Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Hello, everyone - 

I wanted to post an update on Mo, my 6 year old French bulldog who had his rear right leg amputated a week ago. The first few days were TOUGH! Neither of us slept for over 48 hours. Mo had a fentanyl patch applied, and I was told it would make him sleepy when it instead made him confused and paranoid. He cried for two days. I was assured it wasn't from pain, but it was heartbreaking to listen to him. Once the patch was off though, I was amazed at how quickly he was back to himself. He's been eating well and going to the bathroom regularly, so I feel lucky that he's adjusting so well.

My issue now is keeping him calm for another week. Poor guy wants to run around and be a dog again so badly! Between the two biopsies and the amputation, it's been over two months since he's gone on regular walks and gotten to play and romp around. I'm hoping to get the all clear from the vet next week to start allowing some activity again. Three legs is no problem for Mo, but I don't want to push him too far and cause a problem. I've seen a lot of posts on here about letting the dog roam around soon after surgery and doing stairs and such, and while it's so hard to keep them contained when they seem fine, I know that Mo needs rest and I need to follow my vet's advice to a T so he can heal as quickly and as safely as possible.

Just this afternoon the vet called with the results of the biopsy on Mo's amputated limb, and it's the best possible news! He has (or had) synovial cell sarcoma, and it did not spread to his lymph nodes. Synovial cell sarcoma is way less aggressive than osteosarcoma, and amputation can be curative. The weight that's lifted off my shoulders is immense! I'm so relieved that his prognosis is good, and I can hope for a few more years with my pup!

I thank you all so much for your advice and support during this difficult time! I hope my experience can help others in the same boat! All we can do is love our pups and do what we think is best for them. 

Lauren and Mo