TRIPAWDS: Home to 22974 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Post op-recovery journey (10yr old boxer Brody, front left leg amputation)
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
7 October 2013 - 11:18 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost
***I have been posting on another thread but decided to start a new on here. I have copy and pasted so sorry if you're reading duplicates***
 
Brody, our fabulous 10yr old boxer had his left front leg amputated on Thursday. We picked up Friday around 12. When they called us back he was walking and wagging his tail at us. He was so happy! He walked out to the car at which time my husband put him in the back and I sat with him. The vet tech told us that morning when he went to tend to him, he hopped right up and walked! He was so impressed and it made his day. Since we've been home he has been relaxing comfortably. When we first got home I offered him some water which he gladly took and 2 pieces of cheese (his medication treat) which he took. Then he went to the cold kitchen tile floor and layed. When he got up next he went to the living room, his other favorite room and layed on the rug. Next, when he got up he stood for a long while not sure what to do. I asked if he needed to go outside and he went to door but just stared. Then I went out and he did and sat. Then I came in and he followed. He layed on family room rug for awhile until kids got home from school excited to see him. I told them to be quite and not disrupt. My daughter was a little upset at first but quickly recovered. They pet and said HI. Then I wanted to give him some peace again so my husband took out to dinner and I am here watching over him. It was time for meds and as soon as he heard the containers being opened he came right to kitchen. I put in the cheese and he took all 3 slices. He drank a lot of water and the food was in the bowl but didn't seem interested. He's been spoiled with gravy lately. I offered to go outside. He thought about it and went to front door which has 2 steps but he seems to prefer that to the backyard sometimes. So we went outside. He was moving quite fast. I think he got excited and thought we were going on a walk. He stopped when he realized we weren't He stood for awhile then went to a bush but lost his balance and didn't go. Then waited and found another bush and went a little. I was so proud of him. He walked back inside and I prepared his rice and chicken which he gladly ate. He's back to sleeping on the cold tile floor. I am just so proud of my Brody boy.. I knew this was the right decision for him. I know it's only the first few hours but so far so good. I know everyone has said the first 4 days are hard. I'm not sure if that's the fact that they need to adjust to 3 legs and the meds make them lethargic but I think Brody has an advantage since he was already a tripaw most of the summer since his ankle had the sprain/tumor and it was too painful to use. He always kept it held up. He's also been on these meds aside from the morphine and antibiotic for 3 weeks so he's quite used to them too. He slept through the night just shifting sleeping places.
Day 2 - He took his meds with cheese, ate some treats and his chicken and rice. He also drank some water. He's been laying around most of the day. He doesn't seem interested in going outside. My husband tried and he at least walked outside but wouldn't go in the grass and came back in. At one point he did stand for close to an hour in one stop and panted. I had been following him around which I discovered he doesn't like so now I just let him be and he is much more comfortable moving around the house. He hadn't peed all day and then finally at 630pm he went all over the house from the living room, thru dining room into kitchen and I was SOOO happy! I didn't even care, I was just glad he went. That evening he drank A LOT of water but didn't want to go outside. He slept through the night. He doesn't whine but he does pant in spurts. But when he is laying his head down he is quietly sleeping.
Day 3 - He took his meds and layed around all day. I tried many times for him to go outside since he drank a lot of water the night before and this morning. I just knew he needed to pee but he wasn't going for it. Also, I have forgotten to mention I have been doing cold compresses for 15 minutes 3-4 times a day if he lets me do that long. During that time he gets the shakes and trembles alot. Last night he was definitely out of sorts. He was laying in the dining room where he NEVER lays and I felt like I was looking into the black hole. There was no emotion in his eyes and it made me sad.
It was the 1st time he refused his cheese (with meds) and everything else I offered him. I chatted online and was given a link to a video for hand feeding pills but I tried and he locked his jaw up for me. I also noticed some dry blood around his staple, which concerns me. I don't see any bruising yet. I called and left my vet a message but the best support was honestly this board and chat room . It helped keep me sane last night. I set my alarm and checked on him every 2 hours. It was like a game of hide and seek, each time he was in a different room. I decided to leave his meds on his food and maybe he would eat during the night but he never did.
Day 4 - A new and better day! The morning started off with happy Brody. He gladly accepted his meds and cheese. Then he went outside, peed on all his regular trees and bushes and POOPED! How exciting was that? VERY! He even decided to take the short cut to the door which entails 4 steps but he mastered like a champ. I could tell he wanted to eat so I made him chicken and rice and he woofed it all down. My best friend stopped by and paid him a visit so he was happy to see her and his tail was a wagging like crazy! He's been sleeping ever since! The vet called this morning, I would have preferred my call last night though. I filled her in and she said all sounds good but to keep a check on his peeing situation because that could pose a problem if he doesn't pee. My thoughts exactly! But he did go alot today and pooped. Did I mention that already??
 
