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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Chloe looks like she is happy and doing good!
JD's mom, thanks for the info, I am going to give her a call as soon as I read about Tazziedog. You guys are wonderful, thanks for the support and the lifeline.
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
There is an oncologist at the VCA specialty center in Lynnwood and another cancer center in Seattle. We had one appointment in Lynnwood when we moved back here last September and I did not like the oncologist, but I think that was because she was set in a certain protocol and it wasn't what I wanted. Perhaps it would be better if you were starting with her from the beginning...
Laura
fightingforsammy said:
... what are NSAID's ?
Non Steroidal Anti-Inflamatory Drugs are commonly prescribed to help relieve pain during recovery. Most are not intended for lobg-term use, and some have been known to cause deadly NSAID side effects. Basically, they wreck havoc on the intestinal system of some dogs. Just watch for loose or bloody stool. Jerry was sick from Rimadyl after about two days. But he handled Metacam very well for nearly two years.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, I just wrote a really long post for you and somehow delated it. (I've been told how to fix this but of course forgot)
Don't be fooled by the "sad" pictures - listen to the folks on this site, they know of what they speak. I was bound and determined to think the worst about my pup's amputation, especially since I had a little bit of choice because his cancer was not as aggressive. His surgery was 5 weeks ago and we couldn't be happier. Search "Ajax" for the chronicle of my self-inflicted upset and his great recovery post-op. There's a video too - some of the pics included are 4 legged, but each of the 3-legged pics was taken within 1 month post op - you'll see he is smiling, swimming, running, catching a frisbee, playing in a sprinkler -- really!
Also it's fantastic for you to get the rugs early so he can get used to them - I didn't even think of that - but don't worry about it if you don't get to it. They very quickly find the best surfaces to walk on when they get home. Remember, you'll have at least one day/overnight to get the house ready for Sammy's homecoming, and more likely than not it will make you feel good to be doing something then.
I don't mean to minimize - this is a big deal, of course - but don't "maximize" the leg loss - Sammy will be ok with it! If you -- or Sammy --- are feeling sad, I recommend guests. If Sammy is a social butterfly like Ajax (and since Ajax is a Lab and Labs are descendants of Newfie's, my guess is that Sammy is the same), human guests will cheer him up when he is booooorrrred staying still for a couple of weeks.
Hang in there, and look at the videos not just of immediately post -op, but of the pooches running, playing and swimming a month or two out.
I am here in Seattle!!! James celebrated his 3-week ampuversary yesterday. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his front left leg.
I have a GREAT RECOMMENDATION for you for an oncologist: Dr. Chelsea Tripp in Shoreline at the Animal Medical Center. She just called me an hour ago to see how James was feeling (as his WBC and neutrophil count have dropped a lot).
Dr. Tripp is a wonderful, compasionate person. She is very upbeat and full of extremely helpful information. She recommended tripawds.com to me (but I had already found this site!). Her web site is http://www.anim.....alists.com and her phone no. is (206) 204-3366.
She interned with Dr. Meleo here in Seattle and then went back to WSU for more training. She started working at the Animal Medical Center 4 weeks ago.
Because she is new, I was able to get an apt immediately with Dr. Tripp. I first saw her on Tues. 8/3/10. James had the amputation the next morning. Our first chemo apt. was with Dr. Tripp on Wed. 8/11.
James is getting carboplatin.
The office is located a few blocks off of I-5 at the 145th exit.
I have heard that the oncologisst in Lynnwood is no longer there. Anyway, Shoreline is closer.
My James has not been sad at all. Maybe a bit frustrated the first week that getting up was tricky…but not sad!
Nancy Stephenson and James
James the poodle had his left front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma on Aug. 4, 2010. He is currently doing chemo.
Ok my new friends, here is the latest. I ended up going to Wallyworld yesterday and got 4 runners, rug sticky tape and a 5 by 7 ft rug for under $100.00 (barely). I also got a full sized egg crate bed. I folded it over and am going to sew a cover for it today. My furry kids all have raised beds so I am improvising for him.
I don't know if the dr. will have a wrap for him or if he will be in t-shirts so I put a t-shirt on him now so he won't think the t-shirt sole his leg later. I wrote on it " I am not just a survior, I am a thriver" to remind myself that I need to be positive around him. I am sure I didn't come up with that one on my own, I just don't know where I saw it before. He seems to be just fine walking around in the shirt and getting used to it, even though he has never worn clothes before.
