Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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dsimas said:
He tries to do our routines. Wants to go to the barn with me in the morning, but can't go that far. And last night I let him out and he never came back. I went with a flashlight and found him by the burn pile in the pasture, just admiring the stars. I think the just went too far and wasn't strong enough to make it back. The hopping is hard work until he strengthens those muscles.
Trouble spent lots of time lying outside as she healed. There seems to be some primal connection with the outdoors for them. Today, she still likes to lay outside and watch time go by. Remember, Trouble is a dog that lives exclusively in the house.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I'm so glad to hear that Raven is doing a bit better! It will definitely take him some time to realize his limitations, and to get more strength back into the remaining legs.
I also hate it when Jake falls down. It freaks me out, and I worry that he's hurt himself... But then he usually tries to get right back up. Except for the past 2 days... when he falls, he just stays down, unless we help him get up using his harness. I'm hoping its just a little setback (he's just 44 days post op), and nothing serious.
I remember the first 2 weeks (especially the first week) after Jake's surgery. I hardly slept at all... It's so hard not to worry about our babies... they have no idea what's going on with them...
Hope that Raven gets a bit better each day... and that soon he'll have the strength to hop all the way to the barn with you!!
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Dawn and Raven,
Very glad to hear that Raven is doing better. One of the really bad things about this journey is the roller coaster ride with all the ups and down. We would all love to have steady, even if slow, recovery but that is very rare. As Cherry approaches her one year ampuversary, I can tell you that she still falls but usually it is because of her hurrying too much. However, I would worry about Raven falling before the stiches are removed. You want to make sure that the healing is well along. Try making a make-shift sling. I know that with Raven's weight you will not be able to provide all the support, but you may be able to help steady him.
Good Luck and Keep Us Posted.
Bob & Cherry
I'm glad to hear that even with the bleeding it sounds like Raven is doing as well as can be expected. Try to keep him from over exerting himself. I would also suggest you start him on a joint supplement. We didn't with Emily and now she is having severe problems with hip dysplasia. I know it is genetic but the vets were not concerned at all about it pre-amp. The extra pressure on her remaining hip has been hard on her and I think a joint suppelement would have helped.
Keep us posted, Dawn.
Debra & Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I am hoping you can see this picture?
I have a short youtube video too. This was the first time walking after that first horrible night when I felt overwehelmed after he hemorraged, found you guys at 3am, and felt my dog had completely given up. Next day I shot this:
He's not as willing to get up lately. I think he has sore muscles? I am sore for a day or two after using muscles I don't normally use? He is, and has been for a few years, on glucosamin/condroiten/HA/MSM supplements. His hips are "excellent" OFA, and both knees had ACL's 6-7 years ago and are perfect, and the xrays showed NO arthritis for his age. 
Other than fatigue, his elbow is getting raw from laying down and hitting it with his weight when outside. I bandaged it now too…
Trying to figure out how to set up his blog today.
Thanks for all the input everyone.
Dawn and Raven
Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from. raven.tripawds.com
Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com. miles.tripawds.com
Raven, your video made us smile. We know that recovery seems like a long way off but you'll get there. The seroma business is pretty nasty but your vet is right, that's exactly what they said to me when I was oozing everywhere after surgery. It went away after a week or so.
It's hard not to overdo things so soon after surgery, but most of us do. That's what makes us so sore. Give it time, go easy on yourself, and pretty soon all those little routines you used to do will come back to you in one way or maybe new ones will start too.
Love the video. We added it to our "Tripawd Movies Before and After Amputation Surgery" forum thread. Feel free to post more there too if you'd like.
Have a good week. Keep us posted OK?
xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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