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, I just wanted to check in and let you know I'm here if you need a FCR shoulder to lean on. I am so sorry about beautiful Ursa. (They're all beautiful, aren't they?) You might find something useful in Tate's blog but he had histiocytic sarcoma, the nasty thief that steals so many flat coats. So at least you are not dealing with that!
This is the best place in the world for you right now, you've already seen how supportive people are. Everyone has been through the punch in the stomach that comes with the diagnosis, the agonizing decisions to be made, the worry and the heartbreak. People here care, and care deeply. Feel free to PM me anytime.
Hi to all my old friends! You'll be happy to know that Little Sister Sam has grown up into a lovely young lady, she's 15 months old. And we just added flat coat puppy Zeke to the pack. As Charon said, "Tate is smiling!"
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
Welcome to Tripawds Ursa and Ursa's Mom. I am so sorry to hear about Ursa's diagnosis. I still remember the day I found out about my Valentina's osteo. I felt like I was in a crazy dream or in some kind of fog but I still remember it very clearly. The overwhelming fear is what I remember most. I sure wish that you didn't have to go through this but the good news is you have Tripawds to help you through. We all know how you are feeling and we want to help in any way we can. It is such a difficult journey. And for Ursa to be diagnosed at such an early age is totally unfair. My Great Dane Valentina was diagnosed when she was about 7 1/2 but most Danes have a much shorter life span of 7-9 years. Although I have seen many living till 11 or12. I kind of got lucky in that Valentina was the oldest living Dane in her family. Her Mom, Dad and all of her littermates died well before she did. I know how unexpected this must be for you. I'm sure that you have already read that most Dogs do wonderfully well with amputation and can live quality lives afterwards. The most stressful part of this is the recovery period. You'll need to get lots of rest beforehand and expect to not get much rest once Ursa comes home the first few days. Many people describe it as taking care of a newborn and I have to agree with that. But it won't be long before your new Tripawd is up and running around doing all the things she did before. Most Dogs are getting back to normal and their usual routines in 2-3 weeks after the surgery. They may tire easily for a while after that but for the most part things will be great again. Then you can just have the simple joy of being together. Praying for a flawless surgery and speedy healing for Ursa and strength for you as you go through this challenging time.
Welcome to you and Ursa! Cancer sucks and it is not fair....unfortunately, most of us have experienced the same feelings as you. My Charley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was 2 and we did amputation follwed by 5 rounds of chemo. Charley is our tripawd hero and he has taught us so much about resiliency, living in the moment, etc...and he continues to do so every day.
Charley just celebrated his 19 month ampuversary yesterday, and honestly, I never would have thought we would be here today. Don't worry about the statistics....they are only based on numbers and no one knows exactly where any one pup will fall on the curve.
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Ursa!!!
Hugs and chocolate labby kisses,
Ellen & Charley
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
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