Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi! Maggie is my 8-year-old Cairn Terrier. She has been a therapy dog for 6 years now and just completed her 300th visit. Our groomer noticed a growth on her leg. Our vet could not remove the entire growth and the biopsy was positive for a grade 1 soft tissue sarcoma. After much research, deliberation and soul searching, I have decided to have her leg amputated, rather than radiation or wait and see. I am not a gambler and I want that cancer OUT!
Maggie's surgery is Friday and I would love any advice on bringing her home. We will keep her downstairs, where there is carpet (not wood, like upstairs). Any hints on keeping her happy and pain free. I have already discussed pain meds with the vet. How do you know when to stop them, or is it best to taper them off?
Also, we have a 1 1/2-year-old puppy, MacKenzie (who just became a therapy dog last month!) I would appreciate any advice on how to handle her around MAggie when she comes home.
Welcome to Tripawds!
Nice chatting with you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi - sorry you have to find yourself here, but we're glad are here!
Barret had a type of soft tissue sarcoma, but it was more aggressive. We decided to amputate too, but his lump was in his armpit, so they took his arm, scapula, and part of his chest wall to make sure it didn't come back.
He is about 20 lbs and was on a pretty hefty dosage of pain meds by the end of the first week. They started him out on a low dose but his phantom limb pain (I think - it was... he would yelp and stiffen up out of nowhere) was preventing any of us from getting rest so after lots of phone calls and a couple of visits we got the right dosage for him. He was on the tramadol for 2 weeks before I tapered that down and stopped it altogether on week 4. He was on Gabapentin for 8 weeks to control the phantom limb pain. He also had Rimadyl for the first week along with an antibiotic.
For the first few days after coming home I used an ice pack, that seemed to soothe the pain and he didn't swell much at all. After the first week we did a heating pad if he was starting to act like he was uncomfortable.
As far as your other dogs, it will depend on their temperament. I have 2 other very young dogs (2-3 years old) that are rambunctious, but they didn't bug Barret at all. They seemed to know he wasn't feeling well and kept their distance. I think separating them would have caused more anxiety, because they are never separated.
Hang in there, you did the hard part (making the decision) now you just have to get through surgery and a couple of hard weeks of recovery and then you'll be like me wondering what in the world you were so worried about in the first place! They do GREAT as tripawds!
Best of luck,
Heather & Barret
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Welcome to Tripawds! Nice chatting with you.
Thanks so much for your help last night. Today I am taking Maggie to school, where I mentor two little girls and then have 11 children come for Reading to Dogs. I have already explained things to the children and they will be able to give her a big hug and wish her good luck. MacKenzie will continue with the program while Maggie recuperates.
I am working hard to keep things pawsitive and I will be glad when the worst is over and we can begin on the road to complete recovery.
Any advice on the first night home? My girls usually sleep "loose" in their bedroom downstairs. There are two crates in there. Should I leave them in their crates there, or bring them upstairs with us, either confined or not?
Thanks again!
BarretsMomHeather said
Hi - sorry you have to find yourself here, but we're glad are here!Barret had a type of soft tissue sarcoma, but it was more aggressive. We decided to amputate too, but his lump was in his armpit, so they took his arm, scapula, and part of his chest wall to make sure it didn't come back.
He is about 20 lbs and was on a pretty hefty dosage of pain meds by the end of the first week. They started him out on a low dose but his phantom limb pain (I think - it was... he would yelp and stiffen up out of nowhere) was preventing any of us from getting rest so after lots of phone calls and a couple of visits we got the right dosage for him. He was on the tramadol for 2 weeks before I tapered that down and stopped it altogether on week 4. He was on Gabapentin for 8 weeks to control the phantom limb pain. He also had Rimadyl for the first week along with an antibiotic.
For the first few days after coming home I used an ice pack, that seemed to soothe the pain and he didn't swell much at all. After the first week we did a heating pad if he was starting to act like he was uncomfortable.
As far as your other dogs, it will depend on their temperament. I have 2 other very young dogs (2-3 years old) that are rambunctious, but they didn't bug Barret at all. They seemed to know he wasn't feeling well and kept their distance. I think separating them would have caused more anxiety, because they are never separated.
