TRIPAWDS: Home to 22974 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
New member facing amputation on Great Dane
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
krun15
31
27 April 2013 - 10:37 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Good to hear the surgery went well- it is sooooo hard to wait for that call!!

Your video reminds me so much of my pug girls and presents.  Maggie, who was my tri-pug, LOVED to open things- but wasn't so interested in the contents.  Little sis Tani was all about the contents! We often used bags and Mag would dive head first into them to pull out what was inside. Once the toy was out she was on to the next one.

 

Let us know when you get him home.

 

Karen

 

 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
32
27 April 2013 - 11:52 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

And you and Sophie ad the Mighty Atlas have me sobbing as I'm read I g through your most recent post and the video:-) :-) But it's refreshing to have tears of joy!

That video was such a job to watch!! Sophie's like...."I don't need no stinking pretty box....just give me my toy......what's the matter with you people? Give it.....give it...":-) :-) :-) :-) :-) And the Mighty Strong Atlas is clearly interested in the joy of making every simple moment in life magical!!! :-) :-) I think he's passing a great metaphor o to you for a "life lesson".....whadda' ya' think??

Really glad you've gone ahead for what is right for Atlas. Always remember, a decision made from a place of love is ALWAYS the right decision!!

Yes, with larger dogs sometimes the surgery does take longer for soooo many reasons. It's not a bad sign at all....it's a GOOD sign because the surgeons are taking their time and being diligent and thorough.

You are doing everything exactly right for Atlas!! Marc and I are on the same page.....you are strong and will contiue to be strong...and Atlas will be your role model. The first several days plus can be really tough....dealing with the pain...getting g pain meds right....adjusting to walking...balance,etc....and lots of etc.' etc...... And sometimes you will feel "a little less strong than others"......and that's what we're here for! Really!!! This site has been my lifeline and conti use to be so we won't feel "needed" if you don't reach out to us:-) :-) :-)

You have no idea of all the positive life lessons Atlas is about to teach our! And the depth of love you will be I fused with is not of this earth:-) :-) Enjoy the transformation.......it's the one of many gifts in the journey:-) :-)

You are of alone!! Give Marc a big old' sloppy kiss from Happy Hannah:-) :-) He sounds like a good guy:-) :-)

Lots of empowerment coming your way.....embrace it NOW!! Sally and Happy 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!

Member Since:
24 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
33
27 April 2013 - 7:30 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Well shoot, I typed this nice long post then lost it all.  have no idea where it went?  Starting over....

Thanks so much everyone for all the kind words of advice and all the loving healing energy.  We are feeling it.  Today was a good day - Atlas is doing well.  Those folks at the University of Georgia Teaching hospital are really amazing.  They have called me constantly with updates.  The surgeon called last night with her full detailed report and it was so great, because you know how you can hear it in someones voice if they "get it" ....well, she gave a little chuckle/laugh and said "that Atlas, he is really something else."  It put me at such ease........he worked his magic again...he flashed those soulful loving gentle benevolent eyes and showed her who he was and she saw it.  She went on tell us how nice his muscle, bones and health is and that he came out of anesthesia with no problems. That he was awake and had sat up in his cage and held his big giant head up.  She said she did her part and now the ball is in his court.  My husband is a pretty successful artist and I always know when he has a great day in the studio painting and creating because he comes back to the house on the high with a buzz of a successful day at work. The surgeon had that same sound in her voice.  She was pumped for sure and sounded very pleased with her work.  (love that!)

The good news is at this hospital they keep them in ICU usually two days or whatever needed.  I got a call early this morning and this afternoon - Atlas has been up but they are still not taking him far as he is slow to come out of the meds.  (he always is)  They are taking him down slowly and monitoring is pain and balance to find what works for him.  Hoping tomorrow that he finds his own balance and takes a few more steps.

I'm so glad to read your suggestions. I'm a leader type personality, my husband calls me his viking warrior (Danish heritage) so I'm going to pull upon all that strength and greet Atlas with courage and confidence just like he always does me. I will not feel sorry or pity. Good idea Amanda, to prepare myself visually and I will check with UGA to see if I can do that same sort of view first before greeting - that seems so smart.  Shari, I went shopping today and got that bone for Sophie today and stocked up on groceries including cheese for pill taking and covered the floors with flat gripping rugs.  He has a clear path on his normal trek from his bedroom to the living room laid out.  We got the ramp floor completed today and are planning to put up the side railings tomorrow.  Sally, thank you so much for posting that video of Happy Hanna, I showed it to our friend who is building ours to memick your side rails.

