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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
You will hear us say this a lot.......but it's wonderful advice........B R E A T H E............B R E A T H E.........SLOWLY INHALE.....SLOWLY EXHALE....
Sally, this is WONDERFUL advice. I hope this surgeon is supportive and can squeeze me in or is worth the wait (unlike your experience). I am so glad I found this community. My husband is supportive, but he just doesn't GET it, you know?
I just had a minor meltdown this morning because I had expectations that were not met. I am such a control freak. Sounds like I ought to get that out of my head because becoming a tripawd is a different experience for everyone and it doesn't seem to go as planned :/
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Control freak, huh? We'll fix ya! 
Like having a new baby, there isn't much about having a new tripawd that will go by the book or be calmly predictable.
Just imagine you're at Disney in line for Space Mountain and you'll do fine. There is a starting point (the line) and an ending point (the exit) and in between you know certain things will happen (bouncing around, screaming a little, wanting to throw up, being exhilarated when you don't barf). But the little details? Those are up in the air, a mystery waiting to be embarked upon.
Don't think of it as not being in control. Try to think of it as a great adventure and Barret is the tour guide. And if you throw up, it's ok. Brush your teeth and get back on the ride!
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Just imagine you're at Disney in line for Space Mountain and you'll do fine. There is a starting point (the line) and an ending point (the exit) and in between you know certain things will happen (bouncing around, screaming a little, wanting to throw up, being exhilarated when you don't barf). But the little details? Those are up in the air, a mystery waiting to be embarked upon.
Sounds like a fun ride.. or not! I get what you're saying though.
Oh and no babies for me except FUR BABIES 
3 dogs, 2 cats
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
The Disneyland analogy is a great one.
Remember, too, that surgeons can be...different. (And I say that with love!)
This is, of course, a broad generalization, so grain of salt and all that, but...I've been dealing with (human-cutting) orthopedic surgeons for most of my life-and working with them (as a patient in their care) is always an exercise in preparation, patience, and self-advocacy.
For one, they are often VERY hard to get into, unless it is a urgent crisis, or you are an established patient, etc. There are relatively few of them, and a lot of us... so scheduling can be a huge PITA. Second...Your family doc (or vet), your PT, your other care team members, they each have a specialty--and it involves direct, one-on-one patient care--with an awake patient. Surgeons...well, they see a problem that looks like a nail, because they have a hammer. You are in, you are out, they cut you (or your dog) open, find the problem, and take it out/fix it/put something in/whathaveyou.
The absolute best thing you can do is walk in there knowing your options, asking good questions, and seeing if you are in the right place for you. If you are not, be ready to say "this isn't the right option/clinic for Barret."
Be respectful, but not melba milquetoast; be assertive, but not demanding or cajoling. Things like getting second opinions for major decisions, asking questions, etc etc sometimes make people feel like they are doing something wrong/feel guilty...but a good surgeon WANTS you to ask questions, wants you to be comfortable in your decision, etc.
Good luck to you, in whatever course you take! And know that this is a great place to vent, b/c folks here do get it, as we've all been through at least some portion of it somewhere. <3
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Feeling a bit more optimistic today. Spoke with my regular vet and he said to take the June 11 appt.. she is the only surgeon in the area so getting in is troublesome. He also reassured me that other clients have told him "I LOVED the surgeon, but their staff was terrible" and a coworker of mine used her for a hip replacement and raved about her. So I guess she's good, we'll still have to see if she is good enough for my Barret
I am going to try to get a phone consult with her or a tech over the phone or email so I can get my general questions (pain protocol, overnight care, how long he will stay, etc) questions answered before the day of the operation... which is June 11th. Ahh!
I also had a vacation scheduled for mid July that I cancelled because I won't be ready after 1 month to leave him with the sitter (my mother-in-law). That was stressing me out so I am glad I took care of it.
I have had my head so buried in the forums and books that I haven't spent enough time with my boy (and he let me know it!). Last night he sat in my lap and I gave him a gentle massage until he fell asleep in my arms. It was so special. I can see how you all say that our bond is going to grow even tighter than it already is. It is already growing.
Thanks again, everyone. I appreciate the support even though every one of you has your own problems to deal with. I'll keep you all updated and I am sure I will be a regular in the community after all this is over so I can return the favor.
Heather & Barret
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Heather--chances are, you will be FINE leaving him for vacation a month out. And YOU will want a vacation by then <3
13 days after Sam's surgery, we left for 11 days. He was more than ready for us to leave him alone and stop smothering him 
Our pet sitter gave up trying to slow him down (well, relatively speaking...sam is nicknamed the Philodendron with Fur for a reason) and let him be.
Everyone is different, obviously, but the recovery happens much faster than you think it would (even though some of those first couple of days seem long 
).
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
I'm going to visit my mom, so it's pretty open ended. I didn't officially cancel my flight, but I did speak to her and tell her I thought I might cancel. I was stressing out about "what ifs" so I took control and got rid of them! I told you all I am a control freak 
I will wait until after we see how things are going to reschedule or maybe you're right and I will keep my vacation in July!
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Yep, I'm with Sam's mom on the vacation. I think you need one, deserve one, should have one. And what about Barret? When he goes to Grandma's, is it special for him? Does she give him good stuff he doesn't get at home? Get to go for rides or to the dog park or other nice things? If so, then he deserves it, too. If it makes you feel better, make plans for something close to home. But you should go!
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Yes, he does love Grandma's house. We go over once a week to play (and we will continue to do so as long as Barret is able to)! I'm worried about him overdoing it being there for a full 8 days. Between my 3 dogs and her 2 dogs they get really rowdy. When they're all healthy and we come home they sleep for 3 days straight!
He also doesn't really get along that well with a new dog she just rescued (he won't stay out of Barret's face, tries to mount him and he is BIG).
Maybe they'll have a sleepover for a night or two so Mom and Dad can get away somewhere closer. Thats a fantastic idea! I'll still go see my mom in August.
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Boy, Sam and Dakota Dawg nailed it with their comments about the person laity (or lack thereof) of surgeons and the trip to Disneyland!!!
NAILED IT:-)
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!
1 Guest(s)
