Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well the big day is finally here.
Ruffly a month ago my playful emtergetic terrier mix was shot by a senseless cruel person in our neighborhood.
Due to the cost of the operation & current vet bills, he's been patiently waiting for amputation day for awhile.
He's been managing on Tramadol & Rimadyl for pain.
It's been a hard month for me mentally as well,
Not only with the grief and shock since this happened to my poor pup
The racing thoughts & the what ifs about EVERYTHING.
for 2 weeks I tried my best to contact charities, called vets for payment options, applied to over 50 credit card& loan apps
All while selling as much profitability I could on eBay and saving extra money
As a single mom with 2 kids, tax time & multiple unfortunate events this came at a hard time for us financially.
BUT we did it! The day is here
I'm so happy we can finally start the recovery process,
but at the same time, I'm so nervous, anxious, & scared.
See here its 430am and I will be dropping him off for surgery at 7am and I'm still wide awake!
I've been lurking on this site for awhile.
Some of yalls posts and blogs have helped me make the decision to amputate but this is my first forum post.
I was able to find a wellness clinic about 1.5hrs from my house
Although in an easier world I would've loved to have his vet perform the operation.
The clinic has a great reputation and the facility itself is very clean and high tech.
So it was my next best option for the zero optione I had. Ha
Anyways to shorten this my question is they'll be sending him home anytime between 2pm and 5pm RIGHT AFTER SURGERY
im so worried about this, God did not bless me with the ability not to panic in emergency situations!
Even though he's completely learn to 'limp' perfectly on 3 legs, I'm worried about the phantom pains, the pain in general(has he built a tolerance for his pain meds?), the actual incision area, the whole body swelling, his mood etc... etc..
Any words to help ease the transition from 4 to 3 legs?
Any words of advice for immediate aftercare post op?
Any help with pain medication advice\ how to tell if your pup is in pain?
Lastly, can anyone...ANYONE, please reassure me that I AM mentally strong enough for the days to come.
Hello and welcome! Thanks for joining, your future posts won't require approval.
YES! You can do this!
Sorry for the fast reply I need to run but will be back in a bit, promise. Hang in there, we are sending our love & best wishes to you & Ruffly. More in a bit!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OK whew I'm back!
So, have you checked out Jerry's Required Reading List yet? If not, hop on over there, you'll find lots of answers to your questions. The best advice I can give you is to be a strong pack leader. If you project confidence and a real belief that Ruffly can get through this, he will! If you are worried, scared and panicky, he will pick up on your energy and feel even more afraid. Dogs look to their humans for leadership, this is the time that you need to be strong. It's hard, but I know you can do it!
Having a dog home the same day after surgery isn't the easiest thing, you'll likely have ups and downs but don't panic. Other members like Michelle & Sassy have had to do the same thing and they got through it. Make sure that Ruffly has good pain control; he should come home with a Fentanyl patch ideally, ask your vet about making sure he has one. He should also have Tramadol, a non-steroidal like Rimadyl and an antibiotic. Do make sure he has good pain control or things can get very ruff.
He will be very groggy and want to sleep a lot the first week, so let him. If he doesn't want to eat or poop in the first few days, don't panic. Let your vet know what's going on, but keep in mind that pain pills really mess with the bodily functions as well as a dog's behavior -- many will react with panting, pacing or whining (or all 3!), which can either indicate he has too much pain medication or not enough. Keep tabs on all symptoms and stay in contact with your vet to see how you can adjust the pain meds to make sure he's comfortable.
Ensure that you have placed traction throw rugs so he doesn't slip. Raise his food bowls to make eating easier. And keep him calm, quiet and in a week you'll wonder why you were ever so worried.
Keep us posted and let us know how things are going OK? If you have questions tonight stop by the Chat Room (scroll down when you get there and a box will open up), many times you'll find us there in the evening. Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You CAN do it! Jerry has covered most of it in his post. The only things I have to add are get some tempting foods for him, ie, baby food meats, wet cat food, chicken, ground beef etc. my guy ate a lot of scrambled eggs right after. They can be a bit picky after surgery and I think the pain meds have an effect also. Gabapentin is good for phantom pain , but can make them pant. Plain canned pumpkin can help with poop issues, both ways. Is he a front leg or rear leg amp? Also, do you know who did this to him? They should be helping you with the vet bills. How old is your pup? Not sure how large he is, not sure what the mixed part is LOL. Anyway, if he has trouble getting up or to put him in a car or even to help him outside, a canvas shopping bag with the sides cut out can help with that. Kind of makes like a sling around their middle. Sorry Jerry if I am repeating you, I just sort of skimmed your post before I replied. Hugs, Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I think your pup is Marley! I just read your blog. Hope his surgery went well today. He is adorable!
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Hi! Wow, that IS a month. Quite a month. You're strong and heroic and I'm so glad your little buddy is now getting the care he needs. Congrats!
If you've been lurking, then maybe you've not seen so many folks get their pups back the same day? It's pretty rare. BUT, I bet it can be done!!! At the least, you MUST collect phone numbers you can call and get answered the second you need someone! You shouldn't feel alone!!!! I imagine, he'll be so drugged and out of it. Be warned, pain meds they'll use often wear off slowly and noisily. He may make a lot of noises he's never made and it may have nothing to do with pain. It's just nerves and vocalizations, etc. I hope they tell you exactly what to expect. Make sure you are also informed of things that are NOT normal...thus, triggering a phone call. Have an action plan.
Best wishes!! Keep us posted! And post some pics!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Good morning
Hoping your first night with Marley went okay! The pain meds would have helped him sleep so I hope you got some rest as well.
