Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
Its been just over two weeks since Porthos' amp and he is doing really well so far. He is off the Tramol and back on all his supplements, eating really well, peeing and pooping fine, playing, barking, hopping around!
He is not drinking much water (though he will gladly eat a tray of ice cubes) I have been putting extra water in his food, does anyone have any ideas what I can put in his water to intice him drink a little more?
We took the drain out after 10 days and we took the stitches out over four days last week (there were 30 in all) and his scar is healing fine.
I found some cheap carpet and have carpeted the whole house apart from the bathroom and a little space next to our bed, guess where Porthos spends most of his time? in the bathroom or next to our bed! I bought him one of those cool mats (silver eagle) and he seems to like it but prefers the cool tiles. I have some PAWS rubber booties but havent tried them on him yet.
Ive also ordered a magnetic collar to help with his arthritis.
Im so amazed by him, our vet said she had 'underestimated Porthos' strength and resilience' to be honest, I think we all had!
I hope everyone's Furbabies are doing well!
Warm wishes
Amanda & Porthos
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
Great update!
Maybe a little chicken broth in his water to entice him to drink more? Cometdog has trouble getting the king of the Monkeydogs to drink enough water, so hopefully she'll chime in with more ideas.
Our pups are so amazing, aren't they??
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Oh, this is a great update!!! SO GLAD to hear Porthos is doing so well.
Yes, I got a non-drinker. The last time he drank plain water out of the bowl.....4 days ago and it was one slurp after playing frisbee! But my monkeybutt is super spoiled and only drinks water if it's outside. And now, not at all!
I put water in the his can food too. Twice a day, I also have to take a teaspoon of can food with water and put it in a cereal bowl. And it can't be on tile, it has to be on the carpet. He drinks it.
I also freeze 4oz cups with a dab of food in it. He gets two of those a day. Dr. Pam said 10 to 20 oz a day for him (he's 21lbs)
Be careful with the ice so Porthos does't crack a tooth. If you run it under water first, it should be okay.
Good luck!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Ok, what is a monkeybutt?! I keep seeing references to it, is it four legged dogs because of the way they walk? is there a gang?! can Porthos join as a former monkeybutt?!
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
Porthos said
Ok, what is a monkeybutt?! I keep seeing references to it, is it four legged dogs because of the way they walk? is there a gang?! can Porthos join as a former monkeybutt?!
Monkeybutts are the four-legged siblings of Tripawds who banded together through their jealously of all the attention given to Tripawds. Their 'leader' is Monkeybutt-bunny Vampire Pirate (MBBVP) - a/k/a Rocket, Cometdog's pup. They pick on Tripawds relentlessly and bring quite a bit of humor/lightness to the site, which is VERY welcomed by most of us here as a distraction from the seriousness of this journey we are on.
Lisa
Monkeybutts are these HORRIBLE beings that have extra body parts (I think they stole legs from the doggie morgue and taped them on - that's why they're VAMPIRES!!) And they have these huge ears (but the ears are usually a different color than the monkeydog, so I think they stole the ears from the bunny morgue!!) Mama is a doofus - they are not not not welcomed on this site and they most certainly aren't funny - well, maybe they are funny - funny looking that is! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!
Zeus
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Porthos - youz super silly. Youz can't be a Monkeydog! Only 4 leggers can be Monkeybutt Bunnies! You tripawds get enough extra attention without trying to steal any Monkeybutt Bunny thunder!!
We better not see you wearing the Monkeybutt Bunny ears. Because you will look cute. And then you will get even more treats. And you already get enouhg treats just by virtue of everyone thinking you are Special because you are a Tripawd.
We Monkeybutt Bunnies have to stick together. And no Tripawds are allowed!!!
Oh, and Zeus - you stop telling lies about us!! My ears did NOT come from the bunny morgue. (Um, would you happen to know how I could GET to the bunny morgue though?? Right now my Momma takes me to this awesome beach and there are a lot of dead gophers - it is like the gopher morgue. So awesome!!!! But, man, a bunny morgue....... that would be even better.) Anyway, my ears are from MonkeybuttBunnies.com!
I'm watching you Porthos. No ears!!!
Nose-pokes,
MBBunny Rita
I am a Monkeybutt Bunny. I used to live on the beach in Mexico. Now I have it good. Well, mostly good anyway. My mama tells me about my angel big sister, Abby, all the time. Apparently she was like a big deal or something....