Thanks for all the support and guidance. I am so glad my vet recommended this board. It has been extremely helpful. Until I report in again! Have a great day. I'm just trying to stay dry!!! and might give Brody a sponge bath, he peed all over his legs.
 
Julie :-)
Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
7 October 2013 - 11:30 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

What a way to start a rainy Monday......with a bright sunny update!!    WONDERFUL NEW!   Good job Brody and mom!

 

Eatng, peeng, poopng, hapy, alert, accepting visitors.....and it still gets even better!!

 

He seems to be "ahead of the curve" in the recovery process!  Now, he could still have some ups and downs......and may ot!  Regardless, he needs to keep it slow for a while.  Sounds like  he's rearing to go!

 

Thanks for the wonderful news and we really look forward to more....AND.....pictires  please!!

 

 

((((((((HUGS))))))))))

 

 

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!

Member Since:
17 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
7 October 2013 - 4:29 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Brodie!!!  Good job buddy!  Bella also was a tripawd off and on in the sense you mention, that she didn't bear weight because of her leg.  I've supposed this has helped her agility.  These dogs are amazing.  It seems to be way harder on us than on them!

Keep healing,

Star & Bella

Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
7 October 2013 - 5:44 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Benny - yes, I think he is ahead only because he already had practice on 3 legs before the amputation and he was already on most of the meds to relieve his pain! I just wish I had know sooner about the cancer and tumor because I could have done amputation months ago! I think Brody is going to be just fine! He is still as handsome as ever.

 

Bella - yes, they certainly are amazing. And whats even more amazing is that they love us unconditionally, through good and bad, happy and sad! They are amazing animals and the best pets.

 

He's been resting all day and had 3 bowls of chicken and rice. He is never going to want to eat dog food again!!!!

 

I tired uploading some pics but keep getting an error message and it won't let me!

Julie :-)

Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
7 October 2013 - 5:53 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

209ohw9.jpgImage Enlarger

2hhq8ah.jpgImage Enlarger
21mzyb7.jpgImage Enlarger
28l6ovo.jpgImage Enlarger
sc7611.jpgImage Enlarger

New York, NY
Member Since:
3 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
7 October 2013 - 6:58 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

oh Brody!  How handsome and cute are you!?

Sounds like recovery is going pretty well!  Keep it up big guy!!

 

xoxo,

Erica & Jill

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

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
7 October 2013 - 7:57 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Yey POOP!!!!  POOP!!! YEY!!!!

His wound looks great to me.  Very clean and straight and as pretty as they get.  Today IS a new day and it sounds like it's much better.  Ups and downs.  Roll with them.  I'm glad you had someone special come over.  I know that when we had that for Jackson, he too passed out for nearly another day.  It took a lot out of him, but I know it was a real mood lifter and something I'd do all over again.  I'm glad it worked for you.

Keep us posted!  Great updates.  I'm so glad to hear he's better, and nicely cleaned up with a sponge bath.  Lucky guy!  Keep up the compresses, if you think he doesn't mind - Jackson did, big time and so we gave that up pretty quickly.

~ Katy & Jackson

ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12.  Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ!  No side effects.  We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments.  He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors!  Our love. Our funny little guy!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
7 October 2013 - 8:11 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Brody's so nice we love seeing him twice!

Feel free to keep updating, we're always ready for the next one. Hugs coming your way!!! {{{{{hugs}}}}}

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
7 October 2013 - 8:23 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

You are such a handsome bou!  so glad we hot to see the otos!!  YAY!

 

Your  "markimgs" are so pretty  .....er....err...handsome!

 

Actualy, your surgery site realy loos good.  Hapoh Hannah's was swollen and red and purple, with some blue thrown in, for weeks!

 

Look forward to more updates and woderful pics!   You BOTH are doing a great job!  Lotof strentgh between the two of you!

 

Hugs to all!

 

Saly and Hapo 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!

