Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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HI EVeryone,
Hoping for some feedback on the length of time from diagnosis to when the actual amputation takes place. I'm sure it is different for every dog, and I do plan on talking to the MD about it, but a rough idea would be great.
I got the news about Nosey Flynn yesterday, he'll have blood work and scans first to make sure it hasn't gone to the lungs. Then I'll schedule the procedure.
I guess I want to know if it is something that should be done asap or if its ok to wait 5 - 6 weeks? Thanks for your input.
Kelly
Hi Nosey & family, welcome. You're right, it's different for every dog really. If you got the news just yesterday and you're already talking abut scheduling that's very proactive. What kind of cancer do they think you're dealing with?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We had OSA. Diagnosed mid day on Wednesday; dropped him off Thursday AM. We did this for a number of reasons: for one, his lesion was large, and thorough, and the vet was surprised it hadn't fractured already (we have lots of stairs, plus, iit was winter and there was lots of snow, ice,and generally terrible footing outside). Two, pain control. and, finally, we were leaving two weeks after for vacation, and wanted him to be as recovered as possible.
"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
We found with as mop once we got the osteo diagnosis in right front, we scheduled surgery ASAP, to stop his pain. He did well with surgery and recouped well. We prep the house with runners for traction got a good ortho bed(easier to get up and down for tripawds) and got elevated bowls for drinking and eating. Good luck with surgery. Keep us here posted.
Esther and her Snoop
TJ was x-rayed and diagnosed on March 30th and amp'd on June 4th. It was really my schedule that dictated it.. I work weekends so the original surgery date of that Thursday meant that TJ would be alone all weekend while I was at work. This was I had him home for a few days to myself before sitters come over during the day.
Online
Okay, lone voice here......Hapy Hannah's "official diagnosis"was n January this year, although xrays, tests, etc. started in Dec......wasn't avle to get appt. with specialist, etc. til then. Her actual surgeey was towards middle of February (getting tready to celebrate her eight month amp and still moving forward...knockng on wood)
Anyway...so for Hapoy Hannah it was indeed four-five weeks from "diagnosis. Partly because I was just so terrified of the amp. for her, how sne would ha dle it, etc. Her pain didn't seem to really vother her and the low dose pain meds were working.....until, in avout one week's time the pain increased as did the pain meds.....BOOM.....amputated that leg! BOOM! She is doing great!!!
Keeping all paws crossed over here for you!
Hugs and love!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Oof, well, at first the doctor wanted to do it right away, like the day after diagnosis. So I was in a panic, of course. After an in-person consultation we both decided that it would be best to go to a special surgeon so we had to wait 3 weeks before we could get an appointment. It was a bumpy few weeks that was very hard emotionally. I think having the extra time to prepare was better though.
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
We moved pretty quickly-I noticed Lily having a hard time getting up--took her to the vet the next day--xray-osteo--surgery in 3 days. I was numb and feeling so scared. In retrospect, because we had a definite diagnosis, I'm glad we moved quickly.
Thinking of you,
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
Thanks for the replys. All the information is very helpful. Nosey is going in for his preop blood test and xrays saturday morning and then will get his amputation on Thursday (Hard to believe that as I type it). It gives us a little time to get ready mentally, clean the house spic and span, take some autumn walks and be prepared before the big day. I'll keep you posted. Thanks veru, very much.
We'll be ere! Not goig anywhere, okay?
Remember, he kows NOTHING about upcoming surgery, etc. Enjoy beingin tne moment with him, enjoying tne walks and definitely take a lot of pictures! We love pics and videos arou d here!
Once recoverhks complete, you will be in absolute awe at how happy and well adjusted he is! And we're here to keepYOU happy and well adjusted j til recoveryis complete!
Now go play and have fun with Nosey! He just sou ds delightful!
Sally and Happhy Hannah
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!
Good luck! I know it is a hard decision! Neiman was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 12, we met with an oncologist and surgeon on March 15, and the surgery occurred March 21. Before meeting with the oncologist, I watched a lot of YouTube videos of three-legged Dobermans. I think those videos and getting all the info from the oncologist and surgeon about how it was the best choice for Neiman's comfort and well being helped with making the decision to amputate right away. Today is his 7-month ampuversary, and he is still going strong! I hope your experience is as good or better than ours (we did have an issue with the drain site becoming infected, despite my best efforts). Also, you might want to prepare yourself for meeting your new tripawd by viewing photos of dogs fresh from surgery. I cried a lot before Neiman's amputation so I could be strong for him once he lost his leg. Best wishes!
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