Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone,
Well, it's been nearly 20 months since Bradley was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his proximal humorus (which, in and of itself, is amazing!). We live in Florida and opted to treat him with Stereotactic Radiation at UF in Gainesville. For quite a long time life was just like it was before the cancer diagnosis, limbs and all, which was our goal. Unfortunately, last week Bradley fractured and had to undergo an emergency amputation.
He actually got to stay in Gainesville for a couple of extra days to recuperate and everyone there was really pleased with his progress, so this afternoon we loaded him into the car and brought him home. I'm sure the ride home was difficult and uncomfortable for him, so I understand why he might not want to eat, but I couldn't get him to drink anything or go to the bathroom. Also, despite my best efforts, he has ensconced himself in his spot on the couch (at least he didn't try to get on the bed!). He seems to be pretty comfortable and has even managed a couple of hours of sleep. So should I just leave him there and sleep on the couch with him (we have a big L shaper) in case he moves in the middle night? Or should I suck it up and crate him, even though that would most likely make him more restless? I'm probably making this into a bigger deal than it is, but what can I say? I'm a worrier...
Ah yes, life after surgery, I remember it all too well. These next couple weeks expect ups and downs, Bradley might not be himself at times, one day may look good, the next not so good, yep, appetite could be irratic, I have seen some pretty good celebrations here after that first pee or poop, so I'd say your seeing a normal recovery so far. As far as sleep, take it if you can get it, you my not get much these next couple weeks, by the end of the second week you might start having that zombie feeling, it goes with the territory. Alot of what you see is a reaction to the pain meds, you may need to sdjust to find the right balance. Gus had phantom pain which started about 5 days post, lasted about 4 weeks, it would happen maybe a couple times a day, Gabapentin will help with that if needed. Don't be afraid to ask anything, experience gives the best answers, good luck, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Worrying is only going to make things worse since Bradley will pick up on your emotions and start moping around himself! Confinement is key to safe recovery, so unless you usually sleep on the couch with him, his crate is the best place for him. As Dr. Waldman says, if you want things to be normal again, you must act as though life is normal.
You're very fortunate to have already received 20 months with Bradley! Here's to many more hoppy months Loving Life On Three Legs . Welcome and thanks for joining, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
In my opinion, the best thing you can do for Bradley is to let him take the lead. He will let you know what he is up to trying. The next two weeks aren't the easiest, but you (and he) will get through them. Rest when he rests - resist the urge to sit and watch him sleep. If he is sleeping, he's good. You will wake if you hear him. You guys will adapt to your new routine in a couple of days and all will be well.
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.
hugapitbull said:
In my opinion, the best thing you can do for Bradley is to let him take the lead. He will let you know what he is up to trying. The next two weeks aren't the easiest, but you (and he) will get through them. Rest when he rests - resist the urge to sit and watch him sleep. If he is sleeping, he's good. You will wake if you hear him. You guys will adapt to your new routine in a couple of days and all will be well.
Well, I can't help sitting and watching him sleep, I've been doing that since he was a puppy! 
Thanks for the advice about letting him take the lead, it mae me feel a little calmer.
Jerry, his normal spot is on the couch. I've never crated him at night, so that's why I was reluctant to put him in there. He would know that something was off. It ended up being a moot point. At 11:30 he got up and asked to out, peed, and then came and got on a bed I had set up for him in our room. Slept there until 7:30 this morning, now we're back on the couch. Hopefully, this and trying to get him to eat is the most stressful thing we have to deal with...
The above advice is what we would have recommended. Ginger was never crated and so we didn't after her surgery since she was not used to it. We did block off the stairs and kitchen (slippery floors) so she would not try the stairs and end up hurting herself.
Ginger did not have much appetite for several days after the surgery. To get her to drink we would dilute chicken broth with water - she would drink that.
Paws crossed for a speedy recovery.
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