Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Tomorrow is going to be a tough day. Sparky and I will meet with his oncologist in the morning (she has been away for the past week), Hopefully the final immunohistiochemistry report will be available. Then, if its the best option, the surgery will be later tomorrow afternoon. I have done as much research as I can all over the internet, I can't do anymore. I have found so much information and support on the board at least I feel stronger in deciding what to do. At the very least, I know what to ask the oncologist tomorrow. It is a holiday Monday here today, so I still don't have the final results (histiocytic sacroma, with no mets, or something else). If the results aren't available, we might have to wait. I hope they are ready.
Did any of you manage to sleep the night before the amputation?
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Sleep? No way, it was pretty stressful for our family. We tried our best but it was hard. Trust me though, you'll need the rest if you proceed with surgery. Try some chamomile tea before bed.
You have done so much to prepare yourself, you should feel good about that. Don't let the information overwhwelm you and remember that it's all about taking things one day and on issue at a time.
Glad you found help here. Good luck tomorrow, keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My Max is having surgery tomorrow as well. I'm a bundle of nerves and having a hard time concentrating, so I'm going to see if Doggy Dad wants to go out for tacos and I can have a margarita-- I'm a total lightweight when it comes to booze, LOL!
I just keep repeating to myself that the surgery will make him feel WORLDS better and that it'll do wonders for his quality of life. Gonna give him extra attention and maybe make some homemade doggy snacks, and hope and pray that the surgeons do a good job.
We'll be sending good thoughts for you and Sparky tonight and tomorrow!! 🙂
Julie, mom to Spirit Max the Pomeranian,
the bravest poofle dog who ever lived!
Oh Max, good luck!!!! You might be the one taking care of your mamma though if she has too many margaritas!
And yes, the surgery is taking away the nasty painful leg, always remember that. We'll be thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Lots of good thoughts going out to both Sparky and Max -
I didn't understand the "Need to Sleep" part when I first started my journey with Riley and by day 4 or 5 - I figured it out - BIG TIME - so if at all possible, rotate nights... Kurt was dealing with a herniated disk in his back so I slept (scratch that - I stayed up all night) downstairs with Riley - but it does get easier so hang in there.....
Sending pawsitive thoughts -
KaCee & Riley
We also want to send out positive thoughts for both Sparky and Max. You definitely should try to get some sleep pre-surgery, if you can, because it is hard for a few days post-surgery. Not that the dogs will really *need* you guys to be up, post-surgery, but you'll be up, worrying about their every little move. (At least that is how we were!)
Be prepared for the first few days to be the worst part. You will most likely think, "What the hell did I do to my dog," but it really really really does get better very quickly! And if you are feeling like that, you can always come here for support. We've all (unfortunately) been there!
Abby is 9 months post amp and runs and plays like crazy. She does everything she did before the surgery – things I didn't think she'd be able to do anymore. Even silly stuff like "shake a paw" and digging. (She is a front leg amp. People are always entertained at the beach when she does her one legged digging. I tell them it is her core workout.)
Hang in there. Try to remain pawsitive and calm cuz your poochies will pick up on your mood!
We'll be thinking of both Sparky and Max!
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Sending both Max & Sparky super good thoughts for an uneventful surgery and a really speedy recovery.
And to the pawrents. Rest is essential. The recovery is not an easy process even when everything goes picture perfect. You are just naturally stressed beyond belief. I didn't realize until 27 1/2 months later and Trouble said goodbye, how sleep deprived I really was. I woke up every time she moved a hair in those months. Don't think you won't hear them if you sleep, you will.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Sleep.....forget about it 
Sending positive healing thoughts for Max, Sparky and their packs.
BH
Sending prayers for Sparky and Max. Having a family member or friend that you totally trust can be a real blessing during this time. Have them stay over at your house after the first few nights to relieve you and that will really help refresh you. Even if they just come over for a few hours so you can get a break can do wonders. I rented alot of movies from the library for the first week after my Valentina's surgery and I just stayed up watching them. Trying to sleep was difficult but I would watch the movies until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and then I would get a couple hours of sleep at a time. I also checked out alot of books and I read to help get rid of my nervous energy. Good luck!! This will be challenging but you'll get through!! 
Sparky and Max with names like that how can you lose!!! Sleep is overrated-LOL! Seriously, it has been almost a year since I lost my rear leg and we had a family meeting where we said 'leg or life?' I have been doing pretty darn well for a gal of almost 14 1/2 years so you can see we decided on life! That old thing was hurting and dragging and was going to kill me before I was ready to go so off it went and I haven't looked back except when my owner taught me 'have you lost something?' and then I look at my stump and get a treat! We will all be praying for you tomorrow, let us know soon. I have a good buddy that I grew up with who is having 50% of his liver taken out on Monday and I know my owner and her mom and his owner will not be sleeping on Monday so they said to tell your pawrents they will also be keeping you in their prayers.
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