Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our wonderful lab/retriever mix George Bailey was diagnosed about 1 month ago. This past Monday, we left a little bit of him at the vet's office. It has been 6 days since his front right leg was amputated. Can anyone give us a bit of a timetable, if any, to returning to normal. We think he is doing great but he is definitely tired, something that is extremely strange. I have read some of the topics and we have gone through all of the emotions. George is 10 but in extremely good health except the cancer. Just looking for what others experiences are to try to help us through this tough time. Thanks!!!!
Daniel Chapanar
For most pets, you can count on up to 2 weeks of healing. Each dog experiences different things and some of the same, but 2 weeks is a good timeline for these guys.
I posted almost daily changes, emotions, ect in Calamity's blog. Feel free to read it.
It's a very trying time & I can tell you this forum saved my sanity many times!
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
itsawonderfullife said:
This past Monday, we left a little bit of him at the vet’s office.
It's good to have a sense of humor during this tough time!
Thanks for joining the discussion ... it is indeed a wonderful life. But "normal" is relative as all dogs are different. Honestly, life will never quite be exactly the same. But in many ways it will be better.
Give it a good couple weeks before attempting the old routine. Take it one day at a time and let George teach you his new lease on life. Remember to be a strong pack leader, but don't force recovery. What Mr. Bailey needs most these days is rest, and time to regain his strength.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Probably no one has exactly the same timetable. Trouble was off pain meds at about day 5 after amputation. Each day she had made just a little more progress. After removing the remadyl, she seemed a little droopy. Her vet put her back on meds at a reduced dose to take the edge off. Almost immediately we saw improvement. She is in week 5 now and is off the remadyl, but on 50mg tramadol daily, the goal to see if we can remove it from her in the not too distant future. We suspect she has some soreness from adjusting to her new mobility and will be able to remove tramadol once she builds her strength.
We saw signs of improvement daily, and now at week 5, she does just about everything she did before. She does tire more easily, and I contribute that to the chemo, so I let her take walks based on how much she seems to want to do. I completely let her dictate her level of activity at this point.
You will see lots of changes in the next week or two. It gets easier as time passes. Healing from the surgery does not happen overnight. Stay positive and don't expect too much too quickly.
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.
Hang in there and rely on these wonderful people on this site. You
are on the same time frame as Wrigley- her left front leg was amputated
on Monday.
Tuesday she came home, Wednesday she was doing great,
Thurs and Friday not so good, Sat worse, Sunday sorta better. It really
does help to take it one day at a time, one hour at a time. I have
given in to the fact that my life for the next two weeks will revolve
around Wrigley ( works out great cause the kids are out of school and I
am off work for 2 weeks). Though she used to sleep in our room
upstairs, I sleep with her downstairs. I try the sofabed, but ususally
end up on the floor with her everynite. One of the kids usually stays
with me, cause I am afraid I won't hear a whimper or a yelp.
This is our new normal and we rely on the advice and support we get from all the great people and pooches here.
Hang in there and be strong.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Hi, It'sawonderfullife and George Bailey-
I second all that Wrigley and the other folks here have said. It's normal to worry when a tripawd doesn't display the energy that he/she normally does. I slept for most of the first week or two after my surgery, though I probably started hopping with excitement at mealtimes like I used to within the first week. I also had some days when I didn't have a lot of energy, but that will get better. I am almost 2 months out from my amputation and it's all my pawrents can do to keep me from running them ragged. I am able to walk further now, though I have to stop and rest periodically. I will have my 3rd chemo session in another week, and, truthfully, I haven't really felt much different after any of them. It helps that my mom changed my food, and I am taking some herbal supplements, too, so I feel pretty good most of the time. Good luck, GB, and keep the faith! Things will improve. Go Tripawds!
Blackjack
Hi Geo and IAWL......Max had his left hind leg amp. the 18th of Dec. This was after TPLO surgery on that same leg back in Oct. The cancer was hiding in the bone above the TPLO so wasnt caught. Max has done not much more than sleep this whole time. The first two days he was home he seemed great...and when we took the Fentanyl patch off he really slowed down. He is moving around a little and goes out to potty but thats about it. The other day he did go out with my husband for about 20 min and wandered around the yard. Baby baby baby steps is the name of the game.
Max and Paula
Paula and Spirit Max
checking in on how it is going. Hope things are seeming a little
back to normal for you. We are coming up on two weeks tomorrow for
Wrigley since her amputation and boy is everyone right - those 2 weeks
are hell, but things do improve. Wrigley is showing more
and more signs of getting back into her normal routine. Hope you are
having some of the same experiences.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Hi! We are doing well. Max is getting around fine and we have had no problems. I couldnt be happier that those 2 weeks are over tho. We are still dealing with the blood disorder but the meds are helping and Max is alot happier. He is an eating machine now because of the steroids.....he about knocked me over on his way to the fridge. He was on a mission for some turkey! Hope Wrigley is doing well.....and you too. My sanity is coming back little by little. Now that we have been through the worst we can be there for someone else!!
Hugs to Wrigley from Max and me!!
Paula
Paula and Spirit Max
Paula, that's awesome news! "An eating machine..." too funny!
And so kind of you to offer to be there for others at some point. Thank you very much for sharing Max's story. By doing so, you've already started to help others.
Woof! Woof!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Molly had her left hind leg taken three days ago. She is doing well and I am feeling good about the time ahead. She is eating and seems to be happy to be rid of that leg. She is on meds and we go back in 10 days for the follow up and then we will get started on the next steps of treatment. I am a little nervous about what is next but Molly has been so brave already I am sure she will handle the treatments better than me.
Wishing everyone the best for a quick recovery and many years ahead with our best friends.
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