Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well, today I scheduled Murphy's amputation surgery for Monday. He's getting his rear left leg removed. I had been waiting for the results from his biopsy, but unfortunately the results did get point to a definite answer. The bone that they biopsied contained 'dead' cells but no cancer cells. The vet says this could be that part of the tumor has died and that they will need to do another biopsy after amputation to confirm it is osteosarcoma. They did a fine needle aspirate that showed cancer but saw a few things that normally do not occur with osteo including cancer cells in the joint. So for the amputation they will need to remove not just the leg, but also part of the pelvis.
It's been really hard waiting for the biopsy results, so it's very upsetting to learn that there are still no answers.
I've been reading through a lot of other posts about what to expect when I bring Murphy home, most likely on Tuesday. Any further advice or guidance on what I should prepare for would really, really help. That includes anything that I should go ahead and get either over the weekend or on Monday. I got him the Ruffwear Web Master harness , and I installed a gate to help keep him penned in to a small area of my house. Murphy hasn't really had a crate (I adopted him when he was older, and he could be trusted in the house by himself) but I didn't know if his movement needs to be restricted that much.
Thanks!
Murphy, became a tripawd on August 17, 2015. Went to the rainbow bridge on July 5, 2016.
The first 2 weeks were really the toughest time. Our Murphy didn't always want to eat, so I cooked up some rice and put chicken broth over it and sometimes added chunks of chicken. He came home o 3 different pain medications all due at different times. I'm a nurse, so it wasn't too hard for me lol, but harder for my husband & son - so I wrote out a medication sheet: I listed all 3 meds & how often they were due, then made columns for when they were due. Then whoever gave the med would cross it off. It also worked well for when we weaned him off. Ice packs to the incision for the first few days or so helped with pain and swelling, and so did massaging around the area to help reabsorb extra fluids.
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between too much pain medication and not enough, their actions are pretty similar. This site is the absolute best for support! Any questions you have, or even if you just want to vent (or brag!).
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Good advice from Donna!
If you haven't already read some of Jerry's books, here's a link......http://tripawds.....-library1/
Get non slip scatter rugs for traction if you have hardwood floors. Raised food and water bowls are good so Murphy doesn't have to strain.
When you pick him ul, don't even look at his incision site. Just greet him with joy and enthusiasm and tell him what a good boy he is!! He'll be so happy to be going home! He could care less about any ole' incision site!
Every dog is different with their recovery. My belpved Happy Hannah was whining and crying and restless for almost twenty hours straight! In fact, for the first several days she and I slept very, very little. Some dogs do better at first, and then when the hospital meds wear off in a couple of days they kind of crash. My Happy Hannah never even knew what a crate was either. I didn't need to confine her. She monitored her own activity level very well. Again, every dog is different.
For now, just rest, potty breaks and more rest. But once recovery takes place snd their slarkle starts to come back...pure joy!!! Let the good times roll!!
Oh, and keep lots of CHOCOLATE on ha d for yourself...it helps!!!
Stay connected! You are not alone, okay?
Hugs to all!
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!
I'm following you Murphy. Jack says you better do well 'cos he is going to have his leg off very soon when they make the appointments and he wants to hear how well you've been doing since his biopsies are also not giving any information out.
Jack also says that crates are great, they keep you away from any other dogs that might bump into you and give you a lovely peaceful place to rest on your own without anyone hassling you AND because you ain't well they also make sure you get lots of yummy stuff that no on else can get at and eat before you. Don't forget, though, to look really sad every time they think about feeding you because then whatever they give you will be super special because they feel sorry for you, see how long you can keep that one going, my favourite is chicken breast or maybe the odd bit of beef mince mixed with some nice veg - see if they'll go and pick you some blackberries not only are they yummy but they are good for you too. I am guessing that they aren't going to go out and get the rabbit poo you obviously also need, you'll have to get better quickly so you can get that for yourself
Hi Murphy & Family, welcome. I know this is a scary time but we're here to help OK?
