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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Hi everyone!
I just found this site today, and I wish I would have found it before surgery! One week ago today my 7 year old Alaskan Malamute mix underwent a front leg amputation due to Osteosarcoma. His diagnosis was a very long and expensive process as the tumor presented itself in a very unusual manor. Three veterinary opinions later I decided to go the route of amputation without chemo for his treatment.
It has been a but of a rough week. He had his surgery on Thursday, and I picked him up from the vet on Sunday. I feel like he was much more active, alert, and more "himself" the first two days he was home. The last couple days he has been much more lethargic, and his appetite has dramatically decreased. I'm sure all these behaviors are side effects from his medications, but has any one else experience similar behavior? Also, when did you notice that your pet was acting more his/herself? I know every pet is different but I'd just like to see what's out there.
I've already a read a ton of useful information- and can't wait to find out more to help my Diesel along!
Welcome to Tripawds. I'm sorry cancer has brought you and Diesel here.
It is not unusual at all for a bit of a crash a few days after getting home. The powerful surgery meds wear off, tHe excitement of being home is gone, and the normal tiredness sets in for a new Tripawd. It takes lots more energy for a new Tripawd to get around, and yes, the meds can have a big affect on apatite and mood. Have you tried different foods? Maybe something nice and smelly, or maybe he wants something really plain. If the incision looks good, and he is drinking, eating a little, and peeing and pooping he is probably doing OK. Always keep your vet informed, and call them if you have any questions or concerns.
Seems like lots of people see the glimmer come back in a couple weeks, often when the stitches or sutures come out. But if you watch you will see little hops forward most days. My Tripawd Maggie was a slug, and a stubborn pug who wasn't really herself for about six weeks. Mag was an extreme case, all dogs heal and deal in their own time.
Lots of experience and support to share- let us know what you need.
Karen
First of all, what a sweetheart!! That face!! waht a handsme boh! Lover hks coloring and cannt wait to see ore pictures.
Yeah, ditto everything Karen said!
For Napph Hannah, a 118 lb. Bull Mastiff (without the leg) recocery was slower than for s e. Actually, the first THREE weeks I thought I'd made a istake. That was al ost eight months ago......BEST DECISION EVER!! The recovery is ust full of ups and downs, As Karen said, if he's eatng, pooPng, peeing, drinking, then all should be good.
So etimes too mich meds can look exactly like ot eough! Is Diesel showing any signs of pain! Whimpering, restlessess, ot eating, stiff posture, ears pinnedd back, etc.
Do you have a friend who could co eover and visit.....ake sure theh kock loudlh or ring the door bell to see if thag perks him up. Does he like car rides? Maybe a short trip to the drive-thr to buy him a burger
We're here for you, okay? We're walking right byyour side.....do you see us? Eah, thatss me, seconb e from the right!
TRY and get some rest and kow you have a few ore ups and downs before the "ups" remain steady!
B.R.E.AT.H.E...........B.R.E.A.T.H.E..---.--.......and lots of zzzzzzzz's!
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!
Good morning
I agree with all the information here already. Tuck has recovered very well since his surgery one month ago but the first two weeks there were ups and downs.
The day his sutures were removed and the "cone of shame " could be taken off (two weeks after surgery), Tuck really rallied and I knew for sure I had made the best decision ever!
The best advice ever.....take things slowly....walks, stairs....he will do these again...likely in a modified fashion but he will learn.
The meds definitely make a difference...Diesel really needs them to help him heal but they probably are affecting him.
Good Luck.
Linda and Tucker
Welcome to our little family! My kitty Jill underwent amputation 10 months ago for osteosarcoma as well. Her tumor also presented in an unusual manner, so I understand where you are coming from! (primary tumor was in her toe, which is unusual). I can understand how frustrating that can be, so I know you must be feeling some relief now that a plan is in place and the surgery is done!
Jill was also quite lethargic for a bit, they told me she would be from the pain meds. I would say she started acting more herself around the time her stitches were removed (at the two week mark).
Hop on over to the chat room if you get a chance! There are usually one or two of us in there!
Erica
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Hi Diesel & Family, welcome! Sorry you had to join this group but as you can see there's tons of support here to help you get through this part of the journey and beyond. Have you checked out Jerry's Required Reading List or our ebook library?
As others said, post-op many dogs will come home and feel invincible, then "crash" afterward because all of the excitement and newness caught up with them. It's OK though. Let him rest and take things slow, he'll get there. Bigger dogs can often take longer to recuperate but as long as he's eating, peeing & pooping, he's probably OK. Keep a close eye on his behavior, take lots of notes as to when odd symptoms present themselves, then have a conversation with your vet to see if those symptoms are indicative of more or less pain medication that's needed for him.
