Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all.
Our 8.5-yr-old Saint Bernard had surgery this past Wednesday morning to remove her front right leg (osteosarcoma, distal radius). We brought her home Thursday afternoon. The first night home was horrible; we thought we made the wrong decision, she was in great distress, etc. Things are improving, though. She is eating and drinking lots of water, is very happy to be home, is bright eyed and tail waggy, doesn't appear to be in pain.
But…
she refuses to get off the floor. We keep trying with her, using a beach towel under her for support, but she will not get up. I try to lift her back legs while my husband uses the towel to lift and support her mid-section, but she has developed this new superpower: floor meld. Whatever part of her we are lifting, the other parts fuse to the floor and refuse to budge. Now, I'd let her be, but she hasn't urinated for two days and counting now.
We know she can get up, because we have managed all of once to get her up and outside, by some miracle of sheer will on our part breaking the gravitational lock that holds her firm to the carpet. It also stormed yesterday and she hates storms, so she had no problem then getting up on all threes and trying to escape the thunder, although she did not get more than a few steps. The rest of the time, she wiggles across the floor like a very large, furry, tri-colored worm. Seems she barely uses her back legs and mostly pulls with her one remaining front leg and some bizarre use of her stomach muscles. This can't be good for her incision, although it currently appears fine except for the expected bruising.
Normal? Suggestions? She weighed approx. 115 lbs before surgery and now she weighs roughly 4,673,412 tons and we fear that soon the sun will start to orbit around her if we can't figure out how to reverse the gravitational pull.
Thanks for reading and any encouragement or suggestions,
Boinks mom
PS: She had an orthopedic evaluation prior to surgery and no signs of hip dysplasia or arthritis, her lungs were clear, her heart in good shape, and she is in excellent health other than this nasty bone cancer issue.
Hi Boinks and Family
I think I can speak to this, having christened my dog Cement and Sedementary rock when we went through your "floor meld" stage one month ago! At that time, I really could find no-one describing the same symptoms, although I did uncover a few slow-starters when sifting through the archives. I could not get the sling under his body (I guess it must have been the meld with the floor) to try to lift him.
At the same time, your dog is even bigger than mine (my pyrenees x collie cross was only about 80 lbs (34 kg) before surgery, which will make it easier than for your dog) and you really should get a vet to check her out to make sure nothing is truly wrong with the hind legs , especially IF she really is trying to move on her own. My dog never tried to wiggle the way you describe.
Anyway, my dog was highly mobile when leaving the vet clinic (get me outta here!), then dropped into the 'floor meld' stage for over two weeks. I could not get him up and he even snarled at me once when I tried - believe me Tazzie has never been a snarler even when in pain. He preferred to lie outside on the grass alone (also unlike his normal clingy self). I did see him get up and move a few steps - and after a week move to the edge of the yard to do his potty - about once per day (phew). I tried to 'force-drink', mixing canned food or broth into water, to ensure he took in a lot of liquid and might be more inclined to pee. (A neighbour's dog who comes into my yard and marks everything was his main incentive to pee - never thought I'd be glad for that behavior.)
It helped to bring incentives: a person that he views as a treat-machine to visit. One "incentive" (maybe better called disincentive to staying in place) was to drive directly toward him. He was more motivated to get in the car for a short ride when the car was within 1-2 meters. After a week of this, he would slowly walk over to the car.
We lived in a very quiet area and I suspect that encouraged Tazzie to be quiet. Once we went to the city for chemo, he was more active (other dogs and interesting humans in the house). If it helps, at 5-6 weeks post-amp, Tazzie now bombs down the long staircase faster than he ever did (which is also scary but for the completely different reason!). I think his mind was probably adjusting in those first three weeks - the mental map is of course still has four legs even though one is missing. It takes time for it to adjust to 'see' themselves as 3-legged. This may sound silly but makes sense neurologically - in fact Tazzie did experiment with different gaits around the 2 week stage, which really worried me about his orthopedic status but he is a pretty confident hopper now.
A really slow starter, a large pyrenees named Armstrong, who did not even flip his foot forward when his owners dragged him outside for about a week is described on the tripawds website. He started to walk on his own, but unfortunately had other health issues. Your dog's size might just make it take longer for her to learn to walk more than a few steps. Most of the slow-starters (e.g., Cemil) are large.
If Boinks is trying to move but just can't get those legs moving, you might look up Armstrong's story to see how they managed it. He required two people because of his size. And, make sure with a vet exam that nothing is wrong.
Is the weather such that you can let Boinks lie outside - or would she like that? (Tazzie is normally a fully indoor be with humans dog, but not at that stage).
Susan & Tazzie 2
Oh, my gosh. I have never laughed so hard about someone's dog getting her leg amputated! I can just picture this big St. Bernard snake slithering around your house. I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face. I fear my kids think I finally lost it, Whether it is normal or not I can't say. Your post was the first I heard of it. Hopefully someone else can comment on that.
