Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Tripawds Three Legged Dog and Cat Forums Size and Age Matters 10 yr rottie needs amputation

10 yr rottie needs amputation

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fetchon3

New Haven, CT

Member Since:
27 December 2012

Offline

11 March 2013 - 6:31 pm

Yes, sleep tonight! I'm glad you made a decision, as simply committing to something, to a plan, is so powerful. Good luck, Buddy! Please keep us posted!!! We like to celebrate first wags and wiggles, first poos, first real meals, etc. laughing

~Katy

ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!

dharma

Member Since:
26 February 2013

Offline

11 March 2013 - 8:09 pm

I have a size Large Get-A-Grip harness I bought for Kermit that turned out to be too big for him that would probably be perfect for Buddy. I adjusted everything I possibly could but it was still just not going to work, and their invoice says that once it's been on a dog they won't take it back. Let me know if you want it- if not I'll put it on the Angel Exchange for someone else. It's brand spanking new & beautifully made, so someone should get some use out of it!

I also used a canvas bag with the sides cut for a temporary sling- but I put a hole in it for his remaining front leg to go through; that held it from slipping back toward his belly while he hopped at top speed on our early walks!

melerpoteet

12 March 2013 - 1:41 pm

Surgery went well this morning! Vet said it took 2 hours and Buddy is already trying to sit up but is still a bit groggy from the anesthesia. His lung xray befor surgery was clear! Just have to make it through recovery now and then home! I knew Buddy wasn't ready to give up!!

Again, can't think those of you on this site enough. Some folks around me have told me I have done the wrong thing and only prolonging and making Buddy suffer. They do not know my Buddy nor do they know the many stories I have read on this site and the support that I have received. I must tell others about this site and I will remain active on here!

Once Buddy has recovered, I plan on seeing if I can get him to be approved to be a therapy dog where I work. I work at an inpatient rehabiliation facility where folks are recovery from physical issues, one of which is amputation. Image the strength and encouragement Buddy could provide these folks! I also think Buddy would enjoy this as well as he loves people. This may have been what GOD wanted all along.

Will keep updating on Buddy's recovery!!!

fetchon3

New Haven, CT

Member Since:
27 December 2012

Offline

12 March 2013 - 1:45 pm

Wonderful news! Yey, Buddy! We knew you'd make it. Now, the hard part starts: recovery. I love your idea for his post-amp lifestyle. He would be quite an inspawration!

~ Katy

Tripawds

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

Offline

12 March 2013 - 2:13 pm

Wooo hooo! The scariest part is over. Take a deep breath, relax and stay pawsitive! You and Buddy have a great future ahead of you.

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

amya

Fort Wayne, IN

Member Since:
25 January 2013

Offline

12 March 2013 - 2:55 pm

Yay for Buddy! You have a great attitude and that will be picked up by Buddy.

I gave our vet Tripawds information and told her to have any prospective pawrents give me a call if they are contemplating amputation.

Like Katy said, we love to read about the recovery days, which includes peeing and pooing! We are here to help.

Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14

Tripawds

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

Offline

12 March 2013 - 3:41 pm

amya said
I gave our vet Tripawds information...

Thank you! That is exactly why we have

Tripawds Fliers and Cards available for printing in the Downloads blog .

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

princess

Sydney, Australia

Member Since:
13 September 2011

Offline

12 March 2013 - 4:02 pm

I'm so glad Buddy came through the surgery OK.

I get a little annoyed (read a lot annoyed) with well meaning people giving advice when they don't understand the bond between human and dog or how quickly dogs recover from amputation (so much quicker than humans).

The next couple of weeks can be a bit rough but we are here to help you where we can.

Karen and Spirit Magnum

Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/

amya

Fort Wayne, IN

Member Since:
25 January 2013

Offline

12 March 2013 - 4:31 pm

admin said

amya said
I gave our vet Tripawds information...

Thank you! That is exactly why we have
Tripawds Fliers and Cards available for printing in the Downloads blog .

Very cool! We have an appointment on Thursday so I'll take some with me.

fetchon3

New Haven, CT

Member Since:
27 December 2012

Offline

12 March 2013 - 4:46 pm

Yeah! Who knew! Great (Rene, ignore my email...).

~ Katy

krun15

12 March 2013 - 5:48 pm

Great news that the surgery went well.... it is always tough waiting for the post-op call.

Once Buddy is all healed up I bet those doubters around you will have a different opinion. And if they don't- too bad for them, they will be missing out on another inspirational tripawd story.I'm sure we have warned you about the possibility of a rough couple of weeks- don't get discouraged if Buddy seems not himself for awhile. My pug Maggie had me doubting my choice for amputation- she really took her time to come around. Most are themselves in 2 or 3 weeks- and some lucky pups sail through recovery without missing a hop- all dogs heal and deal on their own schedule.

Karen

melerpoteet

15 March 2013 - 9:19 am

Home now for 1 night. Buddy is a bit timid which isnt like him but at times he hops right up, wags his tail and follows me through the house. I know we are going to have good days and bad days but I told him we are in this together! I am so happy he is with me, I even took the day off of work to spend with him today!

He is getting around the house pretty good and is able to go outside. We have to watch our other rottie because she gets so excited she almost knocks him down! He is eating, pooping and peeing! Sorry didn't know how to say that better.

Now we have to work on getting 10 pounds off of him because I can see he is short of breath when getting around due to his weight. I told him we would loose the pounds together because I do the same thing. LOL !!!

It was a bit overwhelming for my husband at first but he will get better. He said he almost cried because he can't shake hands with Buddy anymore... I said well Buddy still gives kisses and they were better than the hand shakes.

Still staying strong for Buddy but have to admit, it is tough seeing your baby having some difficulty in getting around and also sad to see him in pain or inactive at times. I know it will get better, just need time.

Tripawds

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

Offline

15 March 2013 - 9:31 am

You are both doing GREAT! Being sad about Buddy's current condition is natural (yes, it's SO tough to see them re-learn how to do things) but once you see how he's not sad or regretful, you'll see him in a whole new light.

Keeping him slim is one of the best things anyone can do for their dog but especially for a Tripawd. If you need any tips see our Nutrition blog and search for "Diet", as well as our Eating Healthy Forum.

Oh and tell your husband that we've seen plenty of front-leg Tripawds who learn how to shake with their other paw, just by sitting up instead of standing! It's great exercise and that's a neat trick you guys can work toward, I'll bet Buddy will get the hang of it in no time.

Good luck this weekend, keep us posted.

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

melerpoteet

17 March 2013 - 8:13 am

Each day is better for both Buddy and I. He is getting around and is moving more. When we leave the house, he wants to go to! He is even trying to follow me around the house like he used to. My vet called me Friday evening to see how he was doing and he said Buddy did better than he thought.

All we need know is more time and lots of healing, love, and spoiling!

fetchon3

New Haven, CT

Member Since:
27 December 2012

Offline

17 March 2013 - 9:16 am

That IS excellent! Happy Buddy!