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Lana the boxer mix - learning along the way as a whole pack
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Member Since:
25 August 2020
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28 August 2020 - 8:58 pm
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My first oh poopicon post in the Diagnosis section on Ms. Lana is here: Osteosarcoma on Xray likely - broken leg - 9 year old Boxer mix

Lana had her amputation on Wednesday, August 26 at around 3:30PM. Her amputation for suspected Osteosarcoma (will get results around Monday/Tuesday) went well. She's such a strong dog - I have no idea how she even does it. My vet called me around 7PM that night and went over everything - she has clean chest images, clean blood work, super doped up and resting. I cried happy tears until I passed out. 

Yesterday my husband and I brought her home late Thursday afternoon. Lana, apparently, is part super hero because she was fully mobile the morning after her surgery. Squats to potty, balances to #2, pretty much ran up to me and was like "what the heck why did you leave me here? Let's go!" And we were off to home. 

Everything was great until her anxiety kicked in around 10PM last night. We had a pretty rough night of not sleeping and as soon as my vet's opened I had it right back there to be looked at. We adjusted some of her medications and she's doing better today / tonight. Give us some good thoughts for a good night of resting please. 

My "Day Two" main concerns: 

Lana & Hektor - Bonded Pair Anxiety 

Although I have not mentioned it yet in my posts Lana has 2 other dog siblings - A 12 year old Aussie Mix (Hektor) and a 3 year old Cattle Dog Mix (Arlo). She's the odd lady out with her Boxer/Rott persona but Hektor (12 years old) and Lana (9 years old) are a super bonded pair. They've been together since Lana's beginning. When I brought Lana home post-surgery Hektor became anxious. Although Lana, obviously, is high priority right now with post-op things..... I'm worried about Hektor. I am allowing him to be around her supervised (not that he would do anything) but I just don't want any wound licking. 

I'm hoping someone else on here has gone through a bonded pair with one dog sick and one dog healthy. I could really use some advice on how to help my ol Mr. Hektor through some of this too. (I don't mean to leave Arlo out but he's TOTALLY fine with everything. He's got that 3-year-old happy go lucky thing going for him). 

Kennel and a Cone? 

I took Thursday and Friday off from work to be with Lana. I'm with her this weekend, too. However, I'm dreading Monday and going back to work. I will be able to check on her 2-3 times throughout the day. And my husband will check on her at a few different times, as well, between work. Lana LOVES her crate at home - it's her safe space. She's super routine and has no problem being in her kennel. However, with the cone on I'm worried about her - but I know she needs to keep this cone on. It's a wire kennel, giant, plenty of room for her (actually way bigger than it should be). My vet said it would be alright by Monday for her to be crated alone - but I need some re-assurance from other Tripawds on this topic. 

I live in a very rural area so the only other option would be boarding her at the vets - and that just stresses Lana out. I want her to rest as much as possible. 

Should I have her spend some time in it throughout the weekend to test run and see how she does? Would it be safer to leave her in a bedroom with the kennel and the kennel door open? 

I'm sure I'll have more things that come up along the way. This forum and the Tripawd site / community is a God send. 

The Human:             Sierra (human, author) 

Tripawd Doggo:       Lana (doggo, boxer mix, 9 years) 

The Pack:                  

  • Anthony (human, husband))
  • Hektor (doggo, herding mix, 12 years)
  • Arlo (doggo, cattle dog mix, 3 years
  • Mojo (feline, 9 years) 

My Lana Girl's Story

Virginia







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28 August 2020 - 10:49 pm
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YAAAAAY FOR 💩💩💩   We love celebrating  💩💩💩 !!

Glad you got jer meds tweaked with a balance that seems to be managing  her pain.  Good job.

Good plan to just watch her this week end and see how she does in the crate.  You can also try the bedroom/crate scenario.   Either plan sounds doable, especially  knowing  she loves her crate!  She'll probably  just rest inbetween the check-ins with you and your husband.  As your Bet said, she should be fine  at home Monday  under any of these two plans.

Love reading about all yoir pack!  As far as Heltor acting "anxious", but sping well around Lana, I imagine  most of the "anxiousness" was due to all the hospital  smells, the incision  smell, etc.  To Hektor it smells like a wounds.  Obviously you do want to leave them together unintended simply because Hektor may try to lick the incision.

Also you want to make sure your energy is strong and confident  so Hector doesn't  pick up any weak energy from you that could make him feel nervous  or uncertain, 

Anyway, just my 2 cents FWIW.

