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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THIS IS GYPSY WITH HER PINK CAST ON SNUGGLING HER STUFFED ANIMAL.
THIS IS GYPSY AGAIN WITH HER CAST ON & SITTING ON HER FAVORITE BLANKIE.
Wow, what a cutie! Good luck with the surgery, we are rooting for you. That little girl looks like she'll be running you out of breath again very soon. There's alot to know and learn, so it's really good you've come to tripawds.com and we are looking forward to hearing your updates.
...and what's more, Gypsy will show you the way; Tripawds have the most amazing resilience and heightened sense of survival. And as a dog, she "broadcasts" her inner voice to you, so take the time to listen and learn from her too. And I don't think tomorrow is too soon to return from surgery, Lalla was home and moving about the day of her surgery. So that's a little bit of "Girl Tripawd" power for you both.
Good luck, we are thinking of you
Hi and welcome. Gypsy certainly looks like a sweetie - so sorry she has to go through this.
I would definitely let her walk on her own. If you carry her everywhere it will take much longer for her to adjust and learn how to move about on three legs. Believe me you will be amazed at how quickly she'll get the hang of it. Radar came home the day after surgery too and did very well. I think that little dogs have a bit easier time of it since they aren't carrying the weight of the big guys. I would keep an eye on her and the high jumping. Radar still tries to do everythign that he did in the past and Gypsy may still think she can handle the high jump.
Hugs
Connie & Radar
Holly,
She is an adorable fur baby... During recovery it's hard not to spoil them. All dogs are different, so use your motherly intuition and give her all the TLC she needs. In regard to swimming there is a K-9 float coat on the home page for you to check out , when she is ready...
Will keep Gypsy in our prayers .... keep us posted. Rest is best after surgery...
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
Thanks for posting again little Gypsy. Perhaps you didn't notice we moved your first post here to the proper forum. Comments on that one address some of your concers too.
Coming home the next day is perfectly normal. You might want to carry Gypsy on stairs for the first week or so, but she'll probably surprise you and will need to start rebuilding her strength so let her walk! Or hop rather ...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks to everyone for your comments, suggestions, & support. I hope they keep coming. The more suggestions & stories the better. The vet called me a couple hours ago & said the surgery went well with no complications. Her pain is under control, & they will try to get her to eat in about 2 more hours. I can go visit her at 5:30....I'm excited & nervous. I am going to try my hardest not to get upset because I don't want her sensing my feelings. I'm going to try to stay positive & just keep thinking "atleast she's alive & we still have her".
My husband & I went & visited gypsy this evening. They opened up her little cage door & as soon as I walked up & said "hi baby gypsy" she gave a couple wags of the tail & did a lot of whining. She was still coming out of her anesthesia. She was really whining a lot & I was afraid that she was really in a lot of pain. When the vet came in, he re-assured us that she has been fine, & has just started the whining because I was there. She just stayed laying down & I petted her for about 15 minutes. I am sooooo afraid to pick her up. Her whole rib cage & chest is wrapped up. What if I hurt her?? The vet said she can come home tomorrow afternoon. I am soooooooooo nervous.
Hi sweet girl - we're so happy to hear that you came out of surgery OK. We'll continue prayers for a speedy recovery.
Mom - try not to be nervous...she will pick up on that and mirror your emotions. As difficult as it is, just be normal (with a little extra spoiling). You have her with you and that is all that matters. She will rest and probably react in her own way to the main medication. As you'll read on the site, medication affects dogs differently. Zeus panted for 2 weeks and as soon as he was off the meds, the stitches were out and the bandage off - wow was he back to his old self instantaneously.
Try and get some rest this evening - the first night home may be a bit trying and it make take a couple days for her to adjust. Just give her all the love in the world and you'll be amazed.
We're thinking of you ~
Love Mom and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Thank you so much Zues. Your support & caring words really help. I realize that she needs tons of spoiling & love....the only problem is...I'm not sure if I can spoil her anymore than I already have. LOL. Ever since she broke her leg 8 weeks ago, I've been spoon feeding her, rocking her to sleep in the rocking chair every night, since she couldn't go for walks with her cast on, I put her in a doggie stroller & walked her that way...atleast she was able to get out of the house. She absolutely loved it. The main thing that I am afraid of is.....pottying. She is on 7 pounds so I can carry her outside, but I'm sure I will have to help her stand since she's not used to having a leg gone yet, so what if she will not potty since I'm helping hold her up????? I'm afraid that she won't eat well, so I went tonight & bought some fresh turkey lunch meat so it will be here when she comes home tomorrow. I'm just so worried about everything. I'm worried that she will be in a lot of pain. I need to take tonight & try to just relax, calm down, & be happy that she's coming home tomorrow.....BUT....EASIER SAID THAN DONE.
I was where you are just one short week ago. So worried about my girl & how we would deal with everything after she came home. I understand where you are.
When Calamity came home, she had learned to potty just fine. She sort of centers the front leg & drops to do her business. It causes her no pain.
We have had some minor bumps in healing, but nothing major that we have not been able to handle.
Calamity has not missed a meal and we have not hand fed her at all.
You're going to worry no matter what anyone says, but you'll see it'll all work out & Gypsy will live a long life as a littel tripawd.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
thank you so much janie & calamity. bless your little hearts. So are there any certain things that I should watch for during this healing process? or anything special that should make sure to do or not do??
Cesar Millan says that "…a physically disabled dog still has the same basic needs as a healthy dog"; and your little girl will show you the way. Try to de-stress so that you can cope with all these new dynamics.
well...my little Gyspy came home today. All my worries & concerns & stress was a total waste of time. I am so happy to say.....Gypsy is doing absolutely WONDERFUL. She came home today & I took her outside to potty. I was hesitant & afraid that she was going to fall over.....but as soon as I sat her down she went hopping across the yard like she knew what she was doing. She went peepee & did fine, then she did number 2 & was a little wobbly but didn't fall over. As soon as she was done, she was almost running to me. I brought her in the house & she ate like a little piggy so her appetite is great. She was licking her incision a little so I put her doggie pajamas on her so she couldn't get to it. She rolled over on her back wanting her nightly belly rub, then I put her to bed for the night. I am sooooo happy that she just came home today & is adapting already. Thank God. She will get her staples out on november 8th.
Welcome home little Gypsy. Glad to hear the procedure went well. Keep those spirits up and be prepared for the upcoming week of recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
ok....today is day 2 at home & Gypsy is not doing near as well today as she did yesterday. As I'm sitting here typing this, I'm waiting on the vet to call me back...it's 8:10pm. I don't think her pain is under control today. She keeps panting, shaking/trembling. Also...she can be just laying there totally fine, then all of a sudden she will start squeeling. I am trying to keep my composure here & not start balling my eyes out. I hope the Dr. hurries up & calls me. Did anyone else have these issues?????
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