Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Lori,
Keeping you and sweet Daryl in my thoughts today.........hoping you can get an answer soon for him and that it is a completely manageable and not serious problem. BTW, I have given what I am going to say a great deal of thought, I agree that you need to let Daryl live his life and that minor issues will pop up, but I also do agree that I would be a bit perturbed if someone beat on Pearl's back like a drum......other people need to know their boundaries when dealing with dogs belonging to someone else. What if Daryl turned around and bit this guy for doing this to him? Daryl would be completely justified in my opinion but he would be the one in trouble most likely. Sometimes people do really stupid things and the dog gets the blame. Anyway, that's my rant for the day.......sorry, my Ravens lost yesterday so it is my mad Monday....
Please let us know of any new developments today or this week......my heart is hurting for you and him right now.
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
BRAVO BONNIE AND DITTO! 
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!
Today was a bit better. I am almost afraid to post that. We are going ahead with X-rays of his back legs tomorrow. We are using the process of elimination at this point. My vet knows where I can get him acupuncture, but wants to figure out what we are doing acupuncture for. He said if he cannot figure it out, he will send me to someone who can. I stopped the Rimadyl as I remember it is not good for Labs. He is changing it to some liquid, Metacam??? I will wait a few days, as he took the others for 3 days. I found a place to take him swimming about 40 minutes away when he is feeling better. Yeah As far as Drummerboy, I pretty much want to play the drums( with drumsticks) on his head. Not sure what he was thinking. Good thing he did not do it to Lucy, she probably would have grabbed hold of him. I will post when I know more. Thanks all for your thoughts, prayers and caring posts. Lori, Ty, Chan, Lucy & Daryl
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
OK glad to hear your vet is willing to make a referral, sounds like a good plan. Keep us posted Lori, we're thinking of you and the pup.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Got a diagnosis. Severe hip Dysplasia. His femur bones are not right either so they slip out of place easily. Vet thinks the added stress of being a Tripawd is making them more painful. Dasaquen and Metacam with routine bloodwork . Later probably new hips. Swimming for exercise as he says building those hip muscles will help hold hips in place. We are assuming that the pain is his joints popping in and out of place. he has a bit of arthritis already. I am now wondering with the deformity in his rear femur bones, if the amputated leg was not deformed rather than injured. My husband is saying now way am I paying for a hip replacement fro a dog, I am just going to start saving now. Vet is talking a bit in future, as he seems to think we can manage him for now. So it is structural, not internal. I was looking hard at those x-rays today. It was there....the fear....just a bit in the back of my mind. Now, I have just got to start to relax and stop waiting for the other shoe to fall. An answer finally, my hat is off to my vet. He has spent a lot of time with me, Ty, Daryl and last night spoke with me on the phone for over 20 min. Lori, Ty, C, L & D..........BTW, Lucy is back on nursing duty. I am going to get her a cap, she gets so concerned.
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Oh no.... I'm so sorry to hear that. He's so young! But at least it isn't the 'c' word, right? I think Murphy, a tripawd here, also had a hip replacement and he's doing amazing!!!! His mom, Kathy, can weigh-in. I know it's a lot to take and it is pricey! 
Shelby didn't have hip issues per se but she was on glucosomene for years prior to her diagnosis and it did wonders for her pain. Swimming would have been great if we had access to that. Labs love water, right? He will take right to it! There are also a lot of PT places here in LA (so I assume where you are too) that can offer up some treatment and exercises that might help Daryl.
That's great your vet was so kind and compassionate with you. Very lucky!
Awe about sweet Lucy. Love it!!!! Love her and her worrying ways ...
Hugs and love,
alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Ok, going to look at the upside to this, it is NOT Cancer!! Breathe a big sigh of relief there!
