Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Sandpiper is a Black Labrador, 82lbs, 9 years old who played ball in the snow for hours – digging, running, rolling – days before diagnosis of front leg bone cancer.
He is returning home this weekend from his amputation. I must return to work and one of my concerns – typically, upon my return home there is madness about the pack at the excitement of the human returning home.
Anyone have thoughts or experience with using a crate for the recovery? It is fairly large but not huge and does have a thick padding I can insert (I had it specially made). Or, do I gate him in one room where he has area rug and two dog beds but more of an opportunity to bounce until I get from car to him?
I will ask the discharge team at the hospital as well but wanted to hear from those who traveled this road before me.
Thank you – Billie Jo
Hey Billie Jo, just my 2 cents worth. If Sandpiper is used to a crate, I would go that route at first, IF he can fit comfortably with the cone on and a crate won't stress him out.. Being confined in a small room with his beds can work too. He'll need his quiet time.
I certainly understand having to go to work. Sounds like you'll be bringing him home Sunday and then returning to work Monday?? If at al possible, I STRONGLY recommend having someone Sandpiper knows come and check in him a couple of times.
Others will chime in.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Confinement and moderated activity are indeed key to a quick, safe recovery. If Sandpiper is already crate trained, and uses it as her "safe place" then that can be an ideal recovery room, if she has to move around inside, and no, do not take off the cone of shame . In the wild, injured and sick dogs will often leave the pack and find a secluded safe place to heal.
Using pet/baby gates and doing something to keep recovering pups from jumping off furniture is also a good idea. You can also create a recovery room in a laundry room or large walk in closet. Portable Ex Pens are another good idea for keeping recovery pups safe, and in sight.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the responses and sharing advice. Sand was crate trained in his younger years but not a familiar space for him now.
Update on this end...
I spoke with Sandpiper's nurse for about fifteen minutes this morning and she explained his current setup.
Today involved shopping and setup - I now have a 4x5 pen setup (in living room where I will sleep and spend my time) with yoga mats under a large comforter. There are runner rugs with anti slip that covers the path from our recovery safe space to the outside.
In the recovery of my Labradors, I really have no one to check on them, so....I will have to ask the Dr. or nurse the number of hours he can be alone and work miracles for my boy!
That sounds like a great setup, it will make recovery so much better. He's lucky to have a conscientious human like you. Good job 
I hope you're able to work something out so he can rest and the other pups can get their activity. It's a challenge but you can handle it. Most dogs sleep all day for the first week or so, those naps are healing.
Let us know how things work out this week.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Jerry - the three of them were/are my world! This last year has broken me to the core.
Sandpiper taking off immediately after surgery speaks volumes to the level of pain he may have been experiencing; both he and Rodanthe very stoic! Today he shown my glimpses of himself and it warms my heart - for whatever time we have left together.
He is sleeping an incredible amount, I am shocked. He heads to his normal bed rather than the x pent but does go in and remains quiet and comfortable. I will confess, I am proud and happy of the setup.
Maggie and I are playing ball but I have to confess, I am wiped out. I sleep on the sofa, close to him and all the humans around me are spiking fevers and getting sick so...I am trying to keep it low key.
You should be proud, he’s a good boy and you came up with a great recovery room!
I hope you don’t come down with anything. Sorry to hear you don’t feel well. Sleep is medicinal so rest easy and stay strong, the pack needs you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sandpiper knows he needs rest so his body can heal from the major surgery. So that really is good that he seems comfortable and can take some solid naps.
And I agree, you have sone a brillant job with the set up and all the preparations you have done to help Sandpiper through recovery.
You really have been through a lot of stress these past several months and it is of utmost importance that YOU get some rest!! I swear by a supplement called Echinacea. It's a strong natural immune booster and it works...along with rest!!!
So glad you are already see a bit of her sparkle shining through already. Sweeeet!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
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