Oh, thank you MB Bunny Rita, my Senorita Sweeta for setting the record straight to the interlopers!! I wuv you doll face! Smoooooches.
That's right!!!!!
Tripawds and Monkeybutt/Monkeydogs are at WAR! Moosey Zeusey is #1 Uno on our HIT LIST! See how mean he is to us! And we are the good guys! Sheesh. But say the word, Porthos...and we'll bump you right to the top!!
I am the world's best at tapping tripawds butts while they are laying down trying to snooze and then can't get up! TAP TAP TAP!
Oh, poor gimpy tripawd.......can't catch me....cry to your mommy....Waaaa Waaaaa....."Mommy, monkeybutt is being mean to me. Waaa Waaa. Mommy, monkeybutt is too fast. Waaa. Waaa. Mommy, monkeybutt won't eat his Peep candy and is teasing me with his! Waaa Waaa!"
I've heard it all before. Sheesh.
P.S.
Decorating with torn up toys and stuffing on the carpet....that's my brilliant work!
Oh, I forgot to mention on an ealier post that I am 'PORTHOS THE MONKEYBUTT SLAYER!!!' I may only have one real good leg left but I can still take ya!!!
My Mom always gives me pigs ears to chew and I luv em, but Im thinking yours are looking pretty tasty at the moment!!!
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
Porthos said
Oh, I forgot to mention on an ealier post that I am 'PORTHOS THE MONKEYBUTT SLAYER!!!' I may only have one real good leg left but I can still take ya!!!My Mom always gives me pigs ears to chew and I luv em, but Im thinking yours are looking pretty tasty at the moment!!!
WOO HOO!! Another Tripawd to stand up to these jealous Monkeybutts!!! And, Porthos - you are one big dude! I anoint you Top Slayer of the Anti-Monkeybutt-Party (get it?!! AMP!!! Hee heeeeee!!!) Bwhahahahahaha!!!
Now we're cookin'!!
Zeus
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Hi Porthos! Wonderful to hear youre recovery is going fine! If you put just a little bit of milk into the water dogs usually loves to drink it. Good luck!
Hi gunillas, I will try some milk and also some chicken stock, hopefully he will drink some more.
Zeuspod- Lets get em!!!!! Bwahahahahah!!!!!!
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
Yipee! We LOVE these kinds of updates, they really help lift the spirits of others who are in the same place you were just a couple of weeks ago.
If you add chicken broth please make sure it's no or low-sodium (salt + dogs = not the greatest combination). As for using milk, some dogs can tolerate dairy but most are lactose intolerant so use caution there. Another helpful additive is a splash of gatorade, or even a bit of water from a can of tuna might help.
Keep up the great recovery and send us updates, we love to know you're doing well!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh dear!
I see the Monkeydog/Tripawd Wars have been cranked up again!!!
Porthos's mom can you get Wellness can food for dogs there? They have a 95% lamb can that most dogs love, love, love! If you add water to it as a treat, I bet he'll eat/drink it. I know he will if you freeze it with water since he likes ice cubes. Being a big dog, you can put it in cereal bowls and just cover it with plastic wrap. I buy 4oz restaurant dipping cups with lids at a rest. supply store but MB - is a little guy. However, I've created a monster....he HAS TO HAVE HIS FROZEN TREAT twice daily now!
Sometimes I boil a skinless/boneless chicken breast with lots of water and pinch a little chicken in each cup with the rest being chicken water and freeze that. You have to get creative!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
That is wonderful news for Porthos!!! So happy he has had such a good outcome! Dogs will surprise you again and again. Enjoy every moment together. 
Thank you for all the drinking ideas, we get a lactose and gluten free milk here that I just tried on him and it worked! few! We dont get the wellness caned food here unfortunately.
I just wanted to give another quick Porthos mobility update (as I was soooo worried if he would even stand up again after amputation)
Yesterday evening he bounced over to the fence to say "woof" at the nighbours dog, he then turned to the fence and UNBELIEVABLY cocked his back right leg to pee!!!!!! he is a front right leg amp, so that whole big body of his was standing on TWO LEGS!!!!!!! it was only for about 3 seconds as I think he realized that 'this might not be such a great idea!' I had just finished reading a post on this forum about a dog walking on two legs and was in wonder at how incredible our pups are, Porthos must have read my mind and wanted to show off!
I will take my camera out with me next time encase he does it again, it did freak me out though, I was kind of getting 'ready' to catch him!
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
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