Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi! Fellow chocolate lab lover here! I'm so happy to hear Shadow is doing so well after surgery
I am sure you are feeling some relief that the surgery is over. That hard decision is behind you guys now, and it sounds like Shadow is doing a great job already post amputation. That's awesome!
As for chemo, as Jerry suggested, we met with an oncologist for our girl after her staples came out. Lady was 12.5 years old and a big ol' choco lab (102 pounds when she had the surgery). I actually printed out the list of questions Jerry had posted and I asked every single one and checked them off as the vet answered LOL. The oncologist was very honest in saying that chemo likely wouldn't make a difference (her cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes) and just like Brownie, Lady HATED the vet. Especially with Covid protocols of not being able to go in with her, it just wasn't the way we wanted to spend her last few months. As others have said, you know your dog best and the decision you make will be the best one for Shadow.
I can't wait to see pictures of Shadow and I hope that recovery continues to go smoothly. We'll be here for you through it all! XO
Thanks for the help you guys! I'll just focus on this recovery step and then I'll see if I can scrounge the money for an oncologist. I've already out more than I have towards this, but I think the only way to stay sane is by focusing on one step at a time. Shadow is doing great on day 3. Potty breaks are getting shorter and easier. He ate a whole breakfast today (only after I coerced him by scrambling an egg in it, but a win is a win, and he deserves the extra treats anyways.) A little worried about him learning to poop now. He really likes to walk while he does his business, but I'm sure he'll adjust. Pain pills seem to be working well still. The cone is still more annoying than the loss of a leg. I'm still not sure how to upload photos here, but I did write a short blog to upload a few, that I think still needs to be approved, and named it shadowntoparty, if any of you are interested in seeing those once it comes through. I go back to work today, and I'm a little nervous about that. But I'm just going to barricade him on the rugged area of the living room, and come back to check on him when I can. I may also have a friend that will come hang out with him for a while too. Super thankful for the communities around me right now.
That's a great plan!!! I took it one day at a time as well. Shadow WILL get stronger and more confident on 3! It already seems like he is doing a fantastic job! Lady was a walker when she pooped, too! For the first month, she did this thing where whenever she would walk she would actually go in reverse for a bit. I think it was because she still felt confident enough on her back legs. It was really cute. Eventually she figured it all out though. It's great you'll have a friend to check up on him, and I will be sure to check out the blog as soon as it's approved 🙂 Good luck on your first day back at work!
You are so right, taking things one day at a time is the way to go! Shadow is doing it, you can too.
As for the pooping, you'll be so surprised! Wyatt Ray learned how to poop without a problem. They figure it out, they really do!
Let us know how today goes. You have a great attitude about things, it shows. Keep it up 
P.S. I'll have Admin Guy look into the blog, he'll get it done today.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Don't worry about walking and pooping. Brownie was the same way. After amputation he just hopped and pooped.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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