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
8 October 2013 - 6:57 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

FYI - Winter Warriors is a small group of beloved pups and kitty (!) who were amputated in winter of 2012/2013.  We've lost Sassy.  She's our special spirit watching over us.  The rest include Jill, Libby, Jackson, Hank.  We're marching on...

~ Katy & Jackson

 

ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12.  Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ!  No side effects.  We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments.  He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors!  Our love. Our funny little guy!

krun15
11
8 October 2013 - 8:28 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Brody definitely had a head start- he has the perfect Tripawd stance in that third picture!

Your update sounds great, and the incision looks really good too.  Keep it up Brody- another recovery star.

And he has laser beam eyes.  A Tripawd Super hero!

 

Karen

Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
8 October 2013 - 9:40 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Thanks for all the compliments. I think he's a looker lol!!!

We got a boxer because we wanted a big dog, heard they were excellent with children, which he absolutely is and a friend of ours had and said they are loving with great personalities. Also, with their short hair he wouldn't shed that much - boy were we wrong in that department. He has beautiful, soft fur but its long and he sheds like a lab... He's especially shedding a lot now. They say they shed under stress?

 

Katy - thanks for letting me know. That's awesome!

Day 4 - Last night he took his meds, let us give him long belly rubs and must be feeling better or adventurous because little stinker jumped on the coach when my husband was watching tv. I came downstairs to check on them and wondered why Brody was laying on the rug instead of the blanket which is much softer. He told me Brody jumped up on the couch  but couldn't get comfortable and he had to help him back down to the rug. I have all the cushions turned down on the couches so he can't jump up, not sure who flipped them back up???? Anyway, I know he is missing that couch, its his fav place to lay. Glad we were home when it happened and could help him down!!!!

 

Day 5 - He took his meds, ate some chicken and rice but didn't want to potty outside. He did go outside but then came back in. My kids pointed out that he peed 2 times in the playroom! Ok, good at least he peed! That's all that matter. Funny this is, last time he peed it was on hardwood and tile, which I thoroughly cleaned yesterday since it was a rainy day. Is it possible he realized what I had done so went to the carpet instead? Such a good considerate boy!!!!! lol

Today is the day I get to take off his morphine patch. I called the vet because I wasn't sure if there was a specific time and they said their wasn't. What should I expect after I remove? Will he be in pain when it is gone? Will he be more alert? Will be he happier? He's been on the other meds for while and was totally happy and playful on those.

 

Thanks, Julie :-)

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
8 October 2013 - 10:15 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Brody is really doing well!!

 

Yeah, I'm guessing your husband did a little "cushion flipping" so Brody could get on the couch!  Just a guess!

 

Every dogis different so I don't know if you'll see any change once the patchis off.  However, that said, many dogs do seem to act less wacky nce it's off!!  Manynhad a reaction to it while it was on, but Brody didn't seem too flipped out with it on sooooooo.......      You probably will see more alertness

 

Yeah, only parents of tripawds applaud for our dogs peeing in the house!   We're a crazy vunch!   I have a senior four legger who does a little house peeing now and that's fine with me!!     In fact, if you're like me, you'll find that anything Brody does is perfectly fine.....and always adorable!

 

Really good update.....still early in recovery.....but he really is doing remarkably well!

 

 

Hugs to you and all your pack!   YAY for getting on the sofa...however that mayhave happened (hubby?)

 

 

Sslly snd 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!

krun15
14
8 October 2013 - 12:32 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Looks like Brody will be a Couch Day celebrant in January!  It's a little known Tripawd holiday celebrated by all Tripawds who can get on the couch again.

Brody is on other pain meds, right?  Hopefully he is far enough in healing where the pain will be managed by oral meds. My experience is with fentanly patches and in both cases they came off in 3 days after surgery.  Quad pug Obie was definitely more alert when the fentanly patch came off after his knee surgery.

 

Karen

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
8 October 2013 - 12:33 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

If it's the Fentanyl patch, then I've read some stories here.  As Sally points out there can be side effects with it on, but there can also be withdrawal once it's off.  I've read the withdrawal stories - be prepared.  Do some searching here.  Overall, things like decreased appetite or increased, pickiness, bathroom probs (too much or not enough), lethargy, etc.  None of these effects, though, are things you've not already excelled at!!!  Get the word from your vet about what to look for if there are withdrawal symptoms and how to manage.

Handsome, handsome Brody!

~ Katy & Jackson

ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12.  Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ!  No side effects.  We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments.  He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors!  Our love. Our funny little guy!

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 252
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17735
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256809
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG