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Supplies you most recommend for right after amputation? Or recovery tips?
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Member Since:
17 January 2019
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17 January 2019 - 11:41 am
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Hi everyone! I just joined today.

My 2.5-year-old rescue dog, Pete, is going to have his front right leg amputated soon. As a puppy (before we adopted or knew him), he was attacked by another dog and his leg was broken. He had surgery and it wasn't very successful. We have tried to salvage the leg, but have decided it is best for him if we amputate it.

Anything you recommend to have on hand for the recovery phase? I read somewhere having a harness with a handle on top?

Thanks!

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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17 January 2019 - 12:23 pm
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Hi Pete and family, welcome. Sounds like you have given amputation tons of thought and I'm sorry the salvage didn't work out. But you're in great company here, lots of people have been in your situation. Check out our Beyond Cancer Forum for some stories that will help you feel better.

Meanwhile, we just so happen to have a Tripawds Recovery Shopping List that will help you decide what you might need. Also, check out our e-books library for other ideas, as well as Jerry's Required Reading List

And while not all Tripawds need a harness, we do recommend having one like the Ruffwear Webmaster especially if your pup travels with you quite a bit, if you have stairs in your home. Our Tripawds Gear blog has a post today about the best harnesses for Tripawds that we've discovered.

I hope this helps. When is the big day?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
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17 January 2019 - 1:30 pm
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Welcome. 

The only two things I remember getting were the harness with a handle and some T-shirts to cover up the site. They shave a lot of fur around the amputation site. If you have hardwood floors, most people recommend putting yoga mats down for traction . Oh, my dad and I also built a little mini ramp to help Rocky navigate the single step outside to the backyard. 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

Member Since:
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18 January 2019 - 6:34 am
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jerry said
Hi Pete and family, welcome. Sounds like you have given amputation tons of thought and I'm sorry the salvage didn't work out. But you're in great company here, lots of people have been in your situation. Check out our Beyond Cancer Forum for some stories that will help you feel better.

Meanwhile, we just so happen to have a Tripawds Recovery Shopping List that will help you decide what you might need. Also, check out our e-books library for other ideas, as well as Jerry's Required Reading List

And while not all Tripawds need a harness, we do recommend having one like the Ruffwear Webmaster especially if your pup travels with you quite a bit, if you have stairs in your home. Our Tripawds Gear blog has a post today about the best harnesses for Tripawds that we've discovered.

I hope this helps. When is the big day?

  

Hi Jerry! Thank you very much for your reply and for the helpful links.

Yes, we have been considering this option for months. We attempted a repair surgery, but it was not successful. We don't have much medical history on him, but after doing x-rays found that wires were put in during his initial surgical repair (probably wrapped around the bones to hold them together). At some point, the bones slipped at the break site and the wires went between the bones. The bones then grew around the wires. sad Within the last few days, a sore has developed in the area developed and is leaking pus. It was hard for us to make the decision, but I am confident that it is time for the leg to go! 

I am waiting to hear back from the vet. I am guessing it will happen fairly soon! 

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18 January 2019 - 6:39 am
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Rocky's dad said
Welcome. 

The only two things I remember getting were the harness with a handle and some T-shirts to cover up the site. They shave a lot of fur around the amputation site. If you have hardwood floors, most people recommend putting yoga mats down for traction . Oh, my dad and I also built a little mini ramp to help Rocky navigate the single step outside to the backyard. 

  

Hi Rocky's dad! Thanks for replying and for your suggestions.

The majority of our house is carpeted, but there is a tiled hallway and kitchen. I will add some more rugs.

We do have a set of stairs Pete loves to run up and down. Thankfully, they are carpeted. I am nervous he is not going to be careful enough on them after the recovery period is over. (I plan to block them off for awhile.) Pete is very exuberant and I would not classify him as a calm dog!

Member Since:
17 January 2019
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18 January 2019 - 6:59 am
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A question that has been on my mind:

Does it make sense to wear a brace on the remaining front leg to protect it? I have anxiety about Pete injuring it, since he is a bit of a hyper boy when he gets going.

I plan to ask the vet about this, just wondered if you have heard of anyone doing as such.

We plan to give him supplements to protect his remaining joints and look into a proper exercise regimen.

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18 January 2019 - 7:17 am
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They really do well on three. A lot of people do rehab therapy, PT to help them build core strength which helps a lot. If you go to a certified rehab specialist, Tripawds may help with the cost of the first visit.

Rather than try to restrict the remaining good leg, using throw rugs or yoga mats on slick surfaces really help. The traction is important to them once they are hopping on three. Steps to assist getting up on to things like the bed are also very helpful.

They make booties for inclement weather, and that helps with traction and protects the paws from the elements.

Really, being proactive in your pet's safety, core strengthening exercises , and not letting them gain too much weight can really make all the difference in the world after recovery.

During recovery the important things are keeping them as quiet as possible are medication, sleep, quick leashed potty breaks, and making sure they are drinking and eating. Jerry's post with all the links are incredibly helpful in preparing yourself and your home for your furbaby to come home and recover after surgery.

Have you set a date yet for the surgery?

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Member Since:
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18 January 2019 - 7:25 am
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paws120 said
They really do well on three. A lot of people do rehab therapy, PT to help them build core strength which helps a lot. If you go to a certified rehab specialist, Tripawds may help with the cost of the first visit.

Rather than try to restrict the remaining good leg, using throw rugs or yoga mats on slick surfaces really help. The traction is important to them once they are hopping on three. Steps to assist getting up on to things like the bed are also very helpful.

They make booties for inclement weather, and that helps with traction and protects the paws from the elements.

Really, being proactive in your pet's safety, core strengthening exercises , and not letting them gain too much weight can really make all the difference in the world after recovery.

