TRIPAWDS: Home to 25152 Members and 2176 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Avatar
Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Harley is officially a TriPawd!
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Avatar
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
46
20 February 2022 - 6:00 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Just catching up on how well Harley is doing and soooom pleased to read he is enjoying life as a tripawd.

Love that  he requires you to  "use  treats for the other 5%".   Such a clever boy👍

You and your hubby have a lot on your plate, but you're  doing a great job, all while being extra busy spoiling Harley😎

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!

Avatar
Member Since:
25 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
47
9 April 2022 - 7:29 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi All,

Just wanted to check in and update about Harley.  He just had his 5th chemo treatment of Carboplatin.  His neutrophils were a little under the lowest normal value this time and the last TX but not too low to not do the chemo treatment.  He has one more TX to go in 3 weeks and will get chest x-rays and repeat bloodwork on the same day.  Hoping everything remains clear!  His polyneuropathy has progressed a bit so he's more spastic on the hind end but he'll still go for a couple of walks every day.  They are not organized nor are they ever boring as Harley does what Harley wants.  He's still very head strong but we've adjusted to just letting him wander but staying close in case he decides to go off on a tangent.  Like a few days ago, I thought he was following along behind me as we were heading back to the vehicle but when I turned to check, he was making a beeline for the dog park smiley3smiley3  so I had to sprint to get to him before he got to the dog park.... yikes!!   He's very random with other dogs so he never gets to go to the dog park.  We've never been dog park people.   Why is he not on leash?  Because as soon as you put the leash on, he flops.  And won't get up.  HA!  So we have to do the "okay bye" to get him to go where we want him to go or we have to use high value treats, but that often does not go as planned either.  About 5 days ago he decided to go down this steep hill in this park we walk in.  It took me 2.5 hours to get him back up to the top.  Much profanity and several melt-downs later......   Some of it was because he just wasn't strong enough or because I wasn't strong enough but most of it was because he was not very cooperative.  Thank goodness for the Ruffwear harness .    Oh, and last week he was counter-surfing.....   A 10+ year old tri-pawd and he's still a handful smiley5

Oncologist was a bit concerned about him losing weight but he eats like a champ so we just upped his daily calorie intake for the second time.  Pre-amp he weighed in the 89 to 90 pound range.  We didn't get a weight right after amputation but at his first vet visit a couple of weeks after amp, he was around 86 pounds which we thought was a bit high considering he just lost a whole leg.  He's now just over 80 pounds but was 83 at his first Onco. appointment.  We figure he was just burning more calories than he was taking in and the extra calories he'll be getting should get him back up to the 82 to 83 pound range.  

Avatar
On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
48
9 April 2022 - 9:26 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I am totally in love with Harley! He has so much spunk and attitude, and you know him soooo well. That's an adorable story about his aversion to being on leash. That boy is sure his own dog. Glad that the Ruffwear harness is helping out in other ways!

Super happy to know things are going so well and life is good! And also that his weight is a little low rather than too high. That's a good problem to have as long as he checks out by the vet. I agree, he's burning more calories now that he's feeling good again. Oh by the way, we guesstimate that a spare leg on a bigger dog is generally about 5 pounds based on what folks around here have reported. 

Give your handful of a Tripawd some extra belly rubs from us!!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Avatar
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
49
9 April 2022 - 10:57 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Add me to Harley's Fan Club list.  Visualizing  his antics had me laughing so hard!  Strong willed dogs who train their owners so well always have a special  place in my heart.  You have a delightful bond full of love AND fun!

Nothing is gonna hold  Harley back from being Harley....and that's  why we adore him♥️  Keep on being a "mature" handful Harley👍😎

Thanks for the pupdate. 

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!

Avatar
Member Since:
25 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
50
31 May 2022 - 1:41 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hello all - thought I would give an update about Harley.  He had his 6th (last) chemo treatment on the 29th of April and also had chest x-rays that day.  All clear!!  Bloodwork results from 2 weeks ago was all within normal range and Harley is doing great!  His lar-par gets a bit more noticeable now that it's getting warmer so we are being really careful with him.  He tends to have his longer/better walk in the morning when it is cooler and the evening/afternoon walk is more like a business walk and when he's done with his business, he just lays around and watches.   His other polyneuropathy symptoms (hind end weakness and spasticness) seems to be stable right now.  He will go back in to see the Oncologist June 29th for chest x-rays and bloodwork.  His neutrophils where within normal range on this last batch which is the first time they've been in that range since after the 3rd chemo treatment.   We are going to try and get him in for accupuncture a couple of times/month to help with the lar-par and polyneuropathy and we'll be going camping a fair bit this summer and will get him into the lake for swims (with a doggie life jacket on).  He's a very spoiled boy!!  

Avatar
The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
51
31 May 2022 - 5:15 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

GO HARLEY! smiley_clapThis is the best news all day! I'm really happy that you got the clear scans back, and are making plans to have a fantastic summer with your #1 fur kid!

Did his weight ever stabilize? Just curious.

Spoil him rotten, he sure deserves it 🙂 Thanks for stopping by with the great news, we are celebrating with you!

Avatar
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
52
31 May 2022 - 8:16 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thrilled to hear Harley is doing so well with all his check-up reports!!    The perfect way to start the summer👍

I have no doubt that Harley  is a spoiled boy.....and deservedly so!  I love spoiling  my dogs probably  even more than they love being spoied😉

Take lots of pictures!

Hug

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!

Avatar
Member Since:
25 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
53
6 June 2022 - 4:52 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

jerry said
GO HARLEY! smiley_clapThis is the best news all day! I'm really happy that you got the clear scans back, and are making plans to have a fantastic summer with your #1 fur kid!

Did his weight ever stabilize? Just curious.

Spoil him rotten, he sure deserves it 🙂 Thanks for stopping by with the great news, we are celebrating with you!

  

Yes  weight stabilized in the 80 to 81 pound range.  His appetite is VERY good.  In fact, he gets me up in the morning when he feels that it's time for him to eat.  Which is usually between 5 and 5:30 and he's very insistant.  He pretty much inhales his food.  Nausea was never an issue for him during chemo and his appetite was always normal.  He is even back jumping up on the couch on his own every once in a while.  He is mentally alert and even somewhat hyper at times.  In the afternoon when my husband gets back with the dogs from their walk, he gets out of the vehicle on his own and sprints into the house for his PM meal.  One of these days I will start a blog and get some video/pictures up of the boy so you can see the big meathead icon_razz  

Avatar
The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
54
6 June 2022 - 5:53 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Amazing! He's so strong and energetic, that boy is a remarkable, bouncy, and young-at-heart hero smiley16

Yes we would love to see the meathead! Great job keeping his weight stable and his spirits high. So hoppy for you guys!

Avatar
Member Since:
25 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
55
7 July 2022 - 10:41 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

So - 2 month post Chemo appointment was last week.  All looks great!  Bloodwork all within normal range, chest x-rays clear and he's at a healthy weight.  Oncologist was very pleased with how Harley is doing.  He goes back every 2 months for repeat chest x-rays.  His lar-par does seem to be getting a bit worse.  Likely because of the warmer weather so we've been taking it really easy on walks and we take along plenty of water for him.   He still manages to go 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile.  A bit longer on cooler days and less on warm days.   Tried out his new stroller a few weeks ago - finally.  He likes it quite a bit!  It is easier to get him in and out of the stroller than the wagon where he needs to be lifted.   We do have to put dogs in the vehicle and take them to a nearby park to walk so putting the dogs and the stroller in the vehicle won't work.  Stroller is too big.  The wagon does fold up so it's a bit easier to haul around.  

Avatar
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
56
7 July 2022 - 3:35 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

HOORAY FOR HARLEY!!!Such a good update on so many levels!  Great medical report and great that he us thoroughly  enjoying being Harley!!!👏👏   His walks are quite impressive  for a tripawd....especially  a Meathead Tripawd!!!!

Glad he likes his stroller and wagon so he can take breaks and still enjoy  the scenes  while his hoomans do all the work😎

Thanks  for the update!  We love good news around  here!

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!

Avatar
The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
57
7 July 2022 - 6:26 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Now that's a great report. Sounds like Harley's rockin' the life and showing the pack how to make the most of every day. I'm so happy he's willing to get into the stroller. It's a huge gift especially when the weather is warm but he still wants to sniff around outside. Can't blame him one bit! He's been a VERY GOOD BOY going through all this, and a real inspiration to us all!

CONGRATS!

Oh what stroller did you end up getting? We would love to see photos! Let me know if you'd like help adding images .

Avatar
Member Since:
25 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
58
24 August 2022 - 5:12 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hello All,

Harley Update:  just back from the Oncologist and chest x-rays are all clear!  His polyneuropathy has started to accelerate a bit though so his hind end is getting more spastic.  Lar-Par is still stable.  Trying to get him to do at least 1/2 mile on his walks to keep his muscles from getting too flacid.  Had his first acupuncture treatment....  if you want to call it that.  It was a consult with treatment and the guy was as cold as a dead fish, only inserted 10 needles and only left them in for 10 minutes and charged $160.  After inserting the needles, he left the room and didn't come back.  What?  I was spoiled with the last vet that we went to for acupuncture (two other dogs).  She was quite excellent.  We'll not be going back to the cold fish and I've lined up another consult with a new, but highly recommended vet that does acupunture.  We'll also be looking into PT and perhaps underwater treadmill.  We've taken Harley to the lake 3 times in the last couple of months but he doesn't swim.  Just goes into the water and lays there.  He used to be a swimmer before he lost his leg.  He's also getting a bit more prickly and if he doesn't want to do something, you have to just kind of wait him out.  Not sure how well he'd do with PT but we'll give it a try.  

Avatar
The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
59
24 August 2022 - 8:45 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

YAY for clear x-rays! I'm so happy for you guys! WHOOOHOOOO!!!! That is a major victory for you and Harley. Cheers to many more! smiley4Hope he got a cheeseburger out of the deal 😉

Sorry about the lousy acupuncture treatment, that's really disappointing. There's so much to be said for bedside manners. Vets are actually required to take classes on it in many schools now, something that's brand new in the field. I hope your next one that you see has that skill down, and that you come out of the experience with a plan to help Harley get back to doing what he loves. Definitely mention the swimming (or lack of it) that's been going on. Hopefully they can address the root cause of it when he gets evaluated. I'm so glad you are going! Please let us know how the visit was OK?

And give Harley a big ol smooch from me! 

Avatar
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
60
25 August 2022 - 10:51 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

So glad we can celebrate  clear xrays👏👏👏  Great news!

Such a bummer that the acupuncture session was not a positive experience.  Unbelievable mthe way things u folded and the way you and Harley both were treated. Hopefully you will have a good connection with the next person upu have lined up.

Maybe Harley will enjoy his water therapy. Some dogs seem to like it, some not so much.  I know with my tripawd Frankie I tried the iunderwwter treadmill thing and wasn having any of it. 

Ya' know, if  Harley enjoys just laying I  the water to cool off, that's  okay.  Does he wear a float coat in the water?  Not sure if thst would help him feel more confident. 

Let is know how the next appt goes....hopefully  it's a good one on every level👍

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!

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 221
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1290
Members: 18618
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18903
Posts: 259311
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG