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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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BAILEY'S FIRST DAY AT HOME! Surgery 2-7-10 and Home 2-10-14
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Member Since:
5 February 2014
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10 February 2014 - 4:32 pm
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OK everyone Bailey is finally home.  She went right into the bedroom to get a drink of water.  She ate a dog cookie and then decided she wanted a little food because big sister was eating.  She ate a little kibble, rice and boiled chicken.  She maybe ate 1/2 a cup.  She has been sleeping on her new ortho bed since then.  I have a question she's having a hard time getting up and figuring out how to lay down, she wants to use that leg... well she gets really frustrated and cries.  Should I try to help her up? I can't do much to help her lay down.  I'm really worried but only on here. HELP!

Member Since:
25 January 2014
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10 February 2014 - 5:09 pm
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My little girl just had her amputation surgery a week ago today. It was her right front leg and she had a hard time getting comfortable. I try to let her figure it out the best way she can but I am near in case she has any issues. The vet told me to let her adapt and she will amaze me with how quickly she will figure things out. I'm glad to hear that Bailey is home. You will be amazed at how quickly she will adapt and start to figure it all out!

Danell and Kasey

Member Since:
18 September 2013
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10 February 2014 - 5:43 pm
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Hi Bailey's Mom

I'm so glad to hear that Bailey is home and doing quite well.

My lab,Tucker, had his right front leg amputated four months ago.  I remember well how he always laid on his side - amputation side down - and then would struggle to turn over and get up.  I helped him a few times and then realized that he really needed to learn how to do it himself :)

Bailey will adapt very quickly and may need a bit of assistance with a few things at first but the sooner she can do things on her own the better - for both of you.

Hugs

Linda and Tucker

Fort Wayne, IN
Member Since:
25 January 2013
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10 February 2014 - 6:14 pm
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Isn't that just like us moms?  We want to do it for them and make it as easy as possible.  I know the feeling but everyone is right...she will figure it out quickly.  The pain meds can make her whine and cry and generally act different than usual.  Eating and drinking right away is a very good sign. She's a beautiful dog.  Good luck to you both.

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

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5 February 2014
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10 February 2014 - 7:14 pm
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Thank you for all the responses.  The crying is hard, real tears.  She is bruised pretty bad and I know that's normal but the vet said to watch the redness and make sure it doesn't travel to the other side?  Has anyone heard of this?

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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10 February 2014 - 7:29 pm
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BAILEY IS HOME!! We need a big YAAAAAAAAY! So glad he's home!

And recovery is no picnic so just stay glued to us, okay? You are not along!

Bailey is still high on hospital meds and probably still figuring out this new tripawd life. My Hapoy Hannah didn't lay on her amp. site for five weeks. Some dogs have a "favorite side" to lay on. If the amp. site is Bailey's "usual" side to lay on, it's even more of any adjustment initially.

Yo will most likelh see a lot of restlessness. pacng and trying to get comfortable. As he tries to stand and get up, maybe just be by his side to help as needed at first. You can use a towel as a sling if he'll let you.

Oh yeah, we have another YAAAAAAY! Bailey has eaten a meal!

And you do all the "worrying" here with us yo want! We ALL understand and we ALL do it! But good for you for beng strong and brave and pawsitive for your Bailey! YOU are doing a great job! YAAAAAY for mom!

And just know that if you second guess your decision evdry second for the next few days.....yeah, that's normal too!! But boy oh boy, when Bailey's sparkle starts coming back yo will be sooooooo glad you made this WONDERFUL decision!

Hang n there...stay connected to us.....everytime you give Bailey his pain pill, eat chocolateclap

Sending you love and hugs!

Sally and Happy Hannah

PS! Take care of yourself too! Dn't be hurting yor arm...be careful!

One more thing...I saw this question about the best bed on your other post....The Big Barker Bed is, in my oinion, the best bed for a LARGE dog recovering from amp. They only make beds for large dogs. Kt gives them enough firmness so they can stand on it without snking in and tumbling. To me, it's the Tempurpedic for dogs. My Happy Hannah (a very chunky Bull Mastiff) has had her bed almost a over a year now andit jas ot, bunched, shifted, lost it's shape orit's support one bit! You can order from Amazon on the link here on the site and that helps suport this site too! I slept downstairs bynher side for weeks and weeks after surgery and slept half on her bed with her (couldn't quite have enough room for me completely) and it realy is comfy!

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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11 February 2014 - 6:17 am
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Yep as hard as it is you have to be the strong pack leader and make sure to let Bailey do it on her own. Here's a great video that explains why. As for the bruising, as long as it doesn't turn deep brown in color she should be OK. Check out our photo gallery for photos of bruising and what it should look like.  A little swelling is normal, many dogs develop a seroma but otherwise all go through some amount of bruising after amputation surgery.

Meanwhile here's that video:

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