Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our girl Roxie 9 years old was diagnosed 2 months ago with osteosarcoma in her left front leg. We have given her consistent medications and treatments every 28 days,but she has continued to get worse. We have agonized with the decision to put her down or amputate. We have decided to try amputation. Today she will have another chest xray to confirm nonspread,and if there is non they will proceed with the surgery. We hope we are making the right decision. We find this whole experience frightening.
Hi there! I'm so glad you decided to start a new topic. All of us here are rooting for Roxie and sending tons of love your way!
Yes it's a very scary decision, we totally get it. But we are here to lean on, and when recovery is over you will wonder why you were ever so scared. It can have ups and downs for sure, but Roxie's resiliency will amaze you.
Please let us know how things go today. We'll be waiting for an update!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, Roxies chest xray was good,so they did the surgery today. Vet said she did well,and will rest and overnight at the clinic. They recommend we do not go see her tonight,so we will wait until they call tomorrow. I am so relieved this part is over. Thank you for responding. I really am grateful that this group is here and understands and can assist moving forward.
Surgery is done!! YAY! Now you try and get some rset t, okay? Roxie is in no pain and quite high on meds while enjoying seeing the pink elephants😉
Yes, we all understand mthe stress of making this decision. YOU MADE THE BEST DECISION FOR ROXIE! I was so scared proceed I even cancelled the first surgery appointment! It was clear her pain was only getting worse and I HAD ro give her a chance at a pain free quaility life!!
Recovery was no picnic and, at first, all I could think of was "What have I done TO her?" It took about three weeks and I could finally say I did this FOR her!
Try not to compare Roxie' recovery to other dogs. She will recover at her own pace and in her own way. It ,at take her a few days to get mobile and she may need assistance for a few days at first. May not.
pain management is important. Most dogs come home with Gabapentin, Tramadol, an antibiotic and an ant inflammatory like Rimadyl. Some dogs feel "kind of good" at first because of the good hospital meds. They ,at be a bit less chipper after those meds wear off.
Main thing is rest, rest, rest, short leashed potty breaks and more rest. No jumping, running, stairs (if possible). Roxie may not feel much like eating and she may not too for a few days. Drinking and peeing are important though.
If you have hardwood floors, use non slip scatter rugs for traction .
When you pick her up, greet her with a strong, confident happy energy. Don even bother looking at the incision. She just wants to hear what a good girl she is and she's going home!!!
STAY CONNECTED! We are with you!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Thank you! I will do all you suggest. We will have to see how she is when we get her home. I will keep you posted and reach out if needed. Thank you again!!
Aww I'm so glad everything went well. I know it's hard not to visit but yeah it's best to let her rest up for your reunion. I hope it's soon!
Keep us posted and holler with any questions. I'm usually in the Tripawds Chat during daytime hours so stop by if you feel like it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
May I ask a question? We are scheduled to pick Roxie up at 1100a ct today. I asked that all meds be ready at that time. They are only sending her home with Gabapentin 2 capsules 100mg 3 times a day that's it. Does that make sense to you? I'm upset that they are not considering the fact that she might need more after the long acting anesthetic wears off,but my concern didn't seem make any difference. Your thoughts??
Hey there! I'm sorry I missed this earlier. You can ask a question anytime you'd like, and don't forget the Tripawds Helpline is always available if it's something you really need to ask right away (as always though, any vet-related questions should be sent to your vet).
That may be enough Gaba depending on her weight and tolerance (too high of a dose can make some dogs super sleepy and wonky). What's her weight? My question about the dosage is, how long is the rx good for? Also, she may also be getting a 3-day injectable pain reliever called Nocita. Check your invoice for that, you'll see it noted.
Yes, most dogs do have at least Gabapentin, a non-steroidal (NSAID like Rimadyl) to bring down inflammation, and hopefully a second painkiller like Amandadine. Your vet may be taking a wait and see approach depending on her medical history. I would ask them why no NSAID and how long the rx is good for.
Let us know how it goes!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you, she did get Nocita yesterday. We have her home now. She walked in and went out back to go potty. She is resting now. We are so happy she is home. We will monitor her closely and will contact the vet if we feel she needs more pain management . Thanks for responding. We are still learning our way around the website
Oh that's wonderful! Vets who use Nocita tend to be very up on pain management , so that's one less thing for you to worry about.
She pottied on her own? That's wonderful!! What a great feeling to be back together again. Rest up, and take things very slowly. Rest is medicinal right now.
Just holler if you would like any help with the site or adding images or anything at all!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WELCOME HOME ROXIE!!!! And mobile already?? YAY ROXIE!!!
The injection should help her a lot the first couple of days. It is MAJOR surgery so generally, not always, dogs come home with at least a ten day supply of pain meds,.sometimes two weeks worth. Some dogs can get off of them a little sooner than others. If I recall. myHappy Hannah needed her two week supply extended then reduced dosage into her third week
Usually a daily antibiotic is included too.
Keep us posted as you can. Recovery doesn't last furever and you will be so Happy when you start to see her sparkle come back, slowly but surely.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Thanks guys! I've have gotten a lot of comfort knowing you are there. My 94 pound Roxie has been sleeping the day away. She actually ate a chicken breast and has hydrated. We will have to encourage her to go out before bedtime. Overall today was a good day. Thanks again!!!
Great update!! Resting comfortably is exactly what she needs to help heal. And a yummy chicken breast helps too!! Very good first day home👍
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Wow that is all really good! Roxie is a superstar!
Encouraging is totally normal. There's a fine line between babying a new Tripawd and nudging them to get up and go potty or eat. Just as long she stays mellow the rest of the time and takes it easy, her recovery should go smoothly. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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