It doesn't seem like Boinks is in pain though, does it? 4,673,412 tons is a lot of weight to lift off the floor.
Keep the good sense of humor. It really helps.
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Radar did this a little bit but he is a momma's boy and started moving on his own just to be near me in my office. I never pushed him and didn't worry about potty time too much. I have a couple of girls who "refuse" to go to the bathroom anywhere but their own yard - I've gone to dog shows where they have held it the entire weekend until they are home in their own space.
Boinks is still in the adjustment and recovery stages. And probably still on pain meds. There is most likely a fear of falling - the whole feeling "different" and unstable thing and could be feeling yucky from the meds (which may explain the snarl). Give Boinks a bit more time and don't push too hard - He will gain confidence daily and before you know it will be hopping around happy as you please. That said - please keep an eye on the incision and his temp to be sure nothing else is going on with him. A fever can send any dog to ground.
Keep us posted on his progress.
You have an uplifting sense of humor! I absolutely love someone who can make something funny that is posing a challenge in their life. I, too, would take her to the vet just to be reassured nothing is wrong and then just let her motivate at her own pace in her own way. She will figure it all out.
It is more distressing to the humans than to the tripawds about what is normal or required for the pee & poop. It seems most are a bit slow with this process and it worrys us much more than it does them. I also believe the meds play a huge part in those first few days. After we were able to take Trouble off pain meds we saw a marked improvement in her motivational skills.
Hang in there, you won't have a furry rock forever.
Oh...and thanks for the laugh. It is much better to have happy tears streaming down your face 🙂
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Thanks for joining the Tripawds communty and starting a blog for Boinks! We all look forward to following her progress. As Jerry's doctor told us after his amoutation ... when a dog needs to go, she'll go. Sometimes it can take up to a week for post-op pups to go #2. If Boinks has not had an accident in her bed yet, I would suggest letting her rest and making sure she has lots of water within reach.
But I am no vet, if you have serious concerns please consult your vet or consider asking tazzidog's professional opinion in the Ask A Vet forum. And if you have not yet done so, be sure to read our answers to frequently asked questions about dog leg amputation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for all your kind words and support. :: hugs :: I will keep you posted as to her progress on this and let you know if anything in particular works.
We have a big, muscular friend coming over this evening, so hopefully between the two guys, we can get her outside or at least walking around for a few minutes. I have some video of the worm boogie, so if I can figure out how to post it, I will.
boinks said:
I have some video of the worm boogie, so if I can figure out how to post it, I will.
The easiest way is to upload it to a YouTube account. Then copy the embed code provided and paste it into your post in HTML mode (using the "HTML" button). Please see further details, or ask related questions in this embedded media tech support topic.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am looking forward to the worm wiggle - we will make the popcorn and be ready to view it tonight! I'm not sure you really wanted everyone else to actually laugh (or admit to laughing!) at your post. Reminds me of the time that Armstrong's parents asked whether there was a single other tripawd who did not leap off the operating table to catch a frisbee in mid-air. Even when I look back at the pictures I took of Tazzie during the cement epoch, his head was usually up and eyes alert, unlike 23 3/4 hr of every day. Our memories are skewed, thankfully for the better, as time passes
It is kind of too bad that they don't have "skilled nursing" for dogs the way they have for humans (i.e., nursing homes). Of course we want them home, but in some cases (and maybe yours given Boinks immobility and gargantuan dimensions) the vet might hold onto your dog for longer. In fact, perhaps you want to consider asking the vet to take him back for a couple more days (do not tell Boinks that Tazzie suggested this - she will never speak to him again!). It seems kind of crazy for them to send a dog home when the dog is not walking itself out of the hospital. I thought that was usually the one guideline they used to decide when to release a dog.
I think she should get outside at least once a day, with the hope she will either pee or poo outdoors, even if you have to kind of walk her along with a very large sling. Do not hold out the hope that she will do both on the same day. As someone suggested, do check the temperature just to make sure there is no infection.
From your blog, it sounds as though she might be pretty high on drugs. IS that the case? That can really contribute to immobility in some of our pups.
I see that Radar said: "in no time" Boinks will be hopping around - well that is vet- or tripawd-speak for 'who knows, sometime between 1 day and 4-6 weeks'.
Susan & Tazzie 2
I would not worry too much. It seems that these dogs know when they need to get up and then they will do it. Our Mastiff Tazzie weighs 185# so I kept her in the hospital for 3 nights. I wasn't sure what to expect at home so I had her all set up with her own mattress and old towels in case she had to pee. She would hold it a long time but then she would get up and hop out the door once daily to do her business. It can take longer until they have a bowel movement (even 3-4 days).
Tazzie is getting around great now but she stil does what we call the "GI Joe" crawl on the living room floor if she wants something but doesn't want to stand up.
I'll bet your dog wil be fine in a few more days.