Do you guys have tri-pawds meet and greets? I used to go to the Mastiff meet and greet so I was wondering if you guys do the same. After Sammy gets used to the whole thing and is healed and healthy again I would love for him to see others doing well too.
I talked with Dr. Pams receptionist Jammie who was wonderfully nice and sympathetic but it looks like we are sticking with the original Dr. for the surgery. I liked him very much, I was just shopping around so I could save more money for the chemo later.
I will look into the shoreline dr for the chemo if Dr. Pam ends up not being able to do that for me. I will check out Ajax's video now. I loved the other newfies video but when I went to find it again for my husband I found instead his thread of saying goodbye. It was so sad.
Thanks again, and please let me know if we could do a meet and greet later on!
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
fightingforsammy said:
Do you guys have tri-pawds meet and greets?
Do we ever! Check out our Tripawd Pawties Discussion Forum topic. See if there's one near you and if not, suggest one. Once you put it out there we'll put it on our Tripawds Facebook page and Twitter and try to find others to attend too.
Sounds like you are well prepared, you'll do great. And sticking with your surgeon sounds like a good plan. Having someone you can trust and communicate with is worth its weight in gold.
One of the other sayings we like around here . . . "Living with cancer, not dying from it!" (we didn't make that up, heard it somewhere). Can't wait to see a pic of Sammy in his new wardrobe!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
thanks Jerry,
I read your blog on Jerrys progress and his life, and watched the videos. He looks like he was so well loved, and loved so well back in return. What an amazing life. New and different stuff to do everyday. Awesome places to go, things to be seen. I am glad he had you guys to be with.
How do I post a picture on a thread? I just took one of Sammy in his shirt but can't figure out how to post it.
I have most this week off. I wish it was next week so I could be here for Sammys recovery. How ironic that I am just sitting around freaking out internally thinking about what is to come and trying to prepare. I have had this site on my computer just about non-stop since I found it and my husband says I am driving myself crazy trying to get all the info I can. I wish I were back at work so I could stop thinking about it for awhile. Monday and Tuesday were nuts and I wanted time to just recoup but now I wish I weren't thinking about this.
I am afraid to let Sammy outside to play with the mastiff Titan and my sheppard because I am afraid he will break his leg. He wants to go outside so badly but I call the others inside when he is outside so he won't get hurt. Is this what I am supposed to do?
Many more questions ahead..
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Dear Sammy,
WOW it sure seems that your mom is alot like mine. Reading everything she can, and preparing the house for your return home after surgery.
Because I am a bit tall my mom found a cute raised food and water bowl thing for me. She only fed me while I was lying down for a day after surgery. I too have an egg carton bed, mine is a twin sized folded in half with a cover. Mom found that if she made two covers, one could be on the bed while the other was washing. She found a bargain king size fleece blanket and it cut in half perfectly to make the two covers, I love it! At night I sleep on her bed and she put her matress on the floor so I only have to step up about 8 inches to be where I want to be.
She bought a package of t-shirts for me not knowing if my incision would be leaky or not. They were v-neck and I wore them with the V part on the top and the arm hole cut out on the non amp side and she cinched it up with a rubberband behind my neck to keep it from flopping around. I never had a problem with my incision but it was nice to have a change of clothes. Your mom is smart to try and prepare you for the next couple of weeks, I think my mom also liked the T-shirts cause it kept me from licking the stitches once the bandages came off (she is sneaky that way)
I was reluctant to get up and go outside for the first few days to pee and poop. In fact I held my poop in for three days! Kinda scared her, but it all came out just fine 
. The harness was not good for me till my stitches came out so my mom and her sister made me a cool sling thing. They took a reusable grocery bag, the kind that is made of tough fabric with strong handles. They cut out the side panels so what remained was a sling thingy with two handles intact. They slipped it under my tummy and were able to lift my reluctant 90+ pound, drugged body outside to do my business. I am a girl so they held me up as I squatted, not sure how you will be doing your boy leg lift thing, but I am confident you will be able to work it out.
Since my surgery was just about 6 weeks ago my mom is able to remember most of the tricks she learned and is more than willing to share with your mom. Just ask away. I know you aren't worried about the leg, but try to assure your mom you will be able to manage, take it from me the first few days are wierd, with the drugs and all, but it sure is fun to learn to walk again, hop and sooner than she will believe you will be moving very very fast!
