Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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My lab Brady was diagnosed with osteosarcoma about a month ago. While waiting for the vet to consult with an oncologist about treatment options, I found you. Just reading stories and advice and seeing all the support everyone has for one another has been a blessing. I have opted for amputation then chemo and the surgery is set for Tuesday. He is pretty well medicated until then because the pain has gotten pretty bad, but a good weekend of rest is probably needed. So, until the day arrives I will continue to try to prepare myself to deal with whatever comes our way.
Welcome to Tripawds.
And at the same time I am sorry you have found yourself here with Brady's diagnosis. But you are right- you have found a very supportive community. Lots of experience here you can draw on as you start your tripawd journey.
Since you have been here in the background for awhile you have probably read Jerry's Required Reading list or maybe downloaded the e-book 3 Legs and a Spare. Both good references on what to expect with amputation, recovery, and treatment.
Tell us more about Brady- how old is he? Front leg amp? And of course we love to see pictures.
Rest up this weekend- the first couple weeks after surgery can be ruff- lots of ups and downs. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel and soon Brady will be inspire you with his resilience!
Come back and ask questions- someone here will probably know the answer.
Good luck with the surgery- be sure and post how he is doing.
Karen and the pugapalooza
p.s.- your future posts will not have to wait for moderation, only the first one.
sorry to hear about brady's diagnosis. gayle is a lab mix who lost her right front leg (soft tissue sarcoma) feb 2010. she'll be 12 in january. removing the painful limb will make such a difference in quality of life. we too did chemo, which i think helped ...some do, some don't. looking forward to following brady's progress - pictures, we need pictures.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Hello to you and Brady - this is the group nobody wants to join, but everybody is glad they did.
Can't add too much to what Charon and Karen (hey, that rhymes...) already said, but just wanted to welcome you and reassure you that you are doing the right thing. The amp will get rid of your pup's pain.
We've been there and know what you are going through. We also did chemo and I think it helped. Anyway, the important thing for now is to get through the amp recovery. It's not easy at times, but the worst of it should be over at about the 10-14 day mark. Be sure to come here with any questions or if you just need to vent/get some support. Definitely, try to rest up this weekend!
Keep us posted on how the surgery goes! We'll also need report updates on first pee, first poo, first walk. We get excited for that stuff... You will too. You'll see...
Welcome to the Tripawds family,
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Welcome! You have found the best place to come for support, advice, a laugh, a shoulder to cry on, a place to vent. These people are the best! I'm glad you found them before the surgery. I stumbled upon them after the amp & I totally wish I had found them beforehand. Please post some pics and get some rest, the first 2 weeks are the toughest.
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
So sorry you had to "join the club," but I think you'll find that it is a great comfort and source of information and inspiration.
Amputation is such a tough thing to face, but you are doing the right thing in removing the source of Brady's pain. Rest assured that he's not nearly as worried about it as you are. He just wants the pain gone. Once it is, you will see an immediate change, but it'll take a couple of weeks for recovery. Try to get some rest, as you will need it! Try not to worry; it doesn't do any good (easier said than done, I know!). And keep us posted on Brady's progress.
And pictures... we LOVE pictures. We want to see Brady in all of his cuteness.
Rio's mom, Micki, and Rio
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~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Welcome to you and Brandy! I'm a labby mom and Charley also has OSA had his L front leg amputated on 10-28-10, followed by 5 rounds of chemo (Carboplatin). He is doing great and will celebrate his 11 Month Ampiversary this Wednesday, 9-28-11.
The first 2 weeks are the toughest...the cancer pain is gone, they are just sore and need to learn to use muscles that have never had to use before. The pain meds and healing impact their appetite sometimes...I was floored when Charley refused to eat in the week following his amp (since he is an always hungry lab) and had to be hand fed salmon, scrambled eggs, hamburger, etc. If Brandy lays around a lot, that is fine. He is healing and needs the rest. Charley was 90% better when his staples were removed at day 13. Brandy will surprise you!
Sending lots of positive thoughts to Brandy for an uneventful surgery on Tuesday and a speedy recovery!
Hugs and chocolate kisses,
Ellen & Charley
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
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