Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone. Lucy had her surgery yesterday. So so hard. she doesn't want to get up afraid . and when my husband and i get her up, her incision oozes ... she is peeing on pee pads.. since she is so big it takes both my husband and i to do any sort of manipulation of her body when she wants to reposition. I have been giving her pain meds, i think her pain is controlled, so wish she could talk. I barely got any sleep and called out from work today and for tomorrow. thanks for listening. Dawn
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Lucy isn't "afraid" – at one day post-op she is likely still withdrawing from the anesthesia medication, and doped up on pain killers. What meds is she taking? If she's on the patch it may take a few days to see any signs of normalcy.
There's really no need to help lucy up for now unless she needs to do her doody. if she requires support we suggest using a soft towel slung under the belly if additional support is required in the meantime. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling.
A leaking seroma is perfectly normal. We posted this video with Dr Pam describing what to look for in post-op seromas and other common complications, if you're interested.
Try to remain strong for Lucy, if you are worried and fearful she will sense it making matters worse. Thanks for the update. Best wishes for a complete speedy recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dawn and Lucy, glad to hear surgery went well. You are now officially in the "two weeks of hell" recovery period (which is why I moved your post here, to Treatment and Recovery), but rest assured you WILL get through this.
Admin sure knows how to tell it like it is, but he's right. Lucy will sense your own fears and behave accordingly. Perhaps a call to the vet to talk about your concerns will help you feel better and sleep a few more hours? That will give Lucy the strength she needs to get through this successfully.
Good luck and remember we're here to help you both through the worst of it oK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awww Lucy and Pawrents.
The first couple of weeks are pretty brutal. It's major surgery. Just try to keep things upbeat and happy and she'll follow your mental lead.
Wishing you a super speedy recovery!
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.
Lucy is a big dog, and it is major surgery. Most of us have the luxury of having the veterinary hospital take care of them the first couple of days and I think that makes a major difference. Hang in there, it gets better. Rest when Lucy rests, otherwise you will wear yourself out completely. You will hear her if she needs you.
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.
Glad to hear she made it through surgery ok. The first two weeks are tough and seem very long, but things will start to get better soon. Hang in there!
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!
Hi Dawn,
I am Sue, mom of Queen Nova, a giant fawn Dane, 30-month Tripawd and osteosarcoma survivor... one of Tripawds' success stories! The first few weeks are pure hell but I want to give you encouragement... there IS light at the end of the tunnel. I have a giant breed sling that was given to me by Nova's surgeon, which we used only once. I would be happy to give it to you if you feel it might help with Lucy, just PM me your address and I will send it your way. Also, we got Nova a Ruffwear harness , which was very helpful to us in those first few weeks, you might want to consider ordering one.
Nova had seromas, swellings, and was a total basket case from the pain meds. I assure you, once the pain meds are phased out, things quickly get back to normal. I encourage you to check out Nova's blog, nova.tripawds.com, and go way back to my first posts in November of 2008. There you can read about her recuperation and see that a lot of what you are experiencing is normal, and be reassured that it DOES get better.
The wonderful people here at Tripawds were an outstanding support group for me during all of Nova's ups and downs. I don't know how I would have done it without them. Every time I was panicking over the latest setback with Nova, my Tripawds friends were quick to provide support, encouragement, and were always willing guide me to some great resources. I encourage you to do the same. Admin and Jerry are right... Lucy will sense your fears, so you need to be strong and pawsitive for her. Easier said than done, I know, but trust me. It works.
Please, please, please... DO NOT HESITATE to PM me with ANY questions you have, I am here ready and willing to help you and Lucy get through this.
Wishing Lucy a speedy recovery, and you a peaceful night's sleep!
Licks and Dane leans to you and Lucy....
Dane Mom Sue and Queen Nova
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Hey Lucy & Dawn,
Hoppy to read that the surgery went well. The next 2 weeks ARE hell, but you'll get through it. Just take one day at a time, and get rest!
We used a roll up towel on Skyler to support her the first 3-4 days (when she needed to go out & do her business).
Sending you healing golden hugs!
Cathy
Glad you are past day one, now only a few more days to go before you see some real changes. We too used the Ruff Wear harness and it was great. It took us nearly 3 weeks of hell before things evened out to a dull roar. Zip is 14 so we also had some other things going on. Let her do as much as she wants to with supervision and everyday there will be more improvement but beware that where there are valleys there are also hills. A month out from surgery you might have a couple of bad days, is she panting too much, she didn't want to eat today etc, all normal and I strongly suggest you keep a journal especially if you do chemo so you can compare what ever is happening then with what she did the same time last time. You think you will remember but you don't so write down everything from pooping, peeing to eating sleeping, panting, even the time of day some of this starts. Zip pants lots at night but not so much in the day when the squirrelavision out our door distracted her. There will be patterns and it will help you not to worry that something has gone wrong.
Enjoy her, we have today and no promises of tomorrow for any of us. Best wishes and crossed paws to both of you.
Zip/Susan
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