Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We have been glued to this website since finding it, it has helped us cope with the cancer diagnosis to amputation journey. I would never in my wildest dreams thought this could happen to our beautiful 3 1/2 year old 81kg French Mastiff, we are still reeling and it's day 4 post amputation of rear left leg.
Butch however seems to be starting to cope, his tail wagged today when we cuddled him. He's been walking since the day after surgery we got him back on day 2 and he moves so well and so fast there's no need for the towel just a need to slow him down with a leash and make sure he doesn't do too much.
They took the leg at the hip I must admit it looks brutal, my mother saw him today and burst in to tears, that doesn't help. He still hasn't been to the toilet (no 2's) and I read with interest that you recommended Linseed Oil, I gave him a tblspn this morning but as he's not eating much it's all I've got in to him.
I have searched for other tripawd mastiffs but haven't found any I was hoping for help with how such a large stocky dog manages on three legs, do you know of any?
Annie, Mum to
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Hi Annie and Butchus,
We are so sorry that you're coping with cancer, but are so glad that you found us. We will do our best to help.
I know what you mean about reeling from the diagnosis. Most of us learn about the cancer and have the surgery within a week or so of eachother. Maybe it's better that way though. Humans tend to dwell on things too much. We dogs on the other hand, move on and continue with the business of playing . . . as you can already tell with Butchus' amazing recovery!
It's not easy to see a beloved friend after surgery. But what counts is that your beloved pal is alive, walking, and doing great! Every extra pain-free day is a beautiful gift. Live the moment, don't dwell on what once was. Butchus doesn't, neither should his humans.
When I was diagnosed, my Mom and Dad were also concerned about my ability to cope because of my size (I'm 75 pounds). They with went online and found Moose, a Harlequein Great Dane, and knew that if Moose could live an amazing life, so could I!
Another big dog we've gotten to know includes Finnegan, an Irish Wolfhound (talk about big!). And most recently, we've had the pleasure of meeting Darcy Deerhound, a beauty from the UK.
I know they're not Masitfs, but they're very large dogs too, don't you think?
As far as the pooping thing goes, it'll happen. If it doesn't in a day or two, call your vet. The pain pills tend to slow things down a little, but they should be wearing out of his system soon.
Hope this helped a little. Others out there will also have some great ideas for you. Thanks again for writing, please keep us posted.
Send some photos when you can, and if you'd like to sign up as a member, your posts wil be immediately approved so you can get the feedback you want right away from other Tripawd pawrents. Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Annie & Butch,
Radar is a large breed also (93 lb borzoi) although not quite as massive as a mastiff. They can learn to cope as well as the small dogs. You know your dog's level of conditioning. If he is in good condition athletically - let him set his own pace. He will slow down when he gets tired. It may seem like an up and down process at first but he will adjust.
As for bowel movements. Our vet had us give Radar a little bit (half cup) of bran flakes with milk every day to help with constipation caused by medication. Make sure you use plain bran flakes and absolutely NO raisins. Once he had his first bowel movement we stopped the bran and he has been fine in that regard.
Hugs to you and Butch.
Connie & Radar
borzoid said:
Our vet had us give Radar a little bit (half cup) of bran flakes with milk every day to help with constipation
Ooooh, great idea!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said:
Another big dog we’ve gotten to know includes Finnegan, an Irish Wolfhound (talk about big!). And most recently, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting Darcy Deerhound, a beauty from the UK.
I know they’re not Masitfs, but they’re very large dogs too, don’t you think?
Hi Annie, Butchus,
Also Titan, a 5.5 y.o. bullmastiff, 140 LBs (83 kg). His story is in "Titan new tripawd tomorrow". (Jerry: the icons for link/unlink are greyed out. I can't create the link.)
Advices from Jerry and Radar are excellent, here I wish Butchus have a speedy recovery!