When I first saw a picture of Tanner, it was love at first sight. I flipped out, woke my BF up, screaming I HAVE TO GO GET THIS DOG. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, you know its ok for a dog to have FOUR legs right? He's just a pup, what are you going if something happens to his other leg? I said, I'll get him a wheelchair ...then I went to bust the shelter doors down. You and Darryl are very similar to Tanner and I, and I know that Darryl is the luckiest dog in the whole wide world to have you for his mom. Swimming will be wonderful for him and I know that with your love and care for him that everything will be OK! Like Alison said, I do recall Murphy having had a hip replacement, I hope Kathy chimes in. Orrtanna is near Gettysburg right? I think it's only about a 3 hour drive from here. There is a wonderful vet in Richmond who does really inexpensive surgeries. I'm not sure if they do hip replacements, you'd have to call, but here's the link: http://www.help...../index.htm
I know a couple people who have used her and they love her (and did I mention she is very affordable?). I know its a LONG way's down the road, but if you do end up using her please give me a shout. I'll grab Sally and then we'll come grab you and go sit somewhere with coffee while they're fixing Darryl up.
HUGS
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Yeah, I know we have all been checking in all day...and we can sign a big sigh of relief!!!! It is NOT life threatening! It is NOT terminal!!! It IS treatable!!! And who knows....it may not ever get worse!! And who knows, even if it does waaaaay down the road, by then there may be so many other treatment options that don't even involve surgery!
You have an answer....you have solutions that will help Daryl start to feel better fairly quickly. And he gets to go swimming...mandatory swimming for a Lab...OMD!!
And bless hubby's heart..he's said "no" many times since you've been on this site....and, poor thing...we just don't take him seriously!
Yeah, Kathi will definitely see this and give you great pointers!! Murphy is doing GREAT!!! I thnk alsoDaisy had to deal with the same thing. It happens...but dogs recover and do really well!!
ELIZABETH! We'll be right there bh Lori's side if need be!! Lucy, Tanner and Myrtle can keep us all laughing! I LOVE his remark.......you know it's okay to have a dog with four legs!!! LOVE THAT!!!!
TY knew you would be the best family in the world for Daryl....there is nonother family who would love and care for him like you two..and Licy too! I agree with Allison...in spite of his challenges...he is VERY LUCKY!!!!
How long does it take for the meds to kick in? Did the vet say? When can he start swimming?
Yes, Helping Hands in Richmond....Elizabethnis exactly right...they have EXCELLENT reviews and probably a third of the cost!!!
You CAN relax now! Your boy will start feeling better soon. And Kathi can give you a HUGE amount of information!
LOVE...AND A HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF!!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Yes Richmond is about 3 hours from me. I will write down the info on that vet and file it in his ever expanding health folder. As far as PT or rehab places, there are none real near to me that I know of. I keep thinking I should open one. Just need the trained people to do the rehab. Vet says about 2 to 3 weeks for Metecam to kick in and then we try to wean him off the Gaba. He can start swimming anytime. He is not allowed to jump on and off our bed any more. It is high. We have a chair in our room that is a lot lower to the ground, but he does not want to sleep on it now. He has taken up residence at night in our walk in closet. I took this old but really nice & thick orthopedic foam, cut it down and went to target and bought just covers for dog beds. Made 2 very nice beds and put one in the closet. He refuses to sleep on it. Same deal with 2 others I tried in there. He sleeps on the floor. At least it s carpet and I do manage a pillow under his head. Silly boy, closets are for clothes. Elizabeth, I am going to take you and Sally up on that coffee offer. 
Lori, Ty, C,L&D
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I'm so relieved that it's not cancer. Like others have said this is treatable and not life threatening. Just knowing what Daryl is dealing with is relief in itself so now you can focus on how to help him and get him feeling better. And the swimming thing...that's AWESOME and I have no doubt Daryl will LOVE it!!
Regarding the new sleeping arrangements that Daryl doesn't seem to fond of. Have you thought about buying a ramp like they have for dogs to get in and out of cars? We tried one of those with Leland but he didn't take to well to it so hubby actually built one and then put carpeting on it. Leland would walk up and down it with no problem to get in and out of bed. I know they also make these doggy stairs for dogs to use to get in and out of high beds but not really sure with the hip dysplasia if that would be ok or not.
