Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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How did I miss this entire thread. I'm so sorry. Well I got here in time see a beautiful picture of Lily! I'm so glad the surgery went well and she is already home with her family. I had the same questions regarding swimming and if Fortis would still be able. I can assure you he swims as good as ever. We have a great time on our swimming adventures. Lily will be at the lake before you know it.
Fortis and I are sending Texas size wishes your way for a speedy recovery.
FortisDad
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So glad to hear that Lily's surgery went well and that she's home! Doesn't it feel good to have her back. . .and maybe a little scary? Our family has just come through the 2 weeks from 'hell' that some call it. Yeeesh - it's so true! They're better one day and the next they're terrible - up and down. She'll probably sleep a lot and may not have much of an apetite the next few days - that seems to be the norm especially after what's she's been through.
Our golden took a little longer because she had an infection and I know we were wondering if we were ever going to have our Honey back. But 3 weeks later she's almost back to normal - incessant begging for toast in the morning, jumping on new friends, eating like a pig and going out to her 'magic' fence everyday waiting for a treat (a neighbor throw treats over the fence! ).
I hope you find a tripawd friend nearby. All the best for a quick recovery for Lily and a big splash & swim in the lake real soon!
Dx Osteosarcoma 3/31/10. Amputation 7/21/10. Honey put up a valiant fight and lost her battle 9/22/10. Missing her and treasuring 9 years with our Honeygurl.
yaya said:
Lily is home! I told her that I love her even more now. The most difficult parts are the fact that I live on a second floor apt where there is NO avoiding stairs and watching her try to in pain find a way to rest in the most comfortable post-op position. I cried a couple of times when she'd make the most awful noise because I agigtated her wound by trying to help her or adjust her tshirt so
she'd not lick the wound(it's okay to put her in one right?). So ive decided to just encourage her and let her try on her own with the exception of carrying her up the stairs.
Its so hard in the beginning... my suggestion for those just going thru it, is to keep your pups heavily medication so they get the rest they need during the first week or two. Its a major surgery & they will try to act 'normal' as some as possible (instinctual thing) but its up to us as parents to make sure they take it easy. I'd also get Gabapentin form your vet.. its a neurological drug that helps with phantom pain & was they biggest help to us after out amp. we gave a tablet every 8 hrs.
Your situaiton with 2 floors is tough.. try to do as much as you can for her durint the first two weeks.. Raising the water bowls.. non-skid mats if you have wood floors.. Making a med chart is a HUGE help (there's a ton of drugs.. do I give with food or not? did I already give it?) it will be a help for sure.
Best of luck - the first 2 weeks are the hardest by far. I didn't get a lot of sleep at the start but it DOES get better.. you did the best thing for your girl.. We followed with chemo to give the best odds at a longer survival time.
Jenna & Zak
Oh, she is beautiful! I have such a fondness for black pups! (why I have all white dogs? I dunno)
Fantastic news about her being home! I don't want to sound repetitive but it's major, major surgery! It's gonna hurt.
So, imagine you are a nurse in an ICU ward for the first few days. After that, you are now a regular hospital nurse! And finally after two weeks, you are a mom again!
Best wishes for a quick and painless recovery!
P.S. Upload her picture as a profile pic (avatar pic). Go to top right click "Profile" button ---->middle of the page in small lettering Click
"Your Tripawd Dashboard" --->Upload Avatar - follow the directions. (better success is used with the "Alternative upload" feature)
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Those stairs are a big drawback. You may want to look into someithing like the ComfortLift carrier to help out a bit. I think there was another one that was introduced by Jim and Rene here, but I'm not having any luck finding it. Jim, can you help out?
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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