Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It seems like there are a few people having their surgeries today, and also some other sad news on the site for long term members, so I wanted to post some good news.
Ajax had his surgery last Monday, a week ago yesterday, and is doing great. I was super worried about the surgery itself, and about the decision, and I couldn't be happier with the result. So all of you having surgeries today, hang in there. We have been very lucky, but basically here's the story: He had surgery on a Monday, and came home walking unassisted on Wednesday, we took the fentanyl patches off on Sunday, he finished his Rimadyl yesterday, we have put ice on the swelling for the first 2 days and warm compresses for the second 2 days at home per vet's instructions, and all is well.
We are still in "rest" mode, though Ajax pulled me across the street last night trying to get to a cute girl dog. I was afraid to pull back for fear of pulling him off balance - help, has anyone had this issue? He's super strong! Is he going to stop running everywhere after he gets more comfortable on 3 legs ... ?
We are invited to the country this weekend but it will be less than 2 weeks from the surgery - I'm thinking this is a little too ambitious, and we should just rest even though we don't want to. Appreciate any thoughts.
It's good to hear such good news, and so great of you to post some reassurance for those going through it now.
As far as speed goes, my experience with Roxy is she doesn't slow down unless she has to. When she's hopping around the house, she's only slow on smooth surfaces and around corners. When she hits carpeted straight aways she immediately picks up speed. When we take her for walks she's full speed or nothing. With her being a front leg amputee, I think it's easier to move with the momentum. It takes a lot of strength to move that boxer body and head. Not sure if this is what you wanted to hear, but it's just my experience.
I don't really know about traveling either. I think you'd have to weigh the time spent traveling and the amount of effort he'd have to put up while there. Maybe the best thing would be to ask your vet. They could help you make the best decision for Ajax.
Leslie
Hi, thanks. Vet says "whatever you're comfortable with" not a lot of help. But I can't complain because she cut open his chest and took off his leg and he still loves her, so she must be doing something right ...
Yeah, not great news about the running thing, though I suspected as much. It's a little tough to walk a dog through the city if it's running. I guess we'll take it day by day ...
I hate vague answers. But that at least tells you that if you think he'll be able to rest, you all are welcome to enjoy the weekend in the country.
I wanted to share something else with you. We had Roxy on a walk about three weeks ago. She was hopping along, her head bobbing way up, she came down from one of her hops and her collar broke. Granted, we bought it at wal-mart, so it wasn't high quality I don't guess. She had been wearing it for just over a year, so there was probably some wear on it. She has a much better collar now. Him being a city boy, I know you don't want that to happen, so make sure he has a good, sturdy collar.
Leslie
eegads! that would be a bad thing in the city. I will do a collar check, thanks ...
Good news that Ajax is doing so good. When Tasha starts pulling and we need to pull her back we pull her gently on the side of the remaining leg, it works for us and she doesn't fall. Now for the speed of talking her for a walk, lets just say, put on your running shoes .
When she gets into the rhythm which seems best for her we are almost at a jog. Tasha wasn't and isn't the most agile dog and seems a little awkward when going slow, but wow can she run.
If you go to the country, make Ajax a really soft bed to ride in the car on, help him in and out of the car so he doesn't have to jump, keep his incision out of the dirt and then just ENJOY yourselves.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Sounds like a good report Ajax!
As for the speed....ummmm...you'll have to get used to it..and jog behind him! Seriously...it's easier if they can go faster than slower. I pick places to walk Maggie now off leash or if has to be on leash, I step up MY pace to not put pressure on the leash...physically it's just too tough on her to slow down at my pace.
As for the travelling...purely my opinion, but I think i'd wait at least until his stitches/staples are out?
Tracy, Maggie's mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Yes, I think I've decided to wait until the stitches come out. Thursday would be 10 days, so I was planning on having them out then, but my husband wants to wait the full 14.
This running thing is going to be interesting in the city. Since we can't get anywhere without walking, and we can't run everywhere even if I could live my entire life in jogging shoes, as there are people and cars and other dogs in the way. Interesting. Definitely not something the vets thought to mention. My dog walker is a magician (and also Ajax's buddy since baby dog was 9 weeks old) so maybe he'll have some tricks.
That is wonderful news about Ajax. Have you ever used a "halti" collar or sometimes called a "gentle lead". It stops them from pulling too much, without having the pressure on their neck. Instead, when they start to pull, the leash makes their head turn sideways. I use it all the time for Chloe, and always did with Skyler too. You can probably get them at any retail pet store or online at Fosters & Smith etc.
I also would have waited for the stitches/staples to come out.
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
Yay Ajax; going strong and STILL checking out the ladies. 
Once Catie gets her momentum on our leash walks, it's also way easier for her to move faster than slower so we (as in her brother Riley and me) wind up doing a slow jog beside her (the biggest problem with this is once I get MY rhythm she will suddenly decide to just stop for no reason whatsoever - except perhaps to see me do a near somersault).
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Thanks all for the tips and the reality check - You may end up seeing a post seeking "urban tripawd" parents to see how they deal with their furry zoomers
I could try the gentle leader again, but if he has to go fast, I guess he has to go fast. We tried the gentle leader when he was a puppy and he repeatedly hurled himself down on the cement trying to rub it off until he rubbed a hole in his fur ... so we used the disfavored prong until he was a year old and he pretty much never pulled again. He's a good guy, I think we'll work it out ....
I'm so happy to hear that Ajax is doing so well! That is such great news since this time period can be pretty rough. I was going to say that if you do take him on a trip, not to let him do too much until his stitches were out. Sounds like you've already got that covered. I'm sure Ajax will have no problem figuring out how to take you on walks. You'll just have to get out your running shoes and hope for the best! I speak from experience (LOL) You should take some pictures of urban Ajax hopping the streets of NYC - and people's reactions....that would probably make for some great photos!
Here's keeping our paws crossed that Ajax continues to do so well!
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
kazy55 said:
I could try the gentle leader again ... we used the disfavored prong ...
We've tried every method available to control Wyatt. The Gentle Leader worked, until he started going bald on the nose! As disfavored as the pinch collar may be, however, since he got pronged we have been able to keep him under sontrol on walks.
Some users have purchased the Ruff Wear harness to keep their dogs from pulling, and said it has worked. But most animal behaviorists will tell you that a harness will enhance a dog's urge to pull – it's why sled dogs pull so well. So go figure...
Maybe the answer is a new pair of running shoes so you can keep up with Ajax's new gait. The good news is, he will tire much quicker now. So remember to take lots of water along, and good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ajax, Shelby is just a couple of weeks ahead of you.....keep on truckin'!!!
admin said:
Maybe the answer is a new pair of running shoes so you can keep up with Ajax's new gait. The good news is, he will tire much quicker now. So remember to take lots of water along, and good luck!
Yup! I'll second that....the walks WILL be shorter, so more tolerable when you have to jog behind them! LOL! I did that tonight with Maggie...only when she hears me jogging behind her, she just picks up the pace even more! Must be from the fact she's a retired agility dog & has been 'programmed' to run when I run!!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
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