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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Front leg amputation - how do I help her?
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Durham, NC
Member Since:
16 September 2015
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18 October 2015 - 7:35 pm
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Here's Izzy in her sweater today. She's doing well but routinely hops up from her bed and goes running off after yelping. I'm not sure if the incision is hurting or maybe a little scab gets snagged or something, but tonight, she fell over when trying to pop up and out of her bed. I don't know what's wrong and of course, her vet is on vacation this week. I'm sure she'll be ok, but it makes me nervous 🙁

I have so little time left with her, I just want her to feel good all of the time. My poor pupper.

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Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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18 October 2015 - 8:31 pm
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Just a little reminder...Izzy does NOT have a time frame stamped anywhere on her adorable butt!! As you already know, it's all about living in the now, just like Izzy is doing. And you are BOTH doing a great job of savoring all the treasures of being together in the moment...in tne present.

Izzy realy knows how to style her sweaters! She is such a fashion icon!!

Research phantom pain and see if that sounds like what Izzy is experiencing. It hits quickly...the dog usually yelps...jumps up and tries to "run away" from the pain. It only lasts several seconds, but it apparently hurts like heck. IF that is what it is, Gabapentin usually helps. It could also be something as "simple" as a leg cramp. I wouldn't worry about her falling as she jumped up out of bed. In early recovery, this is not unusual. Just guessing, but I'm thinking sometimes when a dog is startled out of bed/sleep, they forget to "adjust" to just having three legs!

Is her bed somewhat firm, or more squishy? Sometimes the squishier ones slip and slide when a dog is trying to get their footing.

That picture of Izzy shows you a happy and fit looking dog. Izzy is continuously getting more and more of her sparkle back on a consistent basis.clap

Keep these sweet pictures coming!!

Hugs to you and Izzy!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

Member Since:
8 September 2015
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19 October 2015 - 9:24 am
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She looks so adorable in her sweater 🙂

So, I noticed Patches doing the same thing early on after her surgery.  Our neighbor is an MD and she said to gently press on and "rub" her incision area as it could be phantom limb pain and the gentle massage could help to minimize and alleviate those symptoms.  And it really helped.  We routinely put gentle compression on the area and gently massaged her incision as well as her shoulders and neck.  it cut way down on her jumping up like that and she seemed to really like the massage.  I think it helped her adjust to her new gait and stance and we still do it for her to this day.  Something else we have that we just happened to have is a magnetic mattress that my mom bought us years ago.  We put a comforter on top of it and she sleeps there 80% of the time.  I don't know if it helps but it can't hurt.  Patches is doing really well with recovery from surgery and with the chemo.  In fact, despite chemo she is eating better than ever.  We can hardly keep her in fresh meat and rice.  I feed her as much as she will eat because despite a rough start with not enough food she never eats more than she can handle.  If only she'd tell her brother........And we are putting K9 Immunity in her food too.  

I hope some of this information helps you out.  It's scary and they can't talk so we're kind of shooting in the dark.  All my best to you, hugs and kisses for Izzy.

xoxo

Debbie And Patches

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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19 October 2015 - 10:43 am
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Awww she's so pretty! And yes, Sally is right, unless you know something we don't, no dog (or other creature) has a date stamp on their butt. You never know what tomorrow will bring or how many tomorrows there will be so just run with it like Izzy, she's not counting 🙂

I agree she could have some post-op phantom pain . Check out the post that Calpurnia's Mom TC did on her blog, about some fantastic massage/exercises one of her dogs got after his scapulectomy. The exercises are exactly what we've seen rehab vets prescribe post-amp.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Durham, NC
Member Since:
16 September 2015
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19 October 2015 - 6:05 pm
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Thank you for the suggestions (and compliments)! I've given her some doggy massages but avoiding the incision. I'll try that tonight, but she's had a good evening so far. It does seem like she could be having phantom pain so hopefully this will help her improve. If it keeps on happening, I'll bring it up to the vet when she goes for her re-check on the 27th.

Iz has several beds. One is an orthopedic nest bed, one is a doggy couch and the other is a big ole bed from Costco (smells like cedar ... heaven). This happens on every bed or just randomly laying on the carpet runners or even the big pink shag bathmat that is now in front of the stove/island in the kitchen so she can lay at my feet while I cook. Ok, who am I kidding? She's sitting there, watching like a hawk and "snapping" her jaws to ask for scraps. I have to take video of that before long. So funny to me. That said, there isn't much rhyme or reason to when or where it happens. I just get a little upset when she falls, although I did laugh at her for going arse over teakettle trying to get that last little piece of orange bell pepper tonight. Guess it's all in the context.