During recovery the important things are keeping them as quiet as possible are medication, sleep, quick leashed potty breaks, and making sure they are drinking and eating. Jerry's post with all the links are incredibly helpful in preparing yourself and your home for your furbaby to come home and recover after surgery.

Have you set a date yet for the surgery?

  

Thank you, paws120! What you said makes sense and was helpful.

Waiting to hear back from the vet to set the surgery date.

I looked over Jerry's post and have worked on gathering supplies! The Recovery Shopping List was especially helpful.

On The Road


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18 January 2019 - 10:52 am
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petesmom said
Does it make sense to wear a brace on the remaining front leg to protect it?

When the time comes, yes. You will find many helpful articles and podcasts about orthotics in the Tripawds News blog . Most importantly, do not self-prescibe any sort of brace or orthotic device. Improper fitting or use can cause more damage than good.

We plan to give him supplements to protect his remaining joints and look into a proper exercise regimen. 

Be sure to search the Tripawds Nutrition blog for plenty of supplement reviews, and review the Nutrition Shop for top recommended supplements for Tripawds (or specifically joint health supplements) with links to much more information.

The best suggestion regarding exercise is to consult with a certified rehab vet/tech for a professional evaluation, treatment recommendations and exercises you can do at home to keep Pete fit and strong. Visit a CCRP or CCRT and the Tripawds Foundation will even pay for your first visit from the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab! Also consider downloading Loving Life On Three Legs for plenty of professional rehab, exercise, stretching and massage tips and how-to videos.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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18 February 2019 - 7:23 pm
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jerry said
Hi Pete and family, welcome. Sounds like you have given amputation tons of thought and I'm sorry the salvage didn't work out. But you're in great company here, lots of people have been in your situation. Check out our Beyond Cancer Forum for some stories that will help you feel better.

Meanwhile, we just so happen to have a Tripawds Recovery Shopping List that will help you decide what you might need. Also, check out our e-books library for other ideas, as well as Jerry's Required Reading List

And while not all Tripawds need a harness, we do recommend having one like the Ruffwear Webmaster especially if your pup travels with you quite a bit, if you have stairs in your home. Our Tripawds Gear blog has a post today about the best harnesses for Tripawds that we've discovered.

I hope this helps. When is the big day?

  

The big day is a week from today. So far I have chosen an orthopedic bed and bought extra rugs to strategically place around the house. I am stuck on what harness to purchase.

I did read through the Tripawds Recovery Shopping List and the blog post about the best harnesses for Tripawds multiple times, but am still unsure. Our vet definitely wants us to be prepared with a harness from day 1, so I need to hurry up and decide. way-confused She recommended getting one that has a "chest plate."

Pete is not a fan of harnesses, so I am hoping to find something very easy to put on and that doesn't have to come off and on a lot. I have spent hours looking and I still don't know what to choose.

I keep looking at the Web Master Plus , but the description says it is not recommended for when stitches in. I do see comments below where people said they were able to use it without issue from day 1. Is it comfortable enough for him to wear all of the time? He gets cranky (sometimes will growl, etc.) when I put things on him.

Long-term, I bet we will be getting a webmaster, but I may just want to buy a simple (hopefully inexpensive) something just for the first few weeks?

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18 February 2019 - 8:01 pm
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The Webmaster Plus harness is wonderful! Some people have used soft tshirt material between it and the incision area to make sure there's no irritation.

I just bought another item to use in case Mitch gets in a bind without his harness on.

Lepark Dog Sling with Handle for Canine Aid, Veterinarian Approved Dog Lift Harness for Rehabilitation (L,Green)

It was cheap (15.00?) Came quickly, and would definitely help you get him around. Mitchell is 70# and i got the large. I used the Tripawds link which helps them too.

Nice thing is that you can slip it under if you have one of those oh crap moments, it also can Velcro around their waist if you're prepared.

I hope this helps.

Jackie and Huck ❤️

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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19 February 2019 - 7:02 am
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Thanks, Jackie. This was helpful. I was looking at a similar product, but the one you linked to is even better!

Green Bay, WI


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19 February 2019 - 10:28 am
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Hi and welcome....just have to chime in and say I totally recommend the Ruffwear harness - with brushguard. I know some say not to use it until the stitches/staples come out, but we put it on the minute we picked up our Dobe after his front amp surgery. We also put a t-shirt on (mostly because I wasn't ready to see the incision yet) and it didn't interfere with the staples one bit. It was a lifesaver for us, don't know what we'd have done without it. All I can say is try it and see if it interferes with incision. Good luck

Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

On The Road


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19 February 2019 - 10:33 am
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petesmom said
I keep looking at the Web Master Plus , but the description says it is not recommended for when stitches in...
something just for the first few weeks?

While we do recommend not using the harness until the surgery has completely healed and stitches or staples are removed, we have heard of no specific cases where any harness has hampered healing. W simply err on the side of caution to prevent direct pressure from
the straps from irritating the wound. Please consult your veterinarian with any specific concerns.

In the meantime we suggest using a soft towel slung under the belly if additional support is required. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling. Here are instructions for making the DIY Tripawd Sling.

PS: Unless addressing specific comments by others, consider using the Reply to Topic button instead of quoting entire responses of others, to avoid confusion and clutter. Or, edit the quoted comment as I have done here to help others understand what specifically you're responding to.

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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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19 February 2019 - 12:42 pm
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PS: Unless addressing specific comments by others, consider using the Reply to Topic button instead of quoting entire responses of others, to avoid confusion and clutter. Or, edit the quoted comment as I have done here to help others understand what specifically you're responding to. 

Thanks for mentioning this! 🙂

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