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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Well, I am so happy to say Henri is now home. The Vet seemed to think he looked good and was overall doing well with his front limb amputation. Henri is panting quite a bit…is this normal? He is only on Tramadol and Rimadyl…but he was on both of these prior to amputation. His incision has sutures that are burried and will dissolve. An issue I am having is that Henri does not seem interested in going outside…I think it is because it so much work for him. I have a sling…but he hates it and wants to be independent. Also, the Vet only wanted me to do cold compresses….and He HATES it…..so not sure if there are any other suggestions? Have not had to do the T-shirt thing yet, but I am sure that is soon. He is drinking a TON of water…so is that because of the meds? He is eating good for now, so I am happy with that…I am going to start a blog…if I can ever figure out how to do it…lol! ( And will share pictures )….
Luckily, I have not gone to pieces over the wound….but I do think it is going to start bruising soon as he is showing signs of a small patch of pink….there are lots of folds of skin…and in addition to having a huge incision ( was amputated at the shoulder ) Henri had a 5 cm lipoma removed that was on his chest…figured it would get in his way ….so we have lots of cuts : (…..
Hoping I can get him to go potty outside….his bed is only about 12 feet from the door…but I know he is really tired. Just have to remember he is recovering and wants to lay low!!! : )
Hi Wendy,
So glad to hear that Henri is finally home! Jake didn't go potty until the next morning... Boy was it ever an ordeal for all of us... He wasn't sure about the sling either... and once hubby got him outside... he just stood there looking at us... Hubby let go of the sling... and then Jake finally peed... and almost fell over, but hubby was able to grab the sling in time. We were so happy when he peed! A celebration, for sure!
Good to hear that he has an appetite and is drinking too. Jake had his appetite back the very next day... Eating and drinking is so important in their recovery. So many other dogs loose their appetite and have to be coaxed... Definitely take TONS of pictures... and hurry up and start Henri's blog! We all wanna see that cutie of yours!!!
Give that big golden sweetie of yours a kiss from me!!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
I'm glad to hear that Henri's home and the surgery went well. Sadie came home Thursday, but she spent 5 days in the hospital. It's been really hard for me to let her just lay still all the time. I'm always coaxing her to get up. She is getting lots of rest though. She was bruised when she came home, but that's almost gone now. The vet has us using hot compresses, which she seems to like (or at least tolerate) She does seem to still struggle to walk though. I don't know if it's because of her arthritis, or if she just doesn't really have the hang of it yet. It seemed like sadie was drinking lots of water too (since she seems to need to pee a lot). Now that I think about it though, I think it's just that I'm more aware of when she drinks (because I'm usually offering it to her) and how much she pees (because now I'm escorting her out every time) I ordered a ruff wear harness , I'll let you know how it works in case you're considering one. Sadie is about 90 lbs, how big is Henri? Good luck with everything and keep us posted!
Hugs and sloppy Sadie kisses,
Sadie and her mom
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
Awww...Sadie is a big girl like Henri ( big boy )....I am happy that Sadie is home and seems to be doing good!! : ) So far, Henri does not want to go out because it is so much work. He hates his sling...I might need to call the Vet because we just tried to put a cold compress ( frozen veggies with a towel around them ) and he FREAKED out! He is NOT having it! So I am not sure what to do. We even tried rubbing his belly ( his favorite thing in the world ) and offered treats. He will NOT deal with the cold compress. I have no idea how the Vet did this??? Why did they keep Sadie for 5 days? How old is she?
Hugs and kisses to Sadie and remember to take care of you!! : )
So good to hear he's home! Ok, hang in there because like everyone says, the first two weeks are rough. Here's some suggestions for you:
Be sure to read our What to Expect Questions about Amputation:
What to Expect Part 1:
http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2:
http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
You'll also learn there about post-surgery bruising, fluid buildup, seroma 's and what to expect.
Regarding the ice pack: we recently learned that most dogs prefer cold but some prefer heat. That's why we like the Bella's Pain Pack because it give you both options. For now, try putting a heating pad placed on his bed, and see if that works. If he doesn't want to lie on it he's probably not finding comfort from that either. That's OK. Dogs know the best ways to heal themselves. In the wild, they would go off an lie in a dark cave by themselves. Try to let Henry show you how he wants to recuperate, I'll bet you'll learn something about dogs just by watching him.
Many dogs pant like crazy right after surgery. Consider all of the surgery meds, anethesia and other stuff running through their bodies for the first time. Plus, he's just plain tired after this experience. It all adds up. Most times the panting will decrease after a week or two. But if you suspect it's something more serious, don't hestiate to call your vet OK? All dogs are different in the ways they cope with post-surgery recuperation.
If he's eating and at least peeing, this is a very good sign! Don't be surprised if constipation happens. Lots of dogs don't poo for the first few days. Again, it's the pain meds.
Hope this helps! Hang in there and let us know if you need any help starting that blog OK?
Good luck.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We're so glad to hear that Henri's home and doing well! Holly's vet also recommended icing her incision 3 times a day for 10 minutes. It seemed to help her - but she also seemed to like it so I don't have any useful tips! I was going to suggest treats, but you've tried that. She also liked heat, which we tried after a few day and seemed helpful to other dogs here.
It's awesome that he's in good spirits! Keep it up, Henri! Get lots of love, lots of rest, and remember that your mom is probably willing to spoil you with treats, too! 🙂
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Good to hear Henri's home where he belongs. Hears to a speedy recovery and him hopping about in no time.
I went through the same panting etc with Tai but put it down to stress and the meds. I am fortunate enough to live in a snowy place (can't believe I just said that) so Tai would go outside and lay down in the snow. I was worried at first that she was freezing her bare skin but it obviously provided such a huge relief and I didn't have to worry about compresses. I don't know if she peed more, slept more, snored more or whatever else but she sure seemed so. I had NEVER watched a dog's actions so intently!!! I checked her temperature constantly and counted her breaths. I would hover over her watching every move. She just gave me the "would you please leave me alone and stop bothering me" look. All of what you are describing sounds perfectly normal. You're just being a good pawrent and I'm sure he appreciates it. Keep us posted on his progress. Pawsitive thoughts.
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Hey, Henri! Glad you made it home! 🙂 Mika is drinking a TON as well and she didn't eat until the next day. I think the hamburger I made especially for her was a pretty good incentive. Can you believe she turned her nose up at a hotdog?!
Keep us posted of your progess!
Mari (and Mika the 3-legged Wonderdog)
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