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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Introducing Dino; seeking advice on putting your life on hold for amputation and chemo; experience for large breeds
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Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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6 July 2024 - 12:49 pm
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Overall a big YAAAAAY. FOR DINO!!!!

A really big YAAAAY  for a big poopiconpoopiconpoopicon!!!   We love to celebrate poopiconpoopicon around here👏😎

As far as being restless mostly at night (assuming pain is being handled), a couple things come to mind. First of all, and you may already be doing this but since you're laying right next to him and probably sleeping with one eye open anyway, you can try taking the cone off to help settle him. Also, just like humans, dogs generally have a preferred way of sleeping.... whether it be on one side or the other or more stretched out, or more curled up,etc etc etc.  Plus they like to sort of go in a circle to tamp down their "nest" before laying down. All of this pattern is interrupted if they have to lay on a different side because of the incision, or because being on three is altering that routine for now, Etc

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!

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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6 July 2024 - 9:30 pm
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Woot! His recovery sounds really typical, and actually even a little smoother than most with the latest news about his poopiconpoopiconpoopicon! That's pretty great. What are you feeding him? We need that recipe icon_lol!

His incision area looks fantastic. They did such a great job with the bandage and the sutures. As incisions go it's lovely. The cone of shame is so tough for dogs, but when you see the damage they can do to sutures, it's worth the sleeplessness and hassles. I would let him eat and drink without it but watch him closely otherwise. 

Glad he is doing so well! Keep us posted.

Member Since:
28 June 2024
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10 July 2024 - 5:54 pm
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Hi everyone, 

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement! We are doing well over here.

We are now one-week post-surgery and Dino is doing great! There has been hardly any bruising, and the seroma that developed a couple of days ago is even clearing up faster than we expected. Dino is adapting to three legs - his biggest challenge right now is pooping without toppling over, but we'll support him until he gets the hang of it. He has finished his antibiotics and just has the anti-inflammatory, painkillers, and sedatives for another week (or until we check in with the doctor).

However he still isn't sleeping well at night. I'm not sure if it is the cone as I mentione before, or because with our current arrangement only one person can sleep down on the floor on his level, or if it is something else. Usually he doesn't sleep on the bed with us, but maybe he's just seeking a little extra comfort while he recovers. He is sleeping plenty during the day though, so it is really only us who are suffering...

It was a rainy day today, but Dino didn't seem to mind. I held the umbrella over him when we went outside. It was a lot cooler today and I think that made him happy. He has started to lay gently on his stump, and I notice the stump moving a bit more as he tests it out.

-Megan & Dino

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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12 July 2024 - 10:53 am
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Dino you are such a rock star! 

I sp_hearticon2this update. You guys are right: it's always harder on us than them. Of course there can still be residual pain even with the medication, so if he's showing signs of anxiety and restlessness at night that's worth talking to your vet about since it's still early in the recovery process. 

Also, the sooner you can normalize your sleeping arrangements, that will help him too. If his seroma is cleared up, it could be OK to start helping him on the stairs at night, with the assistance of a harness like the Ruffwear Flagline . Put a shirt on under the harness so his incision isn't bothered and see how it goes. 

Yay for cooler weather!

And oh yeah that stump will always be working a little bit even years from now. 

Member Since:
28 June 2024
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22 July 2024 - 5:08 pm
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Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give a quick update on Dino’s progress.

Last Thursday Dino had his stitches removed and his first round of chemotherapy. So far he hasn’t really had side effects from the chemo, so we’re crossing our fingers that he keeps doing well!

He is starting to get around really well, and we got to go on two (very) short walks this weekend! He was very excited to go out into the world for the first time in over a month. We even popped into the local coffee shop where he got to enjoy some whipped cream. His next round of chemo is next week, and will continue about every other week through the end of September.

Thank you all for all of your kind words. This has been so hard, but Dino has been doing so well and everyone's kindness and Dino's success keeps us positive! 

-Megan & Dino

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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22 July 2024 - 6:09 pm
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  We even popped into the local coffee shop where he got to enjoy some whipped cream.

Now that is how you celebrate getting to "go back  out into  the world"!

Yes, this whole process getting to this point is hard.  However, as each day passes and Dino continues to regain his sparkle you will see he's moving on and the jard part is over!

Thanks for the great update👍

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!

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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23 July 2024 - 8:52 pm
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What a big day! I'll bet all of his local fans were just so hoppy to see him back to his usual haunts. It feels good to have those little things back in your life doesn't it?

I'm so happy to see things are on track. Team Dino is rockin' life on 3!

Livermore, CA


Member Since:
18 October 2009
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24 July 2024 - 1:49 pm
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Great update!

It's good that he has tolerated chemo so far, and great that he is getting back to the world!

 

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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