Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello from the UK
Our 6 year old rottweiler Boycie has just had his front right leg amputated due to Osteosarcoma in his proximal humerus.Â
We are devastated but he's 3 days post op and doing really well. He's able to walk himself (short distances) and get up and down himself. He's been quite sore today, crying when moving around and looks quite anxious when out in the garden.
We are due to start chemo in a couple of weeks. Hoping to delay/prevent the spread of any cancer.Â
Can anyone recommend any supplements? I've heard of medicinal mushrooms? What should we give him. He has minor arthritis in his back knees but orthopedic vet was happy It was very mild.Â
We love him dearly xxxx
Hi Nicole and Boycie, welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval, so post away.
It's a good sign that he's doing pretty well just three days out of surgery. His pain signals you describe sound like maybe his pain medication needs some adjustment. What pain meds is he on? How often and how much? I would let his vet know about his anxiety, and talk about adjusting the dosage and timing of his medications. Many dogs need it adjusted, this isn't uncommon.
As for supplements and diet, be sure to check out our Eating Healthy Discussion Forum topic. Here are some posts to check out, and don't forget the Dog Cancer Survival Guide is also a great resource to check out.
https://nutriti...../?s=immune
https://nutriti.....pplements/
Boycie is a lucky dog to have such great parents looking after him. Please let us know how he's doing.
Awww Nicole, I can literally feel your distress from a far. Sending huge hugs!!!!!
Some great links have been suggested and from my experience spending time on this forum is hugely reassuring, calming and comforting. The distress will pass and you'll both have a wonderful 2023!
I have used tumeric in the past with great results for a dog that had tumors and other issues as she got older. When she was 13 yrs old I eliminated all processed food, made a home made diet and she had 3 more good years (far better than the preceding 3 years!). It made me feel so much better knowing I was doing something for her and also seeing the results bit by bit over time.
Once of the best things I did was add tumeric to her diet. I also applied it to her skin cabbage shaped tumors with great success (my goal was to give her a comfortable life). Today I've learned a bit more and now use the Golden Paste recipe. It's turmeric, coconut oil, water and ground black pepper. A teaspoon a day is good for a large dog. Even better is to give half a teaspoon twice a day and top up the water bowl!!!
Hi thank for your replies.Â
I have purchased some turmeric and mushroom complex to give to him. Hes doing really well with his mobility. However he's become really depressed the last 2 days. We are 7 days post surgery today. For 2 days he's been in his bed, very reluctant to move. He is happy to go out for walks, he eats and drinks and has treats but seems quite down. Is this a normal phase for them to go through? How can I lift his spirits. Its hard to see him like this.Â
ThanksÂ
Seven days is still early in recovery. As Jerry mentioned earlier, tweaking the pain meds as far as frequency and dosage will probably make a difference. Often the pups feel a vit vetter the first couple of days after surgery because they still have strong hospital pain meds jn their system.
Alao, he should only be doing SHORT and leashed potty breaks at this point. Out to potty and then right back in for more rest.
What has his activity been like? As Jerry ask3d, what are his paun meds now, dose, frequency, etc? How much does Boycie weigh?
Earing, drinking and pottying all good signs! Â
Try massaging all up and down his spine, shoulders, neck area, etc and note if he shows tenseness anywhere. It is soooo easy for a brand new tripawd to tweak a muscle. Regardless, give him a couple of gentle massages daily as that helps keep his muscles agile.
Just saw this supplement for arthritis that our volunteer Vet posted regarding help for arthritis.  Might want to check it out.
Type II collagen supplement called Flexadin Advanced
Keep us posted and update when yoi can. Remember, recovery doesn't last furever, it just feels like it for the first two weeks-ish.
Try and get some rest yourself.  You're doing a great job! Keep an upbeat and confident energy around Boycie...it'll help both of you.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Sorry I think I may have already posted a reply but I'm not sure where it went
 Thanks for your replies. He is having loxicom once a day for his 48kg weight and pardale 3 times a day. This is paracetamol essentially.Â
I've added turmeric and mushroom complex along with keffir which I've been recommended to help with digestion etc.Â
He seems to be a bit more sociable in the house now, he got out his bed today and came over for some cuddles. His anxiety is still evident when he's out for his 10min short walk as recommended by the surgeon. I will see about his medication being altered to see if this helps him.Â
His mobility is really good though. Much better than I ever expected at this stageÂ
YAY Boycie! I'm so glad to see he's doing better this weekend. He has a lot on his side, and is finding his way back on his own schedule. Celebrate every little bit of progress, he'll reach the finish line before you know it!
Sounds like things are progressing well, thanks to your support!
Some dogs will feel incredibly insecure when they realise they are not able to run like they did before. It's like their fight or flight instinct has taken a battering, they're not sure how to cope with their normal space, other dogs and different environments. In time they will gain confidence especially if they are in a safe environment (while they adjust) with a predictable routine.
Chewing away at a bone or raw hide treat is great, it releases serotonin - the natural happy hormones. Once I brought Trixie home from the rescue center this became her early morning delight every day. It's something that is not going to put weight on her (she has to have a diet that controls her weight) but occupy her and release those lovely bio-chemicals she makes herself. I think this helps towards counteracting the stress hormones/chemicals that their bodies produce when anxious or in some pain. It also works best for us if she chews away in the mornings - that's her high energy/alert time after the night sleep.
Just an update on Boycie.Â
He is doing amazing. We are day 18 today and he's doing so well. On Friday he had his staples out, the wound is looking good and the vet said she's really impressed with his mobility. His leg and lymphnode were sent off for testing and it came as confirmed osteosarcoma (we knew already) and his lymphnode was cancer free, it was only enlarged as a reaction to the leg. They said they got clear margins on the amputation so also good news.Â
We made the decision to go ahead with chemotherapy which starts next Wednesday.Â
Hes slowly becoming more and more like the cheeky boycie we know and love.Â
Once the weather improves we can't wait to get him back to the beach. Xxx
YAY Boycie! That is super duper great news! I'm so glad you let us know how he's doing. So many people really worry when they have a bigger dog so it always helps to know that amputation surgery recovery can go according to plan!
We can't wait to see him back at the beach too. Keep us posted.
Thanks so much for sharing this great update. Wonderful news on so many levels 👍Boyce is such a great example of letting everyone know recoveries aren't always a seemingly non stop roller coaster.
Okay "Cheeky" Boyce, keep these great updates coming!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
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