Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Today is day 3 of Dylan's recovery. He was pretty active yesterday so I think he's pretty tired and sore today. Not up and about as much. His appetite is very good. Today as he was trying to get up to go he fell forward and yelped and cried. I was afraid his other front leg twisted. He's a big guy and I worry about the weight. Food seems to be the only thing to get him up and outside. He cries whenever we mention to him that we have to go outside. We have steps to get off the deck. We bought a ramp for him. He is afraid of the ramp but we get on each side of him and he'll go down it. My new concern is his elbow on his front right leg. He has a hygroma and when he goes to lay down he slams it down. I tried putting a terry wrist band around it temporarily but it just falls off. Any suggestions?
Sounds like Dlyan is doing pretty well.
Pressure sores are discussed here periodically, seems to be a relatively common problem for front amps.
Check out this thread: http://tripawds.....-on-elbow/
There are some links in the second post from Jerry that might be helpful.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hi. I'm at day 3 At home with dexter after hind leg amputation. I can relate. There have been ups and downs. I. Glad Dylan's eating. Dexter has not had much of an appetite. Makes it hard to give him his medicine. He's also been peeing inside a bit and not pooping much. Mare you having any issues there? I have to believe there will be tough days on the road to getting better. Hang in there.
Welcome turtledan, your future forum posts will not require moderation.
There will be ups and downs indeed, best wishes for more ups for both your pup coming soon!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Turtledan,
It's day 5 for us.
Dylan has no problem with eating. Although he seems to have lost his appetite for milk bones. He has been peeing maybe once per day and pooped only once on day 2. They say sometimes it takes up to 5 days due to meds. I've also read that due to the meds some dogs will not eat for awhile. I hope Dexter gets his appetite back soon. Maybe then he'll go more. I have been giving Dylan peanut butter toast with his meds stuck in them for breakfast and mix the pills in with his regular dinner in the evening.
Dylan is a big lab (121 lbs) and loves to eat. I worry alot about his weight now with just one front leg but it seems that food is the only thing that motivates him to get up and go outside for a bit. So now I wonder how the heck can I watch his weight when food is the only thing that motivates him?
Like you, I know there will be good days and bad days. I'm optimistic but worried.
Hope Dexter has a good day today! Everyday should get a little better, right?
Hi Dylansmom, I'm sorry to hear you're having a ruff time. Take things slow, don't be in a hurry to get around and you'll get the hang of it. I fell a lot my first few weeks but it hurt my people more than it hurt me. Eventually I got my balance and everything was good.
We just posted about hygromas in our news blog, I hope this helps:
Tripawds Gear Blog: Options for Treating a Dog's Elbow Hygroma
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
dylansmom said
So now I wonder how the heck can I watch his weight when food is the only thing that motivates him?
I forgot to add: try not to be in such a hurry, at day 5 most dogs just want to lay around and sleep. Eventually you'll see that spark return. If you need to motivate him to do basic things like go potty, try green beans! carrots! natural, healthy snacks like this might work. All you have to do is cut back on his regular meals to allow for any motivational snacks he got throughout the day.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Assuming Dylan is still on pain meds, it will take some time to reach "normal" again. My rear amp, Frazier, peeped frequently in the house during his early recovery. I just believe that the meds alter the behavior so much that our beloved pets don't really know where they are or what they should be doing. The appetite will return and so will the energy level.
Be patient (it was tough for us) and trust that all will work out. Our "babies" are remarkably resilient!
Frazier, Dorothy & Thom
Just something to think about in response to the food/weight issue. About a year ago I switched Finn to an all Organic diet. This was prior to the cancer diagnosis. I did not want him (or me) eating Genetically Modified Organisims and organic was the only way I could make sure that he wasnt getting them. He had been eating Science Diet light for years. I switched him to Organics by Nature Chicken formula and was very nervous that he would GAIN as they dont make a light formula. What happened instead was that he lost about 7 pounds so now I feed him a little more. I am no scientist or vet and can only guess that it is the better ingredients and the LACK OF CORN that is causing this to happen. My OBESE cat is having the same result...eating just as much but all organic and no corn. Im not trying to convert you but if may help with the weight considerations for your baby who loves to eat. I also use Grean beans (fresh) Apples and carrots as treats. I can hardly get any beans in the freezer for winter he loves them so much! It gets BETTER!!! I am about two weeks ahead of you and I swear..things are looking up and up and up 
Thank you all for your responses. Today is day 6 and Dylan is doing much better. Still sleeps alot. Still waits for his peanut butter toast. I have been giving him chicken and carrots for his dinner mixed with his regular dog food. He doesn't seem to want his dog food alone since coming home. I have been trying different foods. He loves green apples and cantalope. He's also going outside more (2 or 3 times per day). He seems like he is trying to get back to his normal routines (running to the front door when bell rings, running and barking to the neighbors). We are amazed!
Today is the last day for all his meds. He doesn't seem to be in pain. He seems much more comfortable. I am very happy with his progress.
I am going to look for Organics by Nature Chicken formula. I will try that. (Thanks Peggy). We have been feeding Dylan and our border collie, Zoe, Beneficial dry dog food usually mixed with chicken or sometimes hamburg.
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