Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My husband has just dropped Luther at the vets and this afternoon he will have his front left leg amputated.
We're going through so many emotions today and I'm at work desperately trying to remain focused and doing a really bad job of it!
I just want to get that call from the vet after the op to say that it went to plan and he's in recovery. We're trying to take one step at a time so the next stage will be for him to get strong enough to come home either Friday or Saturday and then we face the next couple of weeks as he recovers and adjusts.
Good morning
Sending lots of prayers and pawsitive thoughts for you, your husband and Luther!
I'm sure the surgery will go well and, before you know it, Luther will be home 
I know you have done lots of research so you know the first few weeks may be a bit of a roller coaster as Luther adapts to his new reality......but it really does get much, much better!
Tucker, is a ten year old chocolate lab, who had his right front leg amputated nine months ago. Scary to even think that a big chested dog would only have one front leg but....he is doing wonderfully!
For now, keep yourself distracted at work.....and once you get the news that Luther is out of surgery....relax and get some rest!
Looking forward to all of your updates.....
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
I was very nervous when Calvert had his surgery a week ago. He only stayed one night at the vet and came home the next day. He did really well the first 4 days. Then some odd swelling and edema in the lower abdomen and genitalia cause me to panic. When you get him home, dont feel bad or think you'll be a nuisance for calling the vet, even if its daily. It turns out the swelling Calvert was having was due to the seroma
causing edema... the body will work to get rid of it. You may notice an increase of urinating. Insure did!! Remember to protect the incision mm put a t shirt on Luther and wrap the hind leg on the side of the amputation with a sock.
Im sure Luther will do fantastic! ! Sending prayers for your family and Luther! !
Thank you. It's really good to know what to look out for and I don't mind calling the vets if I'm worried. They're so fantastic, I know they won't mind either.
It's funny you say about the t-shirt because I tried this on him when he had his arthroscopy operation 6 weeks ago on his other elbow due to arthritis and we couldn't find a t-shirt big enough for him! However, I did buy some grip socks for his hind legs, which I didn't need to use as he was very good with leaving the wound alone, but I still have them so if he looks like he's going to be bothered by it, he can wear those.
He should be in theatre now assuming our vet didn't have any emergencies so fingers crossed we hear in the next couple of hours...
xxx
Sending good thoughts your way that surgery goes well! I know I was a mess when Molly went in for hers. I made sure the vet called me no matter what time it was to let me know she was ok.
Keep us updated!
I am fairly new to this forum as well. All I can say is the people here are absolutely wonderful. My baby, Appa, had his hind right leg amputated last Thursday. I was a nervous wreck the day before and even worse the day of the surgery. My thoughts are with you and Luther. Just stay positive. That's the best thing you can do.
He's all done and in recovery!
The operation went to plan and he's now on ketamine to keep him pain free. Tim (our consultant) talked to me about the risk of sermona, which he said he doesn't tend to do anything with if it does appear, but it is a possible side effect.
We're to call for an update on him tomorrow and Friday and it'll be Friday that they decide if he can come home or if he's best staying for another night.
Hurdle one over. Next hurdle to teach him to walk on three legs!
WOOHOOO! Oh what a relief isn't it?! I wish we had an emoticon for that look
I'm glad your vet staff has good client communications, that's the sign of a fantastic practice. You're right though; whatever questions you have, call them anytime, that's why they are there and they do sound like they will be very happy to ease your worries.
As you wait for Luther to come home, why not look around your house to prepare it for his arrival? If you haven't already, add traction to the floors, raise his feeding bowls, create a quiet recovery spot, etc. Oh and don't forget some goodies for you too. Chocolate, wine, lots of movies to watch, etc., will help keep you calm as you spend the weekend with him! Try not to worry, recovery isn't always rough for every dog. I hope it's super easy for you two! Keep us posted, let us know how we can help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ooh, I like the wine and chocolate idea!! 
We've done a bit of a risk assessment of his access areas. The living room and dining room are both carpeted. The hall is wooden floor, but pretty worn so not slippery. The kitchen is probably the most slippery with tiles so we can lay a carpet down there for him.
Both dogs have raised food bowls so they're already in place and I'm going to move them out of the utility room and into the kitchen so he doesn't have to go down the one step to eat or have a drink. I thought I'd put a water bowl beside his bed in the lounge as well so if he does get thirsty, he can just lean across rather than having to get up and walk into another room.
We need to get the ramp out for the garden as there are three steps from the patio onto the grass.
The practice is fantastic. The owner has appeared on TV over here as The Supervet and The Bionic Vet. If you Google Fitzpatrick Referrals, you'll be able to see all about where Luther is and what incredible people are looking after him. When we were first referred and I was told the name of our consultant, I immediately looked him up on their team page and there was his photo with him holding a rottie! He immediately became my hero!
xxx
Oh right, THE bionic vet, Noel Fitzpatric! Yes I looked up his practice after you told us about him, Fitzpatric Referrals. What an amazing crew, you're so fortunate. Give them a shout out from the Tripawds community, we are in awe.
http://youtu.be.....zK4DsEg_UY
Your home sounds quit ready for Luther, good for you for checking things out beforehand. Although it's hard in any situation to cope with the loss of a limb, when you have a little bit of time to prepare it's that much easier.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAAAAAAAAAY!! Surgery is over and Luther is high as a kite and doesn't feel a thing!! You....feeling it all!!
We are all right here with you, okay? You are not alone! Sorry, I keep losing my connectiin so can't write much.
Try a d sleep while he's at the vets....you not not for awhile when he comes home!
Hos avatar picture is magnificent.....can't wait to see more!
One qhick thing...when you pick him u', don't even look at nis incision site.....just stare i to his drug hazed eyes and greet him with smiles and kisses and tell him what a good boy he is!!!
Higs to all! Eat yojr chocolate a d do 't stop for 24 hrs.....at least!
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!
I'm glad to hear that all went well with Luther's surgery
I will have to google your consultant's practice...sounds like you have a great vet there.
Now...as Sally has said.....rest, eat chocolate, or my preference, crisps, and try to get some sleep.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
I'm so glad Luther made it through surgery and is on his way to recovery. Get some rest these next couple of nights if you can as it will be quite tiring the next week or so after Luther comes home. He and your family will get through the adjustment and do just great!!
Sending positive thoughts to your family and Luther!!!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Bear update - he's very comfortable and is eating and going to the toilet. He's able to go from lying to a sit unaided and is now trying to work out how to walk, but with the help of the nurses he's been moving about slowly and is getting there. It's been less than 48 hours and he's a big boy so it's going to take him time. The main thing is, he's not in any pain and he appears to be happy and not showing any signs of stress or depression. It's unlikely he'll be home before the early part of next week, but as much as we miss him, we want him to stay for as long as he needs to. They will call me every day with an up date. Her parting words were "he's a wonderful dog". Tell us something we don't know! xxx
YAAAAAAAY LUTHER BEAR!! Up, pottying...all great news!,
Will they let you go see him? Guess they're keeping him over the week-end as extra precaution? Is this a place with 24 hr. care through the week end?
Heck...we all know Bear is a wonderful dog and we haven't even seen him in person!! Can't get enough of that mug in his avatar picture.....we need more photos!, And the crowd roars...."More pictures of Luther Bear please!!"
Get plenty of rest and kmow that Luther is in good hands! Yeah, sometimes big dogs take a bit longer to get all the new mobility issues in place! Bear has to have a large frame to hold that HUGE HEART of his!!
Hugs to all!
Salky and Happy Hannah and Myrtle too!
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!
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