I did order her some K9 Immunity but it won't get here for another few days yet. She's such a champ, I don't really even need to work at getting her to take her Keflex (antibiotic) even tho it stinks like sulfur. I just toss it in with her (very stinky) kibble - salmon flavored and damn, can you tell it really IS made from fish - with a lil cottage cheese or pumpkin and WHAMMO. Gone. She loves the GlycoFlex "treats" too.   ... This is part of why I almost named her Piggy ...

I wish I could do metronomic therapy or traditional chemo for her. I don't know if the metronomic is any more economical but I just want to do MORE for her. And me. We want her to live forever!!

Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.

On The Road


Member Since:
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19 October 2015 - 8:15 pm
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Oh my gosh you ARE doing so much for her, just by being there in the moment, noticing all the adorable cute things she does, and spoiling her rotten with all your attention. That is pretty awesome medicine all by itself so never forget that.

Glad she's a good eater, there are lots of doggies who aren't and that's when things get tricky. Izzy is one easy girl!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Durham, NC
Member Since:
16 September 2015
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19 October 2015 - 8:58 pm
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Thanks again 🙂 You make a good point, because she is loved! Finally got a shot in her sweater with her cute lil mug. Aww my sweet lil pupper

Image Enlarger

Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.

Member Since:
8 September 2015
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20 October 2015 - 7:15 am
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Aww, I love her she's so cute.  I wish I could get Patches to eat Pumpkin but I'm happy she eats rice.  It kind of helps in a number of ways but the main way it so help keep her full for a little longer.  otherwise it's all meat and man......she can eat us out of house and home.

Speaking of.....are you not getting chemo for Izzy because of cost?  Cause that breaks my heart.  Have you thought of doing a "Go Fund Me" page?  Set something up so we can all help.  Even one or two rounds might be better than none.  I think Izzy would do well.  I love her sweet face.

Let us know if you do set up a funding page somewhere.  I'd like to help.

xoxo

Debbie and Patches

On The Road


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20 October 2015 - 9:35 am
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izzysmomma said
Finally got a shot in her sweater with her cute lil mug....

One of these would be great for the 2016 Tripawds Calendar! If you can provide an original high resolution photo. See calendar submission guidelines here.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Durham, NC
Member Since:
16 September 2015
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85
20 October 2015 - 7:06 pm
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Oh! My lil model would LOVE to ... model! I am snapping these photos with my phone, so I don't think they are large enough. The good news is that my good friend is a pro pet photog and is planning to do a "joy" session with my girl once she moves down to NC in January. We are hoping that Izzy is still happy and healthy then and I'll have lots of great shots for next year's calendar. I'll check to see if I have any that might do this year. 🙂

Debbie, I did set up a GFM page for Izzys Cancer Fund before surgery but it never really got off the ground. I almost wasn't able to have her surgery if not for the incredible folks and Helping Hands (and there was a surprise anonymous donation that I assume came from here - pretty much nobody knew the name of where I was going). The vet has recommended 6 treatments but it would have to start almost right away. We're over a month post amp and I guess timing is crucial.

Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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86
20 October 2015 - 8:37 pm
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Loving Miss Izzy stylin' that sweater!! She is sooo pretty!

As faras chemo...kt really is a crap shoot. Some dogs seem to get extended time....some don't even get to complete tne rounds.

One thing I will say. My Happy Hannah did FOUR rounds of Carboplatin. Many Oncos. believe thats an effective amount. Of course, some suggest five, some six. Back to the crap shoot theory!

Check on the cost of metronomics . I know it's less expensive than IV chemo. Again...no guarantees with..or without it!! And certainly no right or wrong! To be stressed over finances would take away from being in the moment with Izzy. Izzy has QUALITY now thanks to you! Izzy has a pain free life with more time for loving and spoiling a d tummy rubs and treats thanks to you. Days on a calendar mean nothing to Izzy! Having you fully present with ner means the world to her!!

The only thing "more" Izzy wants from you...is more you! And you are fulfilling that wish of hers just brilliantly!!clap

Can't wait for more pictures! Some great advice someone gave me. Make sure you take pictures of Izzy doing everyday, normal things...even sleeping in her favorite position. And take pictures with you in them. They'll make great sacred treasures.

Love and hugs to all!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

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