As for how long dogs take to get back to normal, anywhere from two weeks to a month usually. Try not to worry, you're doing great. We're so glad you found us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good Afternoon,
Welcome! This site is AMAZING. Glad you found us. I don't know what I would have done without it. It has absolutely kept me SANE and POSITIVE the last 2 weeks!! As I was reading your post it reminded me of EXACTLY what I just went through last week. It was 2 weeks yesterday for Brody, front leg amputation for osteosarcoma as well. Today is his BEST DAY YET. He too was good the first 3-4 days and they crashed and became lethargic as well. After about 4 days of not eating and just laying their the wonderful people of this community mentioned that he may be overmedicated. I didn't do anything until I spoke with my vet, but 12 days after surgery she agreed and we stopped all meds. I was a bit worried that it was a bit drastic but he didn't have an withdraw symptoms and each day got better and better. He had his staples removed yesterday and today was FABULOUS! He laid outside and enjoyed this beautiful fall weather and was even running around!
I know others mentioned other food options, but here are a few that worked for me sometimes, depending on what kind of mood he was in. When he first came home it was chicken and rice, which he loved. Then when he stopped eating it was steak and mcd's cheeseburgers. And of course he always likes cheese so that is always a good to food for us. Now, he still did turn these foods down at times too, but I would just try again later. I hand fed them to him in pieces. He can survive without food for a few days, but I would just make sure he's drinking! I think Hannah had ice cream in her water????
As everyone says, IT DOES GET BETTER and it DOES! Brody boy is back today...
Our recovery is posted under Post op - Brody - 10yr old boxer, front leg amputation if you want to see his recovery for the last 2 weeks.
Good luck and keep us posted! Julie 
it's true.. what everone said he.. he might be over medicated... which coud explain his lethargic and loss of appetite mood..
check with your vet.. possibly decrease the amount.. but check first.
Some dogs breeze through with no complications at all.. like my guy did.. and others take a few weeks.. but once that period is past.. it is joy on 3 legs.. their spark comes back in their eye.. and they are pain free!!
Keep us posted.. we love to see updates on all our pack here!
Christine..... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Thank you everyone for your response! I definitely had a couple of those "oh no what have I done" moments, and I wish that I had done more recherche/prepared better before the surgery. His diagnosis took so long that the bone was pretty shot, and we wanted to get it off before it broke. But today was a pretty good day! He was definitely more responsive today than he has been, and seemed to have an easier time getting up after laying down. He has only eaten about one can of moist food today, but I'm making some chicken and rice for him right now to see if that will entice.
I really think it is the meds that are making him so dopey, prior to the surgery he has only ever been on a low dose of Fluoxetine, he has never even been on antibiotics in the three plus years I've had him! I'm hoping we can maintain or improve the next six days until his staples come out.
One thing I am a little nervous about is reuniting him and his "brother." I have a husky mix that my parents are watching for me at least until Diesel's staples come out. They play very rough with one another, and Lebowski's favorite thing is to run and body slam Diesel. But I will cross that bridge when the time comes, and work on making Diesel comfortable! I have four cats at home that have been great with him, they will all lay near him but are good about getting out of his way when needed.
Thanks everyone again so much for the welcome and encouragement, I will keep you posted and I'm sure ask more questions =)
OMD you have a Lebowski dog? COOL. Best. Movie. Ever. The Dude Abides.
Anyhow, yes, pain meds seem to consistently take away an animal's appetite. That, and that dogs also instinctively know to save their energy for healing, not digesting food. So hang in there, it sounds like things are getting better.
As for reintroducing him to Lebowski, check out this podcast, we talk about it here:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Glad you saw a little improvemet today! A "little" iprovement calls for a big YAAAAAAAAAAY around here!
Hapy Hannah had a bit of a "slower" recovery than some, but never had an appetite problem...s K guess it's a trade-off. However, I did immediatelh start her on so e home cookinf...boiled chicken, boiled hamburger and some veggies AND sard es thrown in.. You'll see the appetite come back though. PROMISE!
Lebrowski will kow Diesel is a little "off" and I think you'll see him adjust his energy level accord gy. I would defnitely exercise Lebrowski jeacily before bringing him back home. He will be excited to be home so maybe let him get reacquainted with "home" and settle in a little first before letting Diesel in the room. Diesel won't be feeling well enough to play for a bit and he'll let Lebrowski knlw!!
We're here withyou! Keep us posted! Get some rest too, okay?
Love and nugs,
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!
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