Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello!
Henri had his front limp amputation on Thursday, Feb 18th....the vet and all the staff thought he did very well...I visited him that night and of course he was so high on the drugs that I am not sure he knew I was there. He stayed at the animal hospital until Saturday afternoon. When I picked him up, he seemed confused and not like himself but I just figured it was all that he went through and the meds.
Well, I thought he was doing so well Saturday ( although tired ) to be expected. But Saturday and Sunday were ( I thought "good days!" ) Henri was eager to outside and eager to eat/drink water and slept well.
I have him on Tramadol which is what he was on prior to the surgery and he had no issues with that medicine. Yesterday was even a good day ( morning ) until early evening and he started acting different...Not sure if lethargic is the word, but tired...just laying there, not wanting to go outside.
We did have one issue yesterday...not sure if anyone has experienced this or not? But Henri decided to lay down and sleep ( about 3 hours ) on his wound/amputation side and he normally does not do that )...
He got stuck and could not lift himself up...I freaked out of course...and had no idea how I was going to get him up...I did everything....tried the sling, a sheet ...nothing.,,,,he would not move...poor thing tried but gave up. SO I carefully scooted him to where I could take his body and carefully roll him to the other side....then I assisted in lifting him up and he seemed really stiff...and finally went out to potty. HE HATES me to assist him...he wants nothing to do with a leash or the sling....so I just stay close by his side when he goes out.....He seemed really quiet, sad and depressed last night???
I had to feed him his food laying down and was not too interested in it but did eat ...thankfully!
This morning, he acted especially tired ...and did not have interest in going outside ( he woke up at 3 am to potty ) and by 7 am...no interest in going out ...he just wanted to lay there. He did get up around 8:45 and it took all I had to get him to go out and potty,....I dont know if he is in pain? Unhappy? Still tired or what?
Is this normal?
I am feeling sad about the amputation now and I am sure that is normal...Henri is having a tough time moving about...seems like it was easier the first two days than now?
Any advice?
Thanks so much!
Henri's mom!!!
Hello Henri's Mom
When in doubt, call the vet. I can tell you that lots of people here have had the same experience--remember that Henri just underwent a pretty major surgery and he has to heal. The pain medication makes him feel weird too. But still, if it's beyond what you're comfortable with, call the vet.
And let us know how he's doing.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Just remember that as every dog will fight the cancer differently, so too will they recover differently. Henri will get it, he just needs to relearn how to do some things. He will have to figure out how to use different muscles to get himself up, and it may take a while, but he'll get it! The first 2 weeks he should be mostly laying around anyways, so it's good that he's doing that on his own. As Mary said, if you are at all uncomfortable with the situation, send a call off to your vet. They will let you know what is normal and how long to wait before coming in for a visit. Hugs to you and Henri!!
<3 Laura and Jack
P.S. Is it pronounced "Henry" or "Onree"??? In my head I say it the French way, but I'd like to know which one is correct 🙂
Hi Henri's Mom, Tonka is a little over 2 weeks post surgery. He did kind of the same thing. He was great when we brought him home. Then about the 3rd or 4th day he was super tired and lethargic. He was acting depressed and wasn't interested in food. We had to hand feed him for a few days. He got past it and is getting stronger everyday.
It could be that Henri was just a little woren out with everything. It does take some time for their muscles to strengthen to compensate. He will get it don't worry.
I did also feel bad after the amputation like we had made it worse for him, but not anymore. You totally did the right thing for him. It just takes time.
Michelle (Tonkas mom)
To answer your question in the title of this topic, that's what these forums are all about!
It's still very early in Henri's recovery. His actions sound perfectly normal. He will have good days and bad. What he needs most is rest, time to rebuild his strength, and for yout to remain strong. Once he's off the pain meds, things will start looking up. One day, he might just surprise your with a big wagging tail that says, "I'm All Better!"
Just take things one day at a time and be sure to review Jerry's top ten amputation recovery concerns. If Henri is on his bed, and you feel he needs help up, try lifting from under the bed. Others have used a board to "tip up" the bed with their dog on it. But more importantly is to practice some "tuff love". As hard as it may seem, don't do everything for Henri. Let him heal and learn how to use his new body.
Hang in there, and keep smilin!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can say - as others - I can relate!!!! I just wished I'd found this website when my dog was amputated...maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't of freaked out so much thinking Maggie was the only one with such issues after surgery and feeling sooooo helpless.
I, too, had doubts I'd done right thing(not now) - I worried about Maggie's thoughts - she went off her food five days after surgery running a slight temperature.
She never laid on her amp. side though until she was fullly healed...
Hang in there, girl....and be ever so thankful you found Tripawds.com! 
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Awww poor Henri. I sure hope he is perky soon. Surgery recovery and meds can really make a dog act unusual. (for that matter it does the same with humans!)
