Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
I wanted to give y'all an update on Jersey Girl. We ended up skipping the 2nd and 3rd opinions and just got her amputation done today. We were feeling the pressure of time and knew in our hearts that surgery was the only real solution. I guess fear and denial just overcame us for a couple of days. In the end though, we really didn't need another opinion. Her x-rays were crystal clear even to our untrained eyes. The bone in her leg was seriously messed up!
We just got the follow up call from the vet that she's been out of surgery for about half an hour and is coming down off the anesthesia now. He said everything went "fantastically". Phew, what a relief! I guess we can take a breath now, but only ONE! Of course he gets credit for most of that but I'm sure Jersey Girl's happy dog disposition had something to do with it as well. When she arrived at the clinic this morning she was charming everyone with her sweetness, rolling on her back to solicit pets and belly rubs. Even the vet commented that she had so much energy you'd never know she was a dog with bone cancer! Yay, that's my happy girl.
It's not clear if she'll come home tomorrow or Sunday, it depends on how she does tonight. Please pray for her quick and full recovery and also that her spirit remains BRIGHT and intact through all of this! I guess a prayer for us, her pawrents, would be nice too - that we can remain upbeat and calm for her, and that we don't keel over from worry! Lol. Thank you so much for your support!
Claudia (and Gregg, Jersey Girl's papa bear)
Claudia and Gregg, we're so happy to hear everything went well. I'm so sorry you're caught up int his whirlwind, I know how hard it is. But Yay! She made it!
Yes, time to breathe and relax. While you're waiting for her to come home, look around your home and make sure it's Tripawd-proof. Watch for slippery surfaces, raise her food bowls, create a safe, comfy space for her to recover. It will keep your mind busy until her homecoming. Also get your questions ready for the vet. Ask a MILLION questions before you go home with her to help put your mind at ease. Remember that's why you pay them.
We are all here to back you up when she comes home. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Claudia and Gregg - the newly minted pawrents of a tripawd 
Great news to hear that Jersey Girl is out of surgery and is doing well.
Now....try to breathe and relax a bit.....your wonderful pup is in great hands and will have all the medical support she needs!
My nine year old lab, Tucker - another gentle spirited beauty - had his right front leg amputated three months ago and he is still the wonderful, gentle and happy guy that he always was! The first two weeks until his sutures were removed and the "cone of shame " was retired were full of ups and downs but slowly everyday Tuck's spirit shone through.
Relax but...prepare.....get a nice cozy bed and lots of carpet runners so that Jersey Girl will not have to contend with slippery floors. Tuck did not have any issues with food (he is a lab after all) but other pups have struggled with that.
Anytime you have questions....post them here...or go into the chat room ......many of the wonderful members of this community saved my sanity many times in the very early days....and continue to do so now regularly!
You have my prayers for a quick and peaceful recovery for your beautiful Jersey Girl.....and I have faith that even now her healing has begun
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
YAAAAAAA!! Jersey Girl is out of surgery!! VICTORY!!
And make no mistake about it, she is not sick in her mind and that kind of spunky attitude of hers is vital l on this journey!!
And YAAAAAAY to Momma Bear and Papa Bear for being strong and brave and doing what needed to be done for Jersey Girl!
She'l be getting more tummy rubs now than se ever dreamed possible!
And yo wn't keel over, okay? Remember, we're walkng right beside you holding you up if you need help!
How 'bout celebrating by posting more pictures? We're lovingmus some Jerse Girl over here!
Hugs t all!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Y'all are just so great! Reading your responses put a big smile on my face. I feel so lucky to have found you, thank you for your dedication and patience with so many newbies. I know we all have the same questions and the same fears so it must get exhausting at times. Again, THANK YOU!
In terms of questions, I don't even know where to begin. I read previous posts about preparing to pick her up and I thought that advice was super helpful (i.e. look at her eyes not the incision, stay calm and demonstrate pack leadership, etc.). What's weighing on my mind at the moment is how she'll greet us and how we'll get her home from the clinic. I guess she'll hop out to see us? Do we use a leash? How do we get her into the car? Jerry recommended the Ruffwear harness but only after she heals. When Jersey had her knee surgery I used a long (and durable) scarf to lift her rear end and help her walk and get up / down our 2 front steps to go potty. She HATED IT! She was so fiesty she'd try to make a mad dash before I could get it around her, even right after the surgery! I only succeeded about half the time. I guess I'm worried that if I try to do something similar with her torso (front amputation) it will hurt her. Any suggestions?
Sally and Happy Hannah, I'd LOVE to include some pictures but I don't know how to do it. The "insert image" button requires a url which I don't have.
