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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My baby Kasey a border collie was diagnosed with a tumor on her right front leg 3 weeks ago. Her vet decided to refer me to a specialist surgeon as she would need a skin graft. Kasey had surgery a week ago to remove the tumor. Amputation wasn't an option for us as Kasey is 12.5 yrs and has bad arthritis in her left elbow. Kasey had stem cell therapy 2 weeks ago to try and improve the pain in her left elbow. It seems to have made some difference. After surgery I learned there was a nerve the surgeon had to cut as the tumor had grown around it. The vet was worried about the blood supply to Kasey's foot. A week after surgery Kasey contracted gangrene in her foot. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the love of my life. I needed to make a decision so I went ahead with amputation. Kasey has been home for 2 days and is extremely frustrated. It breaks my heart to see her struggle. I have no idea what I'm doing i wish i could trade places with her. The next few weeks are going to be tough and only time will tell if she will cope with the weight on her left elbow. Any advice or similar stories would be greatly appreciated as I feel pretty lost.
Hi Becca and Kasey,
Welcome. I hope you don't mind I moved your post here but this is a good spot for talking about mobility and recovery for mature dogs like Kasey. I'm really sorry that you're in a tough place right now, please know that we are all here for you and ready to help.
My first question is, when you say Kasey is getting frustrated, can you tell us how she's showing that? It's often so hard to decipher what our animals are telling us. What looks like depression to us is often just side effects from medication after surgery. Another question: what type of pain meds is she on? Many will cause symptoms like lethargy and imbalance. If you have any concerns at all do talk to your vet but meanwhile I can tell you (and many others here) that pain management sometimes needs fine tuning until you find the right formula for her.
What other symptoms does she have?
Another thought; I know you've been through a LOT, but it's so important to project a strong, pawsitive attitude to Kasey. It's hard and for a lot of us it's not in our nature, but the more our dogs know that we are in control and optimistic, they better they will follow along. They look to us for leadership and this is one of those times it's very necessary.
Finally, here's a senior dog who reminded me of your story. Her name is Kasey too! AND she bounced back from a broken toe on one of her remaining legs, which is tough for a Tripawd. I hope it makes you smile and feel hopeful.
Oh this Sunday on Tripawd Talk Radio we'll be talking about pain management when dealing with cancer, be sure to tune in.
Stay tuned for others to share their experiences too, we're here to help. In the meantime don't hesitate to contact your vet if you feel anything at all isn't right OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
DEEP BREATHS.....B R E A T H E .......B R E A T H E...........INHALE SLOWLY, EXHALE SLOWLY! Really, taking deep slow breaths helps!!
Sorry you have to be here vut, under the circumstances, there is no better place to be!! You are no longer "lost"...we found you (rather you found us)!
We understand what you are going through like no others can! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Jerry has good advice as a lways, and has asked great questions.
Remember, this is MAJOR surgery! Heck, humans would be in the hosptal for weeks, and probably a morphine drip! Pain drigs are necessary bit, as Jerry said, they can cause some imbalance and some wacky side effects.
My Happy Hannah did not lay down for nineteen hours, whined and cried...it was breaking my heart. All I could think was what have I done TO my dog! I didn't join this community until day six and was in a state of sheer panic! This community through me a lifeline and gave me support and alot of reassurance than can only come from firsthand knowledge.
Generally, it takes about two weeks for dogs to recover from the surgery itself, and about a month to get al l the mobility, muscles, joint issues worked out.
The hospital drugs take about three days to get out of Kasey's system and that's when you start adjusting her pain pills.
Do you have scatter rugs down for traction over any hardwoos? Raised food bowls are good too to prevent straining. You may try using a towel as a sling to help her up. My Happy Hannah woukd freeze though when I tried that.
Right now, she needs complete rest and just going out to potty.
A lpt of times dogs are not eating right away and not drinking. Is she eating, drink i ng, pooping, peeing??? Pooping may take a few days. Let us know when she does, okay? We celebrate anything around here!!
Others will chime in, but we've had many seniors here and some with pretty bad arthritis, do very well once recovery takes place. I know it's really, really hard to be patient right now and to stay positive. I second guess my decision for two weeks!! When her sparkle started to come back bigger and brighter than before because her painful leg was gone....I knew I had done this FOR my dog!!!
It does get better!!!! Hang in there! TRY and get some rest!!!
And something that works wonders for humans...eat CHOCOLATE, lots snd lots of CHOCOLATE!!!
STAY CONNECTED! HOLD ONTO US! WE ARE RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE!! Please update us when you can.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Hi Becca and Kasey. I'm so sorry for the tumor issue and going through amputation. Thankfully you've found the best place for support and advice. There's a lot of knowledge here and folks willing to help.
Wow...2 days post-op is still pretty early. Like Jerry said what you think is Kasey's frustration may still be meds given to her at the clinic. Plus depending on what pain management your vet has Kasey on may be "messing" with her functioning. There are so many different meds and combinations of meds that vets use. My Leland was on Tramadol once and didn't do well with it all. However, he did fine on Gabapentin. Work with your vet in finding something that works for Kasey but doesn't make her totally loopy at the same time.
Also, the first couple of weeks of recovery are the most difficult but it does get better.
Hang in there!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
She tries to move around and get comfortable but struggles. I can just tell it's frustrating for her. I have learned that if I roll her on to her other side she settles and has a big sleep. She's been moving around a bit today and has done a poo finally which I'm happy about. I still have to hold her when she goes to the toilet. She's on Tramadol and previcox. I know the Tramadol will make her a bit wobbly. Thank you Jerry
Thanks everyone. Kasey is bright and it's hard as she wants to follow me around. It does make me question my decision but I'm not ready to say goodbye to her. The only thing failing her are her legs. She doesn't even look old as she hasn't gone grey.
She has pressure sores already as all her legs are shaved. I ordered her some non slip socks today and need to look into pads for her legs. She's eating and drinking fine. I carry her out to the toilet every couple of hours. She poo'd today which was a relief. She has a bad night sleeping as she was getting up and trying to move cos I think she got hot. I can't leave her as i'm scared she's going to try and walk and hurt herself. I have taken long service leave at work for a few weeks. It's hard as I live alone.
Hmm. I know it's hard to believe but two (now three) days out is so early. Senior dogs especially need more time to get their mobility back. I would just try to help her as much as you can and yes move her around a lot to minimize any chance of pressure sores. Are you using the ol' shopping bag trick? This might help her feel more confident about standing up:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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