Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hoping that everything went well for Sadie today. Try not to look for things to worry about, as there will be plenty of those without looking, but instead focus on remaining positive and strong and take care of yourself so that you can better help Sadie heal.
Thinking of you,
Rio's momma, Micki
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Sadie seems to be coming along as she should. Slow go as expected with wound care/infection, but surgeon saw her yesterday along with our vet and said he was pleased with how things looked. we have cut back a bit on her pain meds and she seems to be ok with it. I am watching it closely though, don't want her to be in pain unnecessarily. She has been more active,too. Showing a few of her "old ways", like helping me load the dishwasher and looking out the window. Today she is very clingy. I went outside and she layed by the door! This is unusual for her, sick or well. But we are just giving her lots of love and attention through this, though sure hope she is not feeling insecure when we are not right by herside. We haven't been given any reason to think she shouldn't recover from all this. And I'm trying to take the advice of 'not looking for things to worry about'. Next week, my work schedule is during the day, so the plan was for her to be alone like she was before. We have made adjustments to the house so she cannot hurt herself, etc. Though it makes me nervous. Otherwise, she is enjoying seeing the vet so much! Who wouldv'e thought that! She used to drag her butt and legs when we approached the door. but now is tailwagging and enjoying meeting the different "friends" that come in. This is a good sign. She is so friendly and social. I'm glad for that part. It helps me as well!
Oh fantastic news, this is so nice to hear.
I'm sure you'll be nervous next week but by then she's probably going to be even better off than you expected. When you're away she'll probably sleep all day anyhow, so try not to worry too much.
Her vet must be super special to get her to actually want to go there. Lucky pup!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to update on Sadie and touch base with everyone!! She still has the open "hole" wound, but it is about the size of a pencil eraser! Used to be the size of an orange! We are to keep it covered with a large bandaid and using silvadene cream on it daily. Those bandaids DO NOT stay, but I haven't found anything better. Spent plenty of cash at the local Walgreens and such trying different things. We keep a tshirt on her cuz she licks the incisions like nobody's business. When this happens, then she gets all gimpy and sick(er) acting. Crazy girl. Funny how she remembers where the treat cabinet is, but doesn't remember that licking her incision makes her feel bad. She is getting around well, though. I can see that she still has episodes of pain, but doesnt seem to be a constant thing. We are looking ahead to spring and summer and what "gear" we may need to help her out when we are more active outside. As far as our "moods" go, the sorrow is not the forefront anymore. We have been able to heal a bit through the silliness of our "three-legged-dog". Only you guys would understand that humor in the midst of such an ordeal. Of course, we haven't made our first payment on the CareCredit line we used to pay for her surgery and aftercare..we will see if we are still chuckling then!!
Sadie and fam
from an orange to a pencil eraser - thats GREAT!!!! glad sadie is doing so much better, hope the 'hole' closes soon and you can close that chapter of her book and move on to a fun spring and summer. we went the t-shirt route as well, don't know how you could apply a bandage unless the area was constantly shaved smooth. sounds like you're doing a great job of getting her back to her 'new normal'!!! pictures, we always like pictures!!
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
Hooray for another good update on Sadie! Keep it up, girly!
Good luck keeping her from licking that booboo. Always a challenge. Someone needs to invent Bandaids for dogs!
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!
FANTASTIC!!!! Life DOES get better even when it looks like things are all coming apart! I'm so hoppy to hear this great news.
Smart of you to look ahead so that when the weather's nice she'll be fit and rarin' to go. Getting her remaining limbs and core muscles strong is the key to being able to stay strong and injury free, and you can start anytime.
Have you seen our Tripawds Fitness Page? There are lots of great ideas here for fitness games with three legged dogs. These tools are one of the best ways to get into shape (remember, walking doesn't strengthen core muscles, which are the most important area to get into shape). Also, our CARE rehab videos have some good stretching and massage tips, and you can even build a Buja Board for free as another fun way to get into shape.
That should get you guys started!
Great news, we're so hoppy for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am very happy to hear that Sadie is doing so well and she is on the road to recovery. How very scary the beginning of this journey was. I know how relieved you must be that Sadie pulled through this ordeal. I have been thinking about you guys alot and I was so glad to read the positive update. Hoping things continue to improve and Sadie can get back to her normal self real soon.
Sorry for the late post- I hope Sadie continues in her recovery. We had a Dal, Daisy that was also hit and suffered a classic degloving of the hind leg. Looking forward to hearing more about Sadie!
Julie,Bob,Samson and Lady
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
That's an excellent update! Sadie sounds like she is really doing well!
As a side note: It's okay to cry when you get your credit card bill!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
How wonderful that Sadie is doing so well! It sounds like she's finally doing the 'normal' tripawd recovering with some highs and lows. As her wound continues to close and the infection is totally out of her system I bet you'll see her progress by 'leaps and bounds', or at least by 'hops and kisses' 🙂
Wags and Slobbers
Judy and Baby
Thrilled to hear how well Sadie is doing. Keep us posted!
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
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