Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I posted earlier this week about our 4.5 year old doberman Spencer getting an aggressive level 3 fibrosarcoma on his left front shoulder. We noticed the lump last Wednesday and had the leg amputated yesterday morning (so right at 1 week from noticing the tumor to amputation).
The vet said he did take more muscle than he normally does and that is part of why the incision is not as "pretty" as normal; but it is what it is. 
Spencer stayed at the vet yesterday. By today he had mastered getting up on his own; but he still hasn't mastered much else. He keeps trying to go too fast. Going down stairs (understandably) seems to fighten him. Unfortunately the only way in/out of our house is up 2 stairs to the porch. and coming in/out of the front yard means we have to walk all of the way around the house to get to the back yard for a potty break; but the other option is our front yard which involves a very steep hill. So we have been taking it slowly and going to the back. I am pretty much lifting him up to go down the stairs.
So far he hasn't peed for me. They said he did at the vet; but he hasn't for me at all. He has never been one to go to the bathroom for me when on the leash though, so I imagine it really bugs him with me standing as close as I have to stand to hold onto the harness.
Generally he has never minded his kennel. He goes in there on his own for naps and if told to go in he has always headed right on in. But now he does NOT want to go in there. But I can't trust him to not try to jump up (which he CAN do) and try to run (which he can NOT do). And I'm trying to keep him very still.
He doesn't whine at all as long as *I* am in the room.
I did get him to eat a little food and drink some water/broth a bit ago. So I'm about to have him head out again for another try at going to the bathroom. This time in the dark. should be interesting.
He has a drain in. They wanted to take it out on Saturday; but we will be out of town (him with us), so we are going in on Monday for that.
Oh, how did your dogs skin look after surgery. They said that due to taking more muscle than expected they ended up with extra skin or something? he has one flap at the top of his shoulder, then a little pouch around underneath. The doctor said that he thinks as swelling and fluids get normal, and over time in general, that it will tighten up some. Did anyone else's dog have extra skin?
Jac and Angel Spencer. Spencer was 5.25 years old. He fought a grade 3 fibrosarcoma, started on his shoulder. Left front leg amputated in August 2011. 15 weeks of chemo finished 12/22/11 (mytox and adria). Lung mets found on x-rays 12/28/11. Started carboplatin 1/6/12. Went to Heaven on 2/27/12. I miss him like crazy every day. See his blog here: http://spencer.tripawds.com/
oh, and a few other questions:
he keeps standing up in his kennel to turn the circles that dogs like to turn before laying down; but then he kind of crashes down right onto his incision. 
I feel like I should stop him from doing this; but don't know how.
We have hard wood floors. Yesterday I went looking for some sort of carpet squares or something to put on the floor so that he could have a path through the house. I haven't been able to find anything other than bath matts though. Is there something better???
He hasn't peed. Should I push this? He isn't acting like he needs to pee; but I don't want him to wait so long that he can't hold it...
Jac and Angel Spencer. Spencer was 5.25 years old. He fought a grade 3 fibrosarcoma, started on his shoulder. Left front leg amputated in August 2011. 15 weeks of chemo finished 12/22/11 (mytox and adria). Lung mets found on x-rays 12/28/11. Started carboplatin 1/6/12. Went to Heaven on 2/27/12. I miss him like crazy every day. See his blog here: http://spencer.tripawds.com/
Glad to hear that Spencer is home! Regarding the slippery floors, I ended up going to Home Depot and buying about 30 feet of their runners that they sell by the foot. It's not pretty, but it does the job and was the cheapest solution I could find. You can easily cut it to the lengths that you need.
That's wonderful Spencer is home! I wouldn't worry too much about pottying. They usually will go eventually. That's fairly common to not go.
I bought my rubber back rugs at Walmart. THey still have a great selection. I bought matching runners and medium sized rugs. It wasn't terribly expensive.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Oh glad to hear he's home. I'll try to answer your questions as best I can based on our experience.
No, I didn't have extra skin. But no worries, Spencer doesn't care!
Here are some traction solutions for around the house and on a Tripawd's feet. Hurry and get the no-slip surfaces, they make a huge difference in a new Tripawd's confidence.
The turning around in place is normal. He's just trying to find a new way to get comfy. He'll figure it out. The fact that he's already laying on his amputation side is a BIG deal. Many dogs don't do this for weeks, they just aren't comfortable.
