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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Daisy is now 24 hours post amp surgery. Front. Just picked her up. Not doing as well as I'd hoped. She won't stand up. Very thirsty, but no pee yet. I figured other newcomers here would have posted about this, so I joined this thread. Reassuring that this is another normal, and at least she is resting comfortably.
Candace in Oklahoma
Candace in Oklahoma
Mom to Daisy, Tripawd since 8/05/2010
Kaiser, huge 4 legged labradoodle
Babs, old crunchy toy poodle
Rosie, scrappy little rescued chihuahua
Two human teenagers and one 5yo boy.
Candace, thank you for joining us here. I hope you don't mind but I moved your post since I didn't want it to get lost in the other one. Every dog is so different and we want to make sure Daisy has a topic dedicated just to her.
First of all, remember that Daisy is realllllllly doped up. She's had pain drugs that she's never had before and she's exhausted. Many dogs will just sleep the first couple of days. Try to imagine how you would feel if you had that kind of surgery, and then look at it with her eyes. I'll bet by tomorrow she will be doing a little better.
Each dog is so different in how they recuperate. Some dogs are up and about in no time, other's take longer. They're just like people in the way they recover. If you are at all concerned that something isn't right, call your vet immediately. You know Daisy better than anyone and if you're worried you should call OK?
But otherwise, don't be looking for her to be running a marathon. She needs time to recover. Check out our Required Reading List, it might help ease your fears a bit. Thanks again for joining us, we look forward to helping out and watching Daisy live a hoppy life on 3 legs. Oh, can I ask why she had the amputation?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Candace,
I'm sorry to hear about Daisy... Don't forget... she just went through a big surgery, and is pumped full of pain killers... It will take her some time to recover from that. If you're worried... call your vet... Keep us posted on her progress!!
Sending you and Daisy a big fat hug!!
Angel Jake and Wolfie'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!
Do you have a sling for Daisy to help her get up? If you didn't buy one... then you can use a grocery shopping canvas bag that's bit cut... She may need some help getting up while she's in pain and dopped up...
Angel Jake and Wolfie'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!
Dear Candace,
I found the first 48 hours very stressful. My girl JD (just two weeks post-op today) had a front leg amputated as well. Please remember the amount of pain meds and anesthesia in addition to the disorientation of learning to balance must be so confussing!
I too used a cloth grocery bag (sides cut out) and it worked great for getting My JD outside to pee. I had to force her to go out by putting the sling under her and helping her to stand. She had to get over some privacy issues with peeing and having me standing right next to her, but eventually she got used to it.
Again I say that the first 2 days were the worst. Take a look at my blog and maybe it will help you, I just posted about my first 2 weeks with JD's recovery. She is hopping like a bunny now!
Good luck, you will be able to relax but call the vet and ask any questions, that is what they are there for.
Best of luck
JD's Mom
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
Those first weeks are the toughest....
Hang in there. Also, keep in mind that Daisy didn't have anything to drink for a long time, and she's trying to catch up. Also, the pain meds and all the stress of going through such a surgery makes her pant, and then she's losing lots of moisture through her mouth.
I know it's so hard to be there at their side, we love them and want to make it all better but sometimes it's so hard to know what they want are exactly what's going on with them. I also have to say that ever since this saga began for us, things, things that would have been little things back before the 'C' word, we now try to dissect what is it? Is that Serious? ugh, we do feel your pain.
We are here for you and understand. Sending you strength and love.
C'mon Daisy, it'll get better girl.
hugs,
Denise
Kona turned 9yrs on April 16, 2010.
Kona was diagnosed Memorial Weekend 2010 with osteosarcoma.
Right rear leg amputated on June 4th. First chemo June 18th 2010
Second chemo July 9th, 2010 Third and final (yea !!!) chemo July 30th, 2010
ONE TOUGH GIRL this Australian Cattledog !
***Kona's journey/fight ended late in the evening of December 22, 2010***
We Love you so much Kona….always
Bella 9yrs, albino lab/aussie shep/pit?(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind (from birth) in one eye limited vision in other.(laid back, ok lazy 73 lbs)
Cotton, 5yrs, albino hound/terrier of somesort/???(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind in one eye(from birth), excellent vision in seeing eye. (ball addict…destroyer of Kong balls…yes,etc), high energy 55lbs knots of muscle)
Kona Kai's pup brother and sister as well as her buddy and playmate cat, Shaymous 12yrs (like Seamus), miss her terribly.
candace, welcome to our family (we all wish we didn't have to be here, but here is the best place for us to be..). we say 'ditto' to what everyone else has said. it's 'uber scary' and it's all new, but remember that the first two weeks are the worst, and then daisy will be recovering nicely. she will amaze you once she gets off the drugs and finds her 'sea legs'. she will become your teacher in all of this - for now, just remember that she will respond, based on your emotions. if you act spooked and scared, she will be spooked and scared. so, even if it's really tough, try to be up-beat and positive around her. She is a miracle girl, now AND FOREVER she is perfect!!! make sure she knows that and feels that from you. paws crossed for a 'gully washing pee' and a ginormous poop!!!