Pam and Tazzie
First, we all tip our hat to you for taking on this journey. Of course, concern is just part of caring. The chemicals (pain killers, chemotherapy, anti-nausea, appetite stimulants, etc...) always did the deed to Cherry but she returned to a more normal once they were gone from her system. I would not be surprised if some of the "floor melt" was just reactions to the pain killers. In all other aspects she sounds like she is doing quite well including the most important - attitude. It used to worry us how Cherry would just lay flat on the floor after surgery. She would not curl up, or prop herself up on one fore-leg as before. With time this did ease but she still does it quite a bit. However, I know how to get her going when I need to (pick-up the car keys.)
Hang in there - things will improve.
Bob & Cherry
I don't think her reluctance to sit or stand is due to the medication.
She was high on morphine or somesuch coming home from the vet hospital, so that was especially challenging, but wore off rather quickly. The vet sent us home with Rimadyl, Tramadol, and an antibiotic. She had mental problems on the Tramadol, so we took her off that quickly. So, she's only on 100mg Rimadyl twice a day now.
She had another couple steps a few hours ago when she saw her special happy mattress through the bedroom door, and she got up and made a few adorable bounces in that direction, then she worm boogied the rest of the way to it. I'm now trying to fashion some sort of front-end harness out of old pillowcases and a fabulous pink and gold boa I got in Vegas a few years back. I've decided the towel under her belly might be causing her to feel off balance and falling forward more than she already is, and it's an ugly towel so that can't help her attitude. Thus, the boa.
Thanks again! The support here is so nice. And I don't mind if you laugh at my posts; I'm laughing so I don't cry, and the more people laughing with me, the better.
I'm sure Boinks will appreciate the purple and gold boa - by the way tazziedog - do we get to see pictures of Tazzie #1 in her tiara?
I asked my vet for a sling and they gave me a very nice sling (with their logo on it). I don't think most vets have slings to give out, but it sure is handy. I bring it along even now in case something happens, but then my ruffwear harness has not yet arrived (it is in the mail). I find the sling also works great in motivating Tazzie (#2) to come with me when he wants to go in a different direction or stand in one spot! But nope, we don't use it often. Anyway, it is okay to ask your vet for these things - they will likely have a loaner sling (or stretcher for your big beast) although it won't be as cute as the one you are making.
Sounds like Boinks is capable of moving, but she probably is still in quite a bit of pain (most our dogs are on tramadol for 2 weeks - I took Tazzie off after about 6 days, as per vet instructions, but that is when he got a bit grumpy). Hmm, are you sure the tramadol and not the boa is the source of the "mental problems"???? 
Don't be surprised if she shows some weird postures when she does start to move more (arched stiff back, tail curled under her bely, other feet well under her belly) as she figures out HOW to move on 3 legs. That was probably our biggest worry because it looked like he was in pain.
Susan & Tazzie 2
Hello Boinks Mum! Welcome to the community!
Don't worry too much. I went through exactly the same two weeks ago when my sweet giant great dane Horacia came home from surgery. Actually, she now hops along quite well... but she still has balance problems getting up and today I saw her for the first time lying down without toppling (left front leg amputated). After reading and with help of many people in this forums I just let her be in the first and second week, and that was the best I could do. She decides when the effort is worthwhile, and it works out OK.
St. Bernards are so cute (I just could not look at another one after my sweet Wasko passed, so I switched to another giant). Is Boinks short or long haired?
Keep us posted on her progress and just read around in the forums, it was very helpful for me in my first week (as i could not go out with my cement clad Hori, we surfed the web toghether).
Spirit Horacia, Castaño, Olympia + human family Cecilia, Georg and Julia - - - Hori first diagnosed 8/6/09, ampu 8/12/09, run over the bridge 9/10/09 – We miss you every day dear girl!
We wound up taking Boinks to the vet last night because she still hadn't urinated, and she had stopped eating and drinking and didn't seem right. Not to worry! They applied a bit of gentle pressure on her very swollen bladder and she let loose like a fire hose. She perked right up after that and is back to her happy self.
The best part for her was getting out to our friend's truck. We laid her diagonally on a quilted moving blanket and wrapped her up like an oversized taco and then she got carried around by two handsome men, just like the princess she is. She seemed very pleased with herself.
The vet also had a harness that appeared to work very well for her, so we went to the petshop today and found something very similar to try (called a Lift N Aid). The vet said that it wouldn't hurt her zipper and she seems comfortable with it and it gives her some confidence she needs. It's not perfect, but better than what I had come up with. Susan was prolly right about the boa; sometimes we moms embarrass our kids.
We are already very pleased with how much easier it is to get her off her belly with the new harness, even though she is still having major stubborn streaks. We aren't pushing her very much, but I did insist she get off her bedroom mattress this afternoon and join us in the television room. She was a major drama queen about it, but complied. The vet suggested getting her up and around for a bit every few hours, so we will try, but if she fights it, we will leave her be until she's ready.
So far, a good day!
Thanks for the welcome, Hori's people. Boinka is a short coated Saint Bernard (and a big goof).
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