Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all!
Back in October we noticed a lump on my huskies foot. We had it removed and the biopsy said it was a "non differentiated sarcoma". The vet believed he got it all, but let us know of the possibility of recurrence. About a month ago we noticed it came back with a vengeance. We saw an oncologist and after several tests to rule out mets, we have decided on amputation. It is her hind left leg.
I'm super positive, but also really nervous and had a few questions.
How long should I expect to stay with her. The surgery is this friday and I have the weekend with her, but I have to work (especially to pay for this surgery!) My boyfriends stepfather is retired and can stay with her whenever my boyfriend or I cannot be with her, but I was just looking for a general Idea.
How hard is the recovery process? Everything I have read has said it's harder on the humans than the dogs. Again, just looking for insight.
Thanks all
Hi Carolyn, welcome. Your future posts won't require approval.
Sorry to hear that you are at this point, we know it's nerve wracking. Most dogs will spend the first few days recuperating just laying around and really that's the best thing for them. Typically a weekend of solid attention should be enough to know if she'll be OK and not chew her stitches or go bonkers on pain medication. And most people can't afford to take too much time off so you're in good company.
Now I say "most" dogs lay around at first because it really depends on the age and personality of the dog. Is your Husky young and energetic? Is she used to spending around alone? If she's a high energy dog, it would be good to have someone around for as much as possible just to ensure she stays out of trouble. You're so lucky you have someone who can help with that!
If you haven't already, be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books for more tips about recuperation and what to expect, and life on 3 legs. Meanwhile stay tuned, others will chime in. We're here to help so post anytime. We'd love to hear more about your pup!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Carolyn and your beautiful Huskey!
Yeah, this is a pretty scary time. Well, I was scared out of my mind!! Just know that you are doing the very best thing for your Huskey and he will be free frommpain and ready to live his life to the fullest!
Scattered rugs for traction , raised food and water bowls to prevent straining, no stair climbing, plenty of rest. And once he's feeling pretty good it willmprobably be hard to make him take it easy, but it's necessary!
The vet will probably give you Tramadol and Gabapentin for pain. Shaking, whining, ears pinned back, restless...all signs of pain AND, it can also be the way the pain meds affect some dogs! It is major surgery and pain management is so important!
Some dogs have diminished appetite for a few days. Keep plenty of chicken, hamburger, steak etcetera around and do whatever it takes to get them to eat. Also, sometimes it takes a couple of days before they will poop. Be sure and let us know when that happens as we celebrate anything around here!
Stay connected to us and let us know how we can help you. Recovery can be a little rougher on larger dogs sometimes. Your dog has been through so much already, I think walking on three legs will not be a problem at all!
Try and get rest while your dog is spe dingnthe night at the vets...you may not get mich sleep formthe next few days!
I always suggest keeping a whole bunch of chocolate on hand! It seems to help quiet the nerves!
You are not alone!!
Would love to see pictures of your sweet Husky when you have time!
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!
Hi Carolyn,
Sorry you are going through this with your sweet Husky.....what is her name? About post amp surgery, all pups are different for sure......I was very lucky with my Polly in that she NEVER missed a beat after her amp. Others need a bit more time to bounce back, but once they recuperate, they are usually happy and energetic just like before surgery. I stayed with Polly on my living room floor for several nights, like maybe a weeks worth of nights just to make sure she was comfortable, safe, and not lonely, she always slept on my bed with me but couldn't while she was healing. By weeks end, she was jumping up on my sofa already!
Just take it one day at a time, and keep us updated after her surgery.....
Keeping you both in my thoughts,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Hi Carolyn. My Molly J is on day 6 post amputation. She also had her rear left leg removed after a mean tumor returned. Healing from the amputation is a very different process than from the tumor debulking. But after the first few days, I felt comfortable to leave her alone in the blocked hallway, with her cone on. You're fortunate to have someone who can help you when you're not able to be there while your girl recovers. Take advantage of that. Know that you may have challenges throughout the recovery, but also know that you're doing the best thing for your pup. She'll thank you for it, sending {{{positive vibes}}} your way.
Here is a bit of back story about Keira! We got her two years ago as a rescue. She got out of her previous owners backyard and ate a chicken in her neighbors yard. They decided they didn't want a chicken eating dog so they tied her to the fence at the shelter.
I walked in one day with my niece to look at cats and she was standing behind the counter and I immediately fell in love. Five days later she came home with me! She is the sweetest girl. She is about ten years old but we're not totally sure. She's not the most active husky in the world. As far as huskies go she looks the part but aside from the stubbornness she really doesn't have the same personality. She's pretty calm and lazy. She likes to hang around and relax but she's always up for a good walk!
Thanks for all the advice. I really appreciate it. I'm really nervous but very hopeful. I should also mention that I have a smaller pup but I am really expecting to keep the two apart for Keira's recovery. I don't want any more stress on her.
and here are a few pictures....
Hey Carolyn and Keira! She's gorgeous! I was in your position as well after Domino's amputation, he came home right near the weekend so I had a couple days with him. I was very lucky, Domino's recovery was a breeze, so when Monday came I was comfortable leaving him in his crate with his t-shirt on (he's a front leg amp) while I went to work. But like they said, every dog is different, so just keep a good eye on her over the weekend and see how she does. And I totally agree with Sally, get some rest while she's staying at the vets! I brought Domino home the night of his amputation because I work at the clinic where it was performed, and I think I got 1-2 hours of sleep that night lol. Hopefully all goes well for her! We definitely have our fingers and paws crossed for an easy surgery and speedy recovery. Feel free to hop over into the chat, I'll be there for a bit.
Cassie and Domino
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Oh what a pretty girl!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She is beautiful! I was owned by a Husky Husky for twelve years and.....well.......err......let's just say this........the Vet gave him the nickname of Colonel Saunders! He was an escape artist if here was a chicken within a mile of the place.....but onemof his best pals at home was a bunny! Go figure!
The fact that Keira is "laid back" (yeah, not your typical Husky), will help in her recovery. Rest and staying quiet is important.
I love how Keira "picked you" while you were cat hunting! Perfect choice!,
Stay connected to us, okay? Any questions, concerns, we're here! We KNOW this is an anxious time and we also know that, once recovery takes place and all this is behind you.....let the fun begin!!! Loving and spoiling non stop!,
HUGS to you and Both pups!
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!
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