Annie and Butchos
My boy Titan is 140 pound bullmastiff. I know exactly what you are going through. They are tough dogs. I was also afraid of Titan's size but he was doing good until yesterday. Yesterday he was laying on the porch and decided to run off for 25 yards. Now he is limping on his rear leg, we have him on strict bedrest. Today he is not limping as much so I am hoping it was a strained muscle. This breed is so independent they figure it out quick but please make sure you slow him down. Don't understimate them. I was so sad yesterday feeling we took a step back but I know Titan is a tough guy and has the strength and will to do it. The important thing is you believe in him and his recovery. I know it is corny but I read the book The Secret it is all about positive thinking. It is simple but a good reminder that you have think positive. Also check out the book Without Regret it is about a mastiff with rear amputation. Jerry sells it on here. As far as the scar looking nasty, I ws on a website last night that had a great idea. Men boxer shorts with the slit on the back of him so he can't get his paw caught. I hope this helps. Definately check out Finnegan and his blog he was truly an inspiration to Titan and I. Stay positive. Just remember there will be a few speed bumps but you guys can get over them and DO THIS!!!!! This also may sound corny but I go to bed at night saying these words "my positive thougts are more powerful than my negative thoughts." Say that in your head anytime you are having a bad day or night.
Take Care
Heidi and Titan
We bought Butch a jacket yesterday it looks just like a horse jacket (it's winter in Australia last night was 39 degrees F that's cold in houses only designed for long hot summers) it's working like a charm both to keep him warm and to shield his wound, he loves it.
Day 5 today and he's sleeping very heavily, we got him to eat twice yesterday so I managed to get 2 tblspns of Linseed Oil in to him. We slow roast 500gms of beef for him, dice it up and add unsalted chicken stock (my own) and the oil. He had that morning and night yesterday. Sometimes he'll take a dog biscuit, all natural, but that's it. He's never been a good eater not sure how he got to 81 kg sometimes (he's dropped to 74 since diagnosis/op), he's always refused to eat raw food so I've had to cook for him since he was 7 weeks old. I've been reading about all the meds the dogs are on post op, we've only been given antibiotics and Metacam I hope that's enough I'd hate to think he was in pain. He pants a little sometimes but I can usually get him to drink, he loves a running tap or if he won't get up just icecubes in my hand that he licks until they're melted.
Titan looks awesome, what a beautiful boy do you have anymore photos of him on this site? I'm glad to hear there are other people as potty about their dogs as we are, we are sure our friends think we're a bit over the top sometimes..
I'd love to post a photo but I can't figure out how to upload it. Also I can't seem to get my password to join the forum, your site says the activation key is invalid..?
Ann, mum to Butch
Hi Ann,
It looks like you tried to post a photo? It's not coming through though, can you try it again when you have a chance? We're not sure why your password isn't working. Have you tried lately? We'll look into it on this end meanwhile. Sorry! Thanks for joining though.
I was never a great eater either, before my amp. I did loose some weight immediately after, but was able to gain it back once my appetite came back. Butch gets a great diet! We'd love to hear more about it in a separate thread, maybe the Tips one?
Also, I wouldn't worry abot not being on enough pain meds. I think docs in the US tend to overdo it with them. I went to a teaching hospital for my surgery, and all I got was Metacam and some Tramadol for a couple of weeks. I did fine without the pain patch and all that stuff.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The photo I have on here was Titan pre amp. I have tons of pics but nothing on here. I will get to it. We don't have nay children so Titan is an only child. We also went to a picture people (picture place in a mall) to get some family photos done before his operation. I hope Butchus is doing a little better today. Titan slept all day yesterday but was anxious at night. He wanted to get on the couch with me. I did the tough love and made him lay down on a blankie next to me. I have been sleeping downstairs with him since his operation to keep a close eye on him.
Has he tried to eliminate yet? If not maybe thats why he is not wanted to eat he could be bloated. Did Butchus have his amp the 4th?
Heidi and Titan
Butch had his op on the 5th Aug, day 6 today and we have had the best day so far. He's been sleeping really well at night we check on him constantly, there are 3 of us (me, my husband and my brother) caring for Butch around the clock so we often run in to each other at 2 am checking on him.
He's been very alert the last 2 days so today I decided to say the magic 'walk' word, he got up and walked out with myself and the other 2 dogs. We walked slowly around the property, he sat down once for about 20 mins and just looked around, we then walked a little further and I could tell he wanted to do his business (at last!) so I let him go alone. Happy to report he did very well!
After that he did something odd he dug down in the garden and laid down right up against a hedge, he stayed there for about half an hour until he heard my brothers voice up by the car (the loves of his life, my brother and the car) he almost ran up the driveway it blew us away how smoothly he's starting to walk.
