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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...and Mom is relieved, freaked out, scared, the list could go on and on...
We went forth with the surgery and she did great! She was a little dehydrated and her blood sugar was a little but nothing that fluids and glucose couldn't fix. Both vets felt that removing the cancerous leg would give her the best chance.
So now comes the uncertainty and questions...
I've seen a lot of information regarding harnesses and dealing with big dogs post surgery, but what do you do for a small dog? Stairs are easy enough as I can carry her until she's ready to tackle them. So is a harness necessary? What about the need to raising food and water bowls? I am lucky that I can work from home after she is released from the hospital. I have a small apartment where I can easily keep her confined to a room, but I do have hardwood and tile floors so I'm going to have to pick up mats/carpets for her.
Its amazing the calm that came over me once the decision was made, but the moments of what did I do? are sneaking up on me a little bit.
Sorry for the ramble, but my head is spinning, I've been up since 4:30 and I miss my girl.
Thanks,
Kori
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
Hooray for successful surgery! Now on to the next part - getting through the recovery... Try to stay rested up or those "what did I do" thoughts might get worse... Hopefully you will have an easy-peasy recovery, but know that it can be a stressful and tiring time. We're here if you have specific questions during it.
As for picking her up since she is small - I'll let others with small dogs weigh in on that. I'm not sure that will really be all that easy - she will be very tender and might not like being picked up. But hopefully others can give more info on that. With Abby, we used a towel that I had sewed handles onto the ends as a sling. For a tiny girl like Lupe, you could probably use a dishtowel. One night shortly after Abby came home, my hubby picked her up and put her on the bed to sleep with us like she always did. That was all fine... until she wanted to get down in the night - he went to pick her up and she screamed bloody murder - even though I was watching and he was no where near her actual incision site. Scared the heck out of us... The vet said she might have just been in "I don't want you anywhere near my incision"-mode. After that... we pulled our mattress down on the floor and slept that way for the rest of the week!
So, yes, you might be able to pick her up... or you might not... You might want to have a towel or one of those reuseable shopping bags w/ the sides cut out handy in case you need an impromptu sling. If it were me, I'd wait on the harness until her incision is healed up.
Get some good sleep tonight!
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Hi Kori,
I was just reading your blog post- I'm glad Lupe made it through surgery and is on the mend.
I told you before that Tri-pug Maggie was about 17 pounds and 12" at the shoulder. She was walking from day one (rear amp) and I only had a couple stairs at my house she had to navigate, the thresholds and the back porch. She never really needed me to help her walk- but I would put my hand under her belly when she went a step or two until she gained enough strength and balance to do it on her own. I tried raising Maggie's bowls- but she would not use them like that- dang she was stubborn! With a front amp though it might be a good idea to try it. As far as a harness- late in her tripawdness I did get her a Ruff Wear Web Master . It looked really cool on her, but she did not like it at all. And because she was so little it wasn't really helpful for me when she was walking- the handle was too far away. It was useful to get her in and out of the truck though. I had trouble fitting her too- big chest and short body. I ended up modifying the XXS by lengthening the straps.
Hang on to that feeling of calm as best you can- you know you did the right thing. You are already tired and stressed, and the recovery from surgery can be bumpy- don't get discouraged. Lupe has been through a lot recently and she may take her time coming around. Maggie took forever to come around, at least compared to most of the stories here, but she did.
Come here often- lots of experience to share from this community.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Kori,
It's funny you mentioned the "calm" that came over you. We decided yesterday and it was amazing how different I felt last night! I was an entirely different person! So relaxed knowing we have a plan! Our surgery is Monday.
Good luck to you and Lupe. I hope for a speedy recovery!
Kelly & Piper
Glad that Lupe made it through surgery well. Try to nap while she naps (just like a baby). The 1st two weeks can be a challenge but do not get discouraged...and if you do, just type a post...we are all here for you! Best wishes for a speedy and uneventful recovery.
PS: Lowes and Home Depot have great black or brown rubber backed runners (3x5, 3x8) You house will have the new tripawd decor.... a patchwork of different colored rugs, runners, dog beds.
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
Lupe!!! That sleepy picture is so cute. Sounds like the surgery went good. We are keeping our fingers and paws crossed for a speedy and smooth recovery. I know you want her to come home right away but listen to the vet and if they want to keep her, let them keep her another day. I was so anxious to get my puppy home but those first few days those vet techs taking care of your dog know exactly how and what to do for your dog without the emotional hang-ups we pawrents usually have.
I hear some great optimism in your writing and you need to convey that to Lupe when you bring her home. She will be sore from the surgery but that is going to get better! Yeah for Lupe!!!
All our Best
Suzie and Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
The craziest thing happened today...About 24 hours after surgery, Lupe came home!!! She was walking around eating and fairly alert so the vet thought the best thing waws to have her rest and begin the recovery process at home. My brave little firl walked out of the hospital on her own and proceeded to tinkle right on the sidewalk. Typical! She seems a little anxious and is taking a while to settling down, but so far is doing fairly well. We are in for the night and I'm exhausted...I just hope she is too! 🙂
I will have to upload photos from my phone but I think she looks great. Thank you all for your support. Finding this site and you all has been a life (Lupe's) and sanity (mine) saver!
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
Hooray for Lupe being home! She should be pretty zoned out tonight. Usually when they first get home, they still have a lot of the heavy-duty IV pain meds in them. Sometimes the transitioning over to the at-home pain meds can make them seem "worse" a few days after they get home, so don't be surprised if that happens. It's pretty normal.
Hope she heals up quickly and her appetite starts to come back!
Jackie
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
lupedog28 said
I've seen a lot of information regarding harnesses and dealing with big dogs post surgery, but what do you do for a small dog? Stairs are easy enough as I can carry her until she's ready to tackle them. So is a harness necessary? What about the need to raising food and water bowls? I am lucky that I can work from home after she is released from the hospital. I have a small apartment where I can easily keep her confined to a room, but I do have hardwood and tile floors so I'm going to have to pick up mats/carpets for her.
Congrats on a successful surgery! And for her to be able to come home too. Yay!
Ok about your questions....I think you just need to take it as it comes. See if she's having issues getting up and over obstacles and things. For big dogs, harnesses are super helpful but for a small dog you can easily pick up, maybe not so much. I would definitely consider raising the water bowls and for sure, slip-proofing your floors will make a huge, huge difference. You can even throw down some yoga mats to help her, anything with traction is ideal and give her the confidence she needs as a Tripawd.
Rest up Momma and try not to worry!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What a wonderful day indeed!
Oh Lupe! We are so, so proud of you! You had us so worried and now look at you!!!
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.
Kori and Lupe, we are pulling for a speedy and uncomplicated recovery.
Kelly and Piper, please let us know how Monday goes.
Please send some pics of your babies, and welcome to the site.
Best,
Beth, Spirit Smilin' Sammy and MB Wiggly Wrigley
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
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