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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Thanks from Max
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On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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2 June 2008 - 10:55 pm
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2 June 2008
max said

Hello from Scotland.

We wish to thank everyone on this forum for their inspirational stories
and support.  The dogs are so brave and helped us make the right
decision with our beautiful boy Max.

Max is a GSD between 7 and 8 years old.  (He was a rescue dog)

Max started to limp several months ago.  At first nothing much but
gradually it became more pronounced.  Several trips to the vets drew a
blank – the first diagnosis being that weakness in Max's hind legs were
putting additional strain on his front.  We were not convinced and so
pushed for xrays to be taken.

The xrays showed nothing.  A specialist vet was asked for his opinion,
he could find nothing.  We knew that something was really wrong Max
looked so unhappy and had lost his spark. Max was then referred to the
animal hospital.

The vet there felt straight away that there was an abnormality in his
spleen.  After blood tests and MRI scans nothing was showing up –
everything seemed to be clear – apart from a growth(?) in his spleen. 
Max had to be operated on.  They could fit Max in over the next few days
if we were happy to leave him in…

The sooner the better we thought and thank goodness we did.  Max did not
have a growth but a torsion in his spleen.  It had twisted and had
started to rot inside his body.  The vet said that at any minute the
absess could have ruptured and killed Max within hours.  He was a very
lucky dog – they usually only saw this type of thing post mortem they
told us.

Max had to have his spleen removed and took 2 weeks to recover – having
to have a silly lampshade on his head to stop him upsetting his stitches
in his tummy.

Max was still limping.  Worse than ever – his shoulder was wasting due
to lack of use of his front leg.  Back to the hospital – more tests.

Again - nothing was found but the vet there was convinced that a small
tumour was cutting off his nerve supply to his front leg – he
recommended that we amputate Max's leg.

We could not leave things as they were – Max was in a lot of pain - we
had never seen him look so low.  There were 3 options offered to us. All
seemed like the end of our world.  The vet was saying that amputation
was the only way forward. 

We had so many concerns.  Max is a very large dog, his back legs are not
100% and he had already had a big operation – do we put him through
another and risk him not coping with 3 legs.  After reading lots and
lots on the internet (your website took a hammering I can tell you…)  We
decided that we had to give Max a fighting chance.  We ordered his
Ruffwear harness and booked him in for the next available time. The
following Tuesday.

The weekend before the op. Max was in serious pain he was dosed up on painkillers and looked defeated.

The day after his operation we got to speak to his surgeon.  The op. had
gone well he told us, they had found a tumour.  "How was Max coping on 3
legs?" Max was already pulling on his lead!!!  He had to stay in a
couple more days as he had a drain in him to release the fluid. 

The next day – the surgeon told us that Max had removed his drain
himself and that he might as well go home – as long as we could see to
his dressings.

We simply cannot believe how amazing our dog truly is.  He is now 5 days
on from his op. he is bright eyed, his ears are up and he is jogging
about.  The first day home he looked puzzled at me messing about with a
sling – he just hopped out of it, down the 2 steps to the garden and had
a roll on the grass.  He looks happier than he has been in months.  

I will try to post some pictures soon.  It's still very early days and I
don't want to tempt fate but so far we do know that Max is very
relieved that we made the decision we did.  He looks like a pup again! 
If anyone is in any doubt - we would say go for it…

Thank you all so much for your strength and positive stories.  I
couldn't bring myself to post sooner, I'm certain some readers never
do but your dogs have given hope to many I'm sure and will continue
to inform others in the same situation of the best way forward. 

Thank you so much.

Wow, Max is One Incredible Dog! What a terrific story, we really appreciate your sharing it with us, and all the way from Scotland too. It's always great to hear about the love and care that our international dog friends get from their human families. 

Please let us know how his recuperation goes, and if there is anything whatsoever that we can do to help you cope, by all means, send us a note. And pictures too, we'd love to see Max romping in those green Scotland hills!

What a boy! Go Max!

 

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

Max
2
7 June 2008 - 11:05 am
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Thanks Jerry.

Max is not doing as well at the moment.  After an unbelievable spell when he first came home - he is suffering a bit at the moment.  He has only been on Metacam up until now - but he has had the odd dose of tramadol the last 2 days as he is whining and uncomfortable.  His back legs have stiffened up a lot too and he is not walking very well - due to the stiffness. 

It is upsetting as he started off so well and has been gradually been getting worse.  Is this normal?  I have read lots of others' posts and it seems that Max was unusually upbeat the first 2 days at home and perhaps this reaction now is more usual.  I am trying to stay positive for Max's sake but it is hard.

Max is now 11 days post op.  He is due to have his staples out on Monday.  He looks very sad and keeps licking his other paws.

Your advice is very much appreciated Jerry. Thank you.

On The Road


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7 June 2008 - 4:19 pm
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Max said:

It is upsetting as he started off so well and has been gradually been getting worse.  Is this normal? 

Max is now 11 days post op.  He is due to have his staples out on Monday.  He looks very sad and keeps licking his other paws.


OK pawrent, now here is where I'm going to tell you about being a strong pack leader. I understand why you are worried, but you need to remember that Max just had major surgery, and he needs some time to get used to things. You need to watch him carefully, and be strong, not showing your fear about what you think you might be seeing.

I'm not a vet, but here's my very unscientific opinion:

If Max is eating and eliminating, and getting up to stretch or move about for a minute, that's great. He's on the right track.

Max probably came home high as a kite from the surgery drugs. That's why he had such energy. Like when I got done with surgery, I hopped out of the hospital the next day! Wow, I paid for that though, when the meds were all out of my system. I slept for a week straight afterward.

About him looking sad....please remember, unlike humans, dog's don't get sad, we don't have regrets. We live in the moment. The paw licking could mean any number of things. Like I often lick the spot where my leg used to be. Doesn't mean that I'm sad about it, just means that I now have more fur in which to clean off. Doesn't mean I'm sad though.

Stay hopeful, but if you do see things that are very atypical of his behavior, or signs indicating he is reacting badly to Metacam, like vomiting or loose stools, then definitely get him to the vet. Since you only have one more day till you see your vet, hang in there. Smile, give him lots of love, and when he gets his staples out, discuss your concerns with this doctor. Please let us know what s/he says, we would like more opinions on this, because we hear it a lot.

Thanks so much for writing. Good luck, we're rootin' for you two! 

 

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

Max
4
7 June 2008 - 6:14 pm
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Thanks for the advice.  This website is superb - people who care and put their dogs first.  Your speedy replies are very much appreciated.

I'll keep you updated Jerry - any information - good or bad - goes a long way to inform and help others going through this.  Even when some outcomes are not so favourable - it teaches us what to look out for and ensures that we are as informed as we can be so we can help our pets the best we can.  I have read a lot on this website, it is very helpful.

I understand about the "sad" thing - I guess I really meant "pain" - which sounds so much worse...

Max seems to be having pain from his back legs - I am just hoping that this is him adjusting and not something more sinister or long term.  The front seems to be doing well - his bruising has gone and the sutures are healing well I think - he is not so tender there anymore.  As you say he has actually gone through 2 major ops. very recently and is entitled to feel a bit out of sorts - but we cannot help but worry.  I am concerned that his back legs cannot take the added strain. 

It was good to know that you went through a similar transition too - when you came home. I think you are right about the painkillers. I was worried that Max was getting worse - not better.  Were you on Tramadol when you came out? Max only had Metacam and antibiotics prescribed for him, although I am giving him Tramadol now.

You are so right about being the strong pack leader - if I talk to Max in a "sad" voice (and I try not to) he is so low - ears down.  When I am more positive he is so much brighter - I am trying my best to be positive - he has enough to contend with - without a miserable mum to cope with too! 

Thanks again for your support.

Member Since:
16 April 2008
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7 June 2008 - 7:47 pm
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hi max,

 

boy jerry is right on, i came home feeling pretty darn groovy.  Ran in the house, ate a ton and went on a walk.  And then....the stiffness set in and sore muscles.

my mom kinda equated it to the times we have all gone to the gym to start a new program and overdone it and then, couldn't get out of bed the next day those muscles were sooooo sore.  I am now almost at day 12 and still have wiggly legs but here is the thing..each day, one small improvement is good. remember we are using muscles we never knew we had to walk the new tri walk.

Mom did all the normal things to let me know the pack was on even kilter, although she did waste a tank of very expensive gas the other night just to take me on a really long car ride for a treat...:)

So keep eating drinking peeing and pooping and just keep putting one paw in front of the other...

scout

lauren

On The Road


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7 June 2008 - 11:50 pm
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Max said:

Were you on Tramadol when you came out? Max only had Metacam and antibiotics prescribed for him, although I am giving him Tramadol now.


Yes, sure was, for at least a week afterward, maybe a little longer. Even today I take it when I've overdone it, like today. Mom and I walked a little too far. But it was such a pretty day! 

Thanks for the nice compliments, we are so glad that you find the site helpful. 

I know you can't help but worry, but just take it one day at a time. Don't worry about tomorrow or you'll miss today.

Tell Max we said "woof!" 

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

Max
7
8 June 2008 - 2:47 am
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Thanks Scout for your input - I read your story. We became tripawds at about the same time.  You're doing so well !  No wonder you have a superhero name...  No guilt Lauren, you love Scout and he's doing fine now - hey he's even lying on his back to sleep again - how laid back can a dog be?

I didn't have a pizza bone - but I had a little go at the one paw dig thing too !

Great weather we're having here in Scotland at the minute (for a change) it's good because I can sit outside all day and relax with mum.  I feel a little better today - but my back legs are still very stiff. I am eating fine - there's nothing wrong with my apetite that's for sure...

I do have a slight issue with my back - which was a worry for my pawrents and they didn't know whether to put me through this op.  but the alternative was grim and the surgeon said it was a no brainer - that we should go for it.  So it was always going to be a bit more of a struggle for me. 