Hang in there, you did the hard part (making the decision) now you just have to get through surgery and a couple of hard weeks of recovery and then you'll be like me wondering what in the world you were so worried about in the first place! They do GREAT as tripawds!
Best of luck,
Heather & Barret
Thank you so much, Heather. I am a little worried about the timing, since I will be bringing Maggie home on Saturday and they are closed Sunday! There is a number I can call and the vet on duty will call me back. But I am not sure about getting more meds if we need them on Sunday... Do you know if these meds are available at regular pharmacies? Can I ask for a prescription and then pick it up when and if I need it? I worry about the phantom limb pain, as I don't think they will give me that med to bring home on Saturday.
Do you think Maggie will need pain meds for as long as Barret did? The plan is to amputate mid-thigh, as the growth was low on her leg. She is just over 17 pounds. I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
How is Barret doing now? How long since his surgery? Give him a big hug from me and a big lick from Maggie!! (Well, a small lick - she doesn't give big licks, like the puppy does!)
Take care and thanks again! Judi
Hi Judi -
You'll have to remember that each dog is different and reacts to pain meds differently (like people!). You'll have to wait and see (as much as that sucks!). If it makes you feel better, she'll probably still be doped up from the anesthesia on Sunday. The first few days were a breeze until the drugs were out of his system.
If you are really worried about it, discuss options with your vet ahead of time. Gabapentin was available at the human pharmacy, tramadol was given to me by my vet, they just verbally changed the dosage from 2x a day to eventually 4x a day. However, Barret's surgery was much more complex than a simple amputation because they removed part of his chest and pectoral muscles too. My vet didn't give Gabapentin initially, but when I saw his symptoms of phantom limb pain, I asked for it and they were happy to comply.
I know it is hard to stay positive, I've been in your shoes. I won't say it will be a piece of cake, because it wasn't. The first few weeks were hard. It was heartbreaking knowing my baby was in pain, but I knew it was important to get the cancer out and now looking back a whole 4 months later (it feels like a lifetime ago) I absolutely can say no regrets. Not one.
The sleeping arrangement is all up to you and your dog, but usually we have all 3 dogs in bed with us at night. For the first 2 weeks after surgery (until he wouldn't yelp when anything touched his incision) my husband slept in the spare room and I slept in our bed with all the dogs. The first 2 nights I tried keeping him in the living room and sleeping on the couch or the floor, but he was not happy with that arrangement - he can be so stubborn!
And he still is! He is fantastic. From day one he bounced right back and was his old self in no-time! Here's a pick of my pack from this morning. 
And if you haven't already download and read the Tripawds ebook - it was SOOOO helpful! http://download.....ibrary1/
Keep us updated and let us know if you have any other questions!
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
I slept on the floor with TJ for the first two weeks. It really seemed to help him... when he would get up I could immediately see what was wrong and either give him pain meds if that time, or a treat, or just pet him and calm him down.
One common thing I read is that pain meds are not being dosed properly. Yeah, I'm not a vet (nor do I need to be) to be able to read the standard doseing for dogs and do some simple math. If your vet is not familiar with OS, of the 4 vets I called, only two said they ever dealt with OS and one said it was a few years back that can affect how your vet treats pain.
Before you take you hound home, you REALLY need to beat your vet up for answers. Pain meds, suture care, incision care , phone number for questions etc etc etc.
Your dog cannot ask these questions... only suffer in silence. Your dog needs you now... be there 110% and make sure you have the answers.. even if you are not sure of the question.
Hi Judi and Maggie!
First of all, Maggie you are A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.! What a cutie pie! And what wonderful work tje two of you are doing!! Touching lives vig ti e!
DITTO! tjmchipper and Barrett! Get your list of questio s together, discuss pain meds thoroughly I'm sure your vet will give you the necessary amounts , especially for the first week or so...vut you can aske him to prescribe extra f that will make you feel comfortable.
Yeah, I 'm on te side of I'd rather have my dog too drugged up for a few days than not drugged enough and feelng pain!
Now sjrgery is Friday, right? Is your vet not keeping Maggie overnight? Is this a surgeo who has a 24 hr. staff or no? Most...not all...most srgeons keep the pet overnight.
