Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Gus is a 7yo Chesapeake Bay Retriever - initially diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (back L leg) on 12/29. It's been a long few weeks since then as we've gotten bone biopsy (confirmation - it is osteosarcoma), lots of additional x-rays (no visible chest mets) and finally made the decision to amputate. We got Gus from a rescue last summer - the biggest shock is just that we expected to have him around a lot longer than he's likely to wind up being here.
I'm terrified we may not be making the right decision for him, but everytime I think back through the options, I come back to the conclusion that amputation is the best decision. But I'm still worried about how traumatic this will be for him. 4 different vets have assured me he's a great candidate for amputation. The other back leg seems solid, and he's not overweight.
I'm in prep mode today - making chicken broth and lots of meat with carrots for him, putting rug runners down on the hardwood floors and giving him lots of love. His harness should arrive on Monday - just in time, I hope.
Thanks to everyone here on the forums for sharing your knowledge and experiences. It really, really helps. Wish us luck! And bear me with next week - I'm sure I'll be having a harder time than Gus will. Since I have to be calm and confident for him I'll need you guys to be strong for me 🙂
Sarah
Hi Sarah and Gus!!!
We're right by your side the whole way, okay? We are your stre gth when you have those moments of "less strength". We understand your fear and concerns like no others can. I was so scared I cancelled my Happy Hannah's first surgery date!! We also know how deep your love for Gus is and how you are willing to do whatever it takes to give him a chance at a pain free quality life!
And be clear about this right off the bat! GUS DOES NOT HAVE A TIMEFRAME STAMPED ANYWHERE IN THAT CUTE BUTT OF HIS!! GUS IS NOT A STATISTIC!! None of us k lw how much time we have on earth. The important thing is TO Be More Dog !! BE MORE GUS!!! Live in the NOW! Live in the present! No worries about the tomorrows! Make every moment the best moment evvver!! 🙂
We all second guess our "force chlice" decision....until the sparkle comes back....u til we see how happy our dogs and cats are to be free of pain!! 🙂
It sounds like you've done your research a d have done a good job of preparing for Gus's homecoming. Good job! When you do go pick Gus up, don't even bother to look at his incisioniion. Just look into his druggy eyes and tell him what a good voy he is and he's going home!!!
We'd love to see photos of your boy! He sounds like such a sweet fella'.
STAY CONNECTED!! EAT CHOCOLATE! And remember, YOU ARE. IT ALONE!
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!
Sally,
Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement! I'm so glad to have this community to go through this with.
Sarah
flemingo said
I'm in prep mode today - making chicken broth and lots of meat with carrots for him, putting rug runners down on the hardwood floors and giving him lots of love. His harness should arrive on Monday - just in time, I hope.
You're doing all the right things. And having good food already prepared for Gus will save you time and energy. There have been ups and downs in our two week recovery time but you will get through it and most importantly Gus will be hopping with confidence and without pain before you know it!
Camille and Otis
Hang in there Sarah, you're doing a pawesome job getting ready!
It was so nice chatting with you yesterday. Glad to see you joined us here, this is the best place to get help so post away 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just popping in over here as well to tell you and Gus good luck tomorrow. Keep us updated on his progress.
Good morning,
Wishing you good luck today, speedy easy surgery, and the fastest of recoveries. Please let us know how you do.
Hugs,
Jackie and Huck
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Thank you both so much. I'm a complete mess. They should be starting surgery now, done at noon.
flemingo said
Thank you both so much. I'm a complete mess. They should be starting surgery now, done at noon.
I was a mess too, and I didn't sleep the night before and hated being apart from Otis, but Gus is in good hands and you did the right thing. He will be back with you soon enough! Lots of hugs. Keep us posted!
Oh ditto here, we cried all day long, I think everyone does. Hang in there and pretty soon this will be behind you, and Gus will amaze you with his resilience and courage.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just talked to the vet - she says gus‘ surgery went really well. No word yet on when he‘ll come home.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR GUS 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
SURGERY IS DONE AND THE PINK ELEPHANTS ARE MARCHING IN GUS'S DRUGGY PARADE!!! 🙂
Most dogs spend one night, sometimes two, maybe even more. The Vet likes to make sure all vital signs are stavle and the pups are mobile, at least to a minimal degree, and with help if necessary. So no worries there, okay?
I may have mentioned this, but when you dompick him ul, just ignore his incision and tell him in a proud, happy, confident voice what a good boy he is! I gave my Happy Hannah applause and that really made her tail wag 🙂 When I did take a glance after getting her home, the amount of fur they shaved was more shocking than the incision!
Try and get some good rest tonight. You won't be seeing pi k elephants, but you should be having some sweet dreams about having yiur sweet Gus by your side..........pain free!! 🙂
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!
Yay glad Gus is finished with surgery. Hope that pink elephant parade is making its way through right now. I hope you all have a smooth recovery period and Gus is home with you soon.
Keep us updated.
So glad to hear all went well! That is a relief for sure! I hope they are equipped to keep him for the evening. If they have evening staff and can keep him it's really not a bad idea. That way he can sleep some of his pink elephants off, lol.
Take care,
Jackie
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
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