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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Thank you for the support that I have already read. This is amazing. I cried all day until I heard from the vet divulging into work as best as I could. Nothing more than showing property to clients with a pair of sunglasses on.
Update on Bo!
Vet called last night and he jumped right out of anesthesia and was resting comfortably. He was getting another dose of meds before they left so he would sleep through the night. They said he was sleeping on the bed we brought as well as his "woobie" that he seems to prefer. For those of you who asked, Bo is a 85 lb. yellow lab at the spry age of 10. He has the most beautiful white mask and "angel" wings on both sides of his back. He is my angel. Truly I know this is gonna be a ruff couple of weeks but have support from grandma and baba to help when I do have to work. Luckily for me, my profession is very flexible.
any words of advice of what to do during this recovery period. Any suggestions would be so helpful.....
BTW, my boxer looked out the window all night with his back to us and whimpered. I think they know something is going on.
Good morning
So glad to hear that Bo's surgery went well.
As you said, the next few weeks may be a bit of a roller coaster. First - when you pick Bo up - don't look at his incision - look straight into his gorgeous eyes - he will know everything is okay when he see the love in your eyes.
The delicate balance between meds and mobility may be the next challenge! For the next few weeks, Bo really only needs to move to go outside and "do his business" and back inside. The meds for pain are really important during the healing process but sometimes they do cause restlessness and angst in our pups. Don't hesitate to call your vet if you have any concerns about Bo's meds.
Scatter rugs to ensure traction for Bo when he is walking around the house and elevated food bowls are also a must now that you have a tripawd in the family. My pup, Tucker, a lovely 10 year old chocolate Lab who had his right front leg amputated almost 11 months ago still looks for the rugs to walk on - at least at home - they really do help them.
And now - breathe - take care of yourself - we are all here to listen to your concerns, celebrate all of Bo's firsts as a tripawd (walking, peeing, pooing) and just to vent to!
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
That is wonderful news on Bo!! I'm glad to hear he came through surgery just fine and was resting comfortably.
As Linda said scatter rugs/runners with the rubber backing so they don't slip is important on hardwood/tile flooring. They tend to feel more at ease with traction under their remaining legs. Also, I'm not recalling if Bo is a front or hind leg amp from your prior posting...I wanted to suggest a belly sling or harness in assisting him when going outside to do his business. My Leland was a hind leg amp and I used a belly sling for the first 2 weeks to assist him in getting around and providing support when he was finally able to poop (he had to figure out how to balance while hunching up to poop).
Stay observant of Bo's demeanor and if he appears to be uncomfortable don't hesitate to call the vet to discuss what you're observing and whether a change in pain meds is needed.
Finally, it's wonderful that you have extended family to help with Bo's care. I did as well with Leland and it was a life saver because I only had so much leave time I could use. After the first couple weeks things will settle down and then your family and Bo will be in a routine.
Sending positive thoughts to Bo that he has a speedy and uneventful recovery!!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Great advice from all!
You are gonna do just fine and sonis BoBo!
When you pick Bo Bo up, just ook straight into his druggy eyes...don't even look at his incision...and just kiss him, praise him and tell him what a good boy he is!!!
I love how you describe Bo and cannot wait to see pictures of him...and his sweet Boxer friend too.
Stay connected, we are here for you!
Sending lots of hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Aww what a sweet angel face!!!
The first week is just the pits. Bo is going to be in pain and the meds can cause him to pant and be restless. I got very little sleep the first week after amputation. But after about 10 days, and the staples removed Polly just took to life on 3 legs like she only ever had 3. Hopefully you will have the same luck!
I definitely agree to what everyone said about putting down area rugs. Its so important and will build Bo's confidence while he learns to navigate as a tri-pawd. Also- he might not want to eat much the first few days, but it is important. If you can, stock up on chicken or good quality canned food to add to his kibble or normal food. I had to entice Polly with chicken and chicken stock to get her to eat for 2 weeks.
Just remember, the first few days are the worst- but it gets better! Soon you'll be the one giving us all advice! Good luck to you and BoBo!
I'm really, really happy to hear the surgery went well! I know, isn't it crazy trying to work when all this is going on? It's so hard!
OK, have you seen Jerry's Required Reading List ? Start there, it will lay out some of the easiest and best things you can do right away, like:
- add traction to your slippery floors
- raise his feed station
- make a quiet recovery spot for him
- block any staircases, keep him in a small confined area
- gather up lots of your favorite treats so you can camp out with him for a while.
- Be strong; Bo is going to follow your lead, so whatever tone you set will be the one he follows.
We'll be cheering you on and waiting for updates, so keep us posted. He really does look like such a sweetie and is very lucky to have such a terrific pack.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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