Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I hope I’m in the right place to post an update on our 10.5 yr old lab Mike. He’s one month postop amputation of front leg for osteosarcoma. He’s been taken off tramadol and is just on Carprofen 2 a day. We are slowly learning how to read his signals so we know his needs. We are woefully ignorant of pain signs but a recent podcast here was helpful. Mike ran/loped through the woods to visit our son last Saturday and played with his adult calm dogs. That was very encouraging. We have no idea what the future holds or what it will look like, but we are trying to enjoy each new day and help Mike do the same
thank you all for your help and comments and sharing
virginia
We have no idea what the future holds or what it will look like, but we are trying to enjoy each new day and help Mike do the same
Living in the NOW and staying fully present in the joy of being with Mike is what it's all about.
So glad to hear how well Mike is doing! Seeing him reclaim so e of hos normal routine that makes him happy is what it's all about.👍
Keep on keepin' on Mike. We are cheering for you👏
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS...Yes. this is a perfect place to share your update
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!
Online
Virginia this is terrific news! 
Thank you for taking time to share his bounce-back story.
Don't feel bad about not knowing what pain signals look like. We didn't either at first, long ago when Jerry lost his leg. Every dog is different and it takes time for us to see when they're about to, or have, overdone physical activity. I'm glad the podcast helped you become aware of the importance of monitoring his activity.
Sounds like he has a terrific life on three! Keep us posted.
Thank you for helping us build confidence and know how to be proactive in our care of Mike our lab
Virginia
Thank you for the encouragement Sally! I’ll keep posting
Virginia in MS
Of course! Holler with any questions, and if you'd like help logging in (I see you posted as a guest), you know where to find me 🙂
I hope I am logged in and not showing as a guest again. Mike went off across the woods to our son’s home again this morning (b4 breakfast or meds) and played with my son and daughter-in-law’s four dogs for an hour or so. He was welcomed into their fenced back yard and had a great social time. It wears him out quickly and he rested the entire remainder of the day. Worth it! We take Mike to his vet for follow up chest xray and blood work this Wednesday. He’s not coughing. Still taking Carprofen 2x a day. He seems more needy this week and wants to be close to us (lying on our feet) whether we are sitting in the den or standing in the kitchen. I hope we comfort him with our love and attention. I worry that he has stress or pain we don’t recognize yet Just a short update tonight, cause y’all understand the trauma osteosarcoma and amputation brings to a household. Our 3 yr old MinPin helps keep Mike engaged; we are careful not to let him annoy Mike excessively. Thank you all for your life stories and encouragement.
Any recommendations for a handle harness to use, so we can always lend support when needed? He weighs 75-80 pounds and the weight on the remaining front leg brings concern for possible strain
Virginia in MS
Virginia you did it, you logged in! Yay
How awesome that he is getting to do all those little joyful things and see his pals! Yes it will wear him out and he will be sore. Try to make him take breaks before he shows he's tired, and you'll help him avoid injury. You are already doing such a great job noting his behavior, so good nob!!
As for a harness we recommend the Ruffwear Flagline for front leg amputees! It's our all time favorite and especially for front leg amputees.
Thanks for harness suggestion. I’ll look at that one while I can measure him
postop follow up was good, CBC was all normal, chest xray didn’t reveal any metastasis We will forge ahead🩵💙
YAAAAAY MIKE!!! 👏👏👏 Keep these good reports coming!
We love to celebrate good news around here!
Extra treats for Mike😎
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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