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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Atlanta, GA
Member Since:
6 March 2010
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6 March 2010 - 10:01 am
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I'm not sure I'm doing this right, so I hope it ends up in the right forum.

One of my two beautiful Golden Retrievers, Skyler, had to have her leg amputated due to a malignant tumor. Yesterday was her first day home, and last night was so hard. She cried all night, and it just broke my heart. She seems to be resting better this morning. Her sister, Chloe, is also stressed out because we have to keep them separated for a bit just to keep Skyler safe. We did bring Chloe in on a leash and let her see that Skyler is home now, but we are too afraid to let them stay in the same room until Skyler gets her staples out. Skyler's other mother and I are just about frazzled, as neither one of us has ever had to deal with anything like this. I just wanted to say we've been reading these forums, trying to educate ourselves, and even though there is a lot of very good information we still feel so lost. Please keep Skyler in your thoughts as we go through the recovery process.

Jane

Skyler – 10 year old Golden Retriever.  Diagnosed with Mast Cell Tumor on 2-26-10.  Right rear leg amputated on 3-4-10.  Crossed Rainbow Bridge on 6-11-10.  Chloe – Joined her sister on 4-4-11, due to hemangiosarcoma.  The beloved Golden Girls are now back together.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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6 March 2010 - 10:12 am
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Hello Jane and Skyler!  You are just fine on where you posted!

So sorry that Skyler is going through this but welcome!  We'll try to help!  I haven't dealt with an amputation (mine is 3-legged from a birth defect) but you will get a good response from those that have gone through exactly what you are going through.  Most everyone here has been through it.

I do know that it is very difficult at first and overwhelming.  And I know from everyone here the first 2 weeks are brutal on everyone.  But relax, take a deep breath and just remember it's going to get better!  Much better!   Your baby is going through some major surgery recovery right now.  You and Skyler's other mommy are going to have to be strong nurses for a bit!

Best wishes!

Comet's mom  

Her Retired AvatarComet - 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.

Member Since:
1 January 2010
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6 March 2010 - 11:08 am
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Hi Jane and Skyler,

We're so sorry to hear about Skyler. We will keep her in our hearts and in our prayers as she recovers from her surgery.

As Comet said, the first two weeks are the roughest. What pain meds did your vet prescribe for Skyler? You might want to touch base with your vet about the crying - just to let him/her know in case there are other meds you can try. Holly didn't cry, but there are other dogs on this site who experienced that. Our vet had us ice Holly's incision site 3 times a day for 10 minutes with a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a light kitchen towel for the first 5 days. She seemed to like that, as odd as that may sound. We pretty much sat with her for the first few days while she rested and slept - I rented a bunch of movies to watch so I would be less likely to jump up to get other stuff done when she was sleeping. Someone had suggested I raise Holly's food and water bowls, which helped her greatly with eating. Lots of love and plenty of pets and rubs seemed to help, as I'm sure you already know!

Good luck with Skyler. Little by little she will amaze you with what she can do. We've all been there wondering when we would start to see our pup back again, but they all do amaze us eventually!

Sending lots of healing thoughts, and plenty of hugs to all of you,
Holly and Holly's mom

Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!

http://anyemery.....ipawds.com

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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6 March 2010 - 11:28 am
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jmolen said:

I'm not sure I'm doing this right ...


Perfect. We are sorry to hear about Skyler, but glad you found us. Try to remain strong and take things one day at a time. Before long, Skyler will surprise you with his amazing resilience an Tripawd Power!

If you haven't already, be sure to review Jerry's top ten canine cancer amputation Q&A. Check out the Tripawds Featured Blogs too, for lots of information about nutrition, helpful gear, and recommended reading. Best wishes for a complete speedy recovery. We look forward to following Skyler's progress.

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

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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6 March 2010 - 11:52 am
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Welcome Jane. We're so sorry about Skyler's tumor and amp, but hang in there, things will get better. We hope she and Chloe doing better today. Lots of Tripawd here have siblings that were around after amputation, and most times the other pups just left the Tripawd alone. They seem to just understand that they need their space. The other reason Chloe is probably stressed out is she smells the anesthesia and surgery smells all over Skyler.

Have you tried letting them hang out while under your supervision yet, just to see how things go? They should be OK if they're not overly aggressively playful, but let us know. You might also want to try a sweater like the FidoFleece, or a t-shirt to cover up the stitches.

"No Fur? No Problem with Fido Fleece Dog Coats"

We're here if you want to talk OK? Good luck.

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

Calgary, AB
Member Since:
30 January 2010
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6 March 2010 - 1:23 pm
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Hi Skyler, sorry to hear about your nasty cancer but welcome to the Tripawd club!! We are an awesome group of dogs who constantly amaze all of our human friends.
I had my front right leg amputated in December right before Christmas - a great Christmas present cause I got rid of the pain! I took a couple of weeks to recover but now I'm back to my old self. I scared my Mum a few times with my yelping after my amp. I think she called it "phantom pain " but I saw nothing PHANTOM about it!! Luckily it didn't last long. As my vet said "the nerves have to draw back from the incision area a bit and then the pain will go away." I also didn't like the Tramadol much as it made me really sleepy and feel yucky. Mum checked with the Vet and I was able to come off of it early which helped a lot. I'm a Lab so I always like to eat but I learned that if I seemed to be off my food I got HUMAN FOOD - it's a great trick if you can master it. I got cheese, salmon, chicken...you name it I got it. All in the name of getting me to eat something so the Metacam wouldn't upset my tummy. Some other tripawds have even convinced their owners that perogies are required!! Way to go gang, see I told you we Tripawds are awesome.
Hope you feel better soon. I know you'll be back on your feet in no time and back playing with Chloe. I have a really annoying 11 week old sister who bites my ears and generally tries to hog all the attention- want to trade? Keep us posted on how you're feeling and what your doing. Make sure your Mums know that tummy rubs and face massages are required whenever you want.
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.

Northern Indiana
Member Since:
15 January 2009
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6 March 2010 - 2:25 pm
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Welcome Skyler....and Jane too,

You have come to the right place........you can find answers to questions, advice from a vet, stuff to buy, great stories, cute photos of Tripawds and lots of friends that will support and stand by you as go through this. 

So, I am here as one of your new friends to say I know how you are feeling, it is scarey and makes you so sad too.   I agree with Jerry, I would let Skyler & Chloe be together when you are with them.  It might actually help in the recovery as they are usually together, she may worry about where her sister is. 

Is she on meds for pain?  How is her appetite?  How are you doing?  Skyler will follow your lead, so stay pawsitive (as we say around here)!

I am the proud mommy of a Tripawd angel, we were blessed that Paris was with us one year and 3 days after amputation.  Yes, it was very sad to lose her, but we would not change a thing.  Her life was short, she was five, but the 2 1/2 years we had her were filled with love and adventure and joy.....remember every moment matters!!

Take good care of each other,

Ginny & Angel Paris

Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!

Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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6 March 2010 - 2:32 pm
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tai09 said:

I scared my Mum a few times with my yelping after my amp. I think she called it "phantom pain " but I saw nothing PHANTOM about it!!


Here's a great article our friend TC wrote about phantom pain : Tips for Managing Phantom Limb Pain in Dogs.

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

Member Since:
20 May 2009
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6 March 2010 - 5:48 pm
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Hi Jane & Skyler,

Welcome to tripawds.  I am sorry you need us but so glad you found us!  This is the web site that saved my sanity when my dear Emily was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma.  The first two weeks following amputation can certainly can be stressful.  Although dogs can live high quality lives on three legs, the amputation itself is not easy.  We have to remember that Skyler just went through major surgery and it takes some time to recouporate.  (Not that helps while you are watching your baby go through it.)  If the pain continues do talk to your vet though.  No one gets points for being in pain and if Skyler needs more meds you will have to be the one to advocate for her.

I really think though that you will be surprised at how well Skyler will do.  Bob (Spirit Cherry's Dad) has some really good advice and since he is in Mauii right now I will pass some of them on.  First of all he suggested keeping a journal. That way you will be able to look back and get an accurate description of what was really going on without time changing the facts (My words not his).    The other suggestion he makes that I just love is to feed the spirit.  Find something that Skyler loves and use it to feed her spirit.  In Skyler's case it might be spending time with Chloe.  Cherry loved her rides in her Dad's truck.  You will know what feeds Skyler's spirit.

I have two other dogs.  One is a, well lets just say energetic, min pin.  We could not leave Marley alone with Emily because we could not trust him.  Bentley, on the other hand, is a lab and very gentle.  They were only six months apart in age and best friends.  We could trust Bentley so we left the two of them together even when we could not supervise.  Bentley looked out for her and feed her spirit.

My only other suggestions are to start a good joint supplement now if you have not already, and remember that dogs are first and foremost pack animals and will as such be looking to the alpha (hopefully you) to see how to react.  Be as positive as you can around Skyler.  I think that is the number one advice you will read from everyone!

Please let us know how Skyler is doing.  I will be praying for her.

Debra

Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.

Livermore CA
Member Since:
24 January 2009
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6 March 2010 - 10:08 pm
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Hi Jane

I second what Jerry said about letting Chloe and Skyler spend some supervised time together.  I have four dogs and when Cemil came home from the hospital, he let the others know to be gentle.  There were.  I think it was comforting to him to have everything as close to normal as possible.  They were very careful around him and I think he protected himself as much as he needed to.  They got it and I never had to separate them.  I kept a t-shirt on him to protect the incision and to protect whatever he was lying on from the drainage.  That would probably help you worry less.  The vet suggested that I gather the t-shirt up in the middle of his back like a pony tail and hold it with a rubber band.  That worked really well.  He's a front-leg amputee--I guess it wouldn't work with a rear-leg.

Hang in there.  After the first two weeks, life will get better for all of you.

Mary and Cemil

Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today

Cemil's blog

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
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28 November 2008
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7 March 2010 - 4:13 am
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Welcome Jane & Skylar.  I would really prefer to never have to welcome new cancer bablies, but science just isn't to that point yet.  This is a wonderful source for the tripawd pawrent soul.  Everyone here knows what you are going through.  We know how you feel, we know how hard it is. 

The first two weeks are the worst - commonly called the "recovery hell' period.  Be kind to yourself during this time, and most importantly, get rest.  When Skylar sleeps, you sleep.  You will be close enough, and sleep lightly enough that if she wakes and needs something you will hear and be able to respond.  Trouble liked to lay on her incision, so I tried to keep something on her those first two weeks.  She is a front amp, and a toddler tee shirt worked great for us.

I think I would introduce Chloe just as you introduce new dogs. Put Chloe on a leash so you have control and see how they respond to one another.  If all is well, leave the leash on but let Chloe drag it around.  That way you can quickly gain control if needed.  Do this until you are comfortable with them being together.  And if you aren't comfortable giving it a try, don't stress about it.  There will be plenty of time once Skylar is recovered.

Stay strong.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

Los Angeles
Member Since:
2 November 2009
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7 March 2010 - 9:59 am
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Hi Skylar's Mom,
I have a Golden too who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Her front leg was amputated on Nov 5th, 2009. We also have a Golden puppy (he's 1 1/2) and when Mackenzie first came home from her surgery, we were concerned that he would be too wild around her. But it turned out that he was very gentle and it really helped her spirits. In fact, the day she came home, Kobe licked her head and face so gently for about 5 minutes. He showed such love and tenderness for his sister (her face and head were soaked tho!)

Like everyone has said, the 2 week recovery period is very difficult. In Mackenzie's case, she had a harder time and a lot had to do with all the pain meds she was on. Once she came off those, she made a complete turnaround. But there were moments when I really questioned whether this amputation was the right thing to do because of how tough her recovery was. She didn't want to eat for several days and she was very lethargic and at times, listless. Once we got through the 2 weeks, she made a remarkable recovery and has been going strong ever since. She's now become the puppy that she was a year ago with all of that energy and happiness to go along with it.

