Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi everybody,
I'm Nathalie and I'm new to the forum. Firstly can it say what a fantastic site this is, the amount of information, help and tips really is invaluable!
I live in ireland, and Dexter is 6 1/2 year old Samoyed. In the summer of last year he was diagnosed with tumours growing on this right foot, which were cancerous. In August 2013 he had two toes removed from the foot and his pads removed too. The vet took the skin from his amputated toes and grafted new pads. He seemed to recover well until last week, 7th July 2014, I noticed he was starting to limp again quite badly. We took him back to vet on Friday 11th July 2014, and she confirmed that new tumors had started to grow further up the leg. She scheduled an emergency amputation of the leg on Monday 14th July.
It's now 48 hours since his operation, he came home last night. He has taken a few small steps out in the back garden with our help. We have been hand feeding him too. He seems in good spirits, he's not crying at all (he cried for days after his toe operation). He's getting up by himself and then decides he doesn't want to walk and then flops back down. His tail is wagging, his gums are pink and nose wet, and is responsive to us so their good signs right?
His face and throat are a little swollen.... Did anyone else notice that too? He is on pain meds and antibiotics. We know this is going to be a slow process to get him back to his old self. I have ordered a webmaster harness
, and should hopefully have it by tomorrow. In the meantime I'm using a towel to help him.
He is going back to vets on Friday evening for a checkup and to have his dressings changed.
I have two children, boys, and since Dexter first fell I'll last year, it's like I have 3 children. He's more than just a pet, and I really hope we've done the right thing in having the amputation and given him a fighting chance. We have to wait 10 days for his bloods to come back from the lab, fingers crossed and lots of prayers that the cancer has not spread. If it has, then we know we know we have to make a heartbreaking decision which doesn't bear thinking about right now.
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry cancer has brought you and Dexter here, what kind of cancer does he have?
Sounds like Dexter's recovery is pretty normal. I'm not sure about the neck and face swelling though- be sure you are keeping your vet informed. With such a big surgery the excess fluids can build up lots of places- I could see it going to his neck and head if he has spent a lot of time laying down on his side? Again- don't be shy about calling the vet- even if they tell you it is nothing to worry about the peace of mind is worth the call.
You might also try a re-usable shopping bag as a temporary sling- you just cut it open on the sides and the handle is built in! Also check with your vet before using the harness while the sutures or staples are still in. Some vets say ok, some say wait.
You have done the right thing with amputation- you have taken away Dexter's pain, and you have given him a chance and more time with you. We never know how much time we get after amputation- but everyone here will tell you that any amount of quality time after amputation is worth the surgery.
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
Welcome Nathalie and Dexter...
I'm sorry that Dexter has been dealing with and fighting cancer. It's such a terrible disease for our pets and us. Dexter will find his way on 3 legs...it will just take a bit for him to get his bearings so don't worry. It seems the first week or so is the most difficult as their body is processing all the meds given to them at the clinic pre and post op as well as all the meds that are sent home. Dexter will start getting back to his old self...you'll see.
For my Leland it was around 2 weeks that he started showing major changes. He was getting up off the ground on his own, he was pottying on his own without me hovering with the belly sling, and he would take off hopping pretty fast to where I had to run to catch up.
Just keep the incision site clean (we used a lot of hydrogen peroxide) and we put warm moist compresses on Leland 2-3 times a day. We would take a dish towel, soak it in water, and then heat it up in the microwave for 50-60 seconds. Our surgeon had recommended doing this to help the incision heal.
If you have questions this is a wonderful community to pose them. We've all been where you're at right now and we're happy to lend support.
Keep us posted on Dexter's progress.
Sending positive thoughts to Dexter and his family!!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Hi Nathalie, Dexter and family, welcome to the community. I'm so hoppy you found this place to be useful in your own journey. Every story shared here pays it forward by helping someone new some day down the road, so thank you for taking time to share.
48 hours isn't a long time and it does sound like he's doing really really well. What I would mention to your vet is the face and throat swelling, that is something I haven't heard mentioned before but hopefully it's not serious.
Whatever you do, try not to focus on the "what ifs" and the future that isn't here yet. Remember; prognoses don't take into account Dexter's unique situation, and many times we see dogs far outlive the worst case scenarios. It sounds like you might be dealing with mast cell cancer? If so, lots of folks here have dealt with it, so I would start a new topic in "Treatment and Recovery" to ask all about whatever the lab work comes back with.
Lots of hugs to you, welcome.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wow, thanks so much for the replies everybody! I'm happy to Say that Dexter is doing amazingly well!! We spoke to the vet last night about the neck and face swelling, she said maybe his dressings were a little too tight, so we brought him back in for them to be changed and straight away the swelling went down. Whilst we are being very cautious with him, he is flying around!! He is venturing out to the back garden by himself, walking on the kitchen tiles by himself, and this afternoon he jumped up onto the couch. I was really nervous as I was afraid of how I would get him back down, but he jumped down happily by himself. Then an hour later I turned my back for a moment and he disappeared..... I found him upstairs in my room where he goes for his daily afternoon nap!! I had to stay with him for an hour until my husband came home to carry him down. I was terrified incase dexter tried to make it down himself and fell.
He is also got his full appetite back, pottying by himself, and he's even got his "Sammy Smile" back! Whilst we are being very careful with him, we are also letting him adjust naturally himself too. It's amazing how every hour that goes by he is getting better and better. We are back with the vet tomorrow for a checkup, and his groomer who is a friend of ours is coming on Saturday to give him a little pamper session and clean up.
I'll keep you posted over the next few days 
fingers crossed his bloods come back ok next week
That is wonderful news!!! I'm so glad the swelling was just from too tight bandaging. It's amazing that he's getting around so well this soon after surgery. I'm sure you're watching him a like a hawk.
Keep up the good work Dexter!!!
Keep us updated on how the recovery continues!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Wow who knew that would have been causing the swelling? I will try to remember that next time someone has this same issue. Thanks for letting us know.
As for him getting around so well... bravo! yay! WOOHOOO! Isn't it wonderful?
There's always this fine line we walk somewhere between making sure they don't over do things so soon after surgery, versus letting them be a dog again. Eventually we get the hang of it, sounds like you're there!
We would love to see some photos when you can find time to post. Again, yay for the great news, this is terrific.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dexter sounds like a recovery star! I'm so glad the swelling was as simple as a too tight bandage. As you know once you start on the cancer journey EVERY thing that looks odd causes a gasp!
Since Dexter is doing so well your next assignment is to post some pictures!
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Well everybody, he is doing fantastic today, day 5.
He had some diahorrea today but at his checkup at the vet she changed his meds.
I made this video today, day 5, to show you all
Ohhh he looks fantastic! Yay!
Love that fluffball, what a sweetie. Thanks for sharing, we look forward to more.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Nathalie and Dexter! How cute is he?! I have to say my husband and I are in you EXACT situation. Our Kota (10 yr old Sheltie) had cancer/tumor on the paw and pad, 2 digits removed, not healing, had to amp to give him his best chance.
We are now almost 48 hours post surgery and Kota is doing well. No loss of appetite and going to the bathroom. He pees like a girl anyway, so no issues with balance there!
We are also waiting for the lymph node biopsy to come back to let us know what's up. Praying it's clear, he can get the melanoma vaccine and be with us for years to come! He's tried jumping on the couch and gets around the house very well, but we need to keep him restricted as the vet said they need to just rest the 1st 2 weeks. So happy Dexter's out and about! love and hugs to continued recovery!
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