Claudia (and Papa Bear Gregg)
First, as far as pictures, you are talkng t THE most INEPT computer person everz...and a typing flunky top of that! HOWEVER, I do know if you can put your photos on photobucket, then you can "copy" them o to here. I knw that was zero help
Now, as far as picking her up...and this was just my experience...my Happh Hannah walked out to the vehicle but I had the vet tech handle that. as it was just myself. I was PETRIFIED of hurtingmher. The vet tech and mself got her in the car. She was soooooo happ to be going home, and sooooooo highon drugs, she would have flown i tothe car if shead wmgszZ! Just let the vet techs helpyou withnthis, they'll knw if..and how...to best get herin the car.
Happy Hannahi is a rear legger...I did try andhelpher out of the car when I got home. Again, she was so anxious to be home, she tried to umpout but I was able to slow her exit "some". I tried to use a towel as a sling and, like Jersey, she hated it. I think I maymhave used it a few tmes t help her up the ramp to the house. I soon fond she did better if I just stayed next to her without the towel. K think frnt leggers may have a few face plants st first, so don't be upset if that happens.
I know how excited your are tohave her home. It truly was o e of the hapiest days of my life pickng her up and brnging her home.
Can't wait foryour next post.....I'm already brinning ear to ear jst knowng how happy you will be.
Hugs to all the BEAR famil!!
Saly and Happy Hannah PS...somene will chimein and give you the links to help you post photos.
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!
Hi Claudia and Gregg
It sounds like you are reading all of the right things and they will be very helpful to you.
I definitely used a "sling" with Tuck for the first few days when he went outside for potty breaks. Amazingly, he tolerated it really well and seemed to be glad for the assistance. Tuck came home on a Saturday morning and by Monday he no longer needed it though. The sling helped me get help up and down the two stairs going in and out of the house and also supported him to get to the "right spot" to do his business. I placed the sling right behind his remaining front limb and it didn't irritate the incision and seemed to provide the necessary support for him.
I also have a Ruffwear harness for Tucker that I use when we go for walks....it is very helpful both for assisting him over difficult areas and to support him when he stops and seems tired.
When I picked Tuck up from the vet, he hopped right out with the vet techs. My daughter and the vet tech got him into the car and he was sure happy to be on his way home. Though I'm sure he was in pain, Tuck was already showing us that he was the same happy gentle spirit that he always had been!
Keep us posted on how things are going with your beautiful girl! Try to relax and remember that we are all here to support you on this journey.
Linda and Tucker
Claudia and Greg,
So glad your girl is through surgery. My girl Lily had surgery on December 18th. She is doing great now. When we picked her up she hopped to us and nearly ran out of the vet. I think it was adrenaline. She wanted to go home! She even jumped into the car before we had a chance to stop her. So don't be surprised if Jersey has a little boost of adrenaline that propels her out of the office. The first 2 weeks are tough but 14 days of ups and downs are worth the benefits of a healed, happy pup. Our girl still gets tired quicker but is back to her usual self. I will keep Jersey in my prayers are she heals and you and Greg too. We are all here for you! Don't be afraid to call your vet with questions when you get home. That's what they are there for. Happy healing and we can't wait to hear more about Jersey's recovery. Many blessings!
Nicole and Lily Bear
Claudia, the old shopping bag trick is helpful when it's too soon to use a harness. You can take a canvas, reusable grocery store bag, cut the sides open and then use that as a sling, with the handles to help you help her. Some folks do use a harness anyways, they just put a t-shirt on underneath. We don't recommend using one for front-leggers right away, but for rear-leggers it's usually not an issue.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My Bailey had her front leg amputated 11-12-13. She just had her second chemo yesterday. I would bring a beach towel (sling) with you. She will most likely need some assistance getting into the car. We used one for the first week along with a ramp for in (and out of the car).
Hey everyone,
Thanks for the tips on how to help JG get around. I'll probably try that shopping bag idea and maybe the beach towel idea too and see what works best. It would be great if Jersey Girl would let me help her!
So I have to admit I'm starting to feel a little scared. I know every dog is different but I expected her to do well pretty quickly. The vet called early, around 7am, this morning and said Jersey Girl had a restless night. She was scooting on her chest and constantly repositioning herself in her crate and he was worried she might mess up clotting at the amputation site. He said that area was already starting to accumulate fluid, which apparently isn't that uncommon but it's not necessarily a good thing either. He also said Jersey wasn't willing to stand. They get her to stand up but then she'd immediately lay down again. He was surprised because she seemed like a more enthusiastic and energetic dog. Well, I'm kind of surprised too. He said if she didn't get up and start walking soon we'd have to teach her how to do it. Apparently the sooner she gets up the easier it will be for her to walk. Interesting. I kind of thought that was odd. Anyway, her temperature was normal and her blood count was just slightly below normal. He said that was ok.