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Daisy is an 11 year old collie/german shepherd mix (we think). Front amp Thursday, Aug 6 due to osteosarcoma diagnosed Monday Aug 3. I guess I need to make a profile. Good pics of her are few because she's afraid of cameras! Don't know why, she came with baggage. Most are of her as she runs away.
She has always been the most dignified, lady-like dog. She never showed her age until she began limping off and on a couple of months ago. We thought it was about time for a little arthritis. We never expected this. Hindsight is 20/20 of course.
The shopping bag wasn't working for us. Her body is really long and these handles were really narrow so it was more like a scarf under her armpits/ribcage. We're using a beach towel now. She's still very week in her other legs and gets exhausted and shaky very quickly if we try to make her stand. She has stood up on her own now and taken as much as three steps before lying back down. She did that when my daughter brought out the camera! She yelps when she stands, though.
Last night she stood up, took a step then layed back down and finally peed on herself and bed.
She did eat a little, though.
Did everyone here take two weeks off work to stay with their tripawd or what? I'm glad she came home on a Friday so we could have the weekend with her, but I'm worried about Monday!
Candace
Candace in Oklahoma
Mom to Daisy, Tripawd since 8/05/2010
Kaiser, huge 4 legged labradoodle
Babs, old crunchy toy poodle
Rosie, scrappy little rescued chihuahua
Two human teenagers and one 5yo boy.
We let Trouble set her own boundaries, whatever she was willing to try we let her try, as long as we didn't think it would hurt her. It sounds like Daisy may be struggling a bit with the meds and this isn't uncommon, lots of them do.
If you are worried, do not hesitate to contact the vet. That is what we pay them for.
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.
Welcome Daisy and Candace!
It is very scary right after surgery as everyone has said. I'm guessing your vet didn't forewarn you. But keep in mind if it was a person having an amputation, they would still be in ICU! It's a major surgery so just take it hour by hour. Don't judge by her past behavior – this is recovery with drugs in her system!
Hang in there! It will get better – we promise!
Comet's mom
By the way, where in Oklahoma?
And since your profile avatar pic is black, try re-uploading it using the alternative upload button.
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.
Welcome Candace and Daisy!! My boy, Zeke, is 4 weeks post-amp on Monday, front left leg. He had the surgery on a Monday and didn't come home until Thursday, he had a lot of swelling. The first couple days he was home (so keep in mind 5-6 days after surgery), he pretty much slept and only got up to go outside a couple times during the day and we had to assist him down a few steps to the yard. As said by everyone here, the anesthesia and pain medicine alone makes them so out of it. I think the best advice I was given by everyone here is to remain calm, be patient and stay positive! Being positive is HUGE. The key is time with their recovery and each day, she should get better. Utilize this website as much as possible because the best advice and tips comes from those that have been through it. There really isn't a "handbook" for us, unfortunately and you have to learn as you go. Good luck, Daisy will be in my thoughts, I hope she recovers well. Hang in there!!!! 
Dhiannon (Zeke's Mom) & Zeke, a 7 year old male Bullmastiff, front left leg amputated on 7-12-2010 due to a joint tumor. Zeke earned his wings on 8-13-2010, we will miss our big boy forever! We love you Zeke!!
Hi Candace and Daisy,
Sounds like you have already gotten some great info. As Cometdog has already said, those first few days are so stressful and scary. I suppose it's because of all the unknowns and uncertainties. Your not sure what to expect. Is your pup behaving normally or is there something to be concerned with? Rest assured that regardless of what your question or circumstance is someone here will have experienced the same thing and will jump at the opportunity to help if they can.
If your still feeling uneasy with a situation then do as Shanna has recommended, call your Vet!
Sending lots of positive thoughts your way,
Fortis'Dad
Hello Candace,
As others have said, the recovery period(usually a couple of weeks) can be a real 8itch!!! Rest assured, we've all had similar struggles, so you're in good company(or is it bad?)
What type of medications is your dog on? My dog was on Tramadol, Deramaxx and Gabapentin. The Gabapentin and Tramadol she was on prior to surgery..the Gabapentin was a godsend one horrible, horrible evening Maggie was in alot of pain. It's also good for phantom pains for after surgery.
My girl drank alot in the two week timeframe after surgery...but that was probably due to the fact she was running a low grade fever during that time...and off her food..I had to hand feed her anything she would eat(which wasn't her normal food).
When I took her out I used a sling the hospital let me take home to use. It was very helpful to get her in and out of the house...but I'd usually not use it after we were out in the yard and let her try to get herself around...although times I had to help her too.
No, I didn't have to take 2 weeks off of work BUT I did take quite a bit of time off before/during surgery as the surgeon was 3+ hours South of me. Do you work close to home that you'll be able to go home and check on her? That's what I did...and shortened my days up at work alot for a while as Maggie wasn't doing well.
Good luck...we're pulling for you and Daisy! Stay strong!!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Welcome Candance,
There's not much more I can add to the advice you've already gotten. We're always here for support so keep us posted.
Prayers and crossed paws for Daisy girl.
Angel Ruthie's Mom
Candace, how is she doing today?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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