Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ok, my 7 year old Great Dane, Bailey was diagnosed with osteosarcoma - front right wrist.. She had surgery yesterday afternoon, complete amputation of her right leg (this was a really tough decision to make and I still question myself if I did the right thing.) After her surgery we received a call everything went great and her x-rays were all clear and her blood work levels perfect. Sooo vet said we could visit tomorrow (today). I am a wreck... needing support. Bailey couldn't get up and cried the entire time we were there, but the vet assured us she was fine this morning and was sitting up. I know that she was on lots of pain meds and had just gotten up to go potty and changed her wrap and added a pain relief patch. It broke my heart seeing her look at me wanting so bad for me to help her. I know it hasn't been 24 hours since surgery but these hours are lasting forever. We got a call that they moved her into ICU to keep a close watch on her because she got so worked up. I'm sure we made the mistake of going to see her so soon but we thought since the vet asked us if we would want to come see her today while she was there (before they switched staff) we could. So that's where I am at... in land of heartache and confusion. Any support, advice or what to expect next, please help. 
trmbaileysmom said
I am a wreck... needing support.
You came to the right place! Sorry to hear about Bailey, but glad you found us. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Most dogs manage this much better than their people do. What Bailey needs most is for you to be strong and set a good example as a balanced pack leader that everything is going to be OK. That's why our best advice is to be more dog.
Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful links to the best Tripawds blog posts, forum topics and videos. Or consider downloading Tripawds e-books for immediate answers to the most common care and recovery concerns.
Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You just got a lot of good advice. Your pup is on pain meds which make them act goofy and whine and cry even if they are not in pain. Don't fret about visiting. It will all be forgotten when you get your baby home.
Lots of rugs around the house are needed if you don't have carpet. We split a cloth shopping bag up the sides to make a sling for Libby when we picked her up at the vet. They have linoleum floors and she had a hard time walking on them the first time. She does it very easily now (right front amp 1 year ago).
Take a deep breath, stay positive and we are all here to help you through it, every "hop" of the way.
Amy & Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.........something we all have had to do at the start of this new journey. Just remember that your reaction will be Bailey's reaction, so staying as calm, happy, and positive as possible is the only way to deal with this. We are all here for you, and to help out in any way we can.
When Sally pops on here to give her wonderful advice, you will feel secure and uplifted in no time!!
We will keep you and Bailey in our thoughts......
Bonnie & Polly
You are ot alone,okay? We are all right here walking beside you!
Right nlw you are in the "nightmare" part of the journey...we've all been there and we all understand. What you were seeing is a dog very whacked out on drugs! Baileyis still seeing pink elephants.....probably even thinks they're flying! You did not do the wrong thing by going to see Bailey, okay? Almost all of us would do the exact same thing. TRY and realize you were just seeng a very drugged doggy!
AnD the morphine patch had just been put on? Yeah, she's realy whacked!
Bailey has been up and peed? That's wonderful!! Blood work, xrays al good? Great news!
You removed a very, very pai ful bone disease. You did thid FOR Bailey, ot TO Bailey. Yes, recoveryis no picnic and you still have a rough wee or two ahead.....-..computer freez
Sally and Hapy Hannah bac later
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!
Good morning,
Like Sally already said....you did this surgery for Bailey....not to Bailey.
Recovery after a major surgery like this can be a bit of a rollercoaster at times.....but Bailey and you will get through it!
In addition to the advice about the sling and carpets for traction , I would recommend raised food bowls - especially since Bailey is a front leg amputee.
Try to relax....sleep when Bailey sleeps - and you will be amazed at how quickly Bailey will adapt to being a tripawd.
Hugs to both of you
Linda and Tucker
I don't really have anything else to add here but definitely - we are here for you. My dog is 6 weeks post-amp (!!!!) and she's a smaller dog but doing great. I don't have any regrets cause I did this for Shelby. Come visit this site, ask questions, vent - this site has been an amazing support group and lifeline for me. I can't express how thankful I am for this page.
We are here for you!
XO
Alison and Shelby
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
Bailey Girl's - Update: 2-9-2014
Thank you all for the kind words and much needed advice. The phone rang this morning at 7:30 am and my heart dropped but it was an update on Bailey. Bailey is still in ICU and on IV fluids because she won't eat. She did pee again today but not outside... she's afraid of tile floor to begin with (but they weren't concerned) and she's struggling to walk (hop). They said originally today we could pick her up in the evening but it's been pushed back until at least tomorrow. I'm sure just like all of my friends on here you just want to bring them home and be with them. It's been many sleepless nights and lots of tears since she was diagnosed. I did hold it together when I was visiting her yesterday, just sitting with her trying to calm her down but I know she could at least smell me and see me a little and wanted up so bad. But she calmed down a little when I rubbed her ears and told her how awesome and beautiful she was. The rubbing between her eyes got her to close her eyes and I just kept whispering to her she was doing great and such a good dog. But when I got up she started to really try to get up and wasn't able to and her panting increased and was panicking. From what everyone is telling me this is all normal. If anyone has a list of things that are extra comforting for them or special tricks to get them to eat or drink, should I get potty pads in case she doesn't want to go out for a few days when she gets home I'm all ears. We need to get a bed because she (they sleep with Mom and Dad) 
suggestions on what works best, I will be right next to her. Also, we have carpet and wood floors and the wood floors leading to the door they go out with us has rug runners already on them so I think we are set there. Any advice at all, I'm reading them all and taking it all in and it's helping me pass time and really controlling my melt downs.