The vet checked in again about 2:30pm and told us Jersey's blood count was now a little low and he thought it might be diluted because they've given her so many fluids. He said they'd cut back and see if it helped. He said she still wouldn't stand or walk like they wanted her to. I asked if they thought it might help to use her favorite treats - like bacon or steak - to lure her out of the crate and get her to start moving. To my surprise they thought that was a good idea. Gregg, being the awesome spoil the pups rotten Papa Bear that he is, cooker her some ribs. Lol. I pulled the meat off the bones and brought it over to the vet while still warm. I asked to see her but they said that wasn't a good idea. I've actually asked to be with her a few times and they've consistently discouraged it saying she might get all riled up thinking she was going home and then end up anxious when she doesn't. Not sure I agree with that but they're the experts. They definitely want her to stay another night. It makes sense but it still makes me nervous. I'm scared she'll take a turn for the worse. What if she DIES there alone, without the comfort and love of her family? Doesn't she need us right now?
It's really hard to wait. REALLY hard!
Please say a prayer for my fur baby. Please.
Claudia
Claudia and Gregg; hugs and prayers and good thoughts coming to you and JG from Connecticut, too. You can bet she knew who cooked the ribs and who brought them over!! That is definitely not vet hospital food. It sounds like she's just where she needs to be until she's over these first hurdles. They're scary to hear about at the end of the phone, but even more so to have her home too soon and things go amiss, especially so soon after surgery.
Our Angel Roxie (an 11-year-old, portly Samoyed/white GSD mix)had her rear leg amp on a Thursday in March...14+ inch snowfall on Friday. Picked her up Saturday. We'd gotten excellent reports but was still a surprise to see her lurching around and trying to get her balance and get the heck outta that hotel! Between pain meds and howling her unhappiness all night, she looked like she'd been on a bender. Like many, we used a towel for a sling that she didn't need 2 days later even with the snow, but we were glad to have it to help with control and balance.
You've jumped right into this roller coaster ride, and, as you've read from others; it can change daily. Try to find the space to close your eyes and just b-r-e-a-t-h-e (I have to remind myself but it works). And believe that you and JG are NEVER alone!! You have the prayers and love of Tripawds, with all of the spirits who watch over us, holding you in our hearts.
-Liz and Angel Roxie
Thank you Liz. Trying. HATE not being able to rub her head and comfort her but you brought up something I need to remind myself of, and that is we definitely don't want her home too early because we're not qualified to handle any medical problems that might come up. Thanks for pointing that out, it's easy to forget! It's good to hear that your Angel Roxie was in for 2 nights as well. Comforting. No, I really don't want to see Jersey looking like she's been on a bender! Seeing her after her knee reconstruction surgery was hard enough, I'm sure this will be tougher.
The surgeon actually offered to send her home the day after surgery because she was "doing so well" (translation: howling so loud we can't hear ourselves think - he even held the phone out so I could hear). Since we woke to the new unplowed snow and I still had all the tripawd-proofing to do in the house, I declined and suggested they just turn up the radio and we'd see them as planned on Saturday. I needed that time to get my questions in order and to keep telling hubby to get his crying over before we saw her - she was to see only happy faces and hear happy voices.
That first day seeing Roxie, the enormity of what we'd agreed-to hit me like a wall. We'd had the diagnosis confirmed by the oncologist and surgeon the day before the surgery. I'd had 1 evening to do my research and found Tripawds. I think those spirit angels lead us here. I didn't have the nerve to post until well after the surgery, and I didn't jump into the chat until well after that, so you're way ahead of where I was then; your support system is well in place.
Try to get some rest - for your sakes and hers; the real work starts when she's home!!
Best wishes from a former Jersey Girl-turned-middle-aged-creaky-cranky-New England-transplant ...and Angel Roo Roo
Trust me, this is harder on yo and Papa Bear right now than it is on JG! She's still high on hospital meds and probably doesn't realize she's nt even walking yet! She'll get the hang of it...she will!
I think er vitality and energetic attitude will come into play more several days from now when she's adapting better and home being spoiled!Yeah, the fluid build up, the seroma can pop up a lot of tmes after surgery...but so etimes it is a result of too mich moving and banging around. They're not pretty but fairly common and you just keep an eye on them.
As Liz said, you can bet Jersey Girl knew her "take out" came from home. If, for some reason tjey do need to keep her another night......PROBABLY NOT.....but s eti es that does happen, anyway, I wold INSIST on seeng her. I perso al think it would do her a world of good...and you too! okay, jist to cover m bases.....of course yor vet kows best
You hang in there....this is the jard
art for a week or so...after that...glory days!!
Surrou ding yo with p.enty of sheep to count tonigjt while JG's counting pink elehants!!
Hugs and love!
Sally snd Happy Hannah
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!
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