Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our 7 year old Aussie Earl was diagnosed with osteosarcoma last week in left foreleg. Amputation was this afternoon and we brought him home an hour ago. He (sort of) walked over to us at the vet when we came to get him but not at all steadily; he was still quite loopy with morphine. We carried him into the house and laid him on his bed. He's been whining on and off since he came home. We thought maybe he had to pee but after trying to get him up a couple times we gave up as he is so limp I can't imagine that he can stand up, much less walk. I wish they hadn't sent him home so soon but they assured us that he would be fine and that he is able to walk. They also said to just let him rest and not force him to get up.
Has anyone else had a pet sent home right after the procedure? I'm just looking for a little reassurance that he's going to be ok. He never whines or complains, so I'm not sure what it means... is he in pain? is he frustrated because he can't get up? does he have to pee? is he hungry? is he thirsty? I sure hope it's just the anesthesia and that he'll be more himself tomorrow.
Here he was with all 4 legs, yesterday, wet because he just had a bath.
Awww Earl is so smoochable!
Thanks for joining. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
How is he doing today? What pain medications did he come home with?
Most dogs spend the night, at least one. Bringing home a dog the same day of surgery is not unheard of, but it IS difficult. Of course it's much better than leaving him alone at the clinic all night, so your vet did right by having you take him home. Members in rural areas often have to do this. Ideally, it would have been best to have him transferred to a 24/7 clinic if one was available to you, to spare you the difficulty of caring for a dysmorphic, wonky amputee patient, but that's behind you now. You survived the first night, give yourself a pat on the back!
So, check out our What to Expect articles to prepare you for the coming week. No, it won't be easy but it doesn't last forever. As an Aussie, my guess is that in a few days Earl will be begging you to let him go bonkers and run around. Of course you won't, right? Because he really does need to reserve his energy for healing. And you'll need your rest too. So plan on spending time cuddling on the couch, and keeping him entertained with interactive brain games until those stitches come out.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry! I understand your concern too! My Libby had her surgery yesterday and the doctor said he saw normal tissue between the mass and her bone so with that promising statement he also said they of course couldn't see if it had spread. I spoke with her tech last night and he said despite her crying, she was doing well. So we were disappointed when we were told this morning that she can't come home today. She was crying. She was unable to stand on her own. They felt it would be too much work for us here at home. After reading your post I understand their reasons now. And to be honest, I'm a little afraid to see her, have her home and care for her myself. May we both find confidence and comfort.
lizshep said
I'm so sorry! I understand your concern too! My Libby had her surgery yesterday
Hang in there Liz and Libby! So sorry you had to join our club.
This is a scary time but it's not forever and things really do get better. Your vet was right to take the precaution for having her stay an extra night. Use this time to prepare yourself and your home for her life on three, and be sure to start a new topic in Treatment and Recovery so we can help you better! See you there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the support! Earl is SO much better today! No more whining, and he is acting like himself, and wagging his little stub of a tail. He's having a challenging time walking, but seems determined to work through it. It's hard to watch him try to do things he'll has to re-learn, like lifting his leg when he pees and getting his ball out from under the couch with just one front leg, but he's made incredible progress just since this morning.
jerry said
Awww Earl is so smoochable!Thanks for joining. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
How is he doing today? What pain medications did he come home with?
Most dogs spend the night, at least one. Bringing home a dog the same day of surgery is not unheard of, but it IS difficult. Of course it's much better than leaving him alone at the clinic all night, so your vet did right by having you take him home. Members in rural areas often have to do this. Ideally, it would have been best to have him transferred to a 24/7 clinic if one was available to you, to spare you the difficulty of caring for a dysmorphic, wonky amputee patient, but that's behind you now. You survived the first night, give yourself a pat on the back!
So, check out our What to Expect articles to prepare you for the coming week. No, it won't be easy but it doesn't last forever. As an Aussie, my guess is that in a few days Earl will be begging you to let him go bonkers and run around. Of course you won't, right? Because he really does need to reserve his energy for healing. And you'll need your rest too. So plan on spending time cuddling on the couch, and keeping him entertained with interactive brain games until those stitches come out.
Thanks for the reassurance! I think last night he was mostly loopy from meds. He came home with gabapentin and carprofen, and they seem to be doing the trick.
Re: interactive brain games
-- your link goes to "Runny Poo? Try Eating Clay." Is there a different link where I can find the interactive games? 
Online
Earl is so darn cute!!!
Whew! What a crazy 24 hrs! I know most night was just awful watching him come off of anesthesia.
It will take a few more days to get mhis sea legs, so don't be concerned that he's wobbly and unsure.
Very, very important that he just get up for SHORT leashed potty breaks and then back kn for resr, rest and more rest.
He's still got some good hospital meds in him, so he may have a Fresh in another raynor so. Pain mana on a consistent basis is crucial. Depending on how things go in a day or two, they may need some tweaking.
Drink and peeing are I'm. He may not each much for a cou of days and ot may take him several days to poop.
He's recov fro MAJOR surgery, all while try to adjust to three, all while on some good pain meds. He'll figure out how tompee without falling over and he''ll soon figure out how to get his ball. My front legger can dig, chew a bone, counter serve and has adapted a "pee style" that works just fine.
NO, I don't think Jerry intended for "runny poo💩" to be some sort of interactive ind game🤣😂🤣😂 Ahe'll come along and fix it.
Hoping you can get some sleep tonight. We are here to support you through recovery. It's no picnic for a couple of weeks, but the sparkle does come back bigger and brighter than before!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
That is SO COOL he's doing well. He looks fantastic in the photo, love seeing him outside soaking up some sunshine.
You are going to be so amazed at how he learns to adapt on his own. I really thought when Jerry lost his front left leg that he was going to need our help doing things, but nope, he figured out 99% of what he needed to do to have fun, including chewing on bones. It made us so happy to see, I know you're going to fall in love when you see Earl do the same.
THANK YOU for pointing out the bad link for interactive brain games ! It's fixed now. If you ever see any other bad links please let us know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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