it happens, they just get up and keep trying. It's like a toddler learning to walk, at some point you need to let them do it or they won't figure it out. Right out of surgery, yes, assisting is totally fine. Ryder may be wonky on the meds, and helping him balance will be a good thing. But eventually you'll need to let go and see how he does.
Also keep in mind that the face plants that happen long after surgery usually take place because the dog is getting too much activity for their current fitness level. As long as you are careful about Ryder's activity throughout the day, he should be OK on his own without falling over.
You will be so surprised at how he adapts! Yes there will be ups and downs but the thing to keep in mind is that dogs handle those times so much better than we do! Stay strong a pawsitive, and you'll set a good tone for the recovery. And lean on us when you feel like you cannot, we are here for you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jist tomditto the reassurance Jerry gave you, once the sirfery recovery takes place,generally, not always, most dogs do need add pain meds. I did keep my Happy Hannah on a lower dosage into the third week as she still seemed a bit uncomfortable into the third week.
It takes APPROXIMATELY two weeks for them dogs to recover from the surgery. It is MAJOR surgery and they did time to heal. It GENERALLY takes about 30 days for a dog to fully adjust to the new gait with no stumbles, face plants, etc. Not saying they don't jappen on ocassion but, as Jerry said, at that point it's usually because of,overdoing it, getting too feisty and rambunctious.
EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT. EVERY RECOVERY IS DIFFERENT. You may, or may not need to assist with a sling. My Happy Hannah would pretty much freeze when I tried to help her with a towel sling. Just playing by ear. Some dogs take a few days to get their sea legs and they need more assistance than others....some don't. No right or wrong, good or bad.
What you may be perceiving as "lack of incentive" at first, is usually just the pain meds helping them to rest and not want to,do much except rest. And rest is EXACTLY what they need.
As Jerry said, your energy is so important. Ryder sees you as her pack leader and needs to know everything is okay. When you do go to,pick her up, don't even bother to look at the incision or draw attention to it. Just smile and praise her and tell her she's going home!!!
Because of your back situation (and that is an awful pain), you can ask the Surgeon if they could keep Ryder a seond night, as opposed to the usual one night. Don't know if that will help at all.
STAY CONNECTED!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! We are all right by your side and understand the stress of getting to this point. I do think you will find Ryder adapts to three far better than you could have imagined. Sounds like he already was that pretty well figured out.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Eat lots of chocolate. It helps with stress! So does ice cream!
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!
Thank you guys for your kind words of support and encouragement, it is much needed and much appreciated!
I did find out that one of the clinical studies Ryder will participate in is:
K9 tumor and Blood sampling for Osteosarcoma and Oral Melanoma study. The purpose is to further understanding of dog cancers through genomic (DNA) testing and the development of tumor models to be used for further research. The study is to understand the underlying biology of canine cancers and to provide insights into how the mechanism of these cancers may aid in future treatment developments for both dogs and humans.
Hi Georgiana and Ryder, wishing you all the best you are in good hands and paws!
Catherine and Koda Bear
❤️🤗🐶
Georgiana Berg said
I did find out that one of the clinical studies Ryder will participate in is:
Thanks for sharing! Fascinating! Looks like it's a large study among different vet clinics.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ryder's second clinical trial is:
Dysbiosis enhancing Linage towards Association with Canine Osteosarcoma (DEL-TACO) Study
Seeking to determine whether dogs with osteosarcoma have intestinal dysbiosis and if it is associated with metastasis. Duration of study is 12 months with 5 visits to the hospital for routine blood anaylsis, chest x-rays, stool samples.
Surgery is tomorrow, Friday 04/16/21
I love that Ryder is contributing to so many cool studies!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Keep us posted and stay pawsitive!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update on Ryder:
left front leg amputated Friday, 4/16 around 6 PM
Rehab dr says that she feels he is anticipating pain and is resisting getting up. They were finally able to get him to walk about 20' using 2 slings and he went outside into the sunshine (no potty). Has had TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), one session of laser therapy and some ROM (Range of Movement) in other limbs (not well tolerated today). Still weaning him from Opioids, so he is still a bit disoriented.
They may discharge him tomorrow but we are very worried that we may not be able to accomodate his needs - might opt for one more day in hospital for rehab. just so he is a bit more steady on his feet when he comes home.
Our biggest concern is that we are not strong enough to physically lift him out of our Subaru Forrester. He cannot wear his Ruffwear harness yet as the area of his stitches is way too large and would cause extreme pain. We will have a neighbor guy help us when we first bring him home but he will not be available to help very often because he has work. Hospital wants him on rehab visits twice a week.
Any suggestions forgetting him out of the vehicle?
Real quick, I'll be back tomorrow: so glad he's over surgery and getting such great care!!
In our experience most dogs will still try to get in and out on their own. Unless hes too wonky from meds he will probably try to do it on his own. You can use a grocery bag sling to assist, he should be ok.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Alrighty, surgery is done! YAY!!
Yeah, some dogs stay for two nights, even three sometimes. So just see how he is doing tomorrow .
So you know what his pain management plan is? Most dogs come home with Gaba, sometimes Tramadol too, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. It's not surprising at all that he's not being mobile yet. He's still shaking off the strong hospital meds and the anesthesia.
I may be way off base on this, but usually, Rehab doesn't start til after recovery (or stitches out). So to be bringing him back to the hospital, getting him in and out of the hospital twice a week already
I'm sure he wasn't receptive at all to some ROM this short time after surgery and on the opiods. Poor guy!
Try and get some rest tonight. Those first days and nights at home can be very looong and with little sleep. He'll adjust to his new gait and get his sparkle back slowly but surely.
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!
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