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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My heart might be broken.
We dropped my 3 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback Lucca off at CSU this morning for her amputation having found out 3 weeks ago that she has Osteosarcoma. We couldn't believe it.
We went back and forth as to whether or not to amputate right away // do stereotactic radiation // or even hyperthermic treatment before amputating but the fact of the matter is that she was in pain. And we wanted to put our agenda aside and get her out chasing rabbits again.
I've got a soft bed, a ruffwear Flagline harness [having seen the chart of that one checking all the boxes] and of course so much love waiting at home for her tomorrow when we go pick her up.
Is there ANYTHING else I should prepare to support her transition home?
My eyes might be swollen shut at this present moment from crying so hard in saying goodbye this morning but I know CSU Flint Oncology clinic is amazing and she is SO strong.
When they called they said they rarely get dogs who want to give them kisses all the way until anesthesia takes them under. That's my babe!
Thank you for all your support,
Ellie
Hi Ellie and Lucca, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join. But we are so glad you found us and wanted to tell us about Lucca. She sounds like such a sweet pup, and once this recovery is over she will definitely be back to herself and out there patrolling for critters. She couldn't be in better hands (some of the best in the world!). We are totally biased and love CSU! Have you seen all our CSU interviews? Who's your oncology vet there?
It sounds like she's on the road to recovery, which is awesome. Yeah, osteosarcoma is a tough diagnosis to swallow, but once you see how well she handles the change in her life, you will forever be inspired to be as resilient as she is.
You asked:
Is there ANYTHING else I should prepare to support her transition home?
Yes! Prepare your heart and your attitude for a pawsitive, smooth recovery. We call this learning how to Be More Dog . And what that means is to follow her lead. She will probably be loopy and drowsy for a few days, maybe she'll come home with tons of energy but then crash afterward, but odds are pretty good that she will not let this cancer stop her from enjoying life on her terms. Prepare yourself to face a future that's slightly different but just as rich and full as her life on four legs. When you set the tone for better days ahead, she will follow.
Until then, be sure to check out our Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books for more answers to many of your questions. And stay tuned for feedback from others!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Lucca is probably seeing some pink elephants right now, so you try and get some rest, okay? Soon those red eyes, will have Happy tears when you go to pick up your sweet girl.
And when you do go pick her up, don't even bother to look at the incision. She just wants to see your smiling. face tell her what a good girl she is and she's going home!! When you do take a glance later, just be prepared that they shave lots of fur!
She'll probably come home with Gabapentin, Tramadol and an antibiotic, as well as an antiinflmmatory. She may sleep a lot, or she may be whiny and res, or she may even be quite chipper. Every dog is different. Every recovery is different.
Peeing and drinking are important. Pooping and eating may take a few days. Non slip scatter rugs if you have hardwoods.
This is MAJOR surgery and she needs rest, short potty breaks and more rest.
While soft beds are comfy, if it's too soft a tripawd may slip and slide when trying to get up at first. So just be aware that, if you have access, a firmer bed is better.
Right now it feels like you are doing this TO her. But in a couple of weeks you will know you are doing this FOR her! You are giving your sweet girl a chance at a quality pain free lie for more spoiled and more kisses!
Stay connected and update when you can!
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!
Thank you both SO much.
She is sleeping beside me like a precious angel and I couldn't be more proud of my girl.
Dr. Griffin was our surgeon. She was so kind and thorough. We thought we would go through the SRT route but she was patient with us as we pivoted and decided to amputate instead.
We can't wait to see Lucca back to her bunny chasing ways again. And watching her hobble around with pain BROKE our hearts.
Your advice re: prepping my heart to let her LEAD was so spot on.
I appreciate all the love and support here. I had NO idea what I was in for this August but it has grown me in ways I never thought possible.
XX
Ellie + Lucca
Welcome home Lucca!
Just wanted to add my hello and welcome to you and Lucca.
Did she lose a front or rear leg?
I'm glad surgery went well and she is home and on the road to recovery. Stay positive when you are around her and keep track of every little victory as she heals- soon her sparkle will be back and the bunnies on the run again!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
YAAAAY LUCCA IS HOME!!! As she lays by your side right now, I know your sense of relief is monumental! Some say that the pain was so great prior to surgery, they actually had their sparkle return really quickly after surgery! Lucca just may be one of those quick recov6 dogs😎
She will be chasing bunnies before you know it. For now of course, slow and steady.
Give that sweet girl a smooch for us. And would love to see more pics. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are such stunn6 dogs and so sweet❤
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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