Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My Standard Poodle Louie is in shock,
We had him to the vet Friday for a sprained paw, To the vet surgeon Monday, where he was diagnosed with bone cancer.
The surgeon amputated his right fron leg Tuesday, And Wednesday he came home to us.
He is a very athletic, loving dog, but words cannot describe how heart-breaking it is to see him in shock, looking for his leg. Is there anyone out there who can suggest what we can do to make his first week in transition easier?
He seems baffled as a tripod and I just want to help. Little things like going to the bathroom or eating are overwhelming. Help-
We love him so much!
Welcome, we're so sorry about the diagnosis, many of us here have dealt with it and completely understand where you're coming from.
First, it's really great that Louie's diagnosis was found and handled so quickly. Many people had their diagnosis dragged out for months before cancer was diagnosed, so that is a huge plus in your favor and Louie's odds for long-term survival. Do you know what kind of cancer you're dealing with yet?
I understand how scary this is, and it's hard not to think that our dogs are feeling that way too. And really they are, somewhat, because they do absorb what their humans are feeling. If the pack leader (you) is feeling anxious about what's going on, he will too. He is going to look to you for direction, so my best advice is to stay strong, do your best to keep a positive attitude and really believe that Louie will do great. For most dogs the first two weeks are the hardest, but after that, you'll wonder why you were ever so scared. This video talks about this very subject.
Another reason that new Tripawds seem like they're upset is they're on drugs. I'm guessing Louie is on some pain relief medication? If so, many many dogs will react with anxiety to the drugs until you get the right dosage figured out. If he is panting, whining or unable to sleep definitely give your vet a call to see how you can adjust the medication to help him feel better.
Now, be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List , I know you'll find some strength from this information. And stay tuned, I know members from our community will chime in with their input too. Hang in there and remember we're here for you. Oh, if you'd like to chat, you can usually find folks in the chat room during evening hours so hop on over.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Louie, you are adorable! Love your avatar pocture!!
First adice...B R E A T H E........B R E A T H E.........Deep breaths in.....exhale slowly........and know that you are doing this FOR Louie, and not TO Louie!
Yeah, scarey right now and I'm sure you are emotionally exhausted.
Right now Louie is probably still a little druggy from hospital meds too. So, wjat appears to be confusion is probavly jist being a little whacky from drugs. And for now, he needs drugs to help with the pain of major surgery.
Yeah, the first two weeks are no picnic and can be pretty rough. It was three weeks after my Happy Hannah's amputation before I started sighing relief and started seeingher sparkle comeback......and it came back bigger and brighter than ever!!
I know it doesn't help mich right now, but we've all been there and we all pretty much understand exactly where you are. You are not alone! We are here withnyou, okay?
His eating, drinking,pooping and peeing may be a little off for a few days. My Happy Hannah ate (if you've seen any of her posts you would know that the nly time she didn't want to eat was if she was asleep.....even then I'm sure she was dreamng avout food) from the get go, but she didn't want to drink. I jad to put a little scoop of ice cream in her water and swirlit around to get her to drink.
Try homecooking...boiled chicken, hamburger, etc....his favorite treats, etc. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry too much about not eating. It may be a few days before hepoops too.
You WILL be amazed at how quicky he adapts to walking on three legs as the hospital drugs get out of his system and he's just on pills. Boy dogs do have a little time adjusting topeeing but he'll work it out. You may try a sling outof a towel to help in walking, but many dogs, Happy Hannah i cluded, don't like "slings" and won't move.
If you click onto my avatar...benny55...you'll see the posts Happy Hannah and I started.....the first post and subsequent posts will tell you how scared I was st first...and how blissfully Happy Hannah and I became as recovery tookplace and we lived in the moment just loving each other!
Stay connected and come here with any questions, fears and celebrations! Yeah, we like to celebrate first poops arou d herez!!
Sending lots of hugs...and a box of chocolate!
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!
Welcome to you and Louie.
Louie just went through a major surgery and is on lots of meds. The day after the surgery meds are still working their way out of his system too.
If you read stories here you will see that the two to three weeks following surgery can be full of ups and downs. There are meds to deal with and new balance to learn. Some lucky pups act like they have been on three all their lives, but for most of us there was a pretty intense recovery phase.
My pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a mast cell tumor. She was quite stubborn and really took her time getting used to her new situation, even after she was off all the meds.
Jerry's advice is really important- stay strong and positive around Louie. I wasn't the best pack leader after Maggie's surgery and I'm sure it affected her mood. Of course she was one stubborn girl who hated ANY change to her routine so I should have realized that she would take longer to adapt. But she did, and she hopped happily through life for almost 4 years.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Welcome Louie and family. Everyone has given you great advice so I just wanted to chime in and say "ditto" and welcome.
Amy & Spirit Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Thankyou everyone for the warm welcome!/ I know we are not alone and it helps so much to hear other people's experiences. Day 2 post surgery and he figured out how to squat and pee. and he is perked up to sitting outside on his bed in the sun. He seems to be half in squirrel patrol mode/ half in what the hell just happened to me mode.
