Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey Elisabeth and Monte 🌸🐾
SO lovely to hear from you, girl!
Well, I can see the point of the CT followed by surgery, especially if Monte has early stage DCM ...
You'll want to have him under as little anaesthesia as possible ...
As for the bandaged area ... that is a tricky one.
As a fellow Mom of a huge Dane I know ... if they really want to do something, they will (if you aren't there to correct them, that is).
So you'll need to keep awk's eyes on him for about a week, hey?
As for his size/aftercare, here's the good news: you can do this.
I am about your height and Monte is about Eurydice's weight, so you can believe me!
You WILL find the strength to lift him up and help him with toilet breaks, and don't forget he'll spend the majority of his time sleeping/resting during recovery.
I would advise you to get t-shirts to protect the incision and find a soft harness which he will wear over it at all times until stitches are out.
I don't know which harness you've got, but maybe you could get the hospital to lend you a soft one for the initial 10 days?
If the harness is too solid (like the ruffwear one) it could cause friction or fiddle with the stitches.
I never crated my dog, when she arrived from surgery (and for weeks after that) I would sleep by her side in the living room.
You'll find it is very comforting for Monte to have you nearby and also this way you can monitor him properly.
Having said this, others did crate their dogs, so wait for their comments.
There is a recommendation I want to make if you have decided to follow the chemo route.
If that is the case, please consider asking the surgeon to place a VAP (venous access port) on Monte's neck during surgery.
It is a relatively simple procedure which will allow chemo to be administered through that port which means zero pain and no fiddling with Monte's veins, it also allows for blood samples to be collected without any trouble or pain.
The only reason why I am mentioning this now is the moment to have the VAP placed is when he has his surgery done, to save him from having another anaesthesia if you decide later.
I am a strong advocate for VAP's having seen how well it worked for my baby girl, if you want to know more about it I'm happy to explain further.
What you have to remember is you and Monte are about to start a new life, a happy, happy life.
It can be scary, especially with a dog his size but you will get through this and remember we are all here for you!
And as Jackie beautifully put it, in one of her posts "whatever your dog may experience, it is almost guaranteed one of us will have had the same happening and will be able to advise and help"
You are not alone, sweetie, we are all here with you for the long run!
Monte is going to surprise you, sugar, you will not believe how well he is going to do.
Just stay strong for him and lean on us anytime!
Sending you an avalanche of kisses and a tornado of hugs to your baby boy 😘🐮💫💫🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Hi Elizabeth and Monte!
I just went through a front leg amputation with my big boy, Abnar. He's a greyhound, so not quite 180 pounds, but 80 was still enough to worry about wrangling for me! I was *amazed* at how quickly he adapted to walking on three legs. In part, he'd already warmed up to the idea because he wasn't trying to put any weight on the injured leg, and in part, I think greyhounds have an advantage by being so narrow. But he hated being helped, and he hopped into and out of the car when we picked him up from surgery, and he's only slipped once in the last two and a half weeks. Everybody's different, but I hope that gives you a little peace when you worry about aftercare.
We didn't go the crate route for Wabs either, but we slept in the living room with him because that's where he seemed most comfortable and we wanted to be around in case he woke up at night (which he did).
I wanted to mention one thing about the osteosarcoma vaccine trial through Aratana too, in case you hadn't heard back: Right now they're *only* working with dogs who have undergone amputation and chemotherapy, so if you're interested in being a part of that trial, you're making the right first steps in that direction.
I feel for y'all in this tricky time; don't hesitate to ask any questions before or after the big day. These forums got me through it!
<3, Monica + Wabs
Thank you all for the response and encouragement! Monte has shown me since Wednesday his determination and will to get around. He too will stand on three legs when outside just be out side in the fresh air; I'm thinking he has to go potty. When he wants to get up from the floor, he does exactly that and waste no time in doing so.
The anticipation of waiting till Wednesday is stressful in that it makes you feel like time is out of your hands. Know what I mean? But, I tell Monte all the time to hang in there with me and we're gonna get through this. I'm sure he will adjust. He's surprised me a time or two already.
Theresa, thank you for the information on the VAP. I appreciate you telling me about that. Monte doesn't care to have his back legs not functioning when he's having enough trouble with the front! I will most definitely be sleeping by his side. Or within arms reach. I think the room he's already comfortable in will be suffice. Theresa, the harness I ordered was the ruff wear one you mentioned. The only problem is that Monte's gearth is bigger than what the middle strap allows so I have a friend adding some length to it.