Marc and I always talk about how much Atlas has already taught us and we have visions of him amazing and teaching us for years to come.  He has always been inspirational to anyone who has met him, just think how he will inspire now.

As for our Sophie girl, she is definitely a spit-fire.  She is nothing like Atlas.  Atlas is more like daddy, a lover and Sophie is more like mommy, a fighter.  She was 2 years old in the video and since has learned from watching big bro - to enjoy the entire 'process' of presents.  She was funny today when I opened the door to let her out and the ramp was there - she just froze.  I worked with her and after about the 3 r 4th treat she was running back and forth.  She could come in handy if we need to show Atlas how its done.  But Marc said Atlas will do whatever I ask of him.  It's true, he's just that way, always wants to please, so I don't anticipate any ramp problems. 

We are so looking forward to celebrating the first tripawd pee and the happy poop dance!  (Never thought I'd ever hear myself say something like that) laughing  But for now, we are still preparing the house, washing doggie beds, lots of clean linens and towels ready, railings and waiting for the next good progress call from UGA.  I'm going to read about diet tomorrow and get started on that.

Thanks again everyone - and all my prayers and good energy are with you all and your babies too.

 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
34
27 April 2013 - 9:27 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Viking Warrior.....that's great!!! Thanks for taking the time for such an uplifting update. You are very fortunate to have such a great surg eon who also has a caring "bedside manner".

Lad the ramp video helped.....my brother came up and built it and made it ample semi could also walk beside her if need be. Just wanted to add that he put some roofing shingles down half of it so she could get a better grip in sleet/snow.

Get some rest Viking Warrior and paste when you can:-) Sally and Happy 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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
35
28 April 2013 - 11:29 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

And now, heeeeeeeeeers Atlas and his pack!

Atlas2_zpse59c995f.jpg

Atlas1_zps413eb991.jpg

Atlas5_zps836554fe.jpg

Atlas3_zps5ba93a89.jpgImage Enlarger

Atlas4_zpse5f420a9.jpgImage Enlarger

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet





Member Since:
16 October 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
36
28 April 2013 - 2:08 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Great update on Atlas.  And beautiful pack.  Prayers for a great recovery

 

Michelle & Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

Member Since:
24 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
37
28 April 2013 - 4:19 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

We got another good update call today.  Atlas is off the major pain meds and just on the tramadol and metacam that he left home taking.  They say he is not in pain (really?) and has stood up and found his balance and even did the Tripawd pee already.  They say it is all with assistance with the harness but that he is doing great and was very easy for just one human to assist him. He is eating and drinking good and even eating all his kibble, not just the can food.  His team of vets say they are very pleased with his recovery at this point. (only second day after amp)  He is no dummy, he is doing everything that will get them to send him home to mom, dad and sissy. 

They just called again - he walked 40 yards today then laid down for a rest before heading back.  Good job Atlas!  We get to go pick him up tomorrow after 3:00.  I will update when I can.  UGA also offers hydro therapy which we are looking into for physical therapy afterwards to maybe help combat some of his wobblers issues.  It feels so good to have all this hope to hold on to... just breathe, breathe. 

Keep us in your prayers and please keep sending positive energy our way. 

Patricia

Member Since:
18 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
38
28 April 2013 - 5:03 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Great news of your incredibly handsome boy. They are amazing in their recovery. Nicky was a road accident victim but when he arrived he took 1 day to find his feet and has not stopped since. He has taught me so much,he is my soulmate. He is gentle and affectionate and has a goofy smile. He is a happy boy and loves to run and play with his friend Bradley and foster sister Wilma. I am certain your special boy will be equally amazing in his recovery,he has an amazing mum.

Sending you all large doses of best wishes and look forward to hearing more of this wonderful boys recovery.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
39
28 April 2013 - 5:37 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Good brief!! Peeing!! Walking 40 yds.!! are you kidding me?? Atlas is all about living up to his name!! Must get some of his strength from his Viking Warrior mom!!

