Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Emily does not seem like herself today. She is laying around with her eyes open and not moving. Her breathing is fine, she is eating, no coughing, yet she doesn't seem "right". The other dogs are sleeping too so why am I so worried? When I shined the reflection of the mirror in the hallway she did attack the floor. That's a good sign, right? Think she needs the vet or do I need valium?
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.
Hi Debra
That is a hard call. I assume the color in her gums is good. Did or can you take her temperature? If she gets up with some motivation (a mirror did you say?), that sounds good. If her gums and temp are good, I'd probably wait, but not if you are going to lie awake all night. I assume there are no obvious signs of pain (stomach or bloat related) - are there?
Thanks for your quick response. Emily does not have any of the signs of bloat or stomach problems. She isn't vomiting or trying to, she isn't hunched over or breathing shallowly or anything. Her gums look like the other dogs. (Now all three of them think I am crazy.)
I had to help her onto the futon a few minutes ago so maybe it is muscle strain on her other leg.
I have not taken her temperature and really don't want to try unless I absolutely must! She doesn't exactly take it well.
This is my present and my future. How do any of us survive?
If this is a duplicate post please excuse me. I am not real computer literate and my earlier post disappeared!
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.
Hi Emily
Tazzie never liked his temp taken at the vet and sometimes would refuse (once he sits down, there is no room for negotiation), but it seems to go okay when I do it once in a while at home. I've been doing it about 7-10 days post-chemo, depending on how he acts. Make sure you have vaseline on the thermometer (that helps a lot, he does not seem to notice the thermometer). A treat at the front end helps, although you don't want her too lively. Anyway, enough said.
Emily went to the vet today. Good news. She somehow injured the middle toe of her left foot and that is what is causing her pain. Our vet is very confident is not the cancer striking another bone. Emily is on pain meds and is zoned out of her head but other than that doing good.
Thanks.
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.
Great news indeed. Now, to answer your question posed in the title of this topic ... stop shoulding on yourself! 😉
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OH Emily what wonderful news... Well considering.. I am so glad that it is just a ouchie that will hopefully heal quickly..Seeing that you are a rottie too, does emily excessive lick her other leg at times?? I am just wondering if this is something that they normally do. I know she licked the one that was amputated and had the cancer but, when the tumor really started to show she acted like she didn't want any part of that leg anymore.. Just kinda strange
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
Hi Debra,
glad to read that it -for once!- is nothing to worry about too much!
Shall Emily heal rapidly!
Hugs
Cecilia + Spirit Hori
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!
Yay!!! 
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
Debra and Emily,
I'm so glad to hear that it's nothing too serious! I so understand about freaking out over every single new symptom...
Just last nite my husband and I... and Jake and Wolfie were sitting on the patio enjoying some nice cool (finally!) weather here in Florida. Then he tells me that something's not 'right' with Jake... He just feels it! I tell him, well he had his freaken leg amputated less than 2 weeks ago... of course he's not right... Yah, we're pretty stressed all the time, though we really try hard not to talk loud, yell, or even cry in front of Jake... Dogs are so sensitive... and he might think it's all his fault. Poor baby.
I hope that Emily's toe boo-boo heals quickly... and she continues on her road to recovery! 
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
You're so right about us dogs being sensitive. We absorb every emotion our pawrents are experiencing, so it's so impawtant to always find the good in even the worst situations. It's hard, but it's the best way to live I think.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hope that owie heals quickly. Our poor little three leggers are at a real disadvantage if they hurt a paw. Lots of rest and love, I bet will go a long way! And maybe a treat or two. You can't spoil them enough, you know.
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.
This is so hard to see Emily having this kind of pain again. I told my husband that I didn't think she had this much trouble after her amputation and he looked at me like I was crazy (I kind of am) and reminded me of her being totally stoned on pain meds and not wanting to eat. I guess it is like childbirth, you tend to forget when you get your (in this case, furry) baby in your arms.
Anyway, thanks for all your encouragement. Emily does not seem to be feeling better - still yelps when she lands on her paw but I need to be patient, and all that stuff, I would tell all of you if I were reading your post. I would mean it so I am trying to take my own advice!
Not to be a drama queen but I am so grateful for all of you.
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.
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