Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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First night was good. He woke a few times with a yelp, but settled quickly. He wanted to snuggle with me like usual, but wasn't able to get comfy enough so I "made" him sleep in the couch.. 
He's still high energy, following me around like usual so I guess I'm forced to stay on the couch all day so he will rest. Anything good on TV? Lol.. Also huge storms in the area today and Gatsby and Sara are scared of them. Good thing that rescue remedy works on those two.
Got to look at the incision today. It is huge but looks really good, not too swollen yet.
Smooth sailing so far hoping it stays that way! Thanks for all the support!
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Ya' know, I stayed focused on that ADORABLE face or so long, I forgot to look at the incision! Had to stop typing and go back up to look and see how the incision looked (and it really looks good):-)
BARRET IS SOOOOOO CUTE! and is doing sooooooo well, so unbelievably well. And YAY for poops even if they are tiny!!
So does the Rescue Remedy really work? How 'bout "thunder shirts"? I haven't tried either but I have a pooch who just goes nuts during thunder storms!
Heather, so glad your cutie pie is home. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pictures!! Keep 'em coming!
Throwing red balls in the air for Barret!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Sally, you're going to make him tired chasing all those red balls, lol!
He is TOO cute for his own good. He knows exactly how to get anything he wants 
As far as anxiety medicine for dogs: I've tried homeopet anxiety drops, naturevet anxiety pills, a pill called happy traveler (main ingredient is Valarian root), and rescue remedy. None of them work for Bear. He isn't afraid of storms, I was looking for something to calm his jitters at the vet and groomers, car rides, etc. apparently nothing works on this guy cause even on heavy pain meds he was over excited yesterday.
On the other hand, Gatsby and Sara are terrified of storms. Rescue remedy is the only thing that works. All the others didn't do diddly squat. I give it to them and within minutes go from a quivering mess to a calm dog. It's a miracle.
I have not tried the thunder shirt, but my mom did for her little dog. It had a mild calming effect on her dog. Rescue remedy didn't work for her.. Just depends on the dog I guess but I ALWAYS have rescue remedy for my house.
In my pet CPR class they showed a technique to use an ace bandage as a temporary thunder shirt. I have to see if I can find a link. It's a lot less expensive and based on the same ttouch science: http://on.aol.c.....-517335792
Hugs to you and Hannah!
Heather and Bear
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Bear looks great. Yeah guess you are going to have to stay on the couch to keep him quiet Heather. I didn't have that problem Sassy likes to sleep lol.
The incision looks great. The bruising is normal.
I heard it depends on the dogs if Thunder shirts work or not. Just like Rescue Remedy. All a matter of genetics & their systems
hugs
Michelle & Sassy
xxxoxoxox
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
😉Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Holy crap Erica, I laughed so hard at that video! I think we're supposed to get more strong storms this evening too.... Thinking about starting a true blood marathon since I HAVE to stay on the couch, haha.. New season this weekend
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Thanks Michelle and Heather or the "thunder" feedback.....appreciate it.
Heather, I don't think there are enough red rubber balls in the world to slow your guy down:-) Now remember, he still may have some "down" time......if not...he's one for the medical journals so keep there address handy:-)
Jill, I laughed my butt off at that video:-) OMC! That is hilarious! Thanks
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 am so glad to that Bear is doing so well. He looks great. It sounds like hanging out on the couch with him is the plan. Reading this made me happy.
And that video of the cat is hysterical
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
Thanks Heather! That medical pet shirt is pretty cool, I contacted the company (based in the Netherlands) to find out how we can make it available here. Barret looks comfy in it!
May I post his post-op pictures in our gallery?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Erica: ONESIES are awesome! I wish Barret's was as stylish as Jill's
Rene: feel free to use any of my images for whatever you need. You can find them all at
He's much less himself the past few hours. I know he's getting uncomfortable and there's more swelling.. I'm prepared and not freaking. I expected it since I was totally unable to keep him calm. Still eating drinking and pottying though, I think we're good
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Love it!!!!
Thanks Heather, these are great pics. Glad you're not freaking out!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yet... Not freaking out YET 
He seems to slowly be getting more and more sore, yips a bit more often. It's heartbreaking. He isn't showing any classic signs of chronic pain, like panting or lip smacking. How do you know if the pain is controlled well enough?
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Hang in there Heather - seems like the crash comes about the 2nd or 3rd day home and then progression begins again. Bear looks great and the incision looked very good. Thinking of you.
Erica - that was hilarious - rag doll kitty!!
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Heather it's so hard to tell if the symptoms are because of too little pain meds or too many. It may take some adjustment. Be sure to document his symptoms when they occur: what time, what he does, after what kind of activity, then share them with your vet. Together you can adjust the meds up or down.
As for the crashing part, yeah, I'd agree with Shooter's Mom. Usually dogs come home high as a kite and then boom! Crash and totally mellow out after a few days when the aches and pains from moving their body new and different ways finally hits them. It's like when you don't work out for a long time and then you do, and you're sore the next day.
I hope he's feeling better tomorrow!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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