Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm sorry I'm coming in late...BUT I am so happy Stella is home and everything went well. I'm sorry about the mass but try not to worry. She is out of pain now.
Don't forget...that they are also groggy from anesthesia. If I remember correctly, a doctor told me that it takes almost a week to get it out of our system (humans)...which is why they let us drive after a major surgery. So there is a lot at play with a dog after surgery.
So........don't let Stella drive for at least a week! 
Sending you all my best!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I'm glad Stella is home with you, and it does sound about normal for the first night. Keep that vet number handy- call whenever you are unsure. If you are worried you can't be strong for Stella.
One of the things I have learned from dealing with pugs with multiple health issues- you can only worry about what you know for sure, and what is a problem right now. Definitely an acquired skill though. The mass sounds scary- but you need to know what it is before you can decide how to deal with it.
If she still won't drink you can try using low salt beef or chicken broth in the water, or even using tuna water.
Karen and the pugapalooza
What a difference 24 hours makes! I was on the phone with the vet yesterday at about noon, and I was telling him that I was concerned about her not drinking. She must have heard me and known I was "telling" on her, because she stood up and started drinking, then she took a few steps! The vet said she wanted to make me a liar! LOL
The rest of the day was good, she actually walked from our living room into our game room to lay on her other bed. She slept for a while after that, then walked back into the living room to another bed. She's eating well, taking her meds, and slept all night. This morning we took her outside for some fresh air and she went potty. She hasn't pooped yet, but I think the meds are probably causing that.
Anyway, things are getting better. Thank you, everyone, for all the encouragement!! I'm nervous about what the pathology will say, but I'm putting it out of my mind for now.
Great news! All it takes is a call to the vet! As for the poop, try some pumpkin pulp (not pie mix) in her food or on a spoon, olive oil or even metamucil to get things moving along.
Hope you have a great Sunday. Enjoy the day and remember to celebrate the little milestone like this. They all add up to a great recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So glad to hear she is doing well. It helps when they seem better.
No reason to worry about the pathology report. It is what it is. And you'll do what needs to be done. The hard part is over.
Good thoughts!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Yea for Stella!
Be sure you let us know when that all important first poop happens- it is an excuse for a little celebration (and treats!).
Maggie didn't poop for 5 or 6 days after her surgery.
Hopefully her recovery will be smooth- but don't get discouraged if she has some down time, it is normal for ups and downs.
Karen and the pugapalooza
I have to agree with something Bruno's person said: Imagine if this mystery lump was in Stella's other side and they didn't find it during surgery. I'm a firm believer that knowledge is power. Even if you don't like the knowledge you gain, you have the power to make decisions. You will be informed. We can't control much of this journey, so the more control we can get the better.
Glad to hear Stella is doing better. Metabolizing all the surgery meds makes our dogs very loopy. We celebrate first pees and poops because it means they're finding their new normal. That's a very good thing!
Stella has a lot of living to do, as you said when you first joined. Celebrate every day with her and make sure you don't forget to enjoy her. It can be easy to get wrapped up in fear and anxiety, so make sure you have fun!
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/
Stella pooped yesterday!!! 
We were very proud!!
She's doing well, although last night and this morning she seemed very sleepy. She hasn't needed any Tramadol since Sunday morning, but I am still giving her the antibiotic and the Rimadyl. I'm going to find out if Rimadyl can make them sleepy. Oh, I just had a thought--we did have a vet visit yesterday, so maybe that completely wore her out.
Vet said everything is fine. She will go back on Monday to have the drain tube removed.
All in all, everything is going well. I am thankful that the mass was found, and whatever it is, we will deal with it. I hope to have the pathology results by the end of the week, and we will then consult with an oncologist to decide on the next steps.
Yes! Do the potty dance! (we need an emoticon for this one!).
As far as I know Rimadyl doesn't cause drowsiness. A vet visit after major surgery will definitely cause a pup to tire out at home, so that's probably all it was.
We are thankful that everything is going well. Thanks for keeping us updated!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yea first poop!!!
My experience with rimadyl is that it does not cause sleepiness- quad pug Tani has been on it for over a year for severe arthritis.
Recovering from this major surgery makes many pups tired- and just a little hopping around and balancing is very tiring for new tripawds.
If I may put my Moderator hat on for a moment- you might consider starting a new topic in the Treatment, Recovery and Ongoing Care forum, with a title like: Update on Stella, xx days post op, or something like that. It helps other members keep track of where you are on the journey so far. And... your not confused anymore, right? 
You can stay here too if it makes more sense to you for now- you probably have your hands full with recovery.
Karen and the pugapalooza
krun15 said
Yea first poop!!!My experience with rimadyl is that it does not cause sleepiness- quad pug Tani has been on it for over a year for severe arthritis.
Recovering from this major surgery makes many pups tired- and just a little hopping around and balancing is very tiring for new tripawds.
If I may put my Moderator hat on for a moment- you might consider starting a new topic in the Treatment, Recovery and Ongoing Care forum, with a title like: Update on Stella, xx days post op, or something like that. It helps other members keep track of where you are on the journey so far. And... your not confused anymore, right?
You can stay here too if it makes more sense to you for now- you probably have your hands full with recovery.
Karen and the pugapalooza
I've actually been wondering if I should start a new thread somewhere else! I will definitely do that. By the way, I live in a perpetual state of confusion!
I am so happy that Stella is doing so well! Hooray for the poopy!! She may still continue to be tired for another week or so but after that you will see her gradually become her old self. You'll get back to your regular routines and you will both be happy again. It's wonderful to hear about Stella's accomplishments!
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