Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Duchess' Mom
Tucker, my nine year old chocolate lab, will be celebrating his two month ampuversary on Monday. I will share a few of the lesson I learned over these past few months.
First lesson - ignore negative comments from friends or random people in the neighbourhood. You have already demonstrated that you care about Duchess and have made a decision with her needs in mind. She is happy and is still full of life - let her enjoy it!
Second lesson - Duchess will adapt really well. After the first few weeks when the balance between pain management and the healing process is "over", Duchess will astound you with her return to the ability to adapt to her new reality. While we "humans" stress about the "what ifs", Duchess will continue to live in the moment.
Third lesson - Please come in to the chat room on this site or post in the forums. The support you will get from everyone here will really help you!
We all will be looking forward to posts from you on surgery day and will celebrate all of Duchess' firsts with you!
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
You have joined a large family that completely understands!
Amp or not, chemo or not- cancer sucks in all shapes and forms. It really helps to make the journey with people who have been there and can help.
In all your preparation remember this: what you are taking away is a diseased, painful, soon to be useless limb. What you are giving her is quality, pain free time with you. That is what is important. Focus on the joy and life you see in her eyes! Recovery can be tough, but we are here to help you through it.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Welcome-
Sorry about the diagnosis, but know we are here for support whenever you need it (and sometimes when you don't!). The waiting period before the surgery is often harder than after because you have way too much time to think. Afterwards, you are too busy with recovery. Sending healing thoughts your way.
Keep us updated-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Afternoon!! Duchess is having her surgery tomorrow. The vet just called and said she wanted to use the 'transdemeral' patch. That it takes a while to kick in. She wanted to know if I wanted to run around with Duchess tonight filling the prescription and bringing her into the vet to place it tonight or just have an assistant pick up the patch early tomorrow and then keep her pain controlled with shots until the patch kicks in. Also, they do plan on releasing her tomorrow night (when the vet closes). Any suggestions?
Online
The vet asked YOU if YOU wanted to use the patch and asked YOUi if YOU wanted to go pick it up, etc.?
Grrrrrr..........tht seems like a lot toput on you right now!
Others can chime in onpatch useage. Happy Hannah did NOT have a patch and she did spend the night. She was on Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. I know that some vets use the patch. So I can't offer any insight ne way or another.
I know this is an anxious time for your right now. You are going to feel so much relief when she'sout of surgery! Makke sure you let us ow when you get her home, okah? The drugs,patch or no patch can make her a little "squirrely".
Just remember, we're here! You're not alone!
Hugs! Hugs! Hugs!
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!
Murphy did have the patch, but it was put on at the vet hospital. He had been there for three weeks before the surgery, so I'm not exactly sure of the timing. We did have to remove it when he came home. They told us to be VERY careful when we took it off, not to get it into contact with our own skin. Can you take her in with you when you get it and have them put it on?
Kathi
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!
Hi there
Tuck did have a fentanyl patch but it was put on and removed by the vet at the hospital....he was in two nights!
Good Luck to both you and Duchess tomorrow....
Hugs
Linda and Tucker 
Sending pawsitive thoughts your way for tomorrow. I can't advise on the patch as Shooter never had one. Usually the vet will keep them at least overnight so they can work on pain management . My vet kept Shooter for two and I now realize that was probably for the best as he was completely over the anesthetic by the time I picked him up plus the needed dosage for pain meds was figured out.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
I'm curious about what you decided to do, let us know. And good luck tomorrow!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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