Five Lana and all uyour crew a smooch for ius!!😘

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

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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29 August 2020 - 12:48 pm
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We left Totem in his crate with the cone on without any problem, though we were mostly at home.  But we never saw any reason to "rescue" him from the crate.  He was safe and comfortable.  We let him out when we knew one of us would be able to keep an eye on him.  Given that you and your husband are going to check several times a day I think the crate would be safe.

On The Road


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29 August 2020 - 3:32 pm
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Oh good! I'm glad she's doing better now and so are you! We're sending lots of pawsitivity that it continues into tonight.

Meanwhile, since we are a once-dog household I'll let others with multiple dogs chime in on putting the pack back together. 

About being left alone: I agree with your vet, it should be fine to have her home. And I love your idea about a trial run with the kennel in a bedroom, to see how she does with it while wearing the cone. Maybe you could just go for a walk for a few minutes and leave her alone. I know you'll be a Nervous Nelly, I sure was the first time we left Jerry alone.

Aren't you so glad you crate trained her? They are a lifesaver at time like this. You're a pawesome parent!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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29 August 2020 - 5:45 pm
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We're doing a bit better today! Lana is settling in a bit more with her cone and I think we've finally got her pain and anxiety all under control. Her breathing is back to normal with slow, easy breaths instead of rapid breathing or rapid panting like the previous days. Hektor seems to be settling down just a bit, too, and not anxious panting and whining as much. Arlo is well, Arlo (he's a ham and a fetching machine so he's been spending a lot of time with Dad). And I'm settling in too, so I know that's helping them relax as well (Mom is TRYING to get in the worry-free mode but I'm struggling!)

Aren’t you so glad you crate trained her? They are a lifesaver at time like this. You’re a pawesome parent!

Super super glad! And awww... All of our dogs are crate trained but Lana *actually* enjoys her crate. She'll go in there just to hang out sometimes when we're home. However........ 

Cone Freeze? 
We did a trial run in the kennel today. Around the house Lana is figuring her cone out and when she gets stuck she just plows through whatever she's hung up on. I've gone around and cone safety'd things - this girl is a literal cone destruction sweeping machine! But she's always been more of a brute strength her way through things versus think her way through things, gotta love that about her lol. 

- BUT - 

When she's in her kennel which is rather large for her size the cone still kind of rubs the top of the kennel when she's sitting. And she freezes like that. I'm not sure if she thinks she is stuck or what but she won't lay down on command which is unusual for her (I'll work with her more tonight and try some luring to get her to lay down and see if she'll remain there) but I thought we'd see what she would do. 20 minutes later I check on her - still in same spot, still looking at me like Hello? I'm stuck duh. icon_rolleyes

I spoke with one of my friends locally and her dog does the same when he gets stuck against something with his cone on - he'll just freeze and literally wait like that until someone rescues him. 

Is this a thing - is there a term for this?
How do you teach them that they are not *actually* stuck?
Should I let her just tire out until she lays down in her kennel? (I've been focused on keeping stress down as much as possible for recovery.)

Bonded Pair Anxiety 
I'm hoping the hospital smells (like benny55 said above - I hadn't thought of that!)/ wound smells are wearing off or Mr. Hektor is getting used to it a bit. He seems to be less in a panic today than the last couple of days. He's been sleeping with Lana and myself in a room while Arlo has been with Dad. Lana does better when Hektor is around, too. Hektor is still stress grooming himself (he's the most clean dog I've ever known) but I'm hoping that will dial back in the coming days. 

Here's a couple of photos just for some smiles smiley4

Pack Nap! (White one in the back is Arlo, in the middle mostly black is Hektor, the brown cone flower is Lana beside me - I'm surfing the air mattress lifestyle right now beside her). 
Pack Nap!Image Enlarger

And the cone flower herself - Ms. Lana (I have the comfy cone on the way and it should arrive Monday, curious to see if she does better in it! I'll post updated about her experience with it.) 

Lanabear - the cone flowerImage Enlarger

Thank you all for the continued support and troubleshooting solutions!! Lana says thank ya too! 

The Human:             Sierra (human, author) 

Tripawd Doggo:       Lana (doggo, boxer mix, 9 years) 

The Pack:                  

  • Anthony (human, husband))
  • Hektor (doggo, herding mix, 12 years)
  • Arlo (doggo, cattle dog mix, 3 years
  • Mojo (feline, 9 years) 

My Lana Girl's Story

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29 August 2020 - 7:06 pm
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Hi, I started reading your first thread, and what a lucky pup Lana is to have you, and you rescued her. That xray hurts just looking at it

Brownie and Max were always very close. Max was worried about Brownie when I brought him home. Max knew something was different. So when I would care for Brownie I would let Max be present just so Max could see Brownie was ok. Now Sassy was a different story. Sassy just always left Brownie alone, because Brownie was here first so she knew he was top dog. But about two weeks before Brownie was diagnosed Sassy started growling at Brownie. I think because of the cancer Brownie smelt different, and Sassy knew. When I brought Brownie home from surgery,  Sassy was ok with it but very skidish around Brownie, but once Brownie recovered Sassy was fine.