Looking forward to further posts from you - and remember to keep coming back to have questions answered, for support and/or to vent 
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Hello,
Hope everything went well for Marley. Did he get neutered at the same time? Poor guy gets in all this trouble just following his instincts. I'm a strong supporter of spay/neuter for all dogs and cats (and people). You got some good advice here. Hang in there.
Penny
Boy have you had a rough month. But you sound like an amazing person, very strong.i hope surgery went well.the advice you got earlier is all great. Mine is to take one day at a time. Get rest when you can.
Sending you good thoughts,
Esther and her Snoop
Thank you everyone!
We're on our 2nd night now and hes made great progress. He's even barking at the people in front of the house again! Lol
Initially picking him up from the clinic he was very confused and out of it,
the drive home was hard. Harder than driving home with my newborns
for the first time. He welped, panted, circled, cried, and had an accident on my seats.
Of course the clinic was closing -no answer. His regular vet was out.
Needless to say, we took alot of potty breaks and made the cars behind us a little upset.
That night wasn't any easier.
Every breath he was crying, couldn't get comfortable,
and wouldn't let me leave his side (and I didn't)
The first couple times on the ground he was a bit wobbly &
was standing with his back leg so crooked and streched
But within a few tries & really needing to potty- he was pulling me in the leash!
GOOD NEWS: He's using the restroom like normal! No constipation here lol.
He's eating great. Hes not too interested in his kibble (Simply Nourish-Source high protein,grain free
)
So he's getting a mix of raw & boiled chicken rice and eggs
I purchased Glucosamine pills for him but will look into the others
Also I got 2 yoga mats for the kitchen- they work great. He acts very nervous around bare floors
So I will be buying more mats.
I don't know who shot him exactly.
I've contacted police & the SPCA but they couldn't do anything without a lead.
He's a right rear leg amp, the bullet went through his femur,right under his femoral head.
His lowest weight after getting shot was 21lbs 
but is now back up to 28lbs!
I also found him the Ruffwear webmaster harness
on ebay after seeing it on this site & it has helped so much.
He loves it, the other harnesses hes worn he would always pull out of
He got nuetered about a week in a half ago prior to his amputation surgery.
Thank you guys so much.
Any suggestions on shoes? His vets and clinc have slippery floors.
Jist catchingp. So sorry you and Marley are going through this. Tjat jackass who did this...karma will take care of him, tjat's for sure!
Yes, the first two weeks are ver, very scarey. I know one thing, you are a wonderful advocate for Marley and, i spite of all this, he is one lucky boyto jave you as his human partner!
His pictires are sooooooo cute! He jist needs rest now and the right pain ,ed mix. He willprobavly still be whiny and restless and pretty darn uncomfortable for a bit, but, as you have already seen, his sparkle will continue to come back slowly but surely! He will do amazingmon his three legs. There's noting more enjouable than spoilingthe hek outof a tripawd! They are such resilient and brave little heros!
Be sure and get some rest when you can. I always find lots of chocolate and ice cream helps relieve stress! Some turn to alcohol... some do both!!
Whatever works to help get you and Marley through this!!
You ARE a strong woman and you ARE doing an excellent job!!
You are not alone, okay? We are all here for you, right by your side!
Send ore pics when you can! We LOVE seeing Marley!
Love and hugs to all!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
What a great update! As ruff going as the recovery can be with all its ups and downs, it does sound like a 'normal' one and that's an excellent sign that things will be back on the path to a new normal in no time. You're a pawesome dog mom.
As for traction ideas, click on the link you see here, it will take you to lots of ideas. I personally recommend starting with Pawz boots first to see if a dog will even tolerate wearing something on their feet. They're great for trips to the vet.
WOooohoo! Keep up the excellent recovery and attitude.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Marley,
You'll be just fine. Have a look at my blog (Louis' blog) to see how I'm doing.
Luv & Licks,
Louis 
Benny- Im still upset that I couldn't give Marley the justice he deserves, but I do believe that everyone will have their judgement day eventually!
I don't understand how someone can injure or abuse animals and not feel remose. Quiet frankly I don't want to know either. It would take a cold soul, thats for sure!
Yes! A nice glass of wine did help my mind from over thinking about this, I also found myself making brownies & eating the batter right after his 1am dosage last night lol!
Thanks, I will look into those shoes. He does have small little sensitive feet, so we will work it out.
We ended up at the Vets today
The taping on his bandages has cemented to his fur & skin but the gauze was coming out from under it and pulling the tape with it.
Any time he'd try to get comfortable or walk, the tape was pulling causing hair to rip out and bleeding on the skin!
It was a mess!
The vet removed it with alcohol & recommended I leave it open, so she sent him out and it was my first time look at the entire incision :/
Doesn't look as bad as I thought, also gave a sinking queasy feeling in my stomach!
Since I didnt know, my 3yo was with me and he immediately screamed asking where'd his leg go & demanding that he gets it back- he needs it back.
Kinda upset that he wasn't prepared to see the incision. Oddly with the bandaging the first 2 nights my son didnt really put 2 and 2 together, just assumed it was wrapped in the 'band aid', even though we've have constant conversations of the 'meanie person' hurting him and his leg being broken.
Anyways, everyone stopped us to ask & give him lovins' and Marley was just soaking it up! He loved every bit of it. His tail is wagging more and more every day and its awesome! We even met another Tripawd mom at the petstore, her lab passed 6 months ago- she told me seeing marley helped her spirits so I recommended the site to her.
Thanks so much guys, in a way yall are helping lift some of the weight on my shoulders and it's been tremendously helpful. We will be forever grateful .
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