As other tripawd pawrents mentioned, I would check with the vet about her pain level and crying. I also had Mackenzie wear a T-shirt during the 2 weeks before her incision was healed like what Cemil's mom said. This seemed to really help with her healing and protected the area. That was probably one of the best tips I got on her recovery.

So hang in there - it's a tough fight but I'm sure Skylar will do just fine and before you know it, you'll have your Skylar back pain free and full of life again. We'll be keeping our paws crossed for a speedy recovery. Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)

My sweet golden Mackenzie.  She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2  although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home.  She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009.  She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes.  I love you Mackenzie!

Madison, WI
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14 June 2009
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7 March 2010 - 11:48 am
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The crying might not be pain at all.  It can be the pain medications.  I'm not positive which one(s) specifically can cause it, but I think it was maybe the Fentanyl in Yoda's case, that made him vocalize/cry almost all day long (should be more like a whining, then a crying out though) for about 4 or 5 days after his amputation (2 to 3 days after he came home).  I'm guessing it was the Fentanyl because the vocalinzing ended about the same time I was told that the Fentanyl patch would wear off.  Yoda's orthopedic surgeon warned me that this was probably the cause of Yoda's vocalizing (which I had never heard him do before) and showed me how I could assure myself that it wasn't pain-related, by gently pressing (in Yoda's case, over his bandage) over the incision area.  If he didn't react to that, which he shouldn't (and didn't), then it wasn't pain, but rather loopiness from the drugs.  Also, he advised (and Pam has advised here) that pain should cause an increase in heart rate.  Not sure that I myself would be able to tell if my dog's heart were high, but if you can, that would more strongly suggest too much pain.

Yoda did seem to have phantom pain later on, as did my next tripawd, Gerry, and those were sharp, scary yelps that came with that.  And as I think people have already mentioned, Gabapentin (spelling?) seems to be best for that.

Hang in there!  You're doing fine!!!

Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide

Atlanta, GA
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6 March 2010
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7 March 2010 - 2:58 pm
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Hi again. First of all, thank you for all of the replies and wonderful support. Skyler is doing much better. The crying stopped after the first night. I think it was a combination of adjusting to coming home, pain meds, and still having anesthesia in her. She is resting comfortably and moving around quite well on her own. When I take her out for a bathroom break I use the sling the hospital sent home with her, but it's mainly just to give her a bit more stability. She's walking really well. In fact, I'm trying to slow her down until she we can build up her other leg. I don't want her pushing too hard too fast and injuring herself. I still feel like we're learning and adjusting as we go, but I feel better having found this site and all of your valuable information.

We are keeping Skyler in the basement (it's finished), because the only way to get to the main level is steps. We put together a pen that we had for the girls when they were puppies, and whenever we aren't right there with her we put her cone on her and put her in the pen. If we didn't do this she would try to climb up on the couch. We're trying to gradually get her used to this so it won't freak her out when we have to go back to work. The good thing is, we both work close enough to come home at lunch, and plan to adjust our work hours so her time alone will be limited.

We brought Chloe in on a leash, while Skyler was in the pen. Sky stood up and wagged her tail. Chloe was very nervous. They sniffed at each other through the pen. I think just having the pen up, and all of the smells are what was making Chloe nervous. We're taking her in a few minutes at a time so she'll get used to it.

So, there's an update, and again I want to thank all of you for the kind words and advice.

Jane, Cathy, and Skyler

Skyler – 10 year old Golden Retriever.  Diagnosed with Mast Cell Tumor on 2-26-10.  Right rear leg amputated on 3-4-10.  Crossed Rainbow Bridge on 6-11-10.  Chloe – Joined her sister on 4-4-11, due to hemangiosarcoma.  The beloved Golden Girls are now back together.

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
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28 November 2008
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7 March 2010 - 4:42 pm
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Sounds like you guys are making excellent progress.  They are so resilliant.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

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