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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It's so good to hear that things are starting out well for Tasha. Cemil's experience was similar, and then a few days after all the excitement of being home, he lapsed into a perpetual nap for a couple weeks. Part of it was his reaction to the pain meds, and probably the other part was just his way of healing. I worried too much but the folks here reminded me that each dog is different and their paths to healing are different and if Cemil's included more rest, so be it. Then I relaxed and sure enough, pretty soon he wagged his tail, then he went out and played with the other dogs, barked at the squirrel, and resumed a normal life. It still includes more rest than before, but that's okay. I've learned that his motivating activity (like Cherry's riding in the car/truck) is meeting people and dogs at the dog park. Or having people come over to the house to see him. So I do that as much as possible for him--it gives him so much joy.
Looking forward to hearing about Tasha's progress.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
So glad to hear that Tasha is recovering so well. We have a 6 year old rot who was diagnosed with OSA, she is about 3 weeks post-op and has just started chemo. It is amazing how they rebound isn't it!!
You mentioned that she laid on the side the OSA was on - So did Shilo, it drove her crazy not being able to sleep on her favorite side. Makes you wonder if that is a common occurance..
Please keep us posted to Tasha's recovery our thought are with you...
Alisa & Shilo
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.
Trouble laid on her incision site from the time she got home. It won't be long before Tasha adjusts.
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.
Welcome Tasha and Tasha's mom,
So glad to hear that your home and starting your recovery! 
Jake also wanted to lie on his incision since he got home... and even though I would cringe when I'd see it, it didn't seem to bother him... Most important thing is not to let Tasha lick her incision! Jake had a pressure bandage for the first week... so we didn't worry too much about that... but as soon as it was off... on came the E-collar!!! The incision healing (and the staples) must have been really irritating and itching Jake. But he has not had to wear his collar for the past 2 or 3 days now... Yay! But as soon as we go back to work tomorrow... the collar comes back on. They can really irritate the wound from licking at it all day! 
Keep posting on Tasha's progress... and hurry up and get Tasha's blog up and running so we can see pictures of your beautiful girl!!!
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!
Good news except for the discomfort--every day it gets better. Initially, our vet had us putting a warm compress on Polo's incision a couple of times a day to facilitate seepage. My wife was fluffing a towel on high heat in the drier (easy to maneuver). Now we're using one of those microwaveable flax seed heating pads. I think it helps sooth--polo seems to like it. I've been putting a towel or t-shirt between it and the incision--when he's resting.
Polo and Mike
Polo Jones, Golden Retriever, Shalimar FL
Today is 5 days post op, Tasha is very bruised and swollen, she is whinning very low, she seems more uncomfortable today than she was, is this common?
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Ups and downs are indeed common these first couple weeks. You may even see radical shifts in mobility and comfort from day to day. If Tasha is eating and drinking, she may just need rest and time to recuperate.
The whining is often just reaction to trippy side-effects from the pain meds that dogs don't understand. So don't misinterpret that for additional pain and over-medicate. Post-op swelling from seromas is perfectly normal. We had to have Jerry's drained once, but the fluid will eventually reabsorb into the body. A heating pad can help provide comfort and assist in healing. The Bella's Hot/Cold Pain Relief Pack works great and is safe for dogs.
I know it's hard to see our pups uncomfortable, but try to remain strong and take things one day at a time. Of course, contact your vet with any serious concerns or if Tasha stops drinking or starts running a fever. Hang in there, she will likely surprise you in no time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Catching up on Tasha. Polo's incision did swell, and became very bruised--if you've ever broken or sprained an ankle--like that. Our Doc told us to contact him if it became hot and red (infection). I check when Polo hasn't been laying on the area. It's been a few days so you probably know this already.
Even though Polo is adjusting very well--we have noticed times when he seems more unconfortable than others. I took him to the Doc's offfice twice in the first week so he couold see what I was seeing, I needed reasurance. He was able to tell me and show me what to look for--swelling and bruising is normal.
How's she doing now--nine days post-op?
Mike and Polo
Polo Jones, Golden Retriever, Shalimar FL
Everyday brings on new challenges, my question is now that she is healing the stiches are itching her. She wants to scratch at them, during the nite 2 nites ago she stractched at them, lucky she did't get to them but did get close and made a sore on her side and now that sore is seeping. Last nite we taped a sock on her hind foot and put a shirt on her to help keep her from getting to the stiches. Does anyone have any other ideas, or what did you do for your dog during this time?
Today is day 9 and she is doing good, we live on 1 1/2 acres and she walked around the property this morning.
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
The sock and shirt are the best advice I have provided to others who asked. Try the forum search button above. 😉 It does wonders sometimes!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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