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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Max 3.5 days post op
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Member Since:
20 May 2020
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24 May 2020 - 1:17 pm
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Hi Everyone

Just introducing ourselves! I’m Jill and my 9 year old lab, Max, had his front right leg amputated on Thursday. He had a chondrosarcoma which couldn’t be fully removed, and which didn’t respond to radio/chemotherapy.

We picked Max up from the hospital yesterday afternoon. I was a bit worried last night as he had drunk lots and not had a wee - but that’s all OK now and he’s got the hang of that. Thanks Jerry for the friendly chat which put my mind at rest! However he hasn’t had a poop - I think since the op!! The vet said not to worry too much (should I worry?) - I’m just waiting for the big event!! He’s producing some noxious fumes though!!

It was a big learning curve yesterday evening - how to handle him and his sling etc. He slept well in and starts and today he’s been a lot more relaxed now he’s home. He’s spent most of the day sleeping - in between being very interested in food - and he seems to be gaining in confidence as he moves. He doesn’t like the sling though - he just tolerates it.

Jill

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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24 May 2020 - 2:18 pm
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Hi Jill and Max, welcome! We are sorry you had to join us but so glad you found your way here to share your story.

I'm glad things are going alright with Max! So happy we could chat with you the other day.

Sorry for the quick intro but I have to run out. Just wanted to get your post approved so others can see it. Stay tuned for feedback from this pawesome community! 

And yep, poop eventually happens!!! poopicon

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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24 May 2020 - 9:46 pm
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Well hello Max and welcome home!

Peeing, drinking eating and poopicon !  We love celebrating. poopicon around here!  Good job Max!!

Stay connected  and let us know if you have any questions.   Recovery  is no picnic for a couple of weeks, kind of a roller coaster ride sometimes.  pain management   is important  and taki g things sloooow and easy.  My Happy  Hannah  had not use for my sling either.  Just kind of froze and actually  walked better without it.

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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25 May 2020 - 7:11 am
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Thanks for the replies.

Max is doing OK so far - he’s relaxed and sleeping a lot, which isn’t surprising considering what his body has been through! He’s also managed to poop! He’s very alert and interested when food is about - so I’m going to have to think about lots of low calorie options as he’s meant to be losing weight to help his remaining legs!!

One thing he has trouble with is when he gets up from the floor, he can’t get traction on the carpet, so his front leg slides forward. He manages eventually, but I’m concerned that he doesn’t hurt his elbow. Any suggestions for adding a bit of friction to help him? (This also happens when he lies down and relaxes - his feet slide along the carpet, so he’s constantly pulling his legs back...)

Sorry for all the questions!!

Thanks

Jill

New York, NY
Member Since:
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25 May 2020 - 11:06 am
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Hi Jill!  I'm Stacy, mama to Griffin the 10-year old goldendoodle (Griffin's Journey) who had his right forelimb amputated on April 2, 2020 due to osteosarcoma.  First of all, YAY for pooping for the first time!  poopicon That is great news because it means his insides are moving again, always a great sign for recovery!  As for traction , I know some folks on here recommend traction pads that stick to the pads of the dog's foot.  You could also try non-skid socks for dogs (yep, that is a real thing!).  But also keep in mind that Max is only a few days out from surgery, so it is likely as much an issue of strength and balance as it is of traction .  It is hard watching our pups struggle those first few weeks, but Max will figure it out soon and impress you!  Someone on here recently asked about protection for her pup's elbow and a recommendation was made to use a toddler's sock with the toe cut off to make a protective sleeve.  I supposed depending on the thickness of the sock, you could double them up to provide more padding.  It sounds like Max is making great progress overall and you are asking all the right questions.  Good luck for continued smooth days ahead and I hope you post pictures of Max soon! Sending hugs from NYC!  ~ Stacy

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

On The Road


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25 May 2020 - 12:06 pm
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Hi Jill,
Yay for Max pooping! He's making great progress and is well on his way to a great recovery. Keep the weight reduction strategies in mind with every bowl you feed him. It will make a huuuuge difference in his mobility.

As for helping him get up and lay down...if you are able to purchase a Ruffwear Webmaster or Flagline harness right now, the top handle would allow you to assist him getting up and sometimes laying down. 

Meanwhile, what are his nails like? Are they trimmed? If not, trimming them will also make a big difference in his mobility. 

I'm not sure of any traction products that will be a huge help on carpet but you can always try the socks that Stacey mentioned or something like Dr. Buzby's Toe Grips. You'll need to glue them on but they really do help if he will allow you to put them on his nails.