I think Hecktor is worried about Lana, and just wants her to be ok. I think once Lana has recovered Hektor will be fine.

I love the photo of them Napping together. 

Sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery. She is a beauty!

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Virginia







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29 August 2020 - 8:40 pm
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Sweet nap time picture😘  Adoravle pack

My goodness, that is mighty big cone for her to navigate in the crate!!  I'm  sure it feels very strange to her when she gets"sruck".  Hopefully soft cone will be the solution. 

Sorry I don't have any solutions to offer other than,is it absolutely  necessary for her to be crated???   I think you mentioned possibly  she could be pit in your bedroom?  I know she'll be checked  on bymyouand your husband several times, so the bedroom  may help her not get into a "cone freeze" situation.

Keep is posted

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

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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30 August 2020 - 5:47 am
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Do you have an extra room/bathroom, and you can put a baby gate up?

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

On The Road


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30 August 2020 - 8:42 am
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What a lucky pack, they seem like such fun!

I’m thinking that yeah the spare bedroom idea/giant crate could be wise. Be sure to monitor her with the comfy cone. Many longer bodied dogs can get around it.

Glad you guys are all getting some well earned rest!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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30 August 2020 - 9:34 am
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I think it definitely sounds like Hektor is like Max. Hektor is like our "Wise Old Buddah Dog" - He's the keeper of peace in the pack. Top dog (although he's slowly giving that role up as each year ticks by), but he's ALWAYS been super protective of Ms. Lana. Everywhere we've ever taken them for boarding etc they always comment how much Lana and Hektor are bonded. 

A funny side note - Lana will go in to say hello to Hektor with this giant cone on and side swipe poor Hektor. And he gets this like what in the world, dude?! Look on his face and looks at me. And she'll keep going for the hello's and honestly, it's the first time I've laughed since this started. icon_lol

So I think you're right just like Brownie as Lana shows improvement each day, Hektor relaxes just a bit more. They were snuggling against each other last night. I love seeing their love sp_hearticon2 - makes me cry happy tears. 

Cone / Comfy Cone / Crate: 

I think like you're saying Benny55 & Brownie101 I'm going to just X the crate for now. My plan is small bedroom where they are normally crated, have Arlo in his crate and Lana will be loose in the room with her pillow etc. (Hektor actually is our local office dog / shop dog and that's his routine. I'm going to keep him on his routine because it will help him with his stress - and Lana prefers being home because the office stresses her out with all of the people in and out). Lana is not destructive in her older years (and honestly if she did break something etc, I wouldn't care - just want HER to be okay). 

That's good to know Jerry! I won't leave her unattended in the comfy cone. Unfortunately, this GIANT cone was given by her vet - and truthfully - I've watched her try to lick with it. I think if it was any smaller she'd be able to get around it. Lana is a determined girl!

Babygates....so.... funny not funny story. I am keeping her baby gated in my home office with me when I am in the house.
2 weeks ago with a BROKEN LEG (you all saw that Xray!) Lana seriously climbed the baby gate (and it's pretty tall mind you - and she's an 80 pound dog) because I had been outside watering flowers for longer than she appreciated and my husband was in his shop working on cars. So imagine our shock when I come inside and there's Lana waiting at the door for me just wagging her tail like nothing weird happened. I thought for sure maybe she knocked it over? How did she pull this off? Nope, Gate was still intact - and firmly in place and there were claw marks in the plastic. 

Lana is a very powerful and determined lady when she wants to get to me. She always has been. Love it about her but sometimes I wish she'd dial it back and realize she doesn't have to be a super hero bad bum all of the time! 

My confidence is improving as each day goes by. She's having to poopicon and pee in the middle of the night about 2 times right now - so I get smacked in the face awake by her cone lol. And this adorable Lanabear begging to go outside like her normal self. I'm cold brewing a lot of coffee to get me through this work week - so wish us both luck in this next phase of her being "alone" but checked on and me trying to, you know, do the regular life of work job stuff. 

