Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 10-year-old dog Brit was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right front leg. Brit is a registered bullmastiff, but is very small for the breed (only about 55 pounds). I am so thankful that I found this site!
I had already scheduled her amputation for tomorrow but have been agnoizing over the decision all week because she seems to be getting around well, though still limping some, since the vet gave her on Zubrin and Tramadol after her diagnosis. She has arthritis and her spine is beginning to fuse together, so the vet--and I--have some concern about how she will do with the added pressure that removing a leg will have on her arthritis and spine.
I've read many posts already and these have given me the strength I need to go through with the surgery tomorrow. I do not want her to suffer any more than she has to, that is my primary concern.
I see a lot of mention of glucosamine for joints and would like to start her on a regimen for that. Can you give dogs the people supplement? How much should you give per day?
Regarding the posts I've read about putting on a t-shirt or something to keep the dogs from licking the site--do you sew up the sleeve or what?
Thank you to everyone for sharing their stories here; I really needed them.
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Carmen, thank you for writing and registering here at Tripawds. We are so sorry to hear about Brit, and hope we can be of more more help as you take this journey together.
Well, to answer your question about glucosamine; yes, you can give dogs the people supplement, but use care. Here is a good glucosamine & dogs website that tells more. Basically it says "A
good rule of thumb is to look for 750mg of Glucosamine HCl and Glucosamine
Sulfate per 50 pounds of weight."
The t-shirt is definitely helpful for front leg amputees just getting over surgery. My pawrents sewed up the sleeve where my bad leg was removed. Worked like a charm!
We are sending lots of well wishes and healing thoughts to Brit for tomorrow and after that too. Hang in there, the next few days won't be easy, but when you see how well Brit gets around afterward, you'll be truly amazed at her courage and strength.
Take care and keep us posted.
xoxo
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
PS: SynFlex makes the best glucosamine supplement for pets and people! That's what I've been taking with my food for months.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Carmen,
In Jerry's resources page, there is a PDF file which has of website links. Go to a section called "Arthritis/Osteoarthritis/Intervertebral Disc Disease". There are quite a few which are about Spondylosis.
Genie had lumbar spondylosis and osteoarthritis in her remaining elbow. The vet suggested to cut down calcium intake for her spine problem. I once questioned her about why studies were suggesting to increase calcium for osteoarthritis. Here is the vet's reply:
"Calcium deposits seen in spondylosis are not produced by the same means as those in osteoarthritis. So, while the quoted comments may reflect the effect of calcium supplements for Genie's elbow, they aren't accurate for her back's needs. Spondylosis in the spine is a result of calcium being laid down in a ligament - it is not a result of deteriorating cartilage or bone."
"Motion is lotion". If Brit likes water, swimming is the best for her to strengthen her back muscles, and the most important thing is to keep her spine/joints moving; particularly as a tripawd, she will get the benefits from swimming to make her muscles strong, without stressing her remaining legs too much from constant pounding on the ground.
Try massage, acupressure (there are links in that section as well). These techniques will help relieve soreness, stiffness, and help blood circulation better.
Wish you and Brit the best of luck.
Jessie
Thanks for your replies and advice. I didn't realize that the issues with her back had a label to put to it; I appreciate that and will do some reading up. Brit is not much of a swimmer but she does like to play with the water coming out of the hose, chasing and biting it. Lately I have been discouraging that because I was afraid she would hurt her leg more. Sounds like it is a good thing to keep her moving, though. I will keep that in mind after recovery from her surgery today and try not to baby her too much. Now I am off to the vet to drop her off. Still not feeling great, but much more hopeful after finding this place.
Good Luck Carmen, My Cody boy had a left front leg amputation 2 weeks ago. He is is 12 1/2 year old lab that weighed 83 lbs and has osteo-arthritis in his back hips. We almost didn't do the surgery because of his hips but we were oh so wrong! He is amazing, inspirational and courageous. He is doing great. Yesterday was his first chemo treatment and he was so excited to go for a ride in the car he literally ran to the car, although we helped him in, he got out by himself before I could even attempt to help him and pulled me inside the vets office to check out and socialize with everyone. When he saw our vet he jumped right up and seriously hop-ran to him! It was the most energy I've seen from him since his surgery. He is VERY happy to have his staples out and I expect even greater progress as time progresses. Just be aware that the first week....and especially the first few days are TOUGH...on all of you. Please don't second guess yourself on those days and check back for hand holding here because we have all been through this. There are some amazing people here with great insight. Please keep us posted and good luck today!! Cody and Cathy
Thank you, Cathy, for your post especially reminding me about second-guessing myself. I know I will need that reminder. I am about to go pick up Brit and am trying to ready myself for the first sight of her. The vet called earlier and told me that he put a drain in and wrapped her up in a bandage. Sewing up didn't go quite as well as he'd have liked becuase of the area where she had the biopsy last week. I guess there was some trouble with having enough skin there or something. He said she did great during the operation.
I did have him do a chest x-ray prior to surgery and her lungs look completely clear right now, so I was relieved to hear that. Otherwise we wouldn't have gone through with the surgery. Forgot to mention that before.
Just wanted to let ya'll know that Brit came through the surgery really well. She actually walked/hopped into the waiting room to me! The vet told me she was wagging her tail just after she came out of the anesthesia, and that she was doing even better than he'd expected. It was hard seeing her on three legs, but made much better from the things I read here, so thanks again! I told my vet about this site and the encouragement it has provided me.
I'm so happy that Brit did so well with her surgery! I understand how you felt. I remember vividly dropping Cody off for surgery and going back to my car...I couldn't drive away, I was crying for 15 minutes straight and then the day David and I picked him up I was just so happy to see him wagging his tail and walking that I barely noticed he was missing a leg. He had a big yellow bandage on. Our hardest days so far were Cody's first couple of nights home. He was struggling with walking, he was moaning, he couldn't sleep, we took turns sleeping on the floor with him. He needed full assistance with his sling to go outside...we had moments of OMG what did we do, but like you I found this forum, found out that much of what we were going through was normal and to just keep the hope and keep positive. Our animals are stronger than we know! Keep us posted Carmen. I hope Britt continues to do well and surprise everyone!
carmen said:
Just wanted to let ya’ll know that Brit came through the surgery really well. She actually walked/hopped into the waiting room to me!
Oh wow, that is terrific! We are so glad to hear, thanks for the update. Just take it slow, one paw at a time, and she'll be well on the road to recovery before you know it.
My Mom says she will never forget the day she picked me up from the hospital, she says it was one of the happiest days of her life to see me out of pain.
Good luck! Let us know if you have any questions.
-Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This morning, I woke up about 3:00am to the sound of the dog door flap. I checked both of my other dogs and they were laying on the floor. I couldn't believe my eyes when I ran to the back door and saw Brit had used the dog door and walked almost 20 yards to the back of the dog run to use the restroom! I thought it might be at least a WEEK before she could even think of using the dog door I have installed the wall, if at all. I did build a ramp for her and put it outside the wall but never dreamed she would be able to use it so soon. I was thinking I'd need to put a new door in the sliding glass window so it wouldn't be such a big step for her but looks like I won't need to do that. Once she made it back inside, this time using the sliding glass door!, she immediately lay down, so I know it wore her out. But still, I am amazed she was able to do that.
I am trying to keep her resting but she seems to want to be up and around a bit. She is panting when standing so I think she is in a little pain but I don't want to keep her drugged up all the time. Not that she's trying to run a marathon, but I guess I thought she ought to be laying down all the time at least the first couple days.
How much activity should I allow? As much as she wants?
I am so proud of her!!! She is much stronger than I would be if our positions were reversed. What an inspiration 🙂
carmen said:
How much activity should I allow? As much as she wants?
Congratulations on that dog door thing! You havegood reason to be proud. I never had to deal with that.
Regarding activity, take it easy for the first few weeks. As much as she wants? Sure. To an extent. Just keep in mind she's gonna want to run and play harder than she actually can for a while.So shee needs you to regulate the exercise for a while. Walking and playing a little less, but more often throughout the day is a good idea.
Once the suregry wound has completely healed and the stitches are out, then you can start to gradually increase the activity level. One day at a time, that's my motto!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Glad to hear you are doing so well. Take it easy and just think that from now on it is all days full of happiness and no pain. Lots of licks your way.
Kellie
Thanks for the advice, Jerry. I've been trying to hold her back just a bit this afternoon and evening and she is cooperating, so maybe she just needed me to do that for her.
And thanks for all the well-wishes for Brit!
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