Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Marley is doing great! She had a good night last night. Slept the whole night minus about an hour. She's eating okay. I even managed to get her to eat a handful of her kibble mixed with cottage cheese...and she ate it standing at her elevated bowl! Big accomplishment in my opinion. She seems happy, tail wagging and all. I even carried her to the back yard and let her relax on a blanket, enjoying the nice weather (for a change) while my daughter and I played. She's alert and seems happy all things considered.
The only problem she's having is potty time. She's getting around okay on her own, but when she finds the right spot and goes to squat...she falls. Then she's lying there peeing. So far she's been out to pee 3 times, and fallen every time. Prior to amp, she would go to squat and brace herself with her bad leg bent at the ankle. I've tried using the sling and she hates it. She refuses to do anything. I've tried helping steady her with my hands but she won't try to pee that way. I've got to figure out how I can help her, with all this food she's been eating I'm sure poop is just around the corner. Any suggestions?!
Great news that she's doing so great and you all got a good rest! Sounds like she is a healthy eater which will serve her well! (as you know, Shelby is a very healthy eater).
As far as potty.... hmmm... she's a rear amp, right? When Shelby poops, I kind of press and hold on her amp site to help balance her (I'm having to do it less and less now) but I think she could have gotten it but I saw some near tumbles so I just wanted to help her. Shelby would have nothing to do w/a sling or anything assisted - strong willed dog -. But peeing, Shelby had that but it does look like when she's down, she's laying (I couldn't figure out at first if she was sitting or peeing) but there was space between her and the grass (albeit just a little). So maybe she's got it? Or is she getting pee on herself? Did the vet say she did OK on her own while she was there? They must have seen her pee.
Maybe someone else can help.
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
I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but Willow was a front amp and I adopted her after her amputation. She had long ago figured it out when I adopted her.
If Marley is refusing help, there probably isn't much you can do. I would say give her calm verbal encouragement and let her figure it out. Dogs are very resilient and I'm sure she'll have her balance back soon.
I also sure that others will chime in and give you much better advice than I did ;-). I just wanted to let you know that we're all here...supporting you and your girl!
Hugs,
Carol
Thanks, guys! She's a front amp...anybody been through this struggle with advice to pass down?
And for your viewing pleasure from a proud mama...
Sorry, my mistake. I'm not sure why I though she was a rear amp. She is beautiful! Thank you for sharing the pictures!
Again, I adopted Willow over a year after her amp and cancer diagnosis so I wasn't there during her learning process. But, I can share that when she did squat to do her business her front leg was centered to her body...like a true tripod.
Marley is still learning, so I'm sure it will just take some time. My not so great advice still stands...give her calm encouragement and be patient. I have a feeling that she'll figure it out.
Hugs,
Carol
Pretty girl!!! Great photos!!!
Hang in there... it does get better!
Alison and Shelby
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
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