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 all. New member here (joined ~3 days ago). My best buddy Wally (profile pic) was recently diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and will be having his left hind leg amputated soon pending a clean heart scan (due to location and size of the tumor on his leg). It could be as early as tomorrow. As mentioned in the title he's a senior Boxer. He's on the short side and at 63 lbs lighter than most male Boxers as well. I received some nice and informative replies on my post on the diagnosis forum and have read several of Jerry's must read list. Any specific advice for a senior dog and/or boxer hind tripawd? Also, any pawsitive vibes will be great as well!
Thanks
Rich and Wally
Sending lots of pawsitive vibes for your handsome Wally❤
If you jave jardwood floors you'll want nonslip scatter rugs for traction . You can use a towel sling to help with mobility at first. Also here is a link to a DIY with a canvas shopping bag. DIY canvas bag sling.
I'm pretty sure you've read everything about recovery care, so won't rehash. Just know we are all jere for you to help you navigate thru it as questions arise.
Seniors may take a few days to get their sea legs and to become mobile. Slow and easy...lotsmof upbeat energgood pain management and Walkymwill get through this and o to being Wally again!
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!
Rich it's so good to see you here with Wally's story, thanks for posting. This is a great place to study senior Tripawd dogs' progress.
Any specific advice for a senior dog and/or boxer hind tripawd? Also, any pawsitive vibes will be great as well!
Sure! Pawsitive vibes coming your way! LOTS of them!
As for advice, well, just know that a senior dog can take a bit longer during recovery, as Sally mentioned. But don't get discouraged and don't compare, Wally is on his own timeline. He will get there!
Also, please do consider rehabilitation therapy. It's so important for all Tripawds but especially the mature ones. Remember, Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit !
Here's some senior Tripawd dog inspawration, and still more senior boxer search results (we've had many join us through the years). Dogs like Sarge and Levi and Petra and Roxy...prepare to be amazed!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks again Jerry and Sally. You two (along with Karen) have really been a huge help and comfort through this. To answer some of your questions:
Other than the kitchen, my entire house is carpeted. You have to go through the kitchen to get to the back yard though, so I'm planning on getting either a hallway rug or some non-skid pads to put down and make a pathway for Wally for when he has to go out.
I already made my DIY grocery bag sling (what a great idea that is!) and tried it out yesterday. Wally wasn't too enthused, but I'm sure he'll like it more when he needs the support.
I'll definitely look into rehab and great to know about the first visit reimbursement! I'll be asking Wally's surgeon and oncologist on this as well, but what's the typical timeline to start rehab?
Also, Jerry - thanks for the links to the senior dogs and boxer stories. I'll definitely be going through them on the next couple of days!
Rich and Wally
Since Wally is losing a back leg you should be able to use whatever harness you decide to get right away. I know it doesn't seem like it would provide support for the back end but it can and I have found it easier to use than a back end sling.
My Pug boy Obie has had both of his knees repaired and so was not able to weight bear on the repaired leg for a week or so each time. He wore a Webmaster all day (as long as someone was around to supervise). I could hook his leash to the back strap of the harness and it provided support while he hopped to the bathroom and back. With a taller dog the handle in the harness works great to provide support.
And if he does need the extra back end support of the sling at first you can do the harness and the sling to provide total support. And after a few days many dogs don't need any help getting around.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Dogs
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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