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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Waiting to hear about osteosarcoma diagnosis
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Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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20 January 2014 - 10:53 pm
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Hi again Anna and Tyson!
You've already gotten great input. You've also started the roller coaster ride that goes alng with this journey! And yo've handles it very well!

Just want to address a couple of things. If yoj are not comfortable withnyour Oncologist r dn't feel a connection...switch to another one. I did NOT jave a good experience with mine...ver little commjnication.....eachmchemo treatment she gave me avout 120 seconds in a busy waiting room...or didn't meet with me at all. It was very much as though we were a number. So ditch her now!

All your questions avout his ability to use his rear legs effectively need to be addressed by an

darn computer freeze.......- back later sall and Happy Hannan

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!

Member Since:
14 January 2014
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23 January 2014 - 8:32 am
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lol I hate computer freezes. 

Yes, we've ditched that other oncologist. I did some research, and found the Chicago Veterinary Specialists. They are all board certified surgeons, just like the last place that we went to. However, I knew right from the bat that they were different. Everyone I spoke to on the phone was extremely helpful and very nice. After speaking with about two different people (one was giving me a rough estimate), one of the orthopedic surgeons GOT ON THE PHONE WITH ME! He took about 10 minutes of his time to answer my questions, and I found him to be very encouraging. He's the only vet so far that has been optimistic with me. I know I've only spoken to him once on the phone, but I feel so much better about him than I did after an hour with the other oncologist. 

We have an appointment with him tomorrow morning, and they said that if we wanted, we can have the amputation done in the afternoon with that same vet. Does that sound like a good idea? I think it sounds ok because we can tell right away if we like him, and that way we don't have to wait anymore and risk spreading the cancer. 

The thing about this vet, is that I think he is an orthopedic vet. My BIG question is: Do you think it's better to have the amputation done by an orthopedic surgeon or an oncologist? They do chemo treatments at the facility, so he can get chemo in the same place. 

 

Getting pretty nervous about tomorrow.  How long does an amputation usually take? I think I'm going to be a nervous wreck while he's getting surgery. I should probably just take some Nyquil and knock out...

 

Thanks! 

 

-Anna and Tyson

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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23 January 2014 - 9:03 am
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Hi Anna,

Definitely go with a surgeon to do the amputation.  None of the oncologists I have met do surgery regularly if at all, they have plenty to keep them busy!  My pug Maggie had her amp done by a surgeon then her care for the cancer was turned over to the oncologist.  We were at a facility that had everything in the same place.

If you are sure you want to proceed with amputation, and you get a good feeling with the surgeon then I don't see a problem with doing the surgery tomorrow.  You are in charge of this process!  If you are ready and you feel good about it then tomorrow is a good day. 

One thing I would find out is the after-hours staffing situation.  The bigger places tend to have staff 24/7 but some places leave pets alone at night, even after surgery.  Also find out when they expect him to come home and what the weekend staffing is like. If he comes home on Saturday and you have questions or concerns who will be available to talk to.

I don't remember how long Maggie's surgery took, but definitely have lots of things to distract you during the day.  If you haven't already done so get your house ready for a new Tripawd.  Anything to keep yourself occupied. 

 

 

Karen and Spirit Maggie

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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23 January 2014 - 9:47 am
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Okay Anna Girl! Let us hear from you when you set things up!

Karen pretty much addressed all your questio s so I'm "assuming" Tyson will be having surgery?

SOOOOOOO glad you ditched the "other"! This is one journey where "going with your gut" matters! Our poor "guts" get quite a work out here...sometimes we get "kicked in or gut" and someti es we just "walk ahnd in hand with our gut"! Crazy!!

Oh, I love that you mentio ed Nyquil!! I'll e sure and add it to my "de-stress list" I offer up! Yeah, chocolate and Nyquill, that should do it!!

HUGS to yo Anna! I KNOW this is sooooooo scarey and the first couple of weeks will be "challenging" and sleepless! Yeah, that's "normal". But when that sparkle comes back and you see how well Tyson is adjusting...YA HOOOOOOO!! Tyson's life will be filled with QUALITY and massive amounts of loving and spoiling!!

Look forward to hearing from you AND PHOTOS!! MORE PHOTOS PLEASE!!

