Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello,
My beautiful little Cane Corso Liza is scheduled for her amputation this coming Tuesday February 28th. Needless to say the emotions of our family are all over the place and we were referred to by our Oncology team at Ohio State University to this website for support and information.
So far, while it is certainly overwhelming, and a diagnosis we did not anticipate for our 4 year old family member - we are encouraged by the stories that we have read here! An additional diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy has us a little more pessimistic about her long term future, but we are still optimistic about her overall health and her ability to recover quickly from the amputation.
As a result of her diagnosis, while too late to make an impact on her current cancer, we have switched both our dogs to a raw diet. We have also continued her homeopathetic remedy treatment regimine in order to help stay off future spread. While she will also be undergoing chemotherapy we are wondering if there are any real contraindications to homeopathic remedies while on chemo. Her current remedies include hecla lava, sulphur, cell salts, and astragalus 10.
Again, thank you to all that have shared their stories and advice on this forum, and we look forward to the next stage in our canine family experience.
Andy, Angela, Liza, and Cooper
Hey guys welcome. I wanted to get your post approved so others can chime in, I'll be back in the morning. Thanks for joining us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Little?? Did you say"little" Cane Corso??? Can't wait to see pictures of your "little" beautiful Lisa!
We all know how devastating it is to hear this kind of news. It just stuns you and turns your whole world upside down. You are full of uncertainty and fear, emotionally raw and completely exhausted. We get understand like no others can!
YOU ARE NOT ALONE, okay? We're here for you and will help you get through the recovery period. And we're also here ro celebrate all of Lisa's victories and many milestones along the way! 🙂
You clearly have done your research and have a great medical team your side.
Just a couple of quick tips, if you jave hardwoods you'll want to get non- slip scatter rugs for traction . You probably already heave raised food bowls. No stair climbing for the first couple of weeks. Just rest and short potty breaks and then more rest.
Every recovery is different. Every dog is different. Being such a young gal, Lisa will.probably have a faster recovery than others. Then again, maybe not! Regardless, her sparkle WILL start to come back as she gets further and further away from the surgery and that bum leg!
Double check with yiur Onco and/or a Holistic Vet about using chemo with the supplements she's on. I would think it could be beneficial, but I'm no Vet.
As far as her future, NOW is the time to Be More Dog ! Now is the time to BE MORE LISA! A "diagnosis" doesn't mean squat to Lisa! She could care less about days on a ccalendar and certainly doesn't have a timeframe stamped anywhere on her little Cane Corso butt!! Lisa is living in the moment, in the now. All she cares sbout is quality time with you for spoiling and loving and tummy rubs and treats, topped off with butt scratches!
Do just like Lisa, live in the moment and make every moment be the best moment ever!!
Stay connected and let us know any questions you may have. We're here ro help.
Hugs to all
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!
*starts chant* pics pics pics pics pics pics!
So sorry your sweet girl is going through this but the good news is, your girl is young and will likely bounce back a bit more quickly than say, my 12 year old "pup". Sally is so right (get used to this if you plan to stick around a while) and covered pretty much all I could say but I still wanted to chime in to welcome you.
The first few days after surgery can be rough on us humans - we suffer more than on our furbabies, I think - so stay connected and log on in when you're feeling frayed at the edges. Sally will always recommend chocolate and lots of deep breaths, so stock up on the candy if you want to be "compliant" with her advice and know we are all here to support you and cheer on your sweet girl!!!
Sending positive vibes!
Amy & Izzy, too
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Thanks for the kind words, I hear that it's certainly worse for us humans than for the furbaby. Just a few more days, and then her pain will be gone and a new chapter for us begins. Again, thanks for the kind words and support!
@oooove Lisa's avatar picture! What a beauty! 🙂 Lisa has such a smoochable magnificent mug!!
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!
Hope everything went well for Liza today.
Rocky and I are two weeks ahead of you all since he had his surgery on Feb. 14. Definitely a nerve-wracking time, but it does get better.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
I hope the surgery went well, please update when you can.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
So her surgery was completed on Tuesday, and we brought her home last evening. She came out of recovery well, and was already her wiggly, perky self getting into the car. While I admit it was difficult to see her in her new body, we were happy that the cause of her pain was eliminated, and she seemed to be adjusting quite well. After a long car ride home, she was happy to be reunited with her 2 brothers (1 canine and 1 feline). Last night was a little difficult - she didn't get out of bed to pee, but other than than, she slept pretty comfortably and through til about 9 am. She didn't eat this morning, she saved her breakfast until we hand fed it to her at about 1 pm. But she started to feel a little better in the afternoon and went outside. She is able to get up on her own, and has taken pretty well to the "new hop", and even was strong enough to walk around on her own in the new 8" of snow!! So proud of her determination!!! Her brother has been awesome, and not being his usual "all up in her face wanting to play" self, realizing that something isn't quite normal. So for the first day home, it's been an overall success.
I have pictures of course, but I don't know how to upload them here!
Anyway, she is currently resting comfortably, and has already broken the surgeons rule of no getting on the furniture - she just hopped right by and boom - up on the sofa (her comfy spot). Dad didn't get a lot of sleep last night, so I'm pretty tired. Will update as things progress! Thanks for your support!
calong3212 said
I have pictures of course, but I don't know how to upload them here!
Here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts . If you don't already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog any time and upload them there. Need further help? Post in the Tech Support forum and we'll be happy to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for posting about the blog. I'm exhausted and can't give it the 100% tonight, but it's a start! more to come - both before, after, and as we progress!
Please visit us at...
Welcome home Wiggly Liza! I'm delighted she's doing so well. You'll get used to her 'new body' in no time, I promise, especially once her coat grows back; it's the amount they shave that's shocking, as much as anything, I think. It's great that Liza's eating, and has you primed to handfeed – if ever a dog deserved to be spoiled...
Do try to ensure she takes it easy, just short leashed potty breaks for now. It's easy for spirited, determined dogs to overdo it at this stage and she needs lots of rest to help her recover. So sweet that her brother is so sensitive. Is he a Cane Corso too? Just popping over to your blog...
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
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