Please have your mom ask any questions she might have.
Your friend JD
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
I'm sorry I'm a little late jumping in!
Welcome Sammy and fam!
First just let me say – that is my kind of avatar!!!! Love the smile! What a beautie Sammy is!
The waiting is so hard! But try to relax and get lots of rest before the big day. The last thing you want to be is strung out during the recovery. Your mind will run amok if you don't have enough sleep!
Here's Ajax's video so you don't have to search it out:
Best wishes and keep us posted!
Comet's mom
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
fightingforsammy said:
How do I post a picture on a thread?
Here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts. The easiest way to share photos here is to start a blog. Otherwise the images must be hosted somewhere online.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm sorry that I completely missed this thread! I do know that you called our clinic yesterday and the reason I would have you stick with your surgeon is because I am working the night shift next week and with Labor Day I don't have an available surgery day again until Sept 8th and that is really too long to wait. We could call in a specialist here but it would still be about $3000.
I would be happy to help you with chemo but understand that I am not an oncologist! I saw Dr Meleo with my girl for the initial consult and the drug is fairly safe and easy to administer so I do feel comfortable with the procedure. I can coordinate blood work with your vet if needed or we can run tests on our lab machines here.
My Tazzie was quite big (185#) and we also have a Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) who weighs 155# and a Pitbull so I was concerned for her recovery but she did just fine and the other two dogs were great with her.
Good luck on Monday. That is a very good surgical clinic.
Pam
You guys amaze me! JD's Mom, yup sounds like we have similar plans of attack. I am almost finished with the sewing and wish I would've thought of two covers instead of what I did. Everything sounds the same except I sewed the egg crates together and am now sewing the cover to the pad. I plan to have the whole thing be washable. I bought one when I went to the dog show like this, but Sammy's is much thicker.. I guess we will see 🙂
I was wondering how he was going to go potty and still be helped to stand. I don't want to put pressure on his front area around where the stitches will be so I guess desperation will result in conclusion? Eek. Anything you might think is helpful please let me know! I still look forward to meeting you both.
Cometdog, thanks for the welcome and for finding that video for me. I did look but got frustrated when I couldn't pull up a thread on forums for Ajax. I agree about Sammy's smile, he is adoreable. Thank you very much for the compliment, he would agree too. I also like your avatar, there is nothing like a dogs smile to make the world right for me.
Dr. Pam, I thought Jen was so nice and sympathetic. I knew I was asking for the moon when I called, I was just feeling desperate. Thanks for coming through with all of the info. I would love for my vet to do the chemo but she doesn't feel comfortable. I think you are far from Maple Valley, but I loved your thread about your beautiful mastiff girl. (I have an english mastiff too, but he is a mix) I really appreciate that you have such kindness and love for your dog, so I hope we can work together to save my boy. I hope he will be ready in time for the Pudget Sound meet next month but that should be about the time he starts chemo anyway. So hopefully he meets you no matter what.
Jerry, thanks for the info, I will see how I can make that one happen 🙂
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
JD's incision was padded and wrapped very very well. They shaved from amp site (front left ) about 12 inches back and the whole thing all the way around her body, like a mummy, was padded and wrapped in pink!! As I said before Dr Pam put in pink stitches; the crew at River Road help me to insure JD's femininity 
So we had no worries about putting the sling/thingy under her tummy and walking along side her to go outside. The pressure was distributed fully under her whole chest.
One more thing. They warned me that once JD started to hop around on her own she might at some point fall . Yep it happened, she tumbled going down the one step from house to garage. I have a long runner there so it was a slightly padded landing spot. I was scared and she was a bit stunned, but after just 30 seconds or so she got up and continued on her way. This may not happen to Sammy, but just in case thought you should know it can happen.
JD's mom
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
Elizabeth and Sammy,
I'm sorry for being so late to your post. I've been spending to much time within my blog and will not make that mistake again.
My boy Fortis was 150lbs plus before his surgery and will be celebrating his 7 month ampuversary next week. Fortis has been living it up and living the dogs life for 6 more months longer than the vet had given him. There is nothing in the world I would trade for the extra time we have been blessed with. The life lessons have been priceless.
There is nothing I could possible add to all the great advice that you have already recieved so please just let me add my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and recovery. Sammy is absolutely beautiful!
Fortis'Dad
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