Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Erica already jumped the gun and send me a sweet PM (THANK YOU!!!), but since this wonderful, awesome, caring, amazing community seems to be thinking about me today, I thought I would let you all know what happened at the consult today.
First, my poor pup was not a happy camper when he didn't get breakfast this morning. I felt so bad I didn't eat breakfast either 
Met with the surgeon, who is a very sweet little lady with great bedside manner with the dogs. She was a little concerned that the surgery may not be 100% curative like planned because of the placement of the tumor in the armpit. They will be removing the leg, scapula and pectoral muscle to try to get a wide enough margin.
I asked her to be aggressive with pain management and she agreed, though she doesn't use Fentanyl patches. They are doing a nerve block, IV drugs and oral pain management while he is in their care, and he will come home on Tramadol, Rimadyl (or equivalent) and probably Gabapentin.
The crappiest part is that she doesn't start surgeries until the evening. She prefers it that way (She says she functions much better at night instead of morning/daytime so it is in Barret's best interest). She will call me when he is in recovery (even if it is 4am). I have a long time to wait to hear how he did... Good think I doubled up on my anxiety meds today.
They aren't a 24 hour hospital, but because they are in surgery so late, she has a few techs that do stay until the morning hospital staff arrives, so someone will be there with him.
They want to keep him 2 nights, most likely, to give him extra pain meds. I was warned that since he wasn't in any pain or limping before surgery that recovery will probably slow and hard on him.
I still feel pretty calm (again, that may be the anxiety meds talking), but I am definitely worried and just ready to have him back in the house and recovering.
I was proud of myself, I only cried a little bit after I left him, but I stayed really strong and calm for him during the appointment. You could just tell he wasn't anxious one bit, so that made me feel better.
Wish us luck! I'll update as soon as I hear anything. Thanks!
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
You've had the advantage of being part of this crazy community for awhile, so you have been well basted in love and concern! Barret has a great advocate in you, and the surgeon sounds wonderful. It doesn't really matter what time she does her job, so long as she does it well.
Barret requires a very radical surgery to try to make him well, so he will probably have a longer recovery time. But you know that. Taking chest muscle is certainly more extreme than just taking his leg. That's why I'm really glad you've been here awhile. You've had time to do your homework and ask a lot of questions and, well, get basted! And when Bear is home, you know Erica is in chat round the clock to talk to. The mortals on the site pop in when we can, but you've always got folks here to talk to or run questions by.
I'm sending lots of good thoughts your way, but I believe you will do fine. I will hope for the smoothest recovery possible for Bear.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Sound like Bear had a great drop off at the vet. Like Shari said it doesn't matter what time she does her best work as long as its her best. We are glad you are staying calm but the waiting is the hardest part. Stay busy during the day helps but at night while waiting you may not get a lot of sleep.
Sounds like there is a great plan in place and like Shari also said you have been apart of this wonderful community and know that we are here for you.
Michelle & Sassy
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."
We are definitely thinking of you today and sending all our healing thoughts and smooth recovery wishes to you and Barret! I know that leaving him knowing what's about to happen had to have been the hardest thing ever for you, but you really should pat yourself on the back for staying strong. Good job Ma!
The vet's way of doing things is definitely different but she sounds like she has a great handle on things, I'm glad he won't be alone at night.
Stay strong, keep busy and know that we were here thinking of your sweet Bear. Keep us posted OK!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
All sounds good- as good as surgery day can be. It is a long wait- so do keep yourself busy or well medicated
.
My pug Maggie wasn't in much pain before her amp either- so there was no relief from existing pain for her. She did have a fentanly patch, then tramadol and did fine pain management wise, she was off meds by the end of two weeks. My quad pug Obie had knee surgery in February and was on pain meds for 4 + weeks!
I like your surgeons style- do big surgeries when she is most comfortable. And the way it works out Bear will have human company all night. Two nights in the hospital is good too- I know you will miss him, but they should have his pain management routine down.
Best of luck Barret! I'll be thinking strong, positive thoughts for you and your mom today.
Can't wait for an update!
Karen
Thanks everyone 
I had a mini "OMG I made the wrong decision" moment a few minutes ago and almost called the surgeon to cancel, but the moment passed. Phew.
I can't wait to see him hopping around hopefully cancer free and care-free again (though I realize I have a few tough weeks ahead of me).
I'll update everyone when I know how surgery went. Can't believe I dropped him off this morning and surgery is still a few hours away! Waiting...Waiting...Waiting...
Can't wait for 5:00 to go home and hug my quadpawds, mix a stiff drink, keep busy, AND self medicate! Ha!
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
Mix me a drink as well!
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
Good Luck to Barret tonight..
Our Shadow is in surgery as I type this at Univ. Florida Vet hospital Gainsville Fl. Probably the best surgical center in S.E. U.S.
She is a big (85lbs.) Blk. Lab 14 yrs. young. She will lose her left rear due to auto mishap,
so we have a long road ahead but we still have her...
OMG!!!! Shadow not due out of surgery until 5PM and my phone just rang w/hospital # .....Then hung up!!!! scared the bejesus out of me with "what went wrong " thoughts...
They dialed me by accident.....getting my heart back in my chest.....and waiting.......
I did leave a comment on your blog... but I want to say again- Good Luck in surgery, Bear!!! Thinking of you. Please do let us know when you hear from the vet!
~Jessica & Athena
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
Erica- pick your poison, drinks are on me!
Jessica- I did get your comment, thanks for the kind words
Shadow's mom- sounds like he is in GREAT care down there. My mom lives near Gainesville. I would absolutely crap my pants if the vet accidentally called then hung up!! Good luck to your buddy too!
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
Okay, since you'll be up all night anyway, K want to see one of your artistic creations you did on your blog-----but with the "artist" (aka Heather) doing it high on meds and drunk! Can't wait to see that post!!
Really glad Barret will have someone with him all. right. The follow-up pain med were what Hannah was on. Don't worry, the first several nights Barret will be painting his own pictures in his mind......would love to see
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!
Sorry, keyboard just DISAPPEARS any blankety blank ti me it wants!
Anyway, would love to see the video of what's going in Barrett's head on his meds!!
Also want to say to Shadow's mom we are here for you!, I know this is a scarey time and no sense in going it alone! We've all been there and we all understand!
All paws crossed for everyone e:-)
Love, 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!
Sending calming and healing thoughts to you and Barret!! We are thinking of you and waiting to hear updates
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
It's official... Barret is on 3 legs now. Just got the call a few minutes ago. He's still very groggy, but that's normal.
Didn't get to talk too much but surgeon said the tumor had already started growing back, she thinks she got a wide enough margin. Only time will tell. Hemangiopericytoma is a nasty, aggressive, locally invasive cancer. Yuck!
Going to try to get some sleep now I know he is ok. I don't think it's going to really hit me until I see him. At least I don't have to stay up until 5:00am to hear about him.
Thanks for the support, talk to you guys tomorrow!
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
Mazel Tov on having yourself a tripawd!
I'm sure you feel much better now that it's all over with!
Get some rest for now!!!!
xoxo,
Erica & Jill
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
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