Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I wenr and picked Onyx up today, she had her left front leg amputated yesterday. She seemed much less bothered by it than I did. She seems happier and much less painful. Almost back to her old self. She's drowsy from her pain medications. I've got her set up in the living room. It's hardwood with an area rug, and I put her comfy blanket down too. I brought her raised food/water bowls in here. She drank some, seemed interested in the food but didn't eat anything. She's already a thin dog and she list about 10 lbs through all of this. But i know, all in good time. The couch is her favorite place, and I left the room for a minute and came back and she was on it snoozing away. I hope thats okay, its a low couch. And i didnt have the heart to make her get down again. The vet didn't say no to any specific activities. Just said take it easy and kind of let Onyx let me know what she's ready for. When we got home we walked in the yard for a minutes. She acted like she wanted to squat and pee, but she kept standing back up out of the squat. I guess she has to get her balance figured out. She was also picky about her pee spot before too, she rarely ever peed on the first squat lol. So, any advice? I know our other dog Max is thrilled she's back.
Yea for being home!
Our vet said no activities beyond bathroom breaks and getting to the food and water dishes for the first two weeks. Less activity reduces the chance of a seroma and problems with the incision. It was not a problem for us as Maggie spent most of her time in her bed anyway.
I would be very careful about the couch- getting up is not as bad as getting down. She will put tons of pressure on the one front leg if she jumps down. You might want to turn the couch around or cover it with pillows to keep her off. She might be OK, but why take a chance.
Many dogs don't pee for a day or so after coming home. But don't let it go too long, particularly if she looks uncomfortable. Mag didn't poop for 6 or 7 days- the pain meds can be constipating.
Sounds good so far!
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
I would be very cautious as well about the couch. But then again, I am a total nervous nelly! My apt is about 700 sqft so I gave Shelby free reign except for my bedroom. Quickly she took over the bathroom and considered it her 'den' or 'safe spot' and spent most of her time there. Three weeks later, I let her up on the couch with me only and put her up and down but again, I'm a nervous mom. Shelby's a rear amp and she did let herself off the couch a couple nights ago on her own and it freaked me out but she was fine.
So I agree with Karen, limited activity will help them. As far as getting them to eat food, Shelby loved the food at the vet so turned her nose up a bit at the food in my house but if I mixed some plain chicken or stuff to it, she ate like a champ. My girl's always been a healthy eater/drinker. We didn't have a poop problem but I have also heard the pain meds do cause constipation.
But sounds good so far!!! Glad your baby is home with you!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Welcome home Onyx!
Confinement and rest are indeed key to a speedy recovery. Even stretching to get on a low couch could potentially cause problems. But her comfort is important too! So play it safe, while keeping her comfortable. If you can't create a safe recovery room, keep an eye on Onyx. Make sure she has a good bed for recovery and everything she needs nearby. She should really only be getting up to eat drink and do her doody. For the best tips about recovery and care, consider reading the Tripawds e-books and be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful links.
Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well she has went pee three times now. Shes doing really good. I will have to put something on the couch to keep her off of it. I have her bed and food/water set up in the living room for her. Close by. It's a low couch, and she was walking on 3 legs for a while before the amputation so the muscle is built up a bit already. But I to thibk she doesnt need to be getting up and down. She already has to go up/down three steps to get outside to potty. She has eaten some and drank. She was never a big eater anyways. No poop yet, ill be keeping track incase she gets constipated. Thanks for the advice. Oh, and my 3 year old daughter took it good when she seen her so I am very happy for that.
Wow! I'm realy late to the "pawty"!
YAAAAAAAY! Onyx is home AND peeing AND re-claiming her couch!! GOOD JOB!
Recovery is no picnic, that's for sure. But once that recoveryis complete...WHOO HOOOOOO! Onyx is going to feel sooo much better with that painful leg gne! And like you said, she's alreadyused to walking n three legs andher muscles started adjust g prior to surgery.
There are linkson here to show you how topost pictures. We would LOVE to see some pictures of sweet Oynx!
You are not alone so sta connected tous, okah? And a "shout-out" to your little girl! Sounds like a "wise soul"!
Hugs and love to all!
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!
Wow she is doing great, and your daughter is too. Yay!
Keep up the awesome work, you're managing her recovery very well.
As Sally mentioned, here is a post about how to add photos to your forum post. We cant wait to see yours!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi there
I don't have much to add - just here to support you and Onyx during her recovery!
I'm glad your daughter accepted Onyx so easily........some adults really struggle with our pets new "normal" but, when explained well -like you obviously have done, children quickly see the good that remains not what is lost.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
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