Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello, this is my first post. Thank you for letting me be a part of this forums.
One of the dogs at my country house (Buda) has osteosarcoma and had his back leg amputated yesterday. Luckily so far his recovery has been very positive, he has appetite. Since he lives at a place where he cannot have 24/7 attention I have decided to take him home with me to give him all of me for the time he has left. His prognosis is around 8 months. I hope it’ll be more. Regardless of the time, I want to give him my vey best, so that the time he has left is very special for him if not the best! Buda is a 10 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback, he weighs about 84lb (42kg).
I have 3 dogs and 1 cat at home, they all know Buda and get along nicely at the country house, but I know it might be a little different while they all get used to the idea of our new member at the house.
I have also read a lot about reading you dog’s language for pain, but since he is the country house dog and I know him, I feel I don’t know him deep enough to read the light signs of pain. I have already read the book Three Legs and a Spare
. I have read a lot of the forums threads.
(some members of my family thought it would be better for him to put him to sleep but I said no, after reading all your comments on different threads I hope I am right, prognosis aren't 100% accurate and he is a very happy loving dog) But I am very nervous,I have my house filled with yoga mats, I already ordered the harness, I have an inflatable collar ready for him and a brand new bed (not too soft but comfy) I want to do this right, all tips or suggestions are welcome!
I will pick Buda up in two days from the vet and I have the following doubts:
Is there anything else I should be thinking about?
What would you would have liked to have known before picking up your pet at the vet after the amputation?
I read about the sling idea to get him in and off the car at the beginning, can any of you tell me about your experience with the car with big dogs?
should I send my 3 dog to daycare for the first days?
I am also very excited to have him home and give him lots and lots of love 
Thank you very much for taking the time of reading my post!
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
The Required Reading List might have some answers to your questions.
One thing to know before you bring Buda home is what medications will he come home with and the dosing schedule. Once in awhile here we see dogs or cats come home without adequate pain medications. Most come home with two kinds of pain meds like tramadol and gabapentin as well as a NSAID like metacam or rimadyl. Some also have an antibiotic.
I had two Pugs when Maggie had her rear amputation. My parents kept my other Pug Tani at their house for a few days when I brought Maggie home so I could concentrate on her. I think at a minimum you should have a room for Buda so he doesn't get bumped or accidentally trampled by the other dogs. And it depends on how they get along- but it sounds like this will be a new arrangement so keeping them apart might be wise.
Most here talk about how well their dogs get along after surgery but I had a different experience. When Tani came home she immediately attacked Maggie! Before I could intervene Maggie had Tani down and that was the end of it but I should have been better prepared for the re-introduction.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
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