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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Gatsby had his surgery
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Member Since:
27 May 2019
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31 May 2019 - 5:43 pm
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Hi everyone,

With great relief Gatsby has sailed through his surgery and is now in the care of the vets. I'm going in to see him later this morning. He's too drugged out to stand by himself but did make the effort. He wasn't able to urinate himself so they helped him with that.

One day at a time. I did wake repeatedly during the night worrying about him.

I'm also worried about getting him into the Chrysler Voyager to get him home... trying to work out 'how' this is going to be possible. He may not be able to extend his one front leg up enough to get in... so I have a sedan as well, but just can't fathom the physics yet of how he will do this. I can sling him, but that might pressure the area where the surgery has been at the front. I suppose it comes down to having to 'hop' up to move the front leg without hitting his head on the car.

At least I have until Monday evening to figure that bit out.

I'm still annoyed by the vet I saw yesterday pre-op who wasn't his normal vet... he said that because they were shutting on Sunday I could take him home at lunch time today because he would be 'on his feet' and fine.

lol nup - didn't buy that one - thanks to this site which has a realistic set of what to expect. Given he can't stand up and pee yet on his own, won't be trying to do that.

I suppose if he weren't 180 pounds, I'd be just lifting him into the car.

I'll update everyone on Monday and THANK YOU. You guys saved my sanity. I have appreciated every word sent my way 🙂sp_hearticon2sp_hearticon2

Juliette 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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31 May 2019 - 7:59 pm
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Oh I'm so glad to know the surgery is behind you and Gatsby! Wonderful!

I think you'll be surprised at how he manages to get into the vehicle. I think we tend to put more thought into it than they do. They just do it and then go "See? You were worried why?"

Try to rest up. Get your home ready for him and know that the scariest part is behind you. Let us know if you have any questions.

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

Member Since:
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31 May 2019 - 8:43 pm
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Whew!! So glad he's doing ok. I agree with Rene in respect to them "doing" without fretting over it.  The sling is a great way to compensate.  If you've never done it,  you'd be shocked at how much easier it makes things.  If you have a Voyager,  I think the extra head and elbow room may make it easier for your gentle giant. 

Couple of things to keep in mind.  Many times larger animals take a little more time to ambulate well.  Recovery can also take more time.  Keeping him calm and resting him for  the next couple of weeks will be so important.  

Sleep,  quick potty breaks,  food,  and hydration will be your goal for now.  No running,  jumping,  walks,  or couches.  

Medication... please give it at regular intervals.  It may need tweaking as anesthesia wears off over the next 4-5 days.  The pain meds can throw off his appetite.  Make sure you have things he likes.  Hamburger,  roasted chicken,  cheese,  scrambled eggs,  whatever he loves.  Worry about regular food after,  ok? He may do just fine but better to be prepared.

If you can get some puppy pads to place over his bed it can help in cause he has an accident.  Easier to replace a pad than  to have to wash a whole  xxl dog bed icon_lol

Lots of docs start at a lower level of pain meds.  Sometimes it works,  sometimes they need to increase some. Keep in contact with your doc and keep them in the loop. 

I know,  I just threw a bunch of stuff to you,  but I'm hoping to prepare you as best as I can for whatever may come  your way. 

Get rest,  make your home ready for recovery.  This can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride but don't forget we're here.  Stay tuned and don't forget to breathesp_hearticon2

Hugs 

Jackie and Huck❤

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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31 May 2019 - 11:27 pm
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So glad to hear Gatsby has the surgery behind him.  I know you are sooooo relieved!  And we share your  relief and joy!!

Jackie gave you good advice and good pointers.

I'm sure the Bet Techs will help get Gatsby in the car, so TRY not to worry.  I'm  going to assume you have someone who can go with you?  I did not and the hour ride back was NOT one I would want to repeat by myself! My Happy Hannah was completely  "wired" and cried and barked and tried to move all around.  Some dogs may be zonked out, but just want you to be prepared in case Gatsby isn't one of those.

Keep us posted in the homecoming.   And remember, we also have the Tripawds Helpline , as well as the forums.  1 844 TRIPAWD.

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!

Member Since:
27 May 2019
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1 June 2019 - 7:28 pm
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Thanks guys smiley4great advice! You are my life line right now with all of this.sp_hearticon2sp_hearticon2sp_hearticon2

I think I was over-worrying, especially after I saw him today. I should have known... he's just Gatsby with three legs now... I was shocked at how he greeted me. On his feet, trying to push the cage door aside to get to me. Eating, drinking and he ran around this morning when they took him out for some fresh air.

They did say he hasn't figured out how to stand a pee yet, so it will be puppy training mats and lots of patience. I can see why as he pees like a horse and without the extra leg it must feel weird for him.

I've also done another post just to update. Thanks for all the support. This is such unknown territory and you get thrown into it so fast.

Thanks

Juliette x

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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1 June 2019 - 10:55 pm
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YAAAAAZ6 GOR GATSBY!!!   OVER THE MOON HAPPY TO READ THIS!!--😁😀

For a bid dog to be standing  and already movile rhis early is spectacular!  Well done!

And yeah, pee pads may be the norm for a few days.  Juxt as long as he pers , anywhere is good.....for now!  And popping may take several days because  of the meds.

Made my day! 😁😁

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!

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27 May 2019
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1 June 2019 - 11:03 pm
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On The Road


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2 June 2019 - 11:14 am
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Wheeeee! Great news, this made my day! Can't wait to see pictures of your boy back at home. 

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

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