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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Oh poor you and poor her. It must have been so hard to see her like that.
We saw Abby a few hours after her surgery. She was not in pain, but whacked out and looking really weird, panting like crazy. She seemed freaked out, although not in pain. It was quite distressing. BUT when we picked her up the next morning (only like 14 hrs later) - she was already a completely different dog. It was AMAZING. She came hopping out of the back, so happy to see us, tail wagging like mad. When we left the hospital she ran so fast I couldn't keep up and dropped the leash! Luckily the parking lot was empty and she just ran to some grass.
So, no - not exactly like what you experienced, but I share this to say that I think a night on the morphine drip is going to do her a world of good and hopefully you'll hear tomorrow that she's doing great and you can take her home after all.
MANY dogs do stay more than one night at the vet's, so don't be alarmed if they suggest she could do with another night.
I really do think it will all be ok. I know it's overwhelming at the moment - but hang in there!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
We didn't specifically ask, but they made it clear that they wanted to keep Sam on a drip longer than they first thought. I suspect it was because of pain that first day. This sounds scary but may not be unusual. It is good that she will be in a place that can keep her on the IV and monitor her.
Hooray for her doing well through the surgery. The first few days of recovery are a real roller coaster, but it gets better. She will get better, though I'm not sure I believed that until day 4 or 5.
Hang in there. You are making good decisions for your pup because you made them out of your love for her.
We are sending dog love to you through the air. Can you feel it?
hugs,
samog's family
Samdog was a 10 yr old Golden and retired SAR dog. We found a bone mass on 8/17/12, needle biopsy showed sarcoma 8/22/12, amputation on 8/23/12, post-amp biopsy confirmed osteosarcoma on 8/28/12. Sadly, we found lung mets on 11/27/12 and my Spirit Sam earned his wings on 12/2/12.
We didn't know where we were headed and we don't regret a single step along our path. It all happened too fast, but he left a legacy of love that we will always cherish. Good bye my heart.
You can find our story at http://samdog.t.....ipawds.com
I am a veterinary surgeon and I would never send a dog home the day of the amputation. They need to be on IV fluids and they definitely need IV pain meds through the first night. That being said, I did take my dog home the night of his amputation, but I also had the luxury of leaving his IV catheter in and giving him IV pain meds at home. He also had a Fentanyl patch which helped a lot.
I'm sorry you had to see your pup reacting poorly on her transfer to the overnight clinic. Part of it may have been pain, but a lot of dogs act weird as the anesthetic wears off. I've seen some dogs screaming bloody murder when they wake up from a minor procedure and some dogs act like nothing happened after a very major procedure. Sometimes they need a bit of tranquilizers with their pain meds to ease the anxiety.
But as Jackie said, 12 hrs can make a HUGE difference, so don't be discouraged. Honestly, you probably saw your dog at the worst possible time. It WILL get better!!!
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
12 hours DID make a HUGE difference. She is able to walk now and has been eating too. They let us take her home! Thanks again!!
Hooray! Keep us posted on how she's doing!
Jackie
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Yipee! This is terrific news. I hope you all have a restful, uneventful weekend. Keep us posted and let us know if we can do anything to help OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So happy to hear the beautiful Jersey girl is home! Best thoughts for a speedy recovery!
Welcome home, Jersey girl.
I hope you both are getting some sleep and recovery goes nice and smooth.
-Samdog's mom
Samdog was a 10 yr old Golden and retired SAR dog. We found a bone mass on 8/17/12, needle biopsy showed sarcoma 8/22/12, amputation on 8/23/12, post-amp biopsy confirmed osteosarcoma on 8/28/12. Sadly, we found lung mets on 11/27/12 and my Spirit Sam earned his wings on 12/2/12.
We didn't know where we were headed and we don't regret a single step along our path. It all happened too fast, but he left a legacy of love that we will always cherish. Good bye my heart.
You can find our story at http://samdog.t.....ipawds.com
Thank you everyone! Now we are just having to worry about keeping her out of trouble and not physically pushing herself too much. We will keep in touch!
I was out of touch the last few days. Just wanted to welcome you and tell you how relieved I was to get to the end of the topic and see that everything had turned out well. Whew! Had me on pins and needles for a bit.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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