His first attempts at walking was more like kangaroo hopping, now the gait has smoothed out so much that if you didn't see the back leg missing you'd think he's just got a slight limp.
The last good news this morning was his first attempt at steps went smoothly, at the end of all these adventures he had no shaky leg and no panting he's just fallen straight to sleep on his bed.
We're knocked out by his progress and calmness, he makes us humans look like nervous chickens clucking around him 24/7.
Pathology due tomorrow, they haven't confirmed osteosarcoma, both bone biopsies were inconclusive which made our decision even harder to choose amp with inconclusive tests.
The leg was unsaveable we realised that and he was in tremendous pain. Our oncologist was trained in Colorado and works mostly on large/giant breeds she says there is no doubt it's cancer just not sure which one, here's hoping there's not more heartbreaking news around the corner. I'm just going to enjoy the great day I'm having with my Butchus Beautifulus (his greek name 🙂
P.S. just an add on, it's now 5pm and since all that fun this morning he's gone completely to ground, literally. He's lying half under another hedge outside our door almost invisible like he's hiding and he's not communicating with us not even when his dad came home half an hour ago. It's the 3rd time in 2 days he's done this hiding leave me alone behaviour, any explanations? Also shivering when we cuddle him?
Annie said:
Butch had his op on the 5th Aug, day 6 today and we have had the best day so far.
It’s the 3rd time in 2 days he’s done this hiding leave me alone behaviour, any explanations? Also shivering when we cuddle him?
Annie, what a beautiful update, thank you for sharing Butch's recovery with us. So many others will benefit from your experience.
You're right, the hiding thing sounds like "leave me alone." It's probably just Butch's way of telling you to give him some space and let him heal. In the wild, dogs go into hiding and den when they're injured and recuperating. In the domesticated world, dogs go under desks or the shade of a bush. I'd try not to worry unless you can't get him to come out. Give it a few days.
The shivering thing though I'm not so sure about. Could be just the muscles adapting to the rebalancing/shifting of his weight. Maybe muscle twitches that seem like shivering? Not sure about that one. Anyone else have thoughts about it?
Have another beautiful day. Remember, paw by paw, day by day, things will get better. Keep us posted!
Love,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awesome news that Butch is coming along so well. I know what you mean about watching them like a hawk - we've done the same thing.
Sounds like butch had a great burst of energy - Radar did the same thing at about the same time post op. He may just be a bit worn out and maybe a little sore from the exertion. This might account for the shivering and "leave me alone" behavior. Be patient with him. When Radar first started getting energetic he was using his other legs the way he did when he had 4 legs and really stressed them. Now I see him shifting his balance and using the legs a bit differently and is less sore. Give Butchus Beautifulus (what a lovely name) a bit of a chance to adjust. He'll come around and once he figures it all out he'll be his old self again.
Hugs
Connie & Radar
Titan has been sleeping alot the past couple of days. I am glad he is finally getting some rest. I notice he looks away alot when we want to give him attention. I think they just need their space until they are feeling better
Heidi
Oh Heidi thank you for telling me that, Butch wouldn't look at me or anyone else today and didn't want to eat. He just laid with his back to us and shivered when we cuddled him, if we take him out he goes to the nearest bush and lies underneath it still with his back to us. I've felt as if he's been slipping backwards. The pathology didn't come today as expected and tomorrow is a public holiday in Brisbane so I have to wait until Thursday to get his results. They said they didn't think it was osteosarcoma so of course I would like to know what we're dealing with. Not a good start to today. It's now night time and it's like someone threw a switch all of a sudden he's looking at us, not shivering and is happy to have food, lots of it and not minding cuddles. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose a large limb like he has the trauma and loss is unimaginable for a human and I guess he's dealling with it as best he can. I wish we humans were half as brave, I still feel like a nervous chicken clucking around him 24/7.
Well, that is great to hear that just a few hours later, Butch has gotten his appetite and some energy back.
You're right; humans aren't nearly as brave as we dogs are when it comes to this kind of trauma. Butch is healing on his own timeline it sounds like. Keep the faith, a slow and steady recovery will happen.
P.S. My Mom's chicken instincts took over when I was recovering too! She got me so spoiled, that now I will only eat if she sits down next to me!
Keep us posted on the Thursday vet visit.
Love,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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