And the photos.......oh my goodness what a handsome family!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the photo of them hanging out on the stairs!! Absolutely adorable:-) :-)

Now don't forget that "breathing thing".......Viking Warriors Ave to do it more often because that's what makes them so strong:-) :-)

We are here for our when you b
get Atlas home.....it's still a couple of weeks recovery time and then....and then....and then.......let the celebration begin:-) :-) A wonderful, loving, joyful life is so. Such fun to be a part of:-)

Much love to all, Sally and Happy 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!

krun15
40
28 April 2013 - 9:43 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

What great pictures!
Atlas sounds like he is doing well so far, I bet you can't wait to get him home. You sound well prepared and ready for the recovery phase.

Karen

New York, NY
Member Since:
3 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
41
29 April 2013 - 12:59 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

These are great updates!!!!  I'm just catching up!  I can't wait to hear more and hear about his homecoming!!!

 

Erica

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

Member Since:
24 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
42
29 April 2013 - 5:21 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

We are home safe and sound. Atlas is resting and so happy to home. We both did really good and greeted him with eye contact and love. I had to evoke the 'watch me' command pretty quickly though as he was getting too excited. I swear I don't see any signs of pain in my boys eyes, he looks like he feels better. Could that really be the case? Is it just my humanness that thinks that wound has to hurt? No whining, no nothing, granted still early. They gave us a nice fleece and vinyl harness to help him around. We've already had a few misadventures ..... Trying to get a 140 Dane out of the van helping him - he clearly was thinking mom and dad if you just get out of the way. Then we had to lead him up an embankment to get him to the new ramp.....we never go in the house through that side door so he was looking at us like why are we going into the woods mom. True to Atlas he jumped on board immediately and decided we must be going for a walk in the woods and starts to trail blaze...his two humans tripping all over themselvese on two legs and him doing fine on his three. Then he decided to stop and pee and I got twisted around trying to let up on the harness, alas we got pee all over the harness. Finally made it to the familiar side yard and got him to the ramp. He stopped sniffed it and I said let's go, and without hesitation he followed his leader. Marc is trying to get the door unlocked but because we never come in that door the key wouldn't go in and it stuck. there I stood freaking out because this was supposed to go so smoothly. Right.....even the best laid plans..... Anyway, my 60 year old hubs says a few choice curse words ( he never curses, thats usually me) hops the railing like he's twenty again and hightailed it to the other door, ran through the house and opened the door in something like 3 seconds. Atlas was just watching us the whole time and I swear he was laughing at us.big-grin Moral of the story.....when coming home with amputee....check your entry door if not used regularly.
Sophie is so glad to have her big brother back home and seems to like me again and is curled up on one side of me and Atlas on the other sleeping tight. He drank like a gallon of water when he got home. He is sleeping but his incision site keeps jittering....is that normal? Looks like a muscle spasm? He is also dreaming and chasing a lot of squirrels I'm assuming or did your babies do a lot of leg kicking? He woke up once doing a loud snorkel sound through his nose...don't know what that was but it scared the bejabbers out of me. I have a pic of him but don't know how to post. Do I always send them to Jerry or can I do it?
Patricia

krun15
43
29 April 2013 - 5:47 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Yea for being home!!

Your story sounds so familiar- we two leggers run around with our hair on fire trying to make everything just right, and our pups just watch us with amusement because it's not so much that they have to adapt... WE do big-grin.

I think the twitching is normal- nerves and muscles have to figure out where they are now.  And there are all the meds he is on so he is probably having psychedelic squirrel dreams.

As for posting pictures, Follow this Link for Instructions.  The pictures have to be hosted somewhere on line.  If all else fails you can send them to Jerry (or Admin, or me) and they will get posted.

 

Karen

New York, NY
Member Since:
3 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
44
29 April 2013 - 5:59 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

YAY FOR THE HOMECOMING!!!!!  Twitching = TOTALLY normal.  In fact, almost 5 months later, Jill's stump still does it from time to time, but for the first couple of weeks/first months it was quite often.

 

So happy to hear Atlas is home and settled with his family!!

 

xoxo,

Erica & 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

Fort Wayne, IN
Member Since:
25 January 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
45
29 April 2013 - 8:22 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Welcome home Atlas!  If he's not showing signs of pain, I'm guessing the doc got his pain meds balanced just right.  That's a big hurdle.  My Libby didn't whine either.  Sounds like you all are off to a good start.  

I look forward to the pics and updates.  

Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13.  Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14.  She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self.  Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: Edward_1, antonia
Guest(s) 240
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17739
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256810
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG