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.
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My 2 year old golden is getting his front right leg amputated tomarow morning. He has cancer in his elbow. I know it's the right thing to. Do but I am so worried about him. He's so wonderful and perfect and there going to change him. I hate it but I am also worried about money. Have spent like two thirds of my yearly wages on him already. And what about after I am an obedience trainer and akc said I can't show a three legged dog. I am sad and. Worried I won't be Abel to look at him tomarow. I love him so much. He is in pain and I want him better.
Hi Peacechild, I'm so sorry to hear about Zeke. Two years is so young! Do you know what kind of cancer yet?
I know you were in the chat earlier and so you probably got a lot of our "welcome" links to look at, so I'll just say that Zeke is going to amaze you with his strength and courage. He will do SO much better than you ever dreamed of, better than any human could ever do in this situation. As for not showing him, I thought there were certain events that Tripawds could be shown in? And if not AKC there are SO many other things you can do together! Rallies, agility, field trials, you name it, we've had members here do it. And you will go on together to show people how amazing Tripawds are.
We will be thinking of you both, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome, but I'm sorry you had to find us because of cancer.
I spent a lot of time worrying about what Maggie wouldn't be able to do, and the things I would miss. But I finally realized that Mag wasn't missing anything, she was getting on with her life like dogs do.
It might help to focus on what you are GIVING your pup- a chance at a pain free life, and more quality time with you.
This is a big surgery and the recovery can be full of ups and downs, but I was amazed at the resiliency of my Tri-pug.
You should look at some post-op pictures so you are prepared, click on the gallery link near the top of the page. You will need to be a strong pack leader and show your pup that everything is OK. Come here to vent, ask questions and get support.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Don't worry about your boy not "being perfect" anymore - he will still be perfect to you! I'm only six weeks post-amp with my baby and I today I had completely forgotten about his amp, I looked at him in the kitchen and was momentarily surprised to see him with only three legs. He's doing so well, I just forgot about it. Two is so young, I'm sure that after the ups and downs of recovery, he'll bounce back and surprise you every day with just how perfect he is.
A'Tuin's story can be found on my personal blog along with a dash of my life and poetry.
I said goodbye to my puppy love on 5/15/14 after more than tears years of the greatest love I've ever known.
Hi Peace Child and Zeke!
Sorry you are going tnrough thks but pease mlw you are nlt alone!
DITTO to everything Karen and Jerry said! Zeke is still Zeke! You love Zeke for who he is, not what he can do n three legs versus four legs! He loves you, even tnough you onlh have two legs!
When you pick him up, you must look straightm tohis eyes (yeah, they may be a little drugged lookng, but they'l still be sparkling with joy) and tell him nw much you love him and ow proud f him hoj are! His tail will be waggkng and he will be kissing your face!
Would love to see some pictures when you have time and hear mlre about him. Ne souds like a delightful fella'!
You hang n there, okay? Recovery is no picnic, but we are here to help support you. Pease post as son as he gets outof surgery. We want t celebrate with you! You are doing this out of love for yor Zeke and that always makes it a right decision!
Surrou dngnyou with peace and calm...and a good night's sleep if at all possiblr
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!
I can't say it any better than Karen. your Zeke, is still going to be the same in the ways that matter. Once he recovers from the surgery he will still have the same loving personality. we humans get stuck on the should haves and the could haves and our doggy friends are busy smelling the roses (or nasty things) and finding things to play with
Not only will Zeke be back to his old self in just a few weeks, he will be better than ever. Honestly. You will look back with no regrets. You're giving him a chance at life.
What kind of cancer does he have?
I understand the financial hardships and worries you have as well. I am still "recovering" from Barret's two surgeries earlier this year. I just know that it was money well spent on my best friend. I pick up extra cash from odd jobs when I can and cut some extraneous expenses, like eating out 3x a week, to help recover financially.
Good luck - I hope you're ready to be astonished at how well he's going to get around. Keep us posted!
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
Your hound will not care that his leg is missing. TJ is about 5 months pst amp and he's a normal happy lab. Its a bit harder for him to do certain things (steps mainly) but your dog will normal.
The first two-three weeks will be kinda difficult... but it will get better and in a few weeks you'll have your dog back.
Hi Peacechild, I know I'm a little late to the discussion but I hope your baby is doing well today after his surgery. I'm facing the same issue that I won't be able to compete in any AKC activities but there are so many other things to do that are low-impact. Just breathe deep and you'll get through this surgery and recovery. Once he's all healed then you can worry about what activity to try out. I've been talking to my own agility trainer and she suggested teaching Maverick scentwork since its low-impact but works their mind like crazy. Cyber rally is another activity to look into as well.
Big hug! We'll get you through this.
Mandy and Maverick
Maverick is a wonderful miniature australian shepard born with a malformation of the front right radius/ulna, amputation performed on 11/4/13 at 6 months old. Follow his story at mavericksjourney.tripawds.com.
Just picked my boy up. He's whining and uncomfortable and he's dripping bloody stuff (my stomach isn't doing well with that). It's killing me he's in pain. I am sapposed to keep an ice pack on and off it but i dont see how. hes got all the bandages on because of the drainage and. Him just lying there hes in pain so how am i sapposed to hold something to it. I am trying to breath. And we don't know what type of cancer it is, the elbow was sent for biopsy. I guess one of the vets isn't even sure it is cancer, but I don't see what else it could be he got in so much pain so fast.
I also was wanting feed back I have never heard of anyone doing this but I got his leg cremated. I just couldn't stand the thought of his beautiful leg being disposed of.
Ohh glad to hear he's home. It's OK everything will be fine. Keep doing your best to breathe and remember that he will absorb your energy. If you are strong, and you believe he will be OK, he will believe it too. The stronger of a leader you are the easier this will be. I know it's hard not to be upset but do your best to cry where he can't see you and this recovery will be much, much easier.
It sounds like you're dealing with a seroma . This is normal. Check out the link to "seroma " and you'll find lots of information about it.
As for the icing, ask your vet if you should ice or use heat to bring out the seroma fluid, which is typically the recommendation. Whether you do ice or heat, you just hold it there for five minutes at most, a few times a day.
What kind of pain meds is he on? Remember that they can cause all sorts of odd behavior. And unfortunately that behavior can mean he has too little, or too many pain meds. It's a fine line but keep your vet in the loop about his behavior and you should be able to find a good balance.
Hang in there and be strong. I know you can do it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Peacechild
Take a few breaths and relax. Zeke will be in pain for a few days or a week but it is all part of the recuperation process. He has just had major surgery and he is reacting to the meds and the pain and just the whole procedure in general. Tuck, my lab, had his surgery six weeks ago tomorrow and it is now just a memory for both of us.....but the first few days were rough.
With respect to cremating his leg, I think you made the decision that was right for you...no one is here to judge how each of us handle things...
For now.....try to use the ice pack as the vet instructed (just do the best that you can), give Zeke his medications as the vet instructed and try to rest when he does. I hope you have a sling or a towel that you can use to help him in and out for "bathroom breaks" and please come in to the chat room whenever you want some support. I got lots of great advice and a few laughs early on when I was feeling very overwhelmed by everything.
Now...just six weeks later....I am looking at Tucker (who is sleeping beside me) and he is calm and at peace. He hops rather than walks now but other than that he is the same beautiful boy who lost his right front leg to cancer last month.
Linda and Tucker
Welcome Zeke-
Sorry about the diagnosis, but know that we are hear to help you through. You will now have a new normal and the first couple of weeks are usualyy the hardest. Remember that Zeke is just glad to have you with him and he will be so much happier with the pain gone.
As a front amp I highly recommend an elevated dish - it's so much easier to eat that way.
Zeke must be so glad to be home. Head to the chat room if you feel overwhelmed or just post on here to vent when you need to.
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.
seroma 's look awful and they are a mess but over all they aren't that big a deal. I know, I know right now it just seems way too much. You won't believe how much difference a few days make. You may be surprised to find that Zeke likes having the ice pack on it. Some dogs do. If you can't do it, ok. Zeke will still heal. Cora wouldn't go for an ice pack. All cora wanted was for me to be laying beside her that first day. It all feels so big and scary but very little of what's going on right now is going to ruin his recovery from his amputation. For some dogs it goes easier, for others it's hard but this will pass.
if he's in too much pain the vets can try different pain management . What are they doing right now for pain?
ZEKEIS OME!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Now, I have to say, many vets keep the dogs overnight. Zeke was operated on ths orning and you picked him up this afternoon?? I wish I could come over and helpyou! It was just mself and Hapoy Hannah, but I didn't pick her up tile the next day and I still didn't sleep for days...and days!!
For her, the whining a d cryi g went on non-stop and she didn't sleep for nineteen hours!! It's so hard to hear, but this is "normal" for a lot of recoveries!
Does Zeke have a "pain patch o (morhi e)? That can make him whacky too. And as others have said, he's reacting to pain meds as well as some pain.
Is there anyo e with you to help? I just feel so bady foryou! Not as much for Zeke because he's high on drugs! You realy have your hands full , especially bringingnhim ho e the same day! WOW girl! You are ne strong soul!
If you have ANY concerns, you call your vet and make sure you have all your questi s a swered, okay?
You are not alone! You plug in here every five minutes if you have to, okay? I'll be looking foryour post!
IT WILL GET BETTER!! You've got a rough period to go through, ut it WILL get better!!
Sending you empowerng 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!
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