He will be on the pain meds for the next two weeks before he starts his chemo shots-
hopefully more good news soon
hi-paw/ louie and whitney
Oh this is GREAT! Yep, he's likely seeing those pink elephants that show up when animals are on medication, but that's awesome he's getting around pretty well on Day 2.
3-paws up to you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome here Louie and Whitney,
You've already got lots of great advice....but remember to keep coming back to have questions answered, for support or just to vent.
Sounds like Louie is adapting well to his new reality but expect some ups and downs on his road to recovery.....they may not happen but better to be prepared. And if you have any real worries - call Louie's vet - sounds like you have a great team.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Welcome! Louie you look like a cutie. The first few weeks are up and down, thats completely normal. The pain drugs can take some getting used to for everyone involved. Louie is probably feeling pretty loopy. Glad you found us and keep us updated!
HUGS
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
does anyone have a trick as to how to get the thundershirt to cover the site, and not ride up on the wound?
Welcome, Whitney and Louie! Sounds like everyone has given you great advice so far. The first couple weeks is definitely a roller coaster, but keep track of the wins and I bet you'll be in positive territory very soon if you're not already.
One tip: If you have a lot of hardwood floors (or tile) go to a carpet outlet store with a lot of remnants. Getting carpet down in so many places gave Lexie a lot more confidence and comfort with getting around...they especially need that traction during the adjustment phase. If you have a lot of bare floor areas you might want to call around to different places and find out how much they charge for binding carpet, and ask if they do it by linear foot vs. a flat rate. Flat rate will save you a ton. I also got a couple of 2 x 3 carpet remnants for my car to take to vet appointments since most of the floors are very slick, and while they're waiting they may as well be comfortable. I also use them as landing mats when she's getting out of the car.
Re. the incisions and how to get the shirt not to ride up, different surgeons have different approaches. Mine wanted the incision site to "breathe" so he didn't recommend a shirt or covering since he thought air was better. There are plenty of folks here whose vets suggested shirts in some form, so I'm sure someone will chime in soon. Another great feature of the forums is you can use the Advanced Search function to find info on specific topics. I know a few people made their own tripawd post op incision-friendly shirts, so you might want to try searching different key word combinations.
Good luck for a continued good recovery, and keep checking back if you have other questions. This community is filled with fabulous people who have walked in your shoes.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Welcome to you both! Me and cheryl are new to this site too. I couldn't agree more about the community here. It rocks! Sounds like Louie is in good hands and is under a watchful eye! Whether he looking at squirrels or pink elephants.
I, Zach just had surgery about a week ago and I am getting back on track but it is difficult to use these muscles that aren't used to this kind of a workout. So sometimes I just chill right now, but soon I hope to be hopping everywhere and you guys will be too sooner than you think. Welcome.
I tried the thundershirt but didn't like it with my staples, so I have gone without it recently. I have no idea how to keep it from bothering the incision site, but hopefully someone will know how to help with that.
Ruffy ruff
Zach and Cheryl
Hi Whitney and Louie. When my boy Max had his left front arm amputated, we just used a regular t-shirt to cover the incision site. We tied it in a knot on his back so it wouldn't ride down his belly to his other legs. But honestly, we only used the shirt for a couple days. We were lucky in that Max didn't really bother his incision site, so we didn't have to cover it up. It'll be a tough couple weeks for the both of you, but the roller coaster ride will eventually end, and the ups and downs of the recovery period will be a distant memory! Stay strong and positive for Louie! Sending healing wishes to your boy!!
Welcome Louie and Whitney-
I know just how scary these first weeks are and it sounds like everything happened so quickly there was no time to let it sink in.
Shooter was a front amp also, and we never covered the incision and he never touched it after the initial bandaging was removed. He did develop a small seroma , but heat packs helped with that.
Everyone here has given great advice. We look forward to hearing more about Louie.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
The first two weeks are the worst!!! Some furkids just breeze through, like my Franklin did, and some have a bit of a challenge. And that is ok because they are on all sorts of meds and that can make them sluggish and not act like themselves. Is his pain medication balanced out so that he is not dopy all the time? It's hard because your vet and you don't want him in pain yet too much could cause effects too.. panting, sluggish, etc..
As well. they have just gone through a MAJOR operation. I wish that us humans could recover as well as they do though!! And every day will get better Louie!!!!
My Franklin was a front leg amputee as well.. and once his bandages were off, we only used his thundercoat for a little bit of warmth because it was winter time for him. I had bought him a few dog coats that were woollen and I sewed up the left leg hole. This covered his whole chest area and was great when he went outside. He never bothered with his incision once the bandages were off. Is Louie bandaged? If not, I know that quite a few members here have used t-shirts to help cover.. Perhaps you could try that?
He will get the Tripawd gait downpat.. and it's good that he is sitting up and figured out how to pee!! lol
A few preps for him at home are the throw rugs of course, that was already mentioned by debva above.. and I also raised Franklin's bowls for his food and water. My hubby built a bench for them to go on so that he didn't have to strain downwards on his one front lef to eat and drink. That made it much easier for him!
Keep us posted!! We are all here for you!
Christine.. with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
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