Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello All,
I introduced Remus in another thread but thought it made more sense to move the discussion over here...
Remus, or "Moose," is our 9 year old 93 lb German Shepherd. He's a gentle and silly and loving soul. In the beginning of November, we found a bone tumor that, after many hard conversations, led us to amputating his front left limb. We've been moving through this process with as much acceptance and optimism as we can, leaning into the gratitude for all the joy he has brought into our lives. He is a rescue dog and I believe he healed us as much as we have healed him.
The amputation was this last Thursday 11/30. He did really well and we were able to bring him home Friday night. He came home with a chest bandage that we were told we could remove ourselves in five days. It hasn't seemed to bother him at all, so I think we will stick to that. He has been eating (ever the food-motivated boy!) and drinking, so YAY for that. We've been able to get him outside to pee a couple of times, but besides that he hasn't really wanted to move much. He gets up sometimes, takes a wobbly step, and then lays back down. We have area rugs, runners, and floor mats down for traction but the few times he has tried to walk he has taken a stumble or two while figuring out his balance. He isn't showing any obvious signs of pain like whimpering or whining, but it seems like he really doesn't want to walk. He has, however, been his usual loving self, giving us lots of face licks, accepting all the scratches and pets. I know it's only been a few days and that he will recover on his own timeline, but it's hard not to worry when he doesn't seem to want to move much or at all, unless it's to pee. That being said, he is normally a pretty mellow dog and is used to quiet time as my husband and I both work away from home. I'll be taking this whole next week off to be with him though. We are hoping he is just using all his energy to heal and will let us know when he is ready to try out his new tripaws. At what point should we worry? We thought about giving it one more day and then trying to motivate him with food to walk across the room to us. Or should we just wait it out and let him tell us?
He's currently on Carprofen, 100 mg every 12 hours, and Gabapentin, 300 mg every 8 to 12 hours. He was on Previcox and Gabapentin for a couple of weeks before the surgery and didn't show signs of sleepiness or lethargy.
When my Pug Maggie had her rear amp our surgeon told us that she was only allowed short, leashed potty breaks for two weeks post surgery.
Rest is what your boy needs right now so if it was me I would leave it alone.
Focus on all the good things: eating, drinking and peeing are all awesome signs at this point in recovery, and being his usual loving self? Outstanding!!! It also sounds like his pain is well managed - good job!
I know it's hard to be patient- but think about where you would be in recovery if you had such a major surgery... probably still in the hospital!
With everything you've said here, Remus is having a great recovery to this point. If you have any concerns at all have a chat with the vet but so far you guys are on the right track.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Ditto everything Karen said.
To be just a few days out from MAJOR surgery Remus is doing very well👍 He’s already given you reason to celebrate…..eating, drinking,peeing and seemingly resting comfortably HUGE victories. ReisIS movie even of it’s just a few hops for now. It takes a lot of energy when adjusting to three, create the proper balance etc. Add the hospital meds just now getting out of his system, the fact that he’s a laid back fella’…..yeah, he’s doing just fine.
As you noted, he’s using his energy to heal rather than trying to use it for mobility right now You’re on track for a ”normal” recovery. We know it feels like recovery will last forever…..it doesn’t! It takes about two weeks to recover from the surgery itself. It takes about one month for a dog to fully adjust to his new gait balance, proper pace and using muscles in a different way.
Youre doing a great job! Continue to stay connected and ask any questions at all as they come up. We know all this is so new and uncharted territory We’ve all been through it so we can definitely help you adjust from day to day.
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!
You've gotten spot on input here. This is all so very normal, and it's early. Let him rest and his body will heal. It takes time and all signs point to a really good recovery (although I know it doesn't feel that way right now!).
Keep us posted!
Thanks everyone for the advice and reassurance. It's hard to know what I should or shouldn't worry about, and especially after watching some videos where dogs seem to be moving around after just a few days. I will continue to trust Remus to let us know when he's ready. So far, he has let us know when he wants to go outside to do his business, and he pooped this morning! I never thought his poop would bring me tears of joy, but there it is
.
HQPPY 
DANCE!! We love e.celebrating
Remus will work out his mobility in his own way at his own pace He’s doing just fine👍
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy 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!
Oh yeah we do hoppy dances when happens! We are all a little wacky after going through this experience. Welcome to the club!
I'm glad you found some reassurance here. Yes, Remus is going at his own pace, and he will get there. Don't compare, remember he's his own dog on his own schedule.
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