Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey Everyone - Happy to have found this amazing community to help get through the next several months with our greyhound Oakley!
Oakley was diagnosed on Friday - April 17th with osteosarcoma in his front right wrist. It is believed we caught this early since we initially noticed a small lump with no obvious discomfort or pain from him. Chest x-rays at this time show no apparent spread or metastasis of the cancer yet. We are extremely hopeful and as long as he is happy, not in pain, and doing well we plan to keep fighting.
He will become a tripod on Monday - April 27th with plans to bring him home later the next day. If things progress well we will start chemotherapy around 2-3 weeks post-surgery. We are also in talks with Yale regarding a vaccine trial that has shown promising results in helping reduce the chance or rapid progression of metastasis.
So far we are preparing things at home to be ready for our tripod... I think it will be an odd sense of sadness and relief to know the leg has been removed since it has the most immediate threat to his life.
Look forward to learning from you all and sharing our story! Also, very interested in talking to any greyhound owners about their experiences!
Thanks! 🙂
- Paul
Welcome and best wishes for Oakley! It sounds like he is in good hands. Don't miss the Tripawd-proof House post for more tips on preparing the home.
You will find many blog posts and forum topics about greyhounds. While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Paul! You have definitely come to the right place for support and tripawd advice! I joined a few weeks ago when Griffin, my 10 year old goldendoodle, became a tripawd (right forelimb osteosarcoma, also distal radius). I've chronicled his recovery in Griffin's Journey and found this community to be incredible in their insights and supports. I'd love to hear more about the Yale vaccine trial if you can share. Good luck to you and Oakley, I look forward to following his progress! 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
Well hello Oakley and Paul. Grey's are such Greyt dogs!
And yes, there is a sense of relief after the research is done and a decision is made to move forward. A decision out of love is always the right decision. Your love for Oakley comes shining through. ❤
Yay for clear xrays! Sounds like Oakley isi j good shape and will handle life on three like a Champ. Recovery is no picnic for a week or two, but it doesn last furever!
You've probably already read up on bringing Oakley home, but a couple of tips just in case. If you have jardwoods, you'll want nonslip scatter rugs for traction . Raised food vowl/water bowl. No stairs, no jumping, no running for first two weeks. Just short leashed potty breaks and then more rest.
Drinking and peeing are important, but pooping may be off a bit and eating may be off for a few days too.
Guessing this is a 24/7 staffed clinic. I'm sure they'll do all the necessary prep work and are well versed on caring for the needs of a Greyhound.
Usually pups come home with Gabapentin, Tramadol, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. Keeping pain management is import and can take some tweaking those first several days to get them eight balance that works for Oakley.
Stay connected and let us know as any questions pop up. We're here for you.
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!
Hi Paul,
There was another rock star Greyhound on this site. Her name was Fallon and she did amazing! You could search in the forums/blogs.
And yes, Yea for clear lungs! That is awesome.
Let us know how it goes on Monday!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Thanks, Sally!
My wife Amy has been ordering rugs like crazy due to having hardwood. I plan to carry him up and down the stairs in the early days of post-op and then see how we do with assisting him. We may look at carpeting the stairs in the near future if it makes it easier. Will also help with our other greyhound Odie who has limited control of his back legs due to a spinal stroke 5 years ago.
Already have a raised feeder so we are good there.
I feel the biggest blessing is that Amy is a school teacher and with schools out of session due to the current pandemic she will be able to be home and care for him 24/7. It will definitely be a job keeping him settled and calm. He is still jumping around and being a nut even though we are trying to limit his activity due to risk of fracture before the surgery Monday. I assume the pain medications will help with that but Oakley is a happy active boy so we will have to really work to keep him calm and comfortable.
Thanks, Stacy! Going to take a look at Griffin's Journey now! It's great to know that this amazing group of people are here to help through this process.
Paul, Amy, Odie and Oakley, welcome! I just wanted to stop by and give you my best for an easy surgery and recovery. Sounds like you have lined everything up for him to have an easy time. And yes, the traction in the house will help Odie too. In fact one thing about having a Tripawd, is that the changes that we make in their environment are exactly what is needed for any senior dog, so you're just making those modifications easier sooner for Oakley. Great job!
Yep, we've had quite a few Greyhounds through the years. As you probably know, osteosarcoma is pretty common in the breed. But I'll tel ya, they really rock the lifestyle. Maybe it's their easygoing attitude, their slim physique or their grace and agility, but they do very well. Here are some examples, including Fallon:
https://dawn3g......pawds.com/
https://tripawd.....day-bowie/
https://tripawd.....eosarcoma/
https://tripawd.....d-tripawd/
https://tripawd.....eosarcoma/
https://tripawd.....xperience/
https://tripawd.....the-greyt/
https://tripawd.....-from-sid/
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OMD! I love his smile! He looks like he is in great shape and will go great on three.
Keep us posted and send more pics please!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
That smile lights up my world!! Loooove that happy mug!! Thanks for sharing the joy of Oakley😊
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!
Hi Oakley & Family,
What a handsome and smiley boy he is!
I just wanted to say I'm sure he will rock it. When my borzoi was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and we discussed the amputation with the orthopedist, I remember him saying: " These are agile dogs, he'll do fine", and that certainly goes with greyhounds too, even more so.
Good luck with the surgery & recovery!
Razbeg the rescue borzoi (born in 11.06.2009) became a tripawd in 20.09.2018.
He and his adopted "brother" Myrsky have their own facebook page:Razbeg & Myrsky
Hi Paul,
Just sending you happy and positive thoughts for Oakey tomorrow.
Just stay calm and breathe. When you pick him up just look into his eyes, smile and let him know how happy you are to see him.
And buy lots of chocolate for yourself. Sally swears it helps!
Please let us know how it goes tomorrow. We will be thinking of you.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Thank you all for your love and support for our family and Oakley.
As we lay snuggled with our boy tonight we have an odd sense of peace about the surgery. We hope that we have been quick enough and that we are getting ahead of the curve.
While we know each recovery process is different we feel confident in the knowledge we have gathered and the amazing support that surrounds us.
Our drop-off and consult is scheduled for 10am and then the plan will be to pick him up on Tuesday once they feel he is ready to come home.
We spent the weekend enjoying the weather outside and spending as much time with Oakley as possible. 🐶
I will keep you all posted and am sure will have many questions in the coming days. Thank you!
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