Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Malachi came home Thursday around 4:30! He was super excited when they brought him into the exam room, wagging his tail and smiling from ear to ear. Again the vet told me he is doing wonderful and has so far exceeded her expectations with his recovery. They removed the fentanyl patch before sending him home with me since it had just about expired anyway, but sent me home with plenty of Rimadyl and Tramadol to keep him comfy.
As we were leaving Mali was practically pulling me out of the lobby and jumped into the van himself. Getting out at home was a little different and I could see he was trying to process how to do it, so before he could jump and hurt himself I lifted him down to the ground. On the way into the house he took the biggest whiz I have ever seen...poop watch 2010 continues, but hopefully soon.
Once we got inside he really wanted to go play with his brothers and they wanted to be with him as well, we are using a baby gate to keep him contained in the laundry room so at least they can see and smell each other. Mali laid down on one side of the gate and his best buddy Levi (boxer/lab) laid down on the other side and they both fell asleep.
I am working tonight so my wife is caring for him and then I will be home with him for the next six days. I think the excitement of coming home and getting in the car wore him out because he had moved to the mattress I set up for him on the floor and was pretty zonked out when I left. I will keep everyone updated on his progress and as always thanks for all the kind words and support.
Josh & Malachi
Malachi
Pitt Bull/Rhodesian Ridgeback
dx – osteosarcoma – 7/8/10 oncologist confirmed – 7/19/2010 life begins as a tripawd – 7/27/10
Wow Josh that is all excellent news!!! 
It sounds like Malachi is doing just super. Aren't our pups resilient? Keep up the good recovery and keep us updated on poop watch 2010!! Take a page from Malachi and Levi's book and make sure you get some sleep in the next few days, it becomes very tiring watching their every breath and movement, but you will anyway. Congrats on sailing over the first few hurdles. You guys are awesome.
Laura and Tai
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
WOWSA! That's wonderful! It's great that daddy can carry and lift Mali!
Now, I don't want to be pessimistic but Mali may crash after the morphine is out of his system and the healing process begins. So, don't get upset if he slows down a lot or even if he starts crying. I hope not but usually they do. It's normal to be all hyped up after surgery and then crash. They get very sore and the nerves start healing and sometimes there is phantom pain .
BUT so far, so good. And I'm thrilled he is home!
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.
Great update! It's so sweet when they have a buddy like that. Did you take a picture of them sleeping on each side of the gate? I definitely would have had the camera out, but that's just what I do.
Good luck on the rest of recovery. Give him lots of hugs!
Leslie
Super duper update! That's so sweet that his buddy laid down on the othre side of the gate and napped with him. And by all means do as Laura says and rest when he rests. It took me a day or two to figure this one out. If they are asleep, they are fine. Sleep close enough to them so you can hear if they need you and get some much needed rest. There is a lot of mental stress that takes place prior to and during the surgery time. You are exhausted whether you realize it or not.
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.
Terrific update, as "all of the eggs are back in the nest". Get lots of rest, and take some pics for us to see!
Paws up!
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
Great update for you Malachi! Aw home, there is no place like home. Continued success on your recovery. Please keep us updated.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
thanks for the great update. sounds like malachi is doing well - home is for healing!!
gayle & charon
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
Poop watch 2010...that's funny!
What a great way to start the recovery at home. You're doing good, especially by not letting him jump and keeping him confined for a bit. Keep it up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Josh that's great! SO cute visual of the two sleeping on either side of the gate.
Our experience has been that Ajax had a period of initial excitement, and then a slowdown. It wasn't really a crash, just clear he was feeling less good. But we are doing better now, so not to worry. I'll make a new post with the info.
I just slept in a bed for the second time since Ajax got home - set the alarm for 6am and woke up at 8:30. So heed the sleep advice and also relax a bit now that the surgery worry is over!
Sounds like Malachi is doing great, glad to hear. I hope the recovery goes well!! 
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!!
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