Hi Jennifer,

Im sorry Socks has had to go through all that.   Socks sounds like a fighter though.  We are six weeks into our amputation, and Cadence is doing fine.  She is an American bulldog and she had her left rear leg amputated due to osteo.  This site was a godsend for me.  Everyone is so helpful and willing to help.  For me, the first thing I did was read Three Legs and a Spare which you can down load on this site.  I was a wreck when Cadence was diagnosed and reading the book helped calm me down.  The book answered a lot of questions that I had and also better prepared me with questions to ask the vet prior to the amputation.  Its a great place to start and it may help put your mind at ease.

Prior to the amputation we would go on 5 mile walks.  We are now going on about 1 1/2 miles.  It takes time to build up coordination and stamina for your doggie.  Cadence loves her walks but we dont want to push her to far.  If it was up to her she would be out for hours.  She also rests on the walks so when you first take Socks out, she will let you know when she needs to rest.  Cadence would just sit and not move.  So we rest for a few minutes and then she is ready to go.  We kept the walks really short, 5 minutes or so, the first couple of weeks.  You will be amazed how quickly Socks will adjust to having only 3 legs.  Everyday I am amazed at Cadence. 

I was at the vet today for some blood work and there was a 7 year old greyhound there that was 2 weeks post amp.  She had her right front leg amputated.   She was doing just fine.   She said the only problem she had was excess swelling in the paws.  Something to do with the way greyhounds heal.  You may want to ask someone on this site that has a greyhound or ask your vet.  Im not sure if it was just her dog or its common in that breed. 

Please keep us update on Socks and I will be thinking about the both of you on Monday. 

Hi Jennifer and Socks.  Cancer is a hard word to hear from your vet - it leaves your head spinning in a million different directions and yes, it is scary.  Believe me, we all understand how you feel right now.

As for how to treat Socks, that is a two-part answer.  Emotionally you should try to be upbeat and not let her see you cry.  You know how intuitive dogs can be and believe me they do pick up on your anxiety.  Particularly when you pick her up from the hospital, try to look her in the eyes and just be happy to see her - it can be hard not to be shocked by seeing her for the first time but she needs to see that you accept the new her.  Physically, you will need to make some adjustments for a little while.  Our vet was adamant that the first two weeks should be very limited activity - just up to eat, drink and potty.  After the incision has healed and stitches are out, the activity limitations are lifted somewhat and you can start letting her increase activity and stamina.

The Three Legs and a Spare book really does have alot of good information.  The first few weeks can be hard (us pawrents tend to lose a lot of sleep b/c we're paranoid and jump up at every single sound even if the pup is fine!)  She may crash for a couple of days after coming home because the really heavy-duty IV meds wear off.  Be sure that you have a good recovery area set up for her - away from children and other pets so that she can rest.  If you have slick floors try to put down runners or throw rugs wherever she needs to walk to keep her from slipping.

Good luck with recovery!

Lisa

Hi Jennifer
Best of luck tomorrow. I will keep you in my thoughts. My baby is having her surgery on Wednesday. We'll get through this together!!!

Hi Jennifer and Socks..

We too just joined this great group of upbeat pawents (sp?) Our Tiffany, an Alaskan Malamute, 7 years old going on 8 years old just had her front right leg amputated this last Tuesday.. We are on day 5 post amputation and this site has really helped.  I have and continue to learn about all sorts of things I would have never thought about.

Last night we got our first straight 6 hours of sleep.  We like others spring up out of bed with every movement.  Since our bedroom is upstairs we have turned our downstairs into our temporary bedroom, taking turns of who sleeps on the couch and who gets the single blow up mattress. 

We wish you well on your journey.. it is hard, but I am so glad for the decision to amputate.  Lucky for us we did not listen to the vet who discovered she has OSA.. that vet gave us pain pills told us to go home and just make her comfortable until the end..  We went back the next day and demanded chest xrays and blood work and headed up to CSU to get her help.  When we picked her up Tiffany was just so excited to see us and went on for about 5 minutes in a very loud voice about everything that happened with giving us big licks in between.

I wish you the best..

Sue