Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well, our Oncologist appointment went well. I felt more comfortable with our decision to amputate after speaking with her. She was so great! Henri did perfect in the car …he is such a strong and brave boy!
I am still very anxious and scared about the amputation surgery and what to expect. Our surgery is set for this Thursday morning. One think I am unfamiliar with is that the Oncologist mentioned Henri should be amputated from the shoulder …WOW….not sure how bad that will be??? I went to Petsmart for a new bed, another baby gate
, and some favorite treats/toys. And thankfully, our roughwear harness has been ordered and is on the way!!!!
After reading all the stories on here, I believe that it has helped me gain the courage that I need to go through with the amputation. I know it will be a difficult journey, but I know in my heart, Henri still has some more miles to go and I think this is best for him for his pain!
Has anyone ever worried that their beloved pet will be mad or upset with them after they come home from the Vet????
One worried mommy!!!!
Thanks for the prayers!
Wendy~
Hugs to all the tripawds!!!! xoxo
keepsmiln1818 said:
Has anyone ever worried that their beloved pet will be mad or upset with them after they come home from the Vet????
I think we all worried about that. It is pretty normal to react like that. One thing that helped me a lot was to see amputation as a compassionate decision. My vet told us how painful bone cancer was (probably unbearable for humans) and I just did not want Oslo to be in such a pain anymore. So when Oslo came back home instead of feeling him mad or upset, I felt he was relieved. The worst part of this whole process for us was before amputation and on ampu-day. I thought I would become insane. That was the worst day of my life for sure. But when everything was done, I was able to breathe again.
I will be thinking of you Thursday morning, sending my best thoughts to you and Henri
Suzanne and Oslo
Wendy & Henri, glad that things went well today. You sound optimistic, and with a smile like Henri's, everything's going to be O-K!
All Tripawd pawrents are totally freaked out at first, that's normal. Just hang out here to get some great advice from others, and you'll do fine. As for the shoulder/scapula amputation recommendation, that's what I had done. It was the best way to get rid of the tumor that was growing. My pawrents thought it would look totally freaky but it wasn't so bad. Really, after the scar healed and I got my fur back, it was no big deal. Believe it or not, we can do without that pesky scapula (and leg!). The scar is pretty icky though. Try not to let that freak you out.
Lots of pawrents also worry about their dog's hating them for giving the go-ahead to amputate. But you know what? All we want is to be out of pain. The pain of bone cancer is so much worse than an amputation recovery. Hard to believe, I know but it's true. Once you see that look of "aaaaaahhhhhhh...the tumor is gone!" look on Henri's face, you'll know what I mean.
Sounds like you're getting well-prepared for surgery and recovery. Just remember to take good care of yourself too. Rest up and have your favorite relaxation tools available. The first two weeks suck, but after that you'll both be on your way to better days.
We'll be thinking of you too. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our prayers will be with you both for a fast and pain free recovery. Wendy, I was so worried my boy would not understand what I had done to him. In all of our training and working together over the past ten years I had never given him reason to distrust me. I had ask a lot from my boy Fortis and he never let me down. Was I letting him down now at a time when he needed more than ever I would ask myself. The answer although elusive was a resounding no. I can tell you that at two weeks post opt our bond is closer than ever. Get ready to rub the nub!!!
Love & Prayers,
Brett & Fortis
We'll keep you and Henri in our hearts on Thursday. Our vet told us that dogs don't have psychological hangups about amputation like humans do - and we have found that to be true. But we still wondered and worried whether Holly would understand what we put her through. It's never appeared that she's looked back - she is just happy to be pain free.
Best wishes for a great recovery! We're all here for you...
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
All good stuff here - I second all that!
You know what...I took a bunch of pictures of Zeus the day before surgery "just in case" something didn't go well. I also took a ton of pictures of him during the 2 week recovery picture (and every day after that too!!!). I looked through these pictures over the snow storm we had here on the east coast and I cannot believe the pain that he had on his face before the surgery and the SMILES he had on his face during recovery. It's night and day....it doesn't even look like the same dawg. I had NO idea how much pain my sweet boy was in. It's written all over his face in those pictures.
I know you're scared, afraid and I guarantee you that at least once during the recovery period you will ask yourself - "did i make the right decision? what did I do to my baby?" It's all normal and we all have gone through that. The first 48 hours home are pretty difficult...be prepared for a few sleepless nights. When you first see Henri after surgery - look in his eyes and tell him how much you love him....how proud you are of him...he will understand. TRY not to cry...it's hard, but he needs you to be pawsitive and upbeat. I think it's a huge part of their recovery.
We are sending you tons of hugs and lots of love.
We are here for you to answer questions along the way.
Lots of prayers and an extra special puppy prayer from above 
Love Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Sending you tons of good thoughts and prayers for Thursday... 
I sent you an email this evening...
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!
I'll be praying for you and Henri Thursday. You are doing the right thing. Make that your mantra during recovery.
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.
Wendy,
I am so glad you got some clarity on things for Henri today. I have told this before but I will tell you.....I asked our orthopedic vet what to expect after surgery......He said the most important thing is that Paris would be better the day after surgery than she was the day before.