Keeping you and Daryl in my thoughts.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Lori,
First of all, I agree with everything everyone else said, with all their wisdom and very caring thoughts, I generally never have to add too much in my posts! What a relief, and I also join everyone else by saying, thankfully it is completely manageable and NOT the "ugly c".......Daryl is in very good hands with you and your vet. You are a great doggy mom, and your hubby had me laughing regarding the 4legs on a dog comment! About the sleeping situation for Daryl, I can completely relate......since Pearl has been home from her surgery, she refuses to sleep on the nice ex large orthopedic bed .....she is p.o.'d that she can't jump on our bed or the sofa, so she is sulking and sleeping on the hardwood floor in our living room. Silly, spoiled pups.........And if you live not far from Gettysburg, you are actually pretty close to where I live, maybe about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes away, tops.
Anyway, hoping Daryl gets relief from his pain asap, and take one day at a time, that's all we can do....Oh, and tell mr. drummerboy, HANDS OFF!!
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly (and Pearl)
Okay, I think we have a "gathering"in the making! Humans, tripawds, four-leggers!!! Hmmmmm.....Something to think about.....
Yeah, I like the idea of figuring out how to get sweet Daryl "out of the closet" and back up on the bed and the sofa!! Maybe he could use the chair pushed next to the bed as his "stairs" to the bed.
Dogs are so funny when it comes to THEIR sleeping choices. Guess hubby wouldn't go for cutting off the legs to your bed and lowering it to the floor....NAH.....that may just throw him right over the edge!!!
Keep us posted when you can. Does Daryl just lay around n now? Probably scared ro move even if something isn't hurting at the moment.
Lots of love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Lori I'm glad to hear you got the diagnosis. Hip displaysia is very manageable especially in young pups, there is a LOT you can do for him to keep him strong as long as possible. Also, there are many less costly advances than the usual hip replacement that are being made all the time for this condition, stem cell therapy being one of them. The Oaktown Pack has recently been part of a clinical trial for stem cell therapy and they've promised to write a blog post about it soon so stay tuned for that.
Helping Hands' Dr. Pasternak is a great clinic, we've written about them here. She's not a board-certified orthopedic surgeon so I'm not sure if hip replacements are something she does but it doesn't hurt to ask when the time is right.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I finally came up for air and left the Christmas sewing sitting on the machine for a while. I *might* get it done by Christmas, but who knows?
Lori, I don't know if you are familiar with Murphy's whole story, but it is posted under the Beyond Cancer heading. He is the one with a Total Hip Replacement after Rear Leg Amputation.
When our vet mentioned the THR, we were thrown for a loss at first. I didn't even realize that there was such a thing for dogs. Murphy came through his with flying colors. I won't tell you that it wasn't a lot of concentrated work, because it was. We still have to be mindful of his back, but I think this is due to his Tripawd status and not due to the THR. The doctor says that the hip is completely healed and his knee is solid.
We did not deal with hip dysplasia, although they did check for it on the initial x-rays following Murph's accident. He just had shallow hip joints. They did some special maneuvering during the hip surgery in order to get the implants to line up correctly.
As far as his sleeping arrangements go, neither of our dogs have been bed sleepers. Murphy has slept in a kennel (in our room) for his entire life, with the exception of the time he was recovering from his accident and subsequent surgeries. Then he slept in the living room in a little exercise pen with an eggcrate foam pad. He stayed in that pen all the time except to go outside on a leash until the doctor gave him the OK to be off leash in the house. Outdoors, he was on leash for a total of about seven months.
We will keep Daryl in our hearts and please feel free to ask any questions you think I might be able to help with.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Oh Lori I hope you can breathe a little easier now. Once the meds kick in to get the inflammation down you will need to hold vigil to keep Daryl from bouncing around. Let him sleep wherever he wants lol. As for hubby, sounds like mine, big bag of air lol. Keep us posted .
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