Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Thanks all! Question about his comfy cone. We have him in a tee shirt now and he's not messing with incision site at all but should we put on the collar when we can't be around to police him? It's tough walking to begin with, then to have added head gear , I just feel like it stinks. The nut ball tried jumping on the couch tonight. Must be some good meds! Of course it scared the crap out of us.
Hey everyone! As my wife posted earlier, I picked up Kota yesterday. It was a surreal moment when I first saw him trying to walk towards me with his shaven body, incision, and of course the lack of a limb, but as the good daddy I am, I stared right into his eyes and greeted him with a hug and a rub on the head. I was just so happy to see him again. So last night was a little adventuresome (with the sofa jumping) and constantly watching him try to get up and relocate to a better spot. But being the little trooper my buddy has always been, he keeps trying and moving more and more. This is only the beginning 
Lori - So far the vets at the oncology center have nothing short of amazing. They have been handling us (and Kota) with Kid Gloves as this is a very traumatic even to have occur. Dr. Jeglum has a great bedside manner and will tell you things straight up but in a way that you understand. Dr. Schofield (surgeon) is the same way. She took about 30 minutes and spoke with Amy and me the day of the surgery and told us what all of the options were and that she was not about to tell us what to do. She just expressed her opinions about things and let us make the decision - albeit very difficult. The bottom line is that if this surgery helped Kota not feel any more pain and can prolong his life then it was the right choice. So far in seeing him with his tail wagging and constant movement it is a breath of fresh air.
AHHHHHH.....BREATH OF FRESH AIR INDEED!!! Wonderful update!!!
Yeah,Kota may not be feeling quite so perky once the hospital.meds wear off. Then again, ihe may not have much of a crash period at all! Every recovery is i s different!
Still no jumping or stair climbing...just rest and / potty breaks for about two weeks. Sounds like Kota has different ideas!!! Actually.....shhhhh.....you didn't here it from me....but a little couch sleeping (with your help getting Kota up and down) may be healing for the soul.
As far as a collar...my Happy Hannah never messed with her incision stitches at all....some dogs do...some don't. She never needed a cone OR tee shirt. Such a good girl! f you do have to leave Kota unattended, the cone may be a good idea. But if you use a cone, try it on while you are there first to make sure it doesn't freak Kota out. The tee shirt may be all you need.
Keep these great updates coming. We are all here for you, okay?
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
Thanks Sally! yeah little buddy was eying up the couch again today. So I had to nix that idea! He's always been an anxious guy, so although he's not walking for any significant amount of time, he constantly makes his rounds around the room. He's mastered the 3 point turn when he gets himself in a jam. We tried the cone today and it was a no go. #1 he's not biting at the incision, just trying to itch with his hind leg. So we put one of my smaller socks on him, in addition to the t shirt. I'll have to look into if it's OK to purchase some sort of anti-itch spray with the Vet.
The fentenal patch comes off tomorrow, then he starts back up on tramadol. So we'll have to keep an eye on "the Crash" I hope it painless for all!
You guys are the best!
He sounds great!
Hopefully the tee shirt and sock will keep the stitches safe. If he isn't biting at them I'm not sure what good the cone would do to keep his back foot away? The sock sound like a good idea, just be careful it doesn't mess with his traction . You could also try some Pawz Booties - they are sort of like balloons. I use them for my quad-pug who has mobility issues on slippery floors and they work well. The are disposable and not too expensive. You can read about them here. They would give him traction and keep the nails covered.
I hope his recovery goes smoothly, and still sending positive thought for good results tomorrow.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Sounds like Kota is doing remarlably well. You have received all the best advice from this forum. They were a Godsend to me when Jake had his amputation. Keep us posted and we all can chime in. Do NOT regret your decision.
Laurie
Hi Kota and Mom and Dad:
Sounds like Kota is doing very well 🙂 Glad to see your vet is starting him on Tramadol as soon as the fentanyl patch is removed.
There will be some ups and downs over the next two weeks so don't forget to come here and vent, ask questions and laugh.
Tucker is coming up on his 11 month ampuversary and he is still Loving Life On Three Legs
Linda and Tucker
Sounds like Kota is doing great. Shooter was about the same size as Kota and I used baby socks on him. Just put a wrap of athletic tape around the top and they stay on forever. It's something I did when he was a quad pawd and would get abrasions on his pads.
These fiest couple of weeks while on the pain meds are the hardest as they just don't seem to be themselves, but once they come off them their normal personality comes back.
Thanks for the updates.
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.
So very glad Kota is back with you, and that he is getting used to being home. Hope the next few weeks of recovery are good for Kota and you.
We are picking up Lee tomorrow night, we are very excited and very nervous, as with you this is a new experience.
Dave
FAITH IS NOT BELIEVING THAT GOD CAN, IT IS KNOWING THAT GOD WILL
Dave, it is a little daunting at first, but you'll be surprised at yourself and especially Lee on how fast you all adapt. We'll be 3 days past amp tonight and Kota is still doing well. He does have some dry red skin from the betadine that is driving him bonkers, but we got most of it off and vet said could use benedyl cream around the area. The cold compresses help. You'll all be OK!!! Amy, Pete, and Kota
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