Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone! Cosmo had his surgery done yesterday on his right front limb and the procedure went great. When I first seen him I was shocked and felt so guilty to see him such pain. We transferred his care to a 24 hour emergency vet in our area to help with IV pain control and monitor his vitals. The vet called this morning and said he is resting comfortably but has a slight fever of 103 which of course set off my panic spells. I just hope I can see him through this next week with no complications where he is feeling better so he can realize why he went through all this, and so I can feel better about putting him through all this. Has anyone dealt with fever problems? We are thinking of having him stay another night at the 24 hour care facility to continue his pain meds and watch his fever but it is killing me that I am away from him right now. Any thoughts and positivity will help!
- Hi....I've not dealt with fever issues (but I know others have and will hopefully chime in). The first couple weeks can be ruff, but stay positive and strong...things will get better. I have a feeling Sally will jump in here and say " you didn't do this TO him, you did it FOR him". Really, he won't be thinking about WHY you did this for him, he will be thinking "hey! my leg doesn't hurt anymore". My dobe Nitro had his amp surgery 19 mos ago, and is doing great. He's happy and can run like the wind. We're here for you, helping every step of the way.
- 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
Sorry to hear he's not too chipper but then most animals and people aren't after major surgery. He is under good care with the monitor and pain equipment they have at the clinic. They will not let him go home with you until he is ready. Can you go in for a visit?
avdb23 said
I just hope I can see him through this next week with no complications where he is feeling better so he can realize why he went through all this, and so I can feel better about putting him through all this.
I'm not sure your dog would understand why he went though this. I suspect he will forget all about it. My holistic vet did tell me to talk to my cat about what happened and why and that I did it to save her life. Does it help my cat? I don't know but it's therapeutic for me.
He's so darn cute! Things do improve and it sound like he's under good care and has lots of love. You're doing great!
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Yay! He made it through surgery...AWESOME 
That is a huge milestone! Sure, he feels crappy but like Kerren said, who doesn't after a major surgery? Odds are that in a week or two you'll look at how well he's doing and wonder why you were so scared. Don't forget that you set the pace, so the more optimistic and happier you are, the more he will be too. Animals reflect our emotions and what we project, they give back.
Yes, leave him in the 24/7 clinic until that fever is gone. You're smart, he's getting great care. Fevers aren't uncommon, no need to panic.
I agree with Kerren, talk to him. Here's a great podcast from Tripawd Talk Radio about how to communicate and explain what happened. Sure, he may look at you like you're nuts, but when you speak with your heart, he'll get it:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
And I'm right behind ya' Paula dittoing you!
And first, a YAAAAAAAAAY FOR COSMO! Surgery went well! You will be sent home with antibiotics, at least that's what we see here, because I fections can occur with surgery. It's great that you took him to that 24/7 facility. You may not have been aware of the fever and it would have been harder to get under control. Good job! They'll have that fever down in no time!
To NOT have do e this FOR Cosmo is what could have made you feel "guilty" down the road!
Cosmo is still seeing pink elephants and probably thinks he is home right now eaing steak and ice cream.
When yiu do pick Cosmonul, don't even look at his incision, he isn't! Just look at that ADORABLE mug of his and tell him what a good boy he is! Oh,and they do shave a lot of fur. On a dog as little as Cosmo, that won't leave much!
So yeah, everything sou ds "normal". Try and get some rest. As Paula said, the first several days can be ruff and you may not get much sleep!
Grab some chocolate, eat the chocolate, go get more and eat it all! It helps!
Stay connected! We are righ
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!
Well...I see that my "copy and laste" left so e things out...but you get the .ain thrust!
And besides, others have now chimed in even more to give you reassurance!
Lpve!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Don't hesitate to call the Tripawds Helpline today if you are feeling overwhelmed, okay?
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!
Yup definitely having troubles with posting this morning. Ditto what everyone else said. Sweet Cosmo will totally feed off your emotions so you'll need to stay calm and pawsitive. Dogs are so amazing they just live for today and take any new challenge and adapt to it without complaint. You can do this! We'll all be right here with you. Stay strong! Hugs!
Linda & Spirit Mighty Max
Thank you guys so much! Your kind words and support have carried me through this whole process. I did get to go see my little man today he looks so much better than yesterday but still not moving much. Drinking water and taking some licks at the baby food I bought for him. His fever is down and is currently on a MLK drip for the pain. He will be staying for a second night at the 24/7 clinic to monitor vitals and help his pain and we will be bringing him tomorrow night around 8pm. The techs are gonna work on weening him off of the morphine and start transferring him onto the gabapentin since that is what we will be providing him at home. Thank you everyone for all your support it means such a great deal to me! Hugs to all. I will keep you posted xoox
Oh, Cosmo is such a darling! My Susie (who looks a bit like Cosmo) had her surgery (right front leg, too) two weeks ago so, believe me, I do know what you're going through! I still alternate between feeling sorry for Susie and feeling proud of her because she's adjusted so well!
She was in a 24/7 facility for four nights...the first night was the night before surgery when they were "prepping" her. The last night was because her incision had some issues...which resolved!
I did go visit Susie (not the day OF surgery--that wasn't allowed) on the second, third and fourth day after surgery. I actually think it helped her to feel as if she hadn't been abandoned.
((((hugs))))xxx to you and darling Cosmo!
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