I know I'm sure all of you were just like me the clock couldn't tick any slower. Bailey has a big sister Bella whose 9 and keeps going to the door and rings the bell and she doesn't have to go potty, she has done this all through the night since Bailey has been away. She misses her buddy!
Thanks again and I sincerely appreciate all the support. For the love of Danes and all fur babies!
Love,
Tracy, Bailey and Bella
P.S. I'm a one arm bandit myself, I had nerve surgery on my left arm and I have a cast from my wrist past my elbow... but how soon I forgot my pain when she was diagnosed. I was one week post surgery. But I will get the cast and stitches out this week. So we will heal together.
and please I love to hear all the stories and recovery whether good or scary... it will help dearly.
Thank you.
It's good she's getting such great care at the clinic and her recovery sounds very normal. Some dogs, larger ones especially, take a little longer to recuperate because they're such couch potatoes to begin with. But once she's home with you she'll feel so much better and happier, everything will be OK.
Do you have raised feeder bowls for her? These are especially helpful for a giant breed Tripawds.
The best advice I can give you is to try not to baby her too much when she comes home. It's hard not to, but it helps. Be sure to watch these videos from CARE, which explain why it's so important to be a strong pack leader and do your best to "normalize" the situation. The more you show her that you expect her to be strong and up and doing things herself, the more she will believe it and recuperate so much faster. Be strong, you can do it!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ditto all that Jerry said - it's really important to be a strong pack leader for them and to show them it's all OK. My girl had a rough couple of weeks (she's MUCH smaller) but as everyone here told me - it gets better! And it does. The meds make them mega crazy-pants, panting, pacing, anxiousness. All that you can do to keep her calm will be best for you all in the long run.
I am sure it was a good for the both of you for the visit (I visited Shelby twice while she was there and she came home on day 3). I gave myself the extra time to try and get some rest since once she came home, it was hard on both of us. Take care of you and you will figure your way! And come here and ask a million questions. The collective wisdom and strength in this forum kept me sane!
alison and shelby
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
Bailey's mom!
The thing that everyone needed to keep reminding me was to remember that Tyson had just had MAJOR surgery! You visited Bailey pretty soon after surgery, so just be patient, before you know it, she will be back to her normal self. As for Bailey being in pain...my father gave me some great advice to help me cope with the surgery aftermath. He had hip replacement surgery (twice), and he assured me that the pain of the surgery is NOTHING compared to the pain in the bone beforehand. Surely, Bailey will be in a bit of pain and pretty tired, but that will pass. Not having done the surgery, she would have been in pain, and it wouldn't have passed, it would have gotten worse. You did the right thing for her.
Tyson was pretty tired and not completely himself for about two weeks after surgery. Then, all of a sudden, he snapped back to his normal self! Bailey will just need to get used to balancing and walking, but give her a chance! She will surprise you! Tyson was in so much pain before surgery, he would never dare try and come up the stairs, and today, 2.5 weeks post amputation, he came all the way upstairs by himself to wake up my mom to tell her that he was hungry!
Patience is very hard to come by in this situations. The past 2 weeks have seemed like an eternity, but there is light at the end of the tunnel! It is so important to remain optimistic, not just for Bailey's sake...but for yours as well!
We are all here for you. We're all in this together.
Sending love,
Anna and TriLab Tyson
That is fabulous advice Anna!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Anna and Tyson, thank you so much for the much needed advice. Along with all the other Tripawds community
Bailey update: Bailey greeted by husband at the door yesterday when he came home from work... even after a day of not interested in food and only ice cubes... she popped right up and went to the door, needless to say my husband was so surprised and cried happy tears and praising Bailey. Now I have a 9 year old Harlequin, Bella... she's getting a little jealous but we give her a little bit of everything as Bailey and we are sleeping by both of them.
Ok, so Wednesday, 2/12/14 Bailey heard the dog bowls in the kitchen being prepared. When my husband took the bowls to the raised feeders in my bedroom she popped right up and went and ate all of breakfast 1 1/2 of boiled shredded chicken, hamburger and rice... went outside and went back to sleep. I know she will sleep a lot and that is what she is doing but after a potty break from sleeping she nudged the cup of kibble I was going to mix in with the rice mixture at lunch time, it was 11:30. I prepared her lunch and she hopped to the bedroom and ate 1 1/2 cup of rice mixture and 1 cup of kibble... then she finally hopped to the door wanted out she let me know with a whine instead of a bell but it was so sweet.... then she pooped for the first time. I know, I know, but I was pretty happy! So the day is going well she has been sleeping sound (the pain patch came off yesterday) and popping up instead of trying to roll to her left leg. She has whined a little and the panting comes and goes but she's on Tramadol and Metacam (Metacam - 1x daily)... which I'm assuming this is all normal from what I have read as side effects of pain meds. In fact right now as I speak Bailey is barking and running in her dream and Bella her sister is snoring like an old man.
I do have a question, Bailey wants to lick the incision so I put a Super Girl, hot pink, t-shirt but it's Under Armour - thin material - heat gear (my husband went shopping and came home with two for our girls!) and she's trying to lick through the t-shirt and last night her back leg was trying to scratch... so I put a sock on her foot for the night... I know she really shouldn't lick it, or scratch... advice???
Jerry, I'm ordering the books after this post! 
First, that is GREAT she is doing so well! You can't ask for more right now, she sounds like she's right where she needs to be as far as recovery goes.
When it comes to the incision; I hate to say it but even a really cool t-shirt won't keep a determined, long-nosed pooch like a Dane from attacking the stitches. She needs the cone of shame . I know it sucks. but it's better than a trip back to the vet. Don't let her sleep without it. Be strong, you can do it!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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