Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi
my dog had to have her back leg amputated yesterday due to a sarcoma that was so large on her leg.
even though I thought I prepared myself for this mentally, I really didn’t realise how it would affect her which in return affects me. I keep crying and I feel so depressed to see the dog that used to run and jump at the tv when a dog showed up, not run anymore and keep falling over even to get a drink and as for trying to help her poo. I just had no idea.
does this get easier? I’m worried as she is 11 and overweight (which the vet is going to address with me) but right now I’m sure we are both feeling very out of sorts 🙁
any advice would be REALLY appreciated
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Hi, so many of us have been in your shoes and understand. What kind of dog is she? What is her name?
Yes it does get easier. If she just had surgery yesterday it is so early. Brownie was 90 lbs and three weeks from being 12 at time if amputation. Within about three days he was hoping on his own. Slowly but on his own it took about three weeks for him to get his personality back. Older dogs take a little longer
If you're feeling sad and depressed your girl is going to know and she will be sad and depressed. Let her know she is doing a great job and how much you love her. Let her know everything is going to be ok because it will.
Did she come home with pain meds? Brownie was on pain meds for two weeks and we started tapering off in the third.
Just hang in there. Celebrate every victory no matter how small.
Sending positive thoughts. You can do this and so can she!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Oh my goodness! YES it does fet vetter and YES your sweet girl will run again and will continue to "watch" TV!
Ditto everything Nancy said (Brownie 's mom).
Imagine if YOU just had MAJOR surgery and had lots of strong hospital meds in your system (hopefully good pain management ).! You would still be in the hospital on a morphine drip and certainly not feeling like getting up and running around.
Is she eating yet, drin,ing? Any potty yet? It may take a few days tompost, but she does need to drink and pee. So e dogs take several days to get their sea legs, especially more "mature" ones
She's still got strong hospital meds in her and being wobbly and woozy can be expected. Just remember it's temporary. If you have hardwood floors you'll want nonslip scatter rugs for traction . And yes, getting her weight down will help her be a fit tripawd.
And again, remember she just had MAJOR surgery, all while trying to adapt to three and all ,while on drugs!! You did this FÒR her, not to her!
(Hugs)
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS
Patience is the key right now. And as.Nancy said, staying upbeat and confident and pawsitive around your pupmis soooo impor to healing.
If you need to have a good cry (and this early on, almost everyone does) just go to the other room away from your dog.
.
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!
To add to what Sally said, I had a revolving door to my bathroom. That is where I would go to cry ❤️. But soon I was able to remove that door....
And soon your girl will do everything she use to just in a different way❤️
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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