That always stuck with me, the pain of bone cancer is extreme and he was right, we had the post op period to get through, but she was more herself than she had been in weeks.
Paris had amputation from the shoulder, it is common and limits the problem left with a partial stump if they don't take the shoulder.
Another important thought that I reminded myself with often, I think it came from Jim & Rene......You need to remember that Henri does not know he has cancer.....and will expect life with you to be the same.......just with 3 legs!!
Wishing Henri and you my best thoughts and prayers,
Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Good luck, Henri!! Mika and you will be amputee buddies. Too bad we don't live closer, maybe we could have asked for a BOGO deal, huh? I hope everything goes smoothly for you.
Send you best recovery wishes,
Mari & Mika, also scheduled for surgery on Thursday
Best of luck. We'll be thinking of you on Thursday. We hope all goes well ... our paws will be crossed!!
-Gwen & Harley
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Wendy and Henri,
I have not been able to get to the site lately so I want to begin by telling you how sorry we are to hear of Henri's diagnosis. As you can tell, you have found a great site filled with wonderful people who will share their collective experience, give advice and provide support as you move forward.
We want to wish you well and to add a few things that may help you prepare for Henri’s return from surgery. From previous postings by Jerry, I would suggest:
What to Expect Part 1: http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2: http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
Also, there are my usual suggestions:
1) Remain as positive as possible around Henri. They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder. I have often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile. It will make a difference.
2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that they love and can still do during recovery. Then exploit that love to give them purpose. For Cherry, it was her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. As the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow. Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool. Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable. View the Fun! Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips. Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary! Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years. View the fun! Help them find a purpose to fight.
3) Consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted much it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog ,which is also a great idea. This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition. Just tonight I consulted this journal in responding to Queen Nova's posting. I have a page of thumbnail photos (with links to larger versions) covering from just after the diagnosis, first days home, chemotherapy treatment, through recent days. View Cherry’s TriPawd photos.
The first two weeks are usually that hardest, but with patience and love, Henri should make a good recovery. He should return to the kind of quality of life you want. He is a very hansome man!
Sending Pawsitive Thoughts Your Way,
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Good luck tomorrow!!! Jack's tumor was in his right wrist, and they took the whole leg off at the shoulder (including scapula). I don't know what a partial amputation looks like, but our surgeon recommended full for 2 reasons...the first is that if the shoulder is left it can be uncomfortable when they lie in certain positions, and the second it that it looks prettier 🙂 It is VERY common to go up to the shoulder and they can also send an axillary lymph node in for biopsy and results can come back before the pathology results for the tumor itself (if you are getting the tumor biopsied after surgery). Its not a total indicator of if the cancer has spread but you can see if it's spreading via the lymph system. I truthfully never questioned amputation. As soon as I saw the tumor on the x-ray I think my first question was "when can we get his leg off?". I didn't want limb sparing surgery because that would leave spidery cells still in his leg. I actually kind of adapted to the idea of a tripawd coming home like it was getting a new puppy. I was excited to teach him everything again, to watch him learn and discover how to do things, and to get a chance to explain to others about the cancer and the amputation. The only time I ever got nervous was right before he came into the room when we went to pick him up. For a split second I thought, "what if he has trouble? will he be upset?". Then the door opened and this little bundle of fur (and skin and stitches and fluid leakage) hopped in with his tail wagging a thousand miles a minute just grinning from ear to ear. I have never once regretted my decision. I never had to teach Jack how to do anything new as a tripawd. He figured out how to get on the couch on like, day 2, and was walking up the stairs on day 3 (BIG MISTAKE!!! don't let your doggie go up any stairs until after 2 weeks). The first time he got a bone he couldn't figure out how to hold it, but now he shreds toys and devours bones like he's been doing it 3 legged all his life. Henri will amaze you, and I wish your surgeon stable, skilled hands tomorrow 🙂
<3 Laura and Jackaroni
P.S. depending on how the surgery site is closed up, Henri may have ugly skin flaps I call "udders" cuz that's what they looked like. There were 2, one on either side of the site, and they were floppy, loose, and ugly. Despite the fact that he was shaved and had tons of stitches, and was leaking a bit, the udders were the only things I was grossed out by. If he has them, no worries! They shrink and you can't even tell anything is different once the fur grows back 🙂
P.P.S. You may want to ask your surgeon for a gabapentin perscription for phantom pain before you even leave the hospital
Henri and also Mika will be in my thoughts tomorrow!
Try to think of it as a celebration of a new life without pain!
Go do something relaxing during the surgery so you won't be a mess afterwards...go shopping, go for a long walk, get your nails done, have lunch - anything that will help put you in the right frame of mind to be a strong care giver afterwards. (I know it's easier said than done!)
Hugs to both pawrents tomorrow!
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.
Thank you guys so much for all of the replies, well wishes and prayers!!!
I am going to be a nervous wreck tomorrow and will certainly need prayers!
I really appreciate all of the kind words and shared stories and knowledge!
Prayers to Henri and Mika tomorrow for their amputation surgery!
HUGS!!!!
Wendy
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