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.
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@ Sally, thank you for all of your encouragement through this journey!
@ Jackie, I read many stories in this website the night that Jaco came home from her amp surgery I learned about gabapentin and how almost all of the new tripaws are given this upon discharge and why it is used. Jaco cried a lot that first night and when the vet called to check on her the next morning I asked if I could give it to Jaco, I told her that I did research the night before and I thought it would help. She agreed that it was OK to give it to her (I happened to have some from my other dog who was using it after being diagnosed with lyme disease recently). so Jaco did start taking 300 mg 3x a day since last Thursday. I did ask the vet yesterday when I left her up there to please continue to give it to her.
I called this morning to check on Jaco and they said that she is still doing the same, that she Is resting and getting the IV fluid. The vet said that the IV in the remaining front arm blew out last night and they had to place a new IV in her rear leg and if this one blows then they need to look at placing a central line. She also said that they will not be retesting her blood until tomorrow afternoon. I will be heading up there shortly to visit with Jaco and I hope to see some signs of hope in her! She is so strong and I know she has the will to pull through this! I need to put my big girl pants on and bring her happy positive energy even though inside I am scared....
Thanks and hugs to everyone following our journey and for all of the positive thoughts and words of encouragement you are sending our way! It feels really good knowing that I have a safe place to talk freely, ask for advice and to see that people really do care!
XOXO Gina & Jaco
She will be thrilled to see you. Maybe you (if you haven't already) can bring a tshirt or something like that, that you have worn and it has your scent on it to leave with her for after you go. That should help to comfort her for when you are not there.
Please give her extra ear rubs and neck scratches from us 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Bummer about the blow out. Leave it to Jaco to do the "unusual"!
Is this is a 24/7 fully staffed clinic? IF that's not the case, strongly encourage it! I know I keep asking annoying questions and I apologize! I did have Feankie in a 24/7 staffed cljnic where he was constantly monitored.
If I recall, I didn't feel very encouraged when I first visited him, so don't be upset if that's the case, okay? Especially if the fluids were interrupted for any length of time.
I know if you do get a tail wag though, you will feel so much better though... Smooch the mug for us all, okay?
Extra higs
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!
The whole pain management thing is such a learning curve for us. We don't know what we don't know at the time, but once we do it changes everything. I also am curious why she wasn't given more medication, unless she was given a 3-day injectible like Nocita that you weren't aware of, but even then most vets prescribe ongoing medication for at least a couple weeks.
Oh wow I hope your visit today is just what she needs to perk up and come home. We are thinking of you two, keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm just jumping in here now, catching up. I'm sending all kinds of positive energy to you and Jaco. I am also a greyhound mom.
I know she is a greyhound mix, do you know how much greyhound? I am asking because normal greyhound lab values differ from "regular" dogs, and if Jaco's doc is not taking that into account, it could affect her treatment choices adversely.
Also, if needed, there is a greyhound expert, Dr. Guillermo Couto who will consult with you and/or your vet and may have suggestions. He is well regarded in the greyhound community. I consulted him regarding my Fallon's osteosarcoma and amputation. Please let me know if I can provide you with his email. You pay him via PayPal link, but he is very reasonable, maybe 50 bucks. I know it's an expensive time but it may provide some answers.
Others have given you great suggestions. Most importantly, take good care of yourself at this ultra stressful time! I am hoping her current treatment is successful. Fingers, toes and everything else crossed here for a successful recovery. I'll be watching for updates.
Fallon 8/28/06--9/6/18. My Heart.
Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.
Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com
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