Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Surgery scheduled for tomorrow (6/21) - what can I have on hand to make my dog Katie's recovery more comfortable? Also, a rundown maybe Day1-Day5 of what to expect in layman's terms would be great. I have done a lot of research but there is a lot of vague expectations. My beautiful 7 yr old white German Shepherd is having her front leg amputated post diagnosis of Osteosarcoma. Thank you
Hi Katie and family, welcome! Your future posts won't need approval so post away. We are sorry you had to join us but glad you found your way here. We will do our best to help make this easier.
Have you seen the What to Expect articles , or our Tripawds e-books library yet? You'll find tons of help there. Our focus is on using layperson's language so we hope it helps. When you say "vague expectations," what exactly do you mean? I'm thinking that when you hear things like "all dogs are different," that might seem vague? Well, the truth is, that while there are similarities between how pets recuperate, each is an individual, and each may or may not recover outside of those similarities. For example:
- Some dogs will need more, or less, pain control
- Some dogs will be on pain management longer, or shorter
- Some dogs will recover at different rates than the standard 2 week timeframe.
All of these factors depends on a dog's age, physiology, health and overall fitness level before surgery. If Katie's in otherwise good shape, there's no reason why she can't have an uneventful recovery. Be open to the possibility that something may need more attention than you expected. Like she may develop a seroma , for instance. And try not to compare her recovery against others. Remember, she's a unique dog and on her own timeline.
I hope this helps! Please keep us posted on how she is doing and what questions you have OK? We are here to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That information and link to the seroma is excellent. I understand that every pet is different and will discuss additional pain meds beyond the Gabapentin she is already taking. Another complication is Katie suffers from epileptic seizures so we have her on medication for that too. Praying that she doesn't have a seizure in the middle of surgery or post recovery. I was told Katie is in good shape for this but looking out for normal swelling and drainage is just the information I was looking for. I will continue to dig around here, most of the other information I read on other sites was pretty repetitive. Thanks again!
Oh I'm so glad you found it useful.
I can't blame you for being worried. If it's any comfort, we've never had that happen with a new Tripawds member who is prone to seizures. Sounds like your vet has everything all lined up and it's GREAT that you already have her on pain management . Everything is in her favor, you guys just hang in there and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update on Katie - She had to stay a little longer at Hospital for pain management but has been home for a week and is doing well. Amazing how resilient these dogs are. One key to success was the Amputation Surgery Recovery Suit, a real game changer! Next milestone is suture removal (hopefully) on July 5 and her first round of Chemo.
YAY! That's fantastic news! She is a total rock star and so are you 
. Yes, resilient indeed!
Very cool feedback on the VetMedWear Recovery Suit! If you have a sec sometime we would be so grateful for a review in the Tripawds Gear blog.
Congratulations on getting through the surgery. Cheers to a fantastic recovery and a smooth transition to chemo so she can kick cancer's butt! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAY FOR KATIE! Just catching up on uour resilient pup and so glad surgery is done amd she is home! Glad the Vet kept her monitored to stay on top of pain management .
Would love to see pictures of her when you get a chance. Here's a link to help. adding images
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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