Jerry, may I suggest an XXL harness to be available or an adaptable piece to lengthen the straps?!
Again, thank you all! I feel more encouraged when I read your helpful suggestions and comments on what has helped and not helped.
I have called the nearest vet participating in the vaccine trail. Monte has already had treatment before deciding to amputate. I will follow up with them again to see what they may suggest. Either way, I'm thankful that eventually the vaccine will be available to all who need it.
Have a safe and happy memorial day and thank you to all who have or are serving
Elizabeth and Monte
eblanton83 said
...may I suggest an XXL harness to be available or an adaptable piece to lengthen the straps?!
Great suggestion, however, Tripawds does not manufacture any harnesses.
The EzyDog Convert Harness is available in an XXL size.
The Web Master harness could possibly also be modified by adding additional wedding to the straps, which would of course void the warranty. But this post might be helpful for doing that... An Easy Webmaster Harness Strap Repair Tip
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey there sweetie pie 🌺
I cannot believe the size of your boy’s chest 🏋🏼♀️😳 wow!
When you can please, please post some pictures, cannot wait to see your beautiful brindle boy !
SO happy to hear you and him are ready to start a new fantastic, exciting and happy life together 💓
Sending you a big, big hug and lots of ear scratches to your sweet boy 😘😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
You've done your research, you've had Monte evaluated and you have a good positive energy surrounding Monte. Good job!
Only other thing I'll add, when you pick Monte up, don't even bother to look at his incision. He just wants to see your smiling face telling him what a good boy he is 😊
We're right by your side the whole way. Recovery is no picnic at first. It can be an exhausting and stressful time. But when Monte turns the corner and his sparkle comes back, it will all be worth it!
Grab some chocolate and get some rest. Monte is going to rock on three legs and will be pain free!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Teresa, I posted this video of your Angel Eurydice so that Elizabeth can see just how well big dogs can rock three. I love this video, it is really inspiring to see how she really rocked three regardless of size.
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Oh, it was so sweet to see Eurydice here today 💕🕊💕
Elisabeth, my Angel is going to be right next to Monte tomorrow, you can be sure of that.
Before you know it, surgery will be over and henceforth you will be able to enjoy a happy new life together.
Your tripawdian family is sending waves of pawsitive energy your way, we are all by your side!
Sending you an avalanche of kisses and cuddles to Monte 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
admin said
eblanton83 said
...may I suggest an XXL harness to be available or an adaptable piece to lengthen the straps?!Great suggestion, however, Tripawds does not manufacture any harnesses.
The EzyDog Convert Harness is available in an XXL size.
The Web Master harness could possibly also be modified by adding additional wedding to the straps, which would of course void the warranty. But this post might be helpful for doing that... An Easy Webmaster Harness Strap Repair Tip
Sorry Jerry, yes, I was referring to the Web Master harness !
Thank you all so much for the encouragement! Love the video!!
I am sorry but I cannot seem to get these pictures uploaded. When I go to the instructions as given it's not allowing me to insert. I'd love for you all to see my big Monte! Will try to load again later.
Thank you for the suggestion of not looking at his incision.
Love to all,
Elizabeth and Monte
Hi Elizabeth! Sorry about the photo issues. What device are you using? Phone? Laptop? We can help. We'd love to see him too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ohhhh he is soooooo GORGEOUS! I'm thrilled you got the photos figured out. YAY! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OMD Elizabeth bravo!! 🐾💖🐾
He is gorgeous!! And GINORMOUS!! Thank you for taking all that effort to bring us pictures, I cannot tell you how much it is appreciated 💖
Holding you both in my thoughts, we will send you as many healing positive thoughts as we can and our angels will watch over you. Hang tight, you got this!
Big hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry ❤️
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Sorry for the big pictures! I figured out the right way after I submitted the reply....learning experience! (The snow and playing with other dogs photos are pre diagnoses of his condition.)
This evening has been a little unusual due to the bandage over the tumor. Monte decided to once again take it off and of course he was licking it and oh my.... anyway, I got it all covered again and he's been restless on and off since then. Tomorrow can't be here fast enough. I don't mean to wish away a day but his pain is really starting to get to him. Thank you all for the prayers and comforting words.
We are in NC and a time of procedure has not been given other than the drop off time is 7:30 - 8:00 am. I will post as soon as I know something. Once again, thank you all
Elizabeth and Monte
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