Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Never have done this before, my almost 9 year old black lab is scheduled for surgery on June 20. What can I expect when I bring him home, and how to properly care for him? It is a peripharal nerve tumor in his left armpit area. Specialist said best quality of life is to remove the leg.
What can I expect and how to I help care for him (Rahley). Thank you
Hi Terri, thanks for joining us. Sorry your post just now got approved. Future ones won't need to wait to post away.
There's no doubt the diagnosis is heartbreaking, and takes you by surprise. Many of us here have been through it, myself included. Rest assured though, that dogs can do great on three legs and you will do better than you think you will during recovery. You made a great first step by coming here and asking good questions.
I suggest starting with our What to Expect articles . They'll shed some light on how to best prepare yourself mentally, and Rahley too. Our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List is also helpful.
Some short bits of advice:
- Get traction down on any slippery floors in your home.
- Raise his food and water dishes so he doesn't have to reach so far down.
- Create a safe recovery space (not necessarily a crate) in your home by making sure he's not free to roam and overdo it during the first weeks.
- See our pain management articles so you know what good pain control looks like.
I'll be keeping an eye on your topic and others will chime in too so stay strong, you can do this! Ask any questions you'd like, we are here for you.
Chocolate lab Lacey 5 years old here! This is a great place to ask your questions. If you want to see what we went through and still are look up Lacey in the forum. Good luck, you aren’t alone!
Feel free to reach out if you need anything. This forum has tons of great info and they are super responsive!
Jist catching g up in ti sto see how aurgery went.....how Rahley is doing and how are you doing??
Guessing he's spending the night at the clinic ?
Try and get some rest tonight. Rahley is feeling just fine on some really good drugs so now you need to catch up on sleep.
When you do go pick him up tomorrow, don't even bother to draw attention to his incision. Just go in with a Happy confident energy, tell him he's a good boy and he's going home!!,
STAY CONNECTED and let is know how we can help you navigate through recovery. And remember, recovery doesn't last furever! It just seems like ot sometimes 😉
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!
Thank you, Rahley is home. surgery was 6/20/23. He is quiet, today started taking more food treats. Was wondering when the 72 heavy med wears off, I hope he won't be in even more discomfort??
Wont know what kind of tumor is for 2-3 weeks.
Terri
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