Surrou ding you with calm and lots of love!

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

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14 January 2014
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23 January 2014 - 10:13 am
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Hi Karen and Spirit Maggie, 

Thanks for the advice! That was my thinking, too. The surgeon I spoke too does amputations on a regular basis, so I'm sure he knows what he's doing. As for feeling ready, I don't think I'll ever be ready for this. It's so scary. There are so many things to think about and consider. 

 

While he's recovering in the hospital, I'm definitely going to tripawdify my house. Any suggestions? I'm worried about the fact that we have tile and wood floor in the downstairs area. Is there anything I can do to make it easier for him so that he won't slip and fall? 

 

And I definitely need to ask about the after hours situation. It's an emergency hospital, so I'm almost positive that they have a nightly staff taking care of the animals. I called one vet while I was shopping around for a surgeon, and they told me that they don't have anyone there overnight, but that they have a cleaning staff that will advise someone if something seems wrong. That sounds sooo risky to me! They were very nice and helpful, and the price was significantly lower, but I knew that wasn't the place for Tyson. I will keep everyone updated on how everything goes. I'm sure I'll be on chat tonight freaking out. what-ever

 

-Anna and Tyson

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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23 January 2014 - 10:35 am
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I called one vet while I was shopping around for a surgeon, and they told me that they don't have anyone there overnight, but that they have a cleaning staff that will advise someone if something seems wrong. That sounds sooo risky to me! They were very nice and helpful, and the price was significantly lower, but I knew that wasn't the place for Tyson.

Eeeek! Oh my gosh thank you so much for not going there.

As for Tripawd-proofing your house: Runners, runners and more runners. We've found that Costco carries some decent ones at $11 a pop - what a deal! Some folks use yoga mats but if you go that route just make sure they're not the super cheap ones, as they slide all over the place. You really want to create a path for him to easily travel around your home. Any slips and that can really blow a Tripawd's confidence for a while, it's a heartbreaker.

Raised bowls also help, as do baby gates to block off places he shouldn't go.

 

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

Westminster, MD
Member Since:
31 August 2013
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23 January 2014 - 11:55 am
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Hi Anna and Tyson, so sorry you have to deal with all this, but you are in great company here. I cannot give you any better advice than everyone here already have, but just want to let you know I am thinking about you and handsome Tyson with your new journey. It can be hard at times, but hang in there. I love all dogs of every breed, color, shape, and size, but I have a special spot in my heart for Labs......they are the only breed I've ever had. Keep us posted on sweet Tyson, and we are all here for you.
Bonnie & Polly

Los Angeles
Member Since:
30 December 2013
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24 January 2014 - 1:27 am
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Hi Anna and Tyson
You are such a wonderful mama to your fur baby, I know Tyson feels your love and that will keep him strong and help him thru this tough time.
Everyone else pretty much covered your questions, I just have a few things to add.
- Jersey Girl's surgery was about 2.5 hours and they're about the same size and both older (she's 9). Hers was also done by an orthopedic surgeon.
- Consider getting Tyson Ruff Wear boots. Jersey has the red ones with the tire-like treads and they've helped a lot, especially on shiny tiles.
- Also consider getting a couple medium-sized kids t-shirts or dri-fit material shirts for him to wear over the incision. We like the girls ones with capped sleeves b/c they're short enough to not stretch out and get caught on JG's good paw when she gets up to walk. They also have a more narrow body. You'll know what I mean after 1 day with something else.
- Be sure to have his favorite healthy foods on hand (fish, chicken, etc) in case he won't eat his doggie food for awhile.
- Oh and ask Jerry about what to do when you pick him up. Great advice - focus on his eyes not the incision, be strong pack leader, etc.

We're 21 days out from surgery and I'll say it's hard to watch, especially when he first tries to walk. It WILL get better fast, especially once he's home with his loving family!

Please keep us posted on all the details. We care and we'll be eager to hear how all of you are doing. You are definitely on our mind and in our prayers for a speedy recovery!

Paw love
Claudia

Los Angeles
Member Since:
30 December 2013
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27 January 2014 - 1:07 am
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Hi Anna

How is Tyson? You've both been on my mind, I hope everything is ok! Please let us know when you get a chance. We care and we are here for you!!

Claudia and Jersey Girl

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