Everyone's suggestions are pawesome! My own feelings are that as long as you have a baby gate up so he can't get into too much trouble wandering around the house, he'll be fine. We think crates are great but if he's not used to one it may stress him out more than not. You know him best; limit his activity and keep him comfortable, and he should be fine.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good luck! I have been following your story going thru the same with our Max. It sure does help being with friends in this journey! The people here have been so supportive and awesome which I'm sure you have also found out. Thank God for places like this to come for support!
Great advice so far. I don't really have much to add. Just know that recovery can be an up and down rollercoaster and that we are here for you every step of the way!
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
Good luck!
Amp day is probably harder on us than them in a way (they're not worriers, we are!). But if you keep yourself busy, the day passes more quickly. I think having all the slippery floor surfaces covered is really important. We even stapled cheap floor runner material to our outside steps. And like someone else said, crates are fantastic for recovery but this probably isn't the time to try to crate train if he's not already. Some folks (us included) arranged to sleep near the dog after the surgery "just in case" but others say getting back to the normal routine is best. So you might consider setting up a sleeping arrangement for yourself as well as Murphy.
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Thanks everyone for your advice and thoughts. Murphy's surgery went well, his lungs are clear, and so far there are no signs that it is spread. I've spoken to the vets office twice, and he is doing very well, they are going to try and get him up and walking to go to the bathroom tonight. He should be able to come home tomorrow afternoon. They did bloodwork before his surgery and his creatinine and LIPA levels were slightly outside the "normal" range, but it was really slight. They are going to send out a sample for another test, so fingers crossed his kidneys and pancreas are healthy. I am anxious and excited for him to come home tomorrow.
Murphy, became a tripawd on August 17, 2015. Went to the rainbow bridge on July 5, 2016.
Thanks for the update! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR MURPHY!!! Surgery is over!
I know you will be so excited ro nave him home tomorrow!! Get some rest tonight. You may have a few sleepless nights...maybe, maybe not.
You've done everything ro prepare for his homecoming! Just kiss him and pet him and tell him what a good boy he is when you lock him up! He'll be so ready to get out of there!
Stay connected here! We'll help in anyway we 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!
murphythedingo said
Thanks everyone for your advice and thoughts. Murphy's surgery went well, his lungs are clear, and so far there are no signs that it is spread. I've spoken to the vets office twice, and he is doing very well, they are going to try and get him up and walking to go to the bathroom tonight. He should be able to come home tomorrow afternoon. They did bloodwork before his surgery and his creatinine and LIPA levels were slightly outside the "normal" range, but it was really slight. They are going to send out a sample for another test, so fingers crossed his kidneys and pancreas are healthy. I am anxious and excited for him to come home tomorrow.
It's nice to hear!! Congrats with a successful surgery, and I look forward to hearing about your recovery 🙂 Good luck moving forward! 
Murphy's home! So far, so good. The vet told us he was up and walking last night, he went out at 10pm last night and at 6 am this morning he went out and went to the bathroom! He was able to walk out of the vets office and get into the car with the help of a lift harness. He curled up in his dog bed right away and ate a cheeseburger. He has eaten and drank water, he even cried and let us know he had to go outside to use the bathroom (no bowel movement yet). He is a fast hopper! It's hard for me to keep up with him. I'm amazed and surprised how well he is able to move. I know we are not out of the woods yet, and that others have said their dogs can 'crash' after a few days, but it helps to see Murphy adapt so well, so fast.
We still have to wait for the biopsy to confirm the cancer type and monitor his kidney (second test showed that the kidney is healthy, but the vet just wants to keep an eye on it).
🙂
Murphy, became a tripawd on August 17, 2015. Went to the rainbow bridge on July 5, 2016.
Very good news!!!! Yes, the post vet crash.... at least you know it might come (not all dogs crash)... my girl was great the first couple of days and then a few days of rough nights but then we got the sparkle back!
But eating and drinking and peeing ... ALL great signs!!!! Burger? Lucky dog for sure!!!
Keep us posted!
Hugs,
alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Here! Here! for the magic cheeseburger! YAY!!!!! So happy to hear this update, we really needed it. Paws crossed for more good news tomorrow.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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