Monday or Tuesday I'll get results - my husband and I have had long talks. We're prepared for the worst, but hoping for the best 

The Human:             Sierra (human, author) 

Tripawd Doggo:       Lana (doggo, boxer mix, 9 years) 

The Pack:                  

  • Anthony (human, husband))
  • Hektor (doggo, herding mix, 12 years)
  • Arlo (doggo, cattle dog mix, 3 years
  • Mojo (feline, 9 years) 

My Lana Girl's Story

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30 August 2020 - 1:41 pm
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How funny! I am picturing Lana knocking Hektor in the head with her cone of shame . I'm glad Hektor is calming down and he does seem like Max. Max is the one that just wants peace in the house. I don't know if you saw the pic the first day Brownie came home, but Max went and sat right in front of Brownie as if he was pertecting him. 14 lbs protecting, at the time 90 lbs. Makes me smile.

Sassy is definitely part beagle. I think she may have some boxer, because she has the boxer attitude. When I first brought her home I tried using a baby gate , and she climbed right over it. I totally forgot that until you mentioned Lana climbing over the gate. She seems to have the personality of Brownie. Stubbrand and determined.  He use to drive me crazy! But I soon found out that it is a good attitude to have when going thru this journey.

I'm happy Lana is doing better! Sending positive thoughts and prayers for good news next week.

Love, Love the photos. Everyone in harmony...

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

On The Road


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30 August 2020 - 2:18 pm
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That's a crazy story about her baby gate climbing stunt. WOW! I have a feeling she's really going to be a strong, resilient Tripawd when this healing phase is over.

You have such a great attitude. I have no doubt that whatever comes next, you, Lana and the pack will kick butt. Keep us posted on how this week goes.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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30 August 2020 - 2:20 pm
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I just read your blog, and happy tears over here. I love how you and Lana became one. A shot out to your boyfriend, now husband, for convincing you to go meet Lana. Who knows what would of happened to her. We definitely know she is A fighter by her past.

I just love a good rescue story! Thanks for sharing.

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Member Since:
25 August 2020
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31 August 2020 - 10:13 am
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That’s a crazy story about her baby gate climbing stunt. WOW! I have a feeling she’s really going to be a strong, resilient Tripawd when this healing phase is over.

For a 9+ year old girl Lana is quite the strong, resilient type. We are now 4 days post-op and her energy is coming back!! I just got home on my first check after she was alone for 2.5 hours in the bedroom / closed door / I put up anything she might get hung up on with her cone. I also made sure her collar was woven correctly in the cone, collar was snug so she couldn't pull it off (I know my girl lol), and the cone was secured along the seam. 

I'm happy to report that when I came up the stairs she was banging the door with her cone with excitement and wanting out. She also pranced around me excitedly, tail going a million miles a minute, and whacked the crap with her cone out of everything within a few feet radius. icon_lolicon_rolleyes

The main two things I've noticed she is struggling with on 3 legs is walking backwards // wider turns and she prefers to turn only towards her remaining hind leg & then doing the "whole body shake". She usually uses her butt to start the shake and she'll kind of half shake it but without the other leg, she kind of looks at me like why is my shaker not shaking? 

Still, Lana is DEFINITELY not letting this slow her down any. I honestly think this is the best she's felt in a while post-amputation. I'm sure that leg has been bothering her for some time and she was masking it until it finally broke. As hard as it was to go through with amputation I am really starting to feel SO glad we did. Especially if this can bring my girl back even for just a small while. 

A shot out to your boyfriend, now husband, for convincing you to go meet Lana. 

Aww, thank you! It was definitely meant to be - all stars aligned type of adoption. I love that your pack + Brownie also shared some of the same personality quirks as Lana / Hektor / Arlo. It really is a fun dynamic! And I'm glad Lana isn't the only nut to climb babygates, lol. 

Still waiting on her official results. I'll likely call the Vet later today and check in on things. Fingers crossed. 

The Human:             Sierra (human, author) 

Tripawd Doggo:       Lana (doggo, boxer mix, 9 years) 

The Pack:                  

  • Anthony (human, husband))
  • Hektor (doggo, herding mix, 12 years)
  • Arlo (doggo, cattle dog mix, 3 years
  • Mojo (feline, 9 years) 

My Lana Girl's Story

new hampshire
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31 August 2020 - 5:07 pm
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What a wonderful bond you and Lana have! Her story is so touching!

I'm so glad her first day on her own went well. She sounds like she's bouncing back very quickly. One determined girl ❤ she will get the hang of backing and turning with a little more practice and a little less of the cone and meds. That shaker will be working good as new in no time! 

You've got this lovely girl!

         Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾

My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.

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