Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Help and support needed for my beautiful collie dog needing her back leg removed.
I'm beside myself.
She has a tumour in her back leg, originally they thought it was an infection after the biopsy, xrays, etc.
Biopsy was not conclusive whatever that's supposed to mean .
So since January she's been lame to the point now where I've changed vets and theve recommended the leg be removed after further testing.
I'm worried she won't pull through, I'm worried she will suffer when she comes round and that after her leg is removed she ends up depressed and not herself.
Will there be issues after the surgery and at home like excessive bleeds?
Will she be whimpering or anything?
I just don't know what to expect that I'm worried sick for her.
Any advice would be amazing.
Hi Dee, welcome. I'm sorry you are having to join our club but we are glad you found us and will support you all the way through the surgery process and beyond.
What is your dog's name? How old / young is she? What kind of tumor do they think she has?
Anyone who has ever been through this feels exactly how you are feeling. You are not alone, promise! Try to focus, and as they say, put on your oxygen mask first so that you can help her through the process.
The best place to start is our What to Expect articles , as well as Jerry's Required Reading List . The Tripawds e-books library is also helpful for fast answers you don't have to search for.
Try to remember, dogs and cats handle this much better than humans. They do not have emotional baggage like we do, they do not require the same level of care that a human amputee needs. Most dogs will not come home until they can potty and stand on their own to eat and do their business. Sometimes dogs get fluid leakage called a seroma , but it's not an excessive bleed, just liquid body fluid drainage.
pain management is key to a good recovery so please ask your vet what kind of medication she will be getting. How much, how often, and what kind of side effects they can cause.
Tell us more about your home. Do you have stairs or slippery floors? If so, you'll need traction so she doesn't slide around during recovery or later on three legs. That's one of the things you can do now to get ready.
We all have this picture in our minds of how bad it will be but most times, it's not as bad as we imagine. At least, we see that once recovery is behind us. Try to stay focused and upbeat, and know that she will be a happier dog when that bad leg is gone and recovery is over.
Stay tuned for more feedback from others!
her name is lexi she is a 10 year old border collie, the sweetest dog ever.
they havent told me the type of tumour, they did think it was benign- she had all the tests going.
i think she maybe getting worse though- because yesterday she didnt eat , then i gave her some painkillers before she ate and she threw up seconds after eating, im not sure if that was my fault as i dont know if i should have given her the painkillers after really.
or she may just be getting worse.
i dont have stairs and all the house is carpeted which is of benefit.
im hoping this isnt growing and causing her to be sick, she just needs to wait until thursday next week as thats the only date they can fit in next week.
i really dont know what to expect and im sick with worry.
i will read all the links you have put thankyou x
Dee_2 said
i really dont know what to expect...
Don't miss Jerry's growing list of Tripawds News posts about what to expect.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Please keep us posted...
Dee it sounds like your house is well set up for recovery, which is great. I'm sorry about the vomiting episode though. It could definitely be the pills that did it, they can be strong on the gut. Feed her a meal first, then give her pills with suuuuper yummy treats so she takes them. If she vomits again let your vet know. Also make sure she's on a cancellation list so that she might be able to get into surgery sooner.
We are standing here by your side, you are not alone and you can do this! Keep us posted!
thankyou very much -
i just feel so alone and low at the moment,
i feel sad for my dog as ive never seen her looking so depressed.
trying to work out if its because she is now hungry, or in pain.
i just hope we have caught it in time, as she had ultra sound and xrays, bloods , etc done 5 weeks ago and they tried her on antibiotics first(bone medication) incase it was something else instead of the tumour causing her an issue.
i'm praying she can just keep stable until next week, they did inform me they were sending the leg off for testing to check the mass itself.
i cant wait for next week to be over, im going to use my airbed and sleep with her being in her bed next to me, as she likes to sleep on my bed and she wont be able to - so will have her next to me this way.
We totally understand all those feelings you having Dee. It's normal. Try to take comfort in knowing you are doing everything possible to help her as quickly as you can. Sounds like she is getting really excellent care too.
With her situation it's normal for her to look depressed. Pain will do that! And because she has pain she doesn't want to eat much I'll bet, right? That's OK. Her body is fighting off this disease right now and that's where her energy is going.
It's totally OK to sleep by her if she is used to sleeping on your bed. But also remember the goal is to normalize things as much as you can. Too much babying can lead to her not wanting to do a lot of things on her own. It's a fine line between helping and babying so remember a little bit of tough love goes a long way for her to believe she can get around and live her life. The first week will be rough, I won't deny that. But lean on us and we will walk you through it!
Did she have ay more vomiting?
Hi Dee and sweet Lexi. As you can tell from Jerry's responses, you are not alone and we are here right byn your side all thru recovery and to celebrate every milestone Lexi accomplishes.
We know all too well how scary all this is. We also know all too well what a relief it is when surgery is done and Lexi is home recovering. You will see Lexi return to her normal self once that bum leg is gone.
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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