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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Hi--New to this forum. I sure wish I had found this site before surgery! Our 100 lb just turned 9 yr old lab mix 1 week post front leg amputation due to osteosarcoma(he had a pathologic fracture). He is doing OK but just seems lethargic today. He had a bad fall about a day ago trying some steps; maybe he is still sore? When can I anticipate he will "perk up" some? Thanks
Welcome! Is he still on the pain meds? They may be making him lethargic. The first week is certainly the toughest, but you should start seeing improvement soon-- by the end of week two, you will have the worst behind you, and you'll see your perky pup again. Try not to worry, your tripawd will amaze you!
Do you have a harness? They are invaluable in the first few weeks. If you have hardwood floors, cover them with rugs for the time being. I suspect all the dogs here have taken nasty spills (and completely freaked out mom and dad) but soon, he'll find his footing.
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
Welcome!
Although they recover much quicker than you would think, do keep in mind that this is MAJOR surgery, especially for an older dog. Our boy, Zeus, is 11.5 years old and he slept a lot the first week. To complicate things, he "tweaked" his back about one week after surgery and was somewhat hesitant to walk for about a week and he would cry a little when we picked him up (he's only 45 lbs). The vet kept him on the pain meds until one month after surgery to help with the back issues and I could tell that they really affected his behavior and made him lethargic. Once he came off the pain meds, he was like a different dog and his personality really came back.
You've found a wonderful community of people for support and advice. They have been tremendously helpful to us on this journey. Hope he feels better soon!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Hi and welcome to Tripawds,
Your future posts will not require moderation- only the first one has to wait.
If you haven't already you might read through Jerry's Required Reading list, or consider downloading the e-book Three Legs and a Spare. Both contain lots of good info from this site on what to expect with amputation, recovery, and treatment if you go that route.
Also here are some Traction Ideas. A fall on the stairs may not have been traction related. Are you using a sling with, um- what's your pups name? A towel or scarf might work, or a reusable shopping bag cut down the sides would work. Not forever, but just to give him confidence on the stairs and protect him from falling on the surgery site while it is still healing.
For most here the first two to three weeks were full of ups and downs. The pain meds do mess with their personalities, but in my mind are a necessary evil.
Tri-pug Maggie was a slug for about 4 weeks. But she was obstinate and not very adaptable. She could get around fine, but chose not to. She did perk up eventually and got back to being herself.
Of course if you have any concerns you should call your vet, especially if he took a bad fall. Better safe than sorry. Don't worry about bugging them too much- that's what they are there for.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Welcome to the family. One week out don't expect much, especially for him to be himself. Meds do play games with these guys, and what I found out in the beginning was the less active, the better. If they eat, drink, pooped and peed then you guys are doing good. Let him heal at his own pace, Gus was doing stairs the first night and never missed a beat, but he was a lab-rott mix, extremely strong and by the time he had his surgery was already only using three legs, so he had already made that adjustment, but still had his "lazy' times. Our vet also told us to try and keep him calm, it helps reduce the chance of fluid gathering in the incision site. Don't be afraid to ask questions, experience gives the best answers, Paws Up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Welcome to the site nobody wants to join but everyone is glad they did.
Yes, as others said, you are deep in the thick of the recovery period right now. Usually the pups start to show signs of their old selves once they are off the meds and the staples are out - usually at about 12-14 days. Some pups take longer for whatever reason (maybe being bigger/older) so don't worry if he doesn't magically "reappear" on day 14.
What is your pups name? We're here if you have more questions!
Keep us posted,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Nothing to to add except welcome!
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
Thank you all so much! I was feeling a bit blue today & I appreciate the support. Rocky is our dog's name-he is still on pain meds and will go out and walk a bit. He is doing all the essentials -eating some, peeing, pooping-for that I am gratefull!
I have not yet tried a sling; am thinking about getting a harness but need to wait until staples out, correct?
Rocky looks like "Gus"! They have told us his prognosis is short but we are hopeful for some good time still ahead. I have ordered the e-book and refer to it often..for example using a t-shirt has sure helped! Thanks again!
you want to wait til the staples/sutures are out before putting on a harness. we used the shopping bag (opened up) to help gayle get in and out for the first week or so. she was a front amp too, and the getting up and getting back down took some time to figure out. we initially got a nasty sore spot on her remaining front elbow which was catching all the weight - you might want to keep an eye on that, just in case. welcome to the site, hope rocky starts getting back to his normal, happy self soon.
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Just wanted to say welcome – you will find this community so helpfull and supportive with all the qeustions you have.
Hope Rockys recovery is uneventful and he bounces back soon.
Sarah and Kayla
Welcome Rocky and family! We're so glad you found us. I agree with everyone here, a week out isn't a long time, he's just getting his bearings and recovery can take a few weeks, especially for larger dogs.
To prevent any future falls, be sure you have plenty of traction around the house. You can keep his confidence up that way and avoid any muscle pulls by "tripawd-proofing" his environment. Also, I'm only gonna say this because he's a Lab and we all know how much they enjoy their food, but do be sure to keep his weight down. You'll want to keep him thinner than most dogs because the least weight on his bones, the better.
Thank you so much for ordering our e-book, I just saw that you said that! 🙂
The first few weeks have lots of ups and downs, and all dogs have different recovery rates, but you can get through this! We're here to help any way we can so don't be shy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and Welcome!
I'm sure you'll see huge leaps forward when you clear the initial 2 weeks post amp. Those are toughies!! Make sure to take some time to catch a few naps and some recuperation time for yourself. It can be very draining both emotionally and physically for you. If you have any questions we're all here for you and we LOVE pictures so let's see a pic of your boy Rocky!
Keeping our paws crossed for a speedy recovery!
Laura, Kali and Angel Tai
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
I just wanted to say welcome to you and Rocky. I don't have any advice to add, really, but wanted to let you know that we are here for you. You've found a wealth of support and encouragement here, as well as folks who've "been there, done that."
Do you know yet whether you plan to do chemo? Just so you know, there is no single "right" way to treat cancer. Your decision will be based on your own personal situation, on your dog, whether or not the cancer has metastasized, your finances, etc. And we, here, will support whatever route you choose to take, because we understand that no one knows your situation better than you do. However, if you have questions about supplements, side effects, whatever... we've been there and we can provide you with our experiences to help you make your choices.
We wish Rocky the best of luck with his recovery, and are here for you, should you need us. Hang in there, it gets better...
Rio's momma, Micki
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~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Welcome Rocky!! Sounds like you are doing pretty good. Lots of tiredness and laziness is completely normal. I know your muscles are tired from using them in new ways and your incision is healing at the same time. And those meds make you tired too! You just need lots and lots more rest and before you know it you will be running around again. Praying that you heal super speedy fast!!
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