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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi everyone
I am so glad to have found this site tonight and hope it was ok to join seeing as we live in the UK?
Reason for joining is we need support from people who have experience as currently our Weimaraner Murphy is currently at the vets 120miles from home recovering from having his right front leg amputated.
Murphy like others on the site had a swelling which we thought was due to him banging it in the woods but after 48hrs on metacam it was no better, the vet after investigation diagnosed Osteosarcoma. The options presented from the vets was amazing but after a long discussion we decided to have a CT scan to see if had spread to his lungs or anywhere else. Luckily it hadn't and despite being 10yrs old he is extremely fit and healthy so the specialist advised he was a suitable candidate for amputation.
So here we are 48hrs post op and Murphy is struggling with heart arrhythmia and no cause can be found so we are just waiting for further updates in the morning. I have to admit I have tonight wondered if we did the right thing and should we have provided palliative care but deep down I know our boy has more life in him and having had him since he was 7 weeks I have to give him all the chances.
Has anyone else experienced arrhythmia after the op???
Gemma x
Hi Gemma, Murphy and family, welcome. OF COURSE you can join! We have members all over the globe including the UK so welcome welcome.
I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis and arrhythmia. That would make me nervous too but hang in there, it's so soon after surgery and as long as the vets are on top it I'm sure he will bounce back in no time. He's a young, fit dawg and has everything on his side!
I searched for arrythmia and came up with these search results:
http://tripawds.....;include=1
Hope this helps. I have to run now and I'm so sorry but will check in later. Stay tuned for more feedback from our amazing community.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Gemma and Murphy,
So sorry for all you are dealing with but you have found the best pet cancer support group ever.
First of all, Jerry gave some good forums to check out for heart difficulties, I am hoping something there may be of help for you.
Your Murphy surely is one handsome guy, and he will definitely bounce back from his amp before you know it. My Angel Polly lost the same leg as Murphy, but to a different cancer, hemangiosarcoma. I wish I could be of some help for his sudden heart problem, but I was wondering if it could be medication or anesthesia related. I am guessing he had no prior heart problems till now. I am sure his vets will get him back on track and he will be much better very soon, and please let us know how he is doing.
Keeping you and Murphy in my thoughts,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu
Hi Gemma ~
Our Murphy also had his right front leg removed, 2 1/2 years ago. His was due to a different bone cancer, histiocytic sarcoma. He didn't experience any arrhythmia, but sometimes going through surgery, the anesthesia, blood loss, trauma, all of those things can cause an arrhythmia. Hopefully it's just a temporary thing. Did they tell you what kind of arrhythmia it is? Are they having to put Murphy on medication for it?
I had so many doubts after our Murphy's surgery, too! It's definitely a roller coaster ride and many of us have ridden it, so don't feel alone! Things will get better, but recovery is a tough road for some.
We're all here for you!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Thanks for the replies it is much appreciated
We have heard from the vets this morning and they have changed his meds today and this has reduced his heart rate but he is still experiencing VPCs (??) when getting up for pees etc. They have advised he needs to see a cardiologist on Monday to be on the safe side.
They did mention his drain is still in and his surgery was completed 5:30pm on Wednesday; is that cause for concern???
No previous heart conditions, I think it could be in part attributed to the surgery and him being at the vets. I had hoped to make the trip to visit him today but they have advised we wait 24hrs as the excitement could cause an episode so back to waiting patiently.
Good news is that he is now peeing, is mobile and eating so trying to stay positive
Gemma x
Just catching...and just in time to see some fairly good news!
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR PEEING AND EATING AND BEING MOBILE!!! Really good news!!! And the arrhythmia seems to be settling down a bit.
Donna made good poi ts about all the traumatic "side effects" of the surgery itself causing heart issues. And, as you noted, just being at the vets and all the various meds can cause some fluctuations too.
I know you have to be going nuts with worry. Yoh let us do that for you, okay? You try and stay in a calm centered state and keep sending Murphy positive healing energy. Eat lots of CHOCOLATE too! It helps!
It sounds like your vets are really on top of things. And as hard as it is not to have him home or not be able to visit, it is what's best for him right now. And he probably still jas enough pain meds in him that he's seeing some pink elephants!
I don't know what VPC are, but I do know many vets put draining tubes in after surgery to prevent fluid build up. That is perfectly normal. Some stay in for just a few days, some a little longer, it just depends in the individual dog and what's going on with the surgery site.
You are doing everything possible for yiur Murphy. We have to make these "forced choice" decisions because of this piece of crap disease. Murphy will get through all this recovery stuff and be able to get on with livi g his life to the fullest and soaking up all that wonderful loving and spoiling you will be giving him!
Update us when you can! We are all cheering for Murphy!!
Love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
It's probably PVC's - premature ventricular contractions. The bottom part of the heart is beating sooner than it's supposed to. One once in awhile is ok, but too many isn't good, for anyone. It can often be treated with medication. It sounds like your vets office is on top of things, so that's good. You'll know better when the cardiologist sees him on Monday...that probably feels like forever away from your baby, though.
Sally always has the best advice!
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Gemma that IS really great news and other than the precaution your vet wants to take, it sounds like a typical recovery. We really applaud your vet for being so proactive and catching this (if it's anything at all) early, that's the sign of fantastc care. As far as fast heart rate goes, our Wyatt Ray 's goes through the roof when he's at the vets, as does my own, lots of us suffer from the white coat syndrome, hopefully this is nothing more than that.
Good advice from your vet too about waiting to visit. We hear very often from vets that when parents visit while the pup is in the hospital, the pup gets very agitated and upset once they leave (and who can blame them). Visits are great if the patient won't eat but otherwise it's good to wait until he's leaving the hospital, as difficult as it is for you.
Hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sounds like your vet is truly on top of the heart situation with Murphy and has been very proactive with his treatment. Glad to hear it's settling down some and hopefully the cardiologist will be able to ease your mind and figure out what's going on. It may even resolve itself with the change in medication. So welcome to the best spot on earth for love and support in this jounney! Please keep us updated on Murphy when you can and make sure you are taking care of yourself too! Healing thoughts sent to you and Murphy for a fast uneventful recovery. Let us know if you need anything were here to help!
Hugs
Linda & Max
Hi Gemma and Murphy...our dobe Nitro is also a front amp, 17 mos post surgery. Glad he's got a cardiology visit Monday, so you can get some answers. To me, that's the worst part, the unknown. Keeping our fingers and paws crossed for you!
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Hi Gemma and Murphy,
Welcome from another Weim lover. My 5 yr old Weim Maggie was diagnosed with OSA back in Dec 2012. We had her front right leg amputated. Unfortunately she only had 4 months but in that time she went on horseback rides, jeep rides and fishing trips. Hopefully Murphy's PVC's will settle down and he can come home soon. I am also an advocate of wine and chocolate therapy, it seems to work for all situations. Good luck with your boy and do post pictures, we love them around here.
Penny, Hank, Blink and Spirit Maggie
1 Guest(s)
