Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All,
Fred is home and it's like he never had the leg in the first place! I couldn't believe he could be so lively and normal after such major surgery. The vet did a wonderful job, it looks so neat! He bounced out to the car as if he's been doing it his whole life!
I'm having trouble looking at the side with the missing leg though. It is distressing to see the drains poking out and air beneath him. I also get extremely anxious (hysterical) if he yelps. He doesn't do it often, but he sounds so distressed.
I am very worried about it when I will be looking after him by myself next week.
Sorry I had photos but can't seem to find the button to put them in.
Fred! You are awesome. I had Murphy by myself for a long weekend after his THR, and although I was apprehensive, we did just great. You will, too. Any questions, just come here.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Glad to hear he's home and doing well! He may slow down over the next few days, it's not uncommon. Their bodies realize they need to recuperate and some dogs will "crash" but don't be too worried. Let your vet know if anything seems amiss.
It's nervewracking but be strong. Remember, he absorbs your energy and will follow your lead.
Here's instructions for adding photos to the Forums.
Can't wait to see some pix!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome home Fred! Try and look into his eyes .. he's the same guy!
Let him get lots and lots of rest (and you too). The hard part is over! Let the healing begin!
Alison & Shelby
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Welcome home, Fred!
Don't worry...pretty soon you won't remember what four-legged Fred looked like!
Come here if you have any questions, concerns or just want to vent.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Just after I posted, Fred's wound started bleeding. He started yelping and my husband and son had to deal with it as I was hysterical and hid in the study. A neighbour helped John get him to the vets.
He's bandage and sedated and asleep now. The vet said he'd done too much. He dragged John all the way down the driveway this morning when he was taken outside for a wee. He wanted to go for a walk. Honestly he has no idea that he has just had major surgery and has lost a leg! That's labs for you I guess.
I totally suck at this. Thank God John and Nick were here.
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FRED IS HOME AND SURGERYMISMOVER!! YAAAAAAAAY! And YAAAAAY formJohn and Nick! And YAAAAA formyou! You are stonger thannyou realize!z,
Yes, Fred MUST take it very easy, as you've already found out. Right now anf for another day or two, he's still ki d of high on hospital meds. As they where off and he's on just pills, he may ot feel quite as chipper, which, in Fred's case may be a good thing as he needs rest!
My Hapy Hannah yelped and whined for several days and nights.....it's no picnic, that's for sure!
You are NOT alone!! We are all here foryou!!
When Fred yelps, just go over and gently massage him, co fort him, talk to himin a soothing voice. That exercise will help keep you calm too and that's the ki d of energy Fred needs arond him right now.
You're doing great!!
Hugs to all!
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!
Aww you don't suck, not at all. We all felt like we didn't know what we were doing at first, but you'll get the hang of it.
Was the bleeding a seroma ? If so, it's not unusual and typically not a problem at all, it's just fluid buildup in the body that has to go somewhere and will take the path of least resistance. But yeah, they do tend to be made worse by too much activity, it's one of the reasons that dogs need to have very limited activity for the first two weeks. It's so hard when you have an energetic doggie though! Have you tried interactive toys?
Good luck today!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, if this was the third or fourth time you brought a Tripawd home after surgery you MIGHT say you suck at this....
Maggie had previously been altered, and had a throat surgery (common for pugs) before her amp surgery. She had also had a rather large incision when her first tumor was removed. But all that together was nothing compared to her amp surgery! This is a huge surgery, even if Fred's acting like his old self his body is going to have to adjust. And we have to adjust too, I don't think anyone here can honestly say that it wasn't startling to see our Tripawds for the first time. I was lucky enough to have Maggie live almost 4 years as a Tri-pug. Even after all that time I would sometimes think... Gee my dog only has three legs....but that was all me. Once Maggie got the hang of her new normal she never looked back. Sounds like Fred has already moved on!
You might talk to your vet about phantom pain if the yelping continues. Many here have had good luck with Gabapentin for phantom limb pain.
It's amazing what we can do when we have to. Can you line up a friend or neighbor to be on standby next week in case you need help? I'm guessing you will be fine, but the back up plan might give you some peace of mind.
Give yourself a break, this is HARD! Keep in touch here if you have questions or just need to vent, and call your vet if you get worried.
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
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