An elbow hygroma is something to keep in mind too. Does he have one happening right now? If so, our information about hygromas may give you some ideas.

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

Member Since:
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25 May 2020 - 12:49 pm
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Thanks both. Good point about strength and balance ... he gets up and lies down very carefully which isn’t surprising - he‘ll definitely need to build his strength up as he must be using his muscles and body in a completely different way. His nails are OK and his feet aren’t too hairy either. I’ll have a look at the toe grips and socks, but he doesn’t normally like his feet fiddled with! I’ve been looking at the harnesses - definitely going to get one, but he’s got staples in his wound just now - will the harness rub them?

i’ve never heard of elbow hygroma - I’ll go and do some homework about that! [edited to say he doesn’t have one - but I’ll keep it in mind]

He’s definitely moving much better today than yesterday - especially when there is food on the go! and this afternoon, he negotiated getting into his bed - he’s been lying on the carpets up to now, but I looked up and saw him going over the taller edge of the bed rather than the lower entry point
I have a feeling I’m going to have my wits about me as he improves and gains in confidence!! 

i haven’t taken any photos post op yet, but I’ll put one on later when I’ve worked out how to! Jill

On The Road


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25 May 2020 - 1:39 pm
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landymax said
i haven’t taken any photos post op yet, but I’ll put one on later when I’ve worked out how to! 

Here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts . If you don't already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog any time and upload them there. Need further help? Post in the Tech Support forum and we'll be happy to help!

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

Member Since:
20 May 2020
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25 May 2020 - 1:41 pm
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Thanks!

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25 May 2020 - 2:36 pm
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Yay - the pics worked!

This was Max a month ago:

B8E2037A-39F2-4DA6-A47B-4F6B7012E016-scaled-e1590437879924.jpeg

  431C0368-1328-4E5A-A4A6-0EE64BF754CB-scaled-e1590437901517.jpeg

This is him just now - relaxed and fast asleep. He came home with 2 light dressings on his wound. The vets said to remove them after a couple of days - I managed to take the top one off this afternoon as it was loose, but the bottom one is firmly stuck so I’m going to ring for advice tomorrow for the best way to remove it (I haven’t seen the wound underneath it yet!). (He’s not quite as tubby as he looks in the pic, but he is on a strict diet to lose weight!)

51FD5264-E334-44AD-9C06-CC7C7BFAA4E8-e1590438730848.jpeg

Stacy - I’ve read Griffin’s blog - he’s gorgeous - and what an inspiration!! Hasn’t he done well in such a short time?!

Jill

New York, NY
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24 March 2020
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25 May 2020 - 2:48 pm
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Oh, Jill - Max is one handsome fella!  He looks like he is resting very comfortably, which is an awesome sign that his pain is managed well - good job!  Has your vet given you any advice about how to help Max lose weight?  I'm glad you enjoyed Griffin's blog.  I've received so much support and help from Tripawds, so I'm grateful if Griffin's story inspires others and allows me to pay it forward in some small way.  Please reach out if there is anything I can do to help!  ~ Stacy

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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25 May 2020 - 5:59 pm
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Well hellooooo handsome!  Max is a stunner!!

You've  gotten great advice on all sorts of options for helping  Max with his "traction ".  Yes, he is adjusting using  new muscles in a different way AND he's on so e good pain meds so may feel a bit loopy as he tries to get his sea legs.  He'll get the hang of it though.  After recovery, you can do some stretching  amd strength  building  exercises.  If possible,  a visit with a Rehabilitation  Specialist  is the best route to go for that.  And the Tripawds Foundation   will pay for the first visit.  Plus, STACY has very kindly posted some great information  on here.

As far as a harness for a front legger right off the bat, I think it's  best to wait for stitches  to be out, or, at least use some sort of cushion/shirt underneath.   Others can chime on  though, who have used a harness sooner.

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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20 May 2020
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26 May 2020 - 2:27 pm
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He is a handsome chap isn’t he?!

He’s been quite sleepy and subdued today - but he did have a couple of flashes of his normal self when he barked at a delivery man and chased one of my chickens when it very rudely sat on ‘his’ spot next to me on the garden bench!!  

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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26 May 2020 - 3:06 pm
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The audacity  of that chicken!  Good job at reclaiming  your spot Max😎

Yes, "subdued " is good right now.  Rest is how his body heals.

More pictures of his cute self!

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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26 May 2020 - 3:36 pm
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Yay Max, sounds like you are on the mend and getting back to the business of being the leader of the pack. That's so good to know, may there be lots more chasing and barking!

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

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