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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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New Tri-pawd Panchito! All advice welcome!
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England
Member Since:
4 July 2014
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4 July 2014 - 9:58 am
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Hi there,
New to this site and this forum but we've already found so much help and advice here - really great. Our beloved Dandy Dinmont Terrier Panchito, nearly 12, was diagnosed with a malignant leg tumour 2 weeks ago. We had the leg amputated 4 days ago. Despite numerous biopsies they still aren't sure what type of tumour it is. Except it was quite fast growing in his leg? We have decided against chemo due to his age and the fact we can't pinpoint what exactly we are dealing with. He's a bit low today ( day 4) and has been put on antibiotics for a slight infection. We want him to live happily for as long as possible and would be so grateful for tips, experiences etc. I have started him on an anti cancer diet and he already takes fish oil and coenzyme q10 everyday. He's a wonderful chap and much loved by many people!

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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4 July 2014 - 5:05 pm
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Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

Day 4 is quite early in the recovery process. It's not unusual for a pup to seem 'down', but they are dealing with all kinds of meds and a new normal. My pug Maggie lost a back leg to mast cell cancer- she really took her time getting used to things, way longer than most, but she did come around and hopped happily through life for almost 4 years. Don't get discouraged, Panchito will soon be amazing you!
And I'm with you on the chemo decision- if you can't pinpoint the type of cancer then chemo is really a crap shoot. I did chemo with Mag because we knew the type of cancer, but even then it's not always right.
Traction is most important for new Tripawds- use throw rugs or yoga mats on slippery surfaces. I found after recovery that Mag could navigate tile floors without a problem, and the trex deck material was OK too, except she wanted rugs on the two stairs or she wouldn't try to go up or down.

Keep us posted on how Ponchito is recovering.

Karen and Spirit Maggie

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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4 July 2014 - 8:55 pm
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Panchito!! Your avatar picture is ADORABLE!! Cannot wait to see more photos...hint!,

I know this whole experience has been daunting and recovery is no picnic either! The hospital meds are pretty much out of his system now and it could be that he needs his pain killers upped a touch. Eating? Pooping? Peeing? Eating? Drinking? All those tjings good?

Glad they've got him in antibiodics to take care of the infection. Right now he just needs rest.

As his sparkle comes back...and it will...maybe have someone he realky likes come by for a visit. Have them be realky upbeat and positive. Maybe next week a short car ride and take him through a drive through for a burger.

There's a great book you can find here...The Dog Cancer Survival Book...full of options, solutions, nutritio al and supplement advice. It takes a holostic approach as well as Western medicine approach.

Stay connected to us. You are not alone, okay? Remember, Panchito is not worried about a thng! He's living in the moment just absorbing all the loving and spoiling you can give! And I bet it's plenty!

Sendingnyou healing energy...and a good night's sleep!,

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

England
Member Since:
4 July 2014
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5 July 2014 - 4:04 am
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Thankyou both so much. It's so lovely to have help and support from people who have gone through it. He's still very quiet today (day 5) and has only eaten half his breakfast. Just worried the cancer may have spread already. We did X-rays 2 weeks ago and there was no sign in his lungs or abdomen. Really really hoping this is just post operative quietness... Xx

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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5 July 2014 - 7:05 am
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Hello Panchito and family, welcome! Hang in there, it's very early in the recovery process (although it seems agonizing slow, doesn't it?!) and this is probably just a sign that he needs his rest and recuperation. If you have any concerns at all, don't hesitate to call your vet, it's good to keep them in the loop. But typically, most dogs need about two weeks, some a little longer, to get their sparkle back. Remember, quiet is good, it helps the healing process go on without complications.

Meanwhile, I don't think there's one pawrent here who hasn't wondered if the cancer came back because the patient was behaving oddly after surgery. Most of the time, it's just that we're not used to seeing our dogs so mellow. Panchito will get there, you'll be amazed how much progress he makes in about another week.

Thanks for joining us, we're here to help. Oh, something that may help even more, check out Jerry's Required List and the Tripawds e-books library if you haven't already, lots of good info in there!

Keep us posted.

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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5 July 2014 - 10:15 am
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Just want ti chime i again....

It was day 6 when I first became a "member" here. My first post was something like...."Six days after rear leg amputation and I made a horrible decision"! I was out of my mind crazy with worry! What have I done TO my dog! So many "others" seem to be much further along! The regrets..the what ifs...driving me bonkers!! I stayed attached to this community like it was my only source of air! It was three weeks before I could finally say I was seeing her sparkle come back on a regular basis.