The pee thing is normal but he should pee sooner than he poos. Many dogs won't poo for several days because pain meds cause constipation, but peeing is super important. Some dogs have needed to have their bladders expressed at the vet's office, so keep an eye on that. If he doesn't pee by tomorrow despite all attempts to hydrate him (no-salt chicken broth in water is one way), call your vet to let them know.
You're doing good by keeping him confined. It stinks for both of you but it's one way to ensure he gets his rest and doesn't overdo things.
Good luck this weekend traveling. I'll warn you it may be difficult so soon after surgery but you CAN do it! Keep us posted oK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
yeah, ideally we would be staying home this weekend; but we are buying another house and the closing is tomorrow. We pushed HARD for this closing date (that was the biggest negotiation for the house - they wanted to close in Sept. and we wanted to close right away. So if I had called and tried to push it out things could have gotten ugly. We considered putting his surgery off until Monday; but with the rate the tumor was growing we decided not to do that. Luckily the closing attorney has agreed to let Spencer come with us to the closing.
but luckily, we have a terrace level on the house up there (1.5 hour car ride), so I'm thinking that we will be sleeping down there so that he can do in/out with no stairs. We don't have that option at our main house.
the terrace level there has light colored carpet though... any suggestions for what to do to cut down on the spots from his drain? I'm thinking maybe getting some carpet runners for there and having him walk on those until the drain is out? Or maybe just buy some scotch guard, spray the carpet and then clean any spots? Or heck, maybe just laying down towels for him to walk on?
I have to be honest. It is breaking my heart to see him struggle. I don't see HOW he is going to be getting around on his own in a few weeks. I am holding a LOT of his weight with the sling on his walks. I do think I'll go ahead and buy the ruff wear harness
ASAP. Has anyone done the booties from them too? Do they help with traction
? I had some for my last doberman because we lived in Atlanta and walks on the hot sidewalks would make his paw pads peel.
He hated the booties though and would walk weird with them on (kind of a prance). so maybe they would be a bad idea for Spencer...
He is willing to lay on the amputation side; but I keep trying to get him not to. It seems like it would hurt a LOT!
I'm going to call the vet if he hasn't peed by morning. I also have to figure out how I'm going to make it to the store for the carpet runners (I tried our walmart; but didn't think to look at the actual decorative rugs. I was thinking more along the lines of those things you put on stairs). I guess I can leave him with a t-shirt and e-collar and run really fast to the store. I just hate to leave him alone!
Jac and Angel Spencer. Spencer was 5.25 years old. He fought a grade 3 fibrosarcoma, started on his shoulder. Left front leg amputated in August 2011. 15 weeks of chemo finished 12/22/11 (mytox and adria). Lung mets found on x-rays 12/28/11. Started carboplatin 1/6/12. Went to Heaven on 2/27/12. I miss him like crazy every day. See his blog here: http://spencer.tripawds.com/
Glad to hear Spencer is home. Re: the skin thing, Abby had a bit of extra skin where it looked sort of bunched up as the end of the incision. Not sure if it is the same as what you are describing, but you can see a picture of what she looked like here:
http://poochsmo.....oween.html
It healed up quite normally and she is her old gorgeous self now, all these months later.
I would definitely check with the vet if no peeing soon.
As for whether you should stop him laying on his incision side, I don't think that is necessary. It would seem that he wouldn't do it if it was painful. I can't remember how soon it was that Abby laid on her side, but I remember thinking it was too soon and how could she possibly want to lay on that side, but she did.
Good luck going out of town with him this weekend!
All the best and let us know how he's doing!
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
justjac said:
Has anyone done the booties from them too?
You might consider trying the PAWz booties or Power Paws Traction Socks before going to the expense of Ruff Wear boots if you're uncertain how Spencer might cope with the heavier boots. See more traction solutions here.
All dogs tend to walk funny at first with the Ruff Wear Boots, and while most do adapt some will never get used to wearing them. Hope this helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
justjac said:
I have to be honest. It is breaking my heart to see him struggle. I don't see HOW he is going to be getting around on his own in a few weeks. I am holding a LOT of his weight with the sling on his walks.
Give him some time. He'll figure it out. Some dogs figure it out right away, others take some time.