I feel better now that I'm taking the odd tramadol -  Mum was suprised that they hadn't put me on that when I came home initially. 

"Woof woof" to you all.  Staples out tomorrow hopefully.

Member Since:
28 May 2008
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8 June 2008 - 11:17 pm
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Hey Max - Zeus here...you know, I'm 8 weeks post amputation and I had a really hard time adjusting the first few days...and wasn't really myself until I got that darned bandage off and the stitches out. Then - wow...I'm playing ball, jumping in and out of the car and handling the steps pretty good. BUT - last week, Mom thought that something was wrong with my back legs, I was shuffling them and kinda tripping over myself sometimes. Of course, like all the pawrents on this sight, she got pretty worried. We went for chest xrays and she had them xray my hind legs too...and thankfully nothing was wrong (which I knew, but it gave Mom peace of mind)..just me being a little tired and stiff like she is when she's had a good hard workout or slept wrong the night before and wakes up with a sore neck. It happens and when it usually does, I just plop right on down wherever I am and take a rest. Mom has gotten to know my signs of discomfort and just being tired and sore...it takes a little hile for our pawrents to adjust to all this - we are so lucky to have this website to come to for answers to our questions and concerns.

Keep us posted and get some rest.

Oh - P.S. I took tramadol too - it made me loopy and a little wobbly at times. You're doing great - let nature and time take its course during recovery.

Zeus

 

Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together

Max
9
9 June 2008 - 1:32 pm
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Thanks Zeus -

I've had my staples out today - everyone thought I'd had enough of a hard time recently so I got star treatment - the vet came out to visit me today!  Lying outside in the sun whilst he took those annoying things out.  I was really good and made my mum proud.

Boy did I feel better.  I made my mum and dad smile by having a little hop around and rolling around to get my belly rubbed.  Fantastic!

Not sure what's going on at the back end but really looked much brighter today - I even barked at the vet when he went. Altogether I've felt so much more like my old self since those staples came out.

Thanks everyone again.

I'm off to have a sleep now - I'm quite worn out...

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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9 June 2008 - 2:54 pm
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Yeah! That is so great to hear, Max. You ARE a star, always!

Get your rest, and take it easy. One paw at a time my friend. We are rootin' for ya.

-Jerry 

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

Edmonton
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16 February 2008
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9 June 2008 - 4:13 pm
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Hey Max,

Glad to know that all went well during the staples removal session.  It does require delicate skill to do that.

I remember that it hurt Genie so much as one staple after the other being pulled out that she almost wanted to eat the vet alive!

Good for you now that the annoying thingie are gone.  Just don't over work your other legs.  Rest well.

How is your appetite?  Hope that it doesn't get interfered by Tramadol.  Even if so, you will feel like eating again when you begin to wean yourself off the meds.

Love,

Jessie

Max
12
10 June 2008 - 9:23 am
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Thanks everyone.

My apetite is good.  Even when I when I felt really low last week - I still ate all my food (this moping around means that your pawrents always get you your absolute favourite - I even had steak last weekCool)

Actually I think my pawrents are putting me on a diet soon - nothing too drastic.  I am not fat at all - but the vet says if anything I need to be slightly under weight.  I am a big dog - even by GSD standards ( although when all my fur is shaved off I look lots smaller ) The vet still jumped back quickly enough yesterday when I got fed up with having my staples out - he doesn't realise what a big softie I am. 

I am feeling a lot better - such a huge improvement yesterday - the instant my staples came out.  My mum has a big wide grin today instead of a false smile ( she didn't fool me! ) although I still am resting a lot - I can now jog about a bit and am back to being interested in what's going on.

I've not had any Tramadol today - or yesterday - just my Metacam.  I feel ok.

 

On The Road


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10 June 2008 - 9:56 am
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Hey Max, that is so great to hear! Man, I'm so glad I didn't have staples. I had stitches.

Hey maybe your Mom will put you on the Atkins Diet...all meat and good high protein stuff for you! 

I know what you mean about the diet. My Mom is always talking about how she doesn't want met getting fat. My weight goes up and down like a yo-yo depending on my activity level. When I loose weight, she adds more cottage cheese to my diet. When I gain, I get less of it.

Glad to hear you're doing well. One paw at a time, my friend! We are so happy for you. 

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

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28 May 2008
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10 June 2008 - 1:41 pm
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YEAH MAX!!!

we're thrilled to hear that you're doing well...I knew you'd feel better once you got those staples out. Make sure you get your rest pal...it's still an important part of the recovery process.

Paws forever!!

Oh, and mom sends her love and a big smile 🙂

zeus

Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together

Manchester, UK
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2 February 2008
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10 June 2008 - 6:03 pm
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Hi Max - glad to hear that you are feeling better now that you are a staple free zone!

Keep getting better (and enjoy the sun whilst it's here!).

Darcy (not that far away, in Oldham, Manchester)
x

Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.

***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***

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