Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 11 year old Golden had her left rear leg amputated 3 1/2 weeks ago. She did absolutely wonderful with surgery and like so many tripawds, she was up and around the next day. For the first few weeks or so, she was adjusting but she was not in a lot of pain and she hopped around a lot - seemed so happy! She had her first chemo treatment 5 days ago and didn't have any stomach issues at all - we have felt so so blessed. She seemed fine the first few days after her chemo but now she seems lethargic. I know all this is normal but wanted to be reassured (hopefully...)! I understand the tiredness. It she also seems weak in her one bag leg. Is this a part of the chemo ? Like most pawrents - we are just watching her every move - anxious for her old self to come back. Help!!! Do we need to be worried or looking for anything else? ...... Worried momma and daddy ......
Debbie,
Lethargic is normal after chemo. Remember though she is still recovering from that major surgery & learning how to adjust with balance etc. So to answer your question it is normal. Try not to let her over do it. It can slow down the recovery period. I know I thought Sassy was doing great and let her walk where she wanted and she got overly tired so I slowed it down and restricted her walking a little and she got better.
Just give it a few days and watch her.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Shelby has done this opposite since we found her spleen cancer before we amputated her leg (she's a medical mystery). But we've had 5 chemo treatments and yes, a few days post chemo, she is a bit more tired. It usually hits Shelby 3 days POST chemo when she decides she doesn't want to eat her dinner w/out coaxing and sleeps more. Your baby should feel better in a couple days!
Lots of healing energy!
Alison & 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
Thanks you guys She certainly has never lost her appetite - craziness! Hope your Shelby is doing ok ..... I will try to be more patient!
Paw kisses -
Debbie and Callie
Wow she's still eating great? That's pawesome! Hang in there. From what I understand about some chemo drugs like carboplatin, you'll either see side effects within 24 to 48 hours, or 5 to 7 days later. Let your vet know just to be certain.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Jerry, we are taking her in the morning for her follow up bloodwork. I am sure you are right but she just seems so much weaker. Her spirits are good and it is almost funny in how she has not lost her appetite. She has always been a begger and absolutely nothing has changed that!! Like most retrievers, she likes to "paw" at you to get your attention .... just a slightly different move now with only 3 legs! I have said it a dozen times and it is good to be able to reach out to you directly. Thank you so much for your diligence and loyalty to establishing this site I know It has brought comfort and knowledge to so many. I don't think we would have amputated if not for all the amazing stories of hope and encouragement here.
You've gotten great feedback!
Jist want to say welcome...and sorry you had to be here! HOWEVER, there's no better place to be if you jave to be on this journey
So ds like your sweet Retriever seems to have an imcredibly "fast" recovery. As others have said, the lethargy is most li,ely the chemo. The weakness in her back leg could be due to overdoing it too soon. Many dogs aren't even beginning to get arond as well as yor pup this early in the journey. He probably just needs to slow it down a touch.
You aren't alone on this crazy journey! We are all right by your side! The sparkle will come back more and more and yor ti e together will be such a treasured gift! Hang in there! You two make a great team!
Next time he gives you his paw give it a great big kiss from all of us, okay? Goldens are soooooo sweet and playful! Would love to see a picture! There are links on jere aout how to post a picture!
Lots of "paw hugs" to yo!
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!
Paw shucks, it's the people here who make Tripawds so amazing!
Let us know how the labwork goes tomorrow, I hope she gets an "A" and all is well. IF the lethargy is caused by anything weird going on you'll find out. Hopefully it's nothing but just side effects of all she's been through.
Oh, be sure to have a clear description of what her symptoms are like, and when they occur, for your vet visit.
And yep, post some pics, we'd love to see them. Here's how.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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