As a side note for your fear of the amputation: A friend of mine just lost her dad after a long battle with cancer. The cancer eventually spread to his bones. She told me the cancer was the most painful when it went to his bones.
With that, I can only imagine the pain a dog must have before the amputation. I would have no qualms amputating my dog's cancerous leg if needed after she told me that.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hi Henri's Mom, I can't offer any advice, just support. From the posts it seems like what he is going thru is normal, although "normal" is a relative term. Normal can be lousy if it is your tripawd going thru it. Hang in there. Henri is close to Ginger in the time of amputation. Ginger joined the tripawd club just today and hopefully comes home tomorrow, so we are gonna keep an eye on your posts and we will be thinking about Henri and hoping for the best. Good luck.
Randy and Sharon, Gingersfolks
I agree "normal" is a ralative term. Except maybe there is no normal. All dogs recover at different rates but what you are describing sounds like what other tripawds seem to have gone through. Focus on the fact that you removed not only the leg but the pain of bone cancer. It is hard to watch your baby struggle. Try to remember that amputation is a major surgery and Henri is on extremely strong pain meds. You and Henri are in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I think the one thing that will help more than anything post amp is to remember this is major surgery. They will have up and down days as they recover. They have to adjust to a whole new way of doing the simplest things. They tire easily, some aren't interested in eating. Trouble wasn't much interested in going out. Let them take it at their own pace, and just stay handy if they need you. Slowly it begins to improve and that happy dog will return. Hang tight, and give them their space, recovery hell doesn't last but a couple of weeks.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi Wendy,
As you've already read from others here... the first two weeks post op, there are alot of ups and downs. Someone once wrote here (I can't remember who it was) that sometimes, they will take one step forward to recovery, then the next day two steps back. It was definitely like that for Jake... (though I try to only remember the good times). Any time you have any worry or concern about Henri and his recovery, you should just call your vet... That's what they're there for! Even if it means bringing Henri in to be examined... Better to be safe than sorry!
Jake used to lie on his amputation side too, and I would freak, thinking that he's hurting himself... Some days he'd be super tired, and others, he just seemed to have some crazy bursts of energy. Remember, Henri is recovering from a pretty big surgery and his body and muscles are getting used to getting around without one of his legs...
I know that when he's not his normal self and looks like he's depressed, it's so easy to think about why you went ahead with the surgery... but just think of the alternative... He would either be in uncontrolable pain, or he would have been put to sleep. He has a fatal disease... there is no cure for osteosarcoma yet, but there are many dogs that have been able to beat the survival odds afterwards and live many more happy and pain-free months, some even a year or two!
So, call your vet tomorrow with your concerns... At least that will put your mind at ease, that nothing else is going on with Henri...
In the meantime... just love and spoil him!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
tonkasmom1 said:
Tonka is a little over 2 weeks post surgery. He did kind of the same thing. He was great when we brought him home. Then about the 3rd or 4th day he was super tired and lethargic.
The experience that Tonka's mom, Michelle, shared is very common. Every dog may react differently and while there realy is no true "normal" for recovery, it is very common to have them come home so excited to be home, only to have small setbacks later. I often suggest keeping a very detailed journal of what is going on. This journal will allow you to go back later and make honest assessments regarding Henri's progress. Whithin the last two weeks I have gone back to my journal and was able to relate to others some of the things that happend to Miss Cherry during the first few months. The mind can play tricks, but if you write it down, you will be able to refer to it later.
Also, for months, Miss Cherry would get herself into postions what I had to help her up. It is only natural since we have removed one of their leverage points. They will adapt. The hardest thing was learning (relearning) how to sit. With a Standard Poodle, they would put a front paw on either side and sit for hours. After Miss Cherry's front leg amputation, she would have to twist her body to get into a stable position. It just is not as comfortable. So, there will be things that take a while but do not despair. You have done the right thing, eliminated the pain, and Henri sould return to an excellent quality of life. Miss Cherry did.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Our prayers are going out to you and your GoldenHenri! I bet he is up and about in no time.
Fortis and His pack
Holly had ups and downs post-op, too. Her energy level was ok some days, and other days she just needed to sleep. I think checking in with your vet is a good idea. And keep giving Henri lots of love! We'll keep him in our hearts.
Hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Wendy,
Sadie is going through the same thing. She had a really good day right when she got home, and then she got really lethargic. She was so tired that she seemed to wait 'till the last minute to go out to pee, and then (because takes longer to get outside) she had quite a few accidents. Sadie also lays on her staples (which, thank goodness come out tomorrow)and that seems to be very uncomfortable for her, but she does it anyway 😕 She also likes to lay down in corners and tight places that make it hard for her to get up. I wondered too if I maybe made a mistake putting her through this. Then, tonight when I came home from work, my Sadie got up from her favorite corner and, with tail wagging, came over to greet me at the door!
I know I made the right decision, and I think you did too.
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
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