Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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kcgrey said:
Hi Maria!
My Calamity is 5 days post-amp and having quite a lot of pain also. I think what Buddy & you are experiencing is normal and I know how tough it is as I am there right now too.
I wish I could give you tons of advise, but since we’re in this boat together, all I can offer is support & encouragement.
Maybe when Buddy is laying down, try applying some heat to his incision area? A good way to provide a flexable heat source is to put rice in a bag and microwave it for a minute or so, until it is warm, wrap in a dish towel & voila - it will form around the body where you need it. If you choose cold, a bag of frozen corn works wonders.
Hang in there, I know the stress can be overwhelming, but in a couple of weeks, we’ll both be smiling once again.
Janie
Good advice...so simple I forgot to even consider that kind of thing. Thanks!
Hi Maria - Hi Buddy Love...we've read all the threads and are so glad to hear that Buddy is doing better.
Maria, my first night home with Zeus was HORRIBLE. By the following morning, I went into the bathroom and physically got sick because I thought to myself, "What did I do to my poor baby?" I know the feeling. Once I learned how to help him those first few days (my best friend is a Vet and thank GOD she came rushing over that following morning to let me sleep for a few hours and to show me how to help Zeus outside, etc...) and I saw him starting to move around OK, I felt so much better. It took us both a few days to adjust to this MAJOR change in our lives. think about it...amputation...cancer...this is HUGE. People think, oh this is just a dog...but no...these are our children!!!
I have never looked back since those first few days...Zeus is here alive with me and happy as a camper. He does everything he used to do except take hour long walks. He even figured out how to chew sticks with his front leg missing (I was worried about that actually because it is his favorite pastime).
Zeus is 10 and we amputated almost 7 months ago...he's a golden too :-). Small world...my other golden's name is Buddy. I know how you feel about your boy - i feel the same way about both of mine.
Hang in there lady - you're doing great and you're such a great mom to him. He's lucky to have you. Keep us posted on his progress...we'll keep you both in our prayers at night.
Much love,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi Zeus and Heather!
Thanks for the encouragement. Buddy slept better last night. I am going to cut back again today a bit on the meds. Trying to find that balance between low pain and low side effects. He is moving around a bit better but still needs a lot of help getting outside, and sometimes he simply refuses to work with it at all -- like right now. I can't quite get it by myself yet. I hate that part for him.
Anyway, I know this is a process. I see him growing stronger even in these few days, but I still wonder sometimes if this as the best choice. Choosing between pain now or pain later I guess. Pretty yucky options.
These messages have helped me to know that Buddy's behaviors are pretty typical though, so I am grateful to have had that. Thanks to you -- all of you -- for taking the time and to whomever provided this link.
Maria and Buddy
Hi Maria - from what i understand, bone cancer is HORRIFICALLY painful for them...and anyone. You eliminated that pain for him. One day a time kiddo...the pain later may never come, it may only be a little discomfort. You gave him life...as long as the quality is good...you gave him life. The first couple weeks after amputation is recovery and it will a little bit of a roller coaster.
One other thing that I've realized with Zeus and my doctors told me from the get go - he will mirror your actions, emotions and feelings...so try not to stress, worry or be afraid - he will pick that up from you and react accordingly. When I needed to cry, I went into another room and always tallked to him with an upbeat and happy voice. I believe in my heart that was a contributing factor to his quick and successful recovery. Try it...fake it if you have to...you will start to feel better too.
Much love,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi,
It's so true they sense our emotions. I remember Jerry told me one time that I'm the pack leader, so I had to be strong. I'll be honest my Buster is 10 yrs old. It took a good month for him to return to normal... sighing in pain, sleepless night, not wanting to eat, and difficulty going to the potty. I experienced the same feelings of guilt, selfishness and doubt played with my mind. Then when he finally returned to normal is when I realized the ends justify the means. I have no regrets, just blessed he is here and pain free.
That day will come for you too...stay pawsitive
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
I am paying close attention to the wise words I gather from this site. So good to know others have seen it and come out smiling.
Buddy has slept almost the entire day and has refused to get up for the past 4 hours. He whimpers and cries here and there. BUT, he pooped last night and again today. His appetite is good, he walked a bit today, so I am trying to focus on those things. The rest of it will begin to come around -- everything else you've shared has. Trust.
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