I know this is sooooo stressful and you are in unchartered waters. Well, over here in tripawd la d, we've "chartered" the water for you and we have you safely buckled nto our lifeboat!! You are NOT alone and you are surrounded by a whole lotof "paws-on" experience!
You'll actually be taking Maggie's lead and jjst sort of get into the flow f things" based on her behavior. REMEMBER, every dog is different! There are no set time frames for recovery...we can only offer guidelnes. My Happy Hannah was into her third week recovery before I started seeing a gold turn arond. There are a lot f ups and downs those first two weeks or so. And that's why we're here!
Yeah, and as far as the other pups, they will sense Maggie's not feeling great...and Maggie will probavly let them know it too!!
I slept with my Happy Hannah on the floor by her bed for weeks!! She's a big 118lb. rear leg amp. and just has ot been able to navigate my bedroom stairs (ols house...real narrow stairs) and I'm ot able to have her slee wkth me like she used too! Still hopeful though!!
Do you have stairs for in and out? You may want to get a ramp. Of course, she's so little you'll be able to carry ner just fine.
Now, you keep us posted. We love to celebrate things like first pee and first poop!!
Maggie s going to be an incredible k spiration to the kids! Theh will ALWAYS remember her! I love this dog!!
Sendingyou lots of hugs and peace !
Sally a d Happ Hannah
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!
Hi Judi, I'm so glad you hopped into the chat last night to talk to Admin! He told me all about your story.
As you can see this is a fantastic community full of some great suggestions. While not all dogs go through the amputation experience exactly alike, they all handle it much better than any human can. With Maggie's size and your pawsitive outlook, you have a huge advantage that will help you get through this with calmly and successfully.
I know you purchased our ebooks (thanks so much!) so I won't repeat the info in there, but I do encourage you to check out this video about post-op care. The docs have some great suggestions:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oops...I see where she is staying overnight.....good!
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!
ooooooooooooh! I LOVE LOVE LOVE a cairn terrier!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to our little family 
I'm sorry you have to find yourself here, but you have come to the right place and it sounds like you have a great plan and are asking the right questions!
I just wanted to say a quick welcome and hope you keep us posted on Maggie We're here to help you along the way with any questions!
xoxo,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
ooooooooooooh! I LOVE LOVE LOVE a cairn terrier!!!!!!!!!! Welcome to our little family I'm sorry you have to find yourself here, but you have come to the right place and it sounds like you have a great plan and are asking the right questions! I just wanted to say a quick welcome and hope you keep us posted on Maggie We're here to help you along the way with any questions! xoxo, Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Maggie is my third Cairn and I (obviously!) love them, too! I lost Molly (11) last May to cancer of the spleen (very suddenly), so I am trying to save my Maggie (8) with this amputation. It's a very different kind of cancer, but I don't want to take ANY chances! MacKenzie is 1 1/2 and just passed her TDI test; she will be happy to fill in for Maggie shilw she recuperates. I have told her she needs to be a very good little sister to Maggie!
Thank you so much for your caring support! I will keep everyone posted. Judi and Maggie
jerry said
Hi Judi, I'm so glad you hopped into the chat last night to talk to Admin! He told me all about your story.As you can see this is a fantastic community full of some great suggestions. While not all dogs go through the amputation experience exactly alike, they all handle it much better than any human can. With Maggie's size and your pawsitive outlook, you have a huge advantage that will help you get through this with calmly and successfully.
I know you purchased our ebooks (thanks so much!) so I won't repeat the info in there, but I do encourage you to check out this video about post-op care. The docs have some great suggestions:
Thank you so much - great video! I can't tell you how much help this group and the book has been, helping me KNOW I made the right decision. The answers, support, etc. have been FANTASTIC!!! I have a question - which is the best way to keep you all informed of Maggie's progress - this forum, the chat room or my blog? Jim helped me learn how do do all of these, but I'm not sure which is the best way to reach people who have already expressed their caring support.
Thanks! Judi and Maggie
benny55 said
Hi Judi and Maggie!First of all, Maggie you are A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.! What a cutie pie! And what wonderful work tje two of you are doing!! Touching lives vig ti e!
DITTO! tjmchipper and Barrett! Get your list of questio s together, discuss pain meds thoroughly I'm sure your vet will give you the necessary amounts , especially for the first week or so...vut you can aske him to prescribe extra f that will make you feel comfortable.
Yeah, I 'm on te side of I'd rather have my dog too drugged up for a few days than not drugged enough and feelng pain!
Now sjrgery is Friday, right? Is your vet not keeping Maggie overnight? Is this a surgeo who has a 24 hr. staff or no? Most...not all...most srgeons keep the pet overnight.
I know this is sooooo stressful and you are in unchartered waters. Well, over here in tripawd la d, we've "chartered" the water for you and we have you safely buckled nto our lifeboat!! You are NOT alone and you are surrounded by a whole lotof "paws-on" experience!
You'll actually be taking Maggie's lead and jjst sort of get into the flow f things" based on her behavior. REMEMBER, every dog is different! There are no set time frames for recovery...we can only offer guidelnes. My Happy Hannah was into her third week recovery before I started seeing a gold turn arond. There are a lot f ups and downs those first two weeks or so. And that's why we're here!
Yeah, and as far as the other pups, they will sense Maggie's not feeling great...and Maggie will probavly let them know it too!!I slept with my Happy Hannah on the floor by her bed for weeks!! She's a big 118lb. rear leg amp. and just has ot been able to navigate my bedroom stairs (ols house...real narrow stairs) and I'm ot able to have her slee wkth me like she used too! Still hopeful though!!
Do you have stairs for in and out? You may want to get a ramp. Of course, she's so little you'll be able to carry ner just fine.Now, you keep us posted. We love to celebrate things like first pee and first poop!!
Maggie s going to be an incredible k spiration to the kids! Theh will ALWAYS remember her! I love this dog!!
Sendingyou lots of hugs and peace !
Sally a d Happ Hannah
Hi Sally and Happy Hannah - Thank you so much for your caring response. No, there is not 24-hour care at my vets, but - it's the only vet in town and I do feel confident with them. I am hoping that they will check on her during the night, even though there will not be someone there the whole night. I am nervous about that, but I know the vets are very caring. Once she's home, I have a number I can call and they will call me back. But I do worry about tomorrow night...
Our house has wood floors upstairs and on the stairs, so we will live downstairs (which is carpeted) with Maggie and Mackenzie as much as possible and not give her access to the stairs. We have a doggy door downstairs, which leads out to a small fenced-in yard. Kenzie can use that, but I will be taking Maggie out the regular door, with her sling, until she can handle things herself. I'm sure it will be a while before she can use the doggy door.
I have a question - I haven't read much about a cone. The vet said she will send one home with Maggie, so she can't reach her stitches. How long does this need to be on - until the stitches come out? Also, can I leave it off her while I'm right there to watch her? I'm pretty sure it won't fit through the doggy door!
Yes, while the kids will thoroughly enjoy having Mackenzie to read to while Maggie recuperates, they will be thrilled when she can come back! Third, fourth and fifth graders read to her, but the whole school knows Maggie!!! They will be truly inspired!
Thank you again! Judi and Maggie
tjmcbipper said
I slept on the floor with TJ for the first two weeks. It really seemed to help him... when he would get up I could immediately see what was wrong and either give him pain meds if that time, or a treat, or just pet him and calm him down.
One common thing I read is that pain meds are not being dosed properly. Yeah, I'm not a vet (nor do I need to be) to be able to read the standard doseing for dogs and do some simple math. If your vet is not familiar with OS, of the 4 vets I called, only two said they ever dealt with OS and one said it was a few years back that can affect how your vet treats pain.
Before you take you hound home, you REALLY need to beat your vet up for answers. Pain meds, suture care, incision care , phone number for questions etc etc etc.
Your dog cannot ask these questions... only suffer in silence. Your dog needs you now... be there 110% and make sure you have the answers.. even if you are not sure of the question.
Thank you so much for your helpful support. I have already discussed pain meds and phone numbers with my vet, but will continue to ask questions and make sure I have what I need to get Maggie through those first few difficult days, which are WEEKEND!
Thank you! Judi and Maggie
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