I soon changed my "thread" to "Best decision ever"! I realized I did this FOR my Hapoy Hannah...not TO her,! We had the most blissful, fun filled, love filled sacred time together for fourteen months!!

This is major surgery! Heck, humans would be in the hospital for weeks! And then Panchito has an infection on top of that...ugh! Rest is exactly what she needs right now.

The meds can mess with her appetite some too. Give her anything she'll eat for now...boiled chicken, cut up steak, turkey liverwurst, scrambled eggs and cheese. Is she drinking okay? A little scoop of ice cream swirled in her water will help!

I know to say "try not to worry" sounds crazy...but it really does sound like a normal recovery for "pups of age".

Hang in there and stay connected to us, okay? If you can, give us an update tonoght...on BOTH of you! This can be very exhausting for you both!

Sending hugs and a box of chocolates for you! Eat chocolate! It helps!

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

Virginia
Member Since:
1 July 2014
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5 July 2014 - 12:18 pm
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It's day 4 for my 12 year old Molly J as well. She also had her rear leg amputated because of an aggressive cancer that returned after debulking the tumor a couple months aho. She started wagging her tail again yesterday, and is trying to be social. Then she remembers how tired she is. Each day after surgery is better. We're trying lots of rest, pain meds of course, warm compresses for bruising and fluid buildup, and lots of love.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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5 July 2014 - 12:57 pm
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Hi Molly and Mamma, welcome! That's really cool to hear that Molly J is doing so well, thank you so much for chiming in. Feel free to start a new topic, especially in "Size and Age Matters" so that other folks with mature pups can see how well senior dogs can do after surgery. We're glad you're here, your future posts won't need approval.

And oh Panchito and family, here is the post Sally just referred to, it's really hopeful to see how her state of mind changed throughout the process, check it out:

six days after rear leg amp and getting worse--update: VERY HAPPY-GREAT DECISION

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

England
Member Since:
4 July 2014
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9
5 July 2014 - 5:48 pm
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Hi guys! I really can't thankyou enough and I think like Sally our family are clinging to this site for dear life! You are all so reassuring. You can read all the medical stuff but there's nothing like real experience - thankyou thankyou! Panchito is doing better this evening. He positively skipped along the road to see a much loved friend and for a good while tonight has been close to his usual bright self. He's not on pain meds apart from a morning dose of metacam though he is on antibiotics. He HATES wearing his "hat of shame" and cheers instantly if we take it off him - but then he wants to lick his stitches! Poor man - he is now settling to sleep in his plastic hat with antibiotic cream around his wound and is furious. We feel a lot better for your kind posts and for seeing him have a good evening today. We do know it was the right choice but it's so hard, as you all know. You guys are great. Thankyou again! Any ideas about when he can try to tackle stairs without hurting himself? We've bought him a ruffwear harness but he's not very keen to wear it! Xxx

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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5 July 2014 - 8:55 pm
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Yay Panchito, with each day you'll feel better!

I wouldn't let him try stairs or wear the harness until his stitches are out. Keep an eye on him, sounds like he would get at the incision any chance he can get, which would be a bummer for all of you.

I'm so glad we could help. Yeah, clinical notes is one thing but talking to others who've been there is priceless. We aren't going anywhere, so whenever you want some support, you know where to turn to. Hang in there!

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

England
Member Since:
4 July 2014
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11
6 July 2014 - 5:24 pm
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Panchito is doing great today ! I wish you guys could see him, we are so proud! Went for a little walk round the block, insisted on running the whole way! Having to try and keep him quiet he's feeling so much better - not bad for a 12 yr old one eyed tri pawd on day 6!! Big shout out to all of you, you are all amazing. Thankyou for getting us through this week! Xxxx

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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12
6 July 2014 - 8:28 pm
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GREAT UPDATE!! Way to go Panchito!!! You are a Mighty Super Dog Super Hero!!!!!!

Celebrating and cheering over here!,!clapclapclap

I think I shall have a scoop of ice cream to celebrate...or two!!winker

Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle

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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13
7 July 2014 - 1:37 pm
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Awww yesssss! A big shout out back at YOU and lots of hugs to you and Panchito, a real Tripawd Superstar! I hope things continue getting better and better.

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

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