I do think I'll go ahead and buy the ruff wear harness ASAP. Has anyone done the booties from them too? Do they help with traction ? I had some for my last doberman because we lived in Atlanta and walks on the hot sidewalks would make his paw pads peel.
When he still had all four legs, my dog used to prance with booties when I first put them on, but would stop after a few minutes. He hasn't pranced with booties since becoming a tripawd, but I usually only put one on his single hind foot when we go for walks outside to give that pad a little extra protection.
I also have to figure out how I'm going to make it to the store for the carpet runners (I tried our walmart; but didn't think to look at the actual decorative rugs. I was thinking more along the lines of those things you put on stairs).
Those are the type of runners I got. Except for the kind of ugly look and color, they have worked great. The grip is solid and they are not bulky at all. The thinness prevents Percy from catching his paw on the edge and accidentally flipping the edge over.
Trouble laid on her incision from the very beginning. It hurt me to watch, but didn't seem to bother her at all. And we also used the carpet runner by the foot. Yes, it isn't the most attractive look, but it really does a nice job. Give Spencer a little time, he will pull it all together and adapt to the new normal.
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.
OK. He still hasn't peed. When I ask him if he wants to go out his ears perk up and he gives me that look that normall means he needs to pee. But then we get out there and he doesn't. ugh. He drank most of a bowl of water last night and a bit this morning. I'm going to call the vet when they open in 30 minutes to see if we need to be concerned. ugh
Jac and Angel Spencer. Spencer was 5.25 years old. He fought a grade 3 fibrosarcoma, started on his shoulder. Left front leg amputated in August 2011. 15 weeks of chemo finished 12/22/11 (mytox and adria). Lung mets found on x-rays 12/28/11. Started carboplatin 1/6/12. Went to Heaven on 2/27/12. I miss him like crazy every day. See his blog here: http://spencer.tripawds.com/
It took Sammy about 24 hours for his first pee. I know it has been longer than that for Spencer. I wonder if the pain drugs are blocking the uncomfortable feeling that a full bladder gives you. I don't have any idea but I hope you let us know what the doctor says.
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
First off- any time you are concerned you should call the vet- don't worry about calling them too much. It is important that you are comfortable with what is going on- if you are upset Spencer will pick up on that.
I don't remember how long it took Maggie to pee, but I know she didn't poop for 5 or 6 days.
I would be careful using blankets or towels to protect the carpet- is that what you meant? Be cautious with anything Spencer could get tangled up in while he is trying to walk or get up or lay down.
We didn't have a drain so I'm not sure I can help with that- have you tried a t-shirt?
I have to be honest. It is breaking my heart to see him struggle. I don't see HOW he is going to be getting around on his own in a few weeks.
Give this some time. You are only a day or two out now. Some pups never seem to miss a beat- others take some time. My pug Maggie was a rear amp who had her surgery before Tripawds existed. All the vet said was dogs do fine on 3 legs. She was very unhappy the first few weeks and I was sure I had done the wrong thing by choosing amputation, I didn't think she would ever be happy again. But she was being herself, an obstinate pug who hated change. It took her longer than most I have read about here to get back to herself- but she did. She did great as a tri-pug for almost 4 years.
Let us know what the vet says...
Karen and the pugapalooza
The vet told me not to worry, that he had peed there, though it was in his kennel. Just to take him outside, let him lay down if he wants for a bit and encourage him.
We have been out so much because he kept giving me that look that he needed to go; but then we would get there and he wouldn't.
He has never been one to pee when on the leash. So... I let him off of the sling and watched him closely (on level ground he is doing pretty good. I have to keep telling him to slow down.)
he went to one of his favorite bushes, tried to lift his leg, realized it wasn't going to work. Came back and laid at my feet. I gave him about 5 minutes and then told him to try again. He went to another favorite spot and peed for nearly 5 minutes!!! When he was done his tail was wagging a mile a minute!
So yay! he has now peed.
And good point on no towels. I'm going to figure something out. right now I have scrounged up some old welcome matts from our basement...
Jac and Angel Spencer. Spencer was 5.25 years old. He fought a grade 3 fibrosarcoma, started on his shoulder. Left front leg amputated in August 2011. 15 weeks of chemo finished 12/22/11 (mytox and adria). Lung mets found on x-rays 12/28/11. Started carboplatin 1/6/12. Went to Heaven on 2/27/12. I miss him like crazy every day. See his blog here: http://spencer.tripawds.com/
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