Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone - I will admit I have been a lurker here for a few months because I really didn't know what was going to happen in the future but felt I needed to get myself prepared.
I would like to introduce my baby boy Wolfgang. Wolfie as we call him just turned 9 years old, he is what they say is a big GSD (120 lbs). Back in Oct he started to limp and we became concerned in Nov when he didn't seem to be improving. We took him to the vet who started with treating him for inflammation but nothing changed, a month later we went back and they took x-rays still nothing. He was still had usage of the leg at this time but it was not getting better. We were referred to an orthopedic vet and he suggested we do a MRI. 1st one showed what he thought was a nerve sheath tumor but he wanted to be sure so sent us to another vet who had a bigger machine that could handle his size. They told us at that time that they didn't see anything however it appeared he had some inflammation around his right shoulder. Jan was Laser therapy and Feb, March and April three cortisone shots, by the end of April he was no longer was using his front leg at all, severe muscle loss and he is in pain, I can't stand seeing him hurt, we even found that his personality had changed and he no longer wants to be around anyone I was starting to really worry at this point.
Well we took him back to the vet and they send us for yet another MRI it was going to take two weeks to get him in but they put us on a waiting list. Not one hour later they called and they had a cancellation and he was getting it done the next day. This time they found the tumor in his right shoulder, I just sat there and cried. The poor vet was very sympathetic and I told him that I was happy that we now know what it is and can make informed decisions.
Today we found out that amputation is an option and his surgery is Wednesday May 15, 2019. I know we have a ways to go but I really feel we are going in the right direction.
It has helped me reading everyone's story and the information on this site is great.
I will let you all know how it goes
Cheers
Terry
Terry, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join. We are sorry you found yourself here (especially after such a long ordeal, yikes!) but so glad you joined us so we can follow along with what is sure to be Wolfgang's spectacular recovery! Please let us know what questions you have and how we can help OK?
P.S. As mom to Wyatt Ray and Spirit Jerry I have to admit I'm a total sucker for GSDs so please share photos when you can. Here's how adding images in the Forums works, let us know if you have any questions.
Best wishes to you this week! We look forward to pupdates.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Wolfie and Terry! While I'm sorry you find yourself here, I'm. glad you finally have enough information to make the decision to go ahead and remove that painful leg. You ARWE going j rhe right direction to give Wolfie a pain free QUALITY life full of loving and spoiling and tummy rubs and treats!!
Recovery is no picnic fot a couple of weeks, but Wolfgang's sparkle and personality WILL come back bigger and brighter than it has been for quite awhile.
Read Jerry's required reading list and let us know as questions arise. You'll want nonslip scatter rugs for traction and raised food and water bowls to help reduce strain. He may not poop for a few days and may not feel like eating much because of the pain meds. Drinking a d peeing arr jmportant though.
TRY and get some rest. STAY CONNECTED. We are here to support you and Wolfie in anyway we can. Je realky eill astound uou with jis resilience as he moves past recovery and back into Wolfie veing Wolfie😎
Higs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie!
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!
Welcome Terry & Wolfie,
I am sorry you find yourself here. I am glad you are reading up and even lurked for awhile. Rene and Sally have given some great pointers. Don't hesitate to post any questions. We do have a chat room and if no one is listed on the side when you go in no one is online in there or we have the Tripawds hot line if you need to talk to a human. Also these forums are great information for you as well.
Keep us informed. Sending healing thoughts for Wolfie on Wed.
hugs
Michelle & Angels Sassy & Bosch
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
I can tell you as much pain as he is in he still has the energy to bark at the UPS and Mailperson. Too funny!!!
It's the night before the big day, he has had a great dinner, meds and lots of loving all round.
Wolfie has been hopping around on three legs for about a month, we did purchase him a harness off this site so that has been helpful. I am trying to get things ready for when he comes home I do have one question when can we start to use the harness again? it is his right front leg that will be removed and I don't want to hurt him or his incision with the harness.
Also what was everyones go to food choices for your little furbabies to entice them to eat?
Terry
wolfiesmom said
I am trying to get things ready for when he comes home...
Don't miss these helpful posts:
Ten Tips for a Tripawd Friendly Home
What to Expect When You Pick Up Your Tripawd from the Clinic
The Tripawds Recovery Shopping List
I do have one question when can we start to use the harness again?
We recommend not using the harness until the surgery has completely healed and stitches or staples are removed. We have heard of no specific cases where any harness has hampered healing, but it is possible direct pressure from the straps might irritate the wound. Please consult your veterinarian with any concerns.
In the meantime, here are instructions to make a handy sling from a reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Love reading this update!! Barking always a great sign Wolfie is gett back to veing Wolfie!
Anything stinky like liverwurst ot warm cheese pizza. Of course warm chicken, cheeseburgers,are alwaus good starters. There's a dog food in the refrigerator section of some pet stores, Whole Foods and Target. A bag of Fresh Pet. That has always been something that dogs love.
Others will chime in.
Oh, also search Meg's liver cake.
Let us know how it goes. Keep on woofing Wolfie!!!
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!
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