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What a Ride to Day 6 after Amputation
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Member Since:
19 February 2021
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28 February 2021 - 11:37 am
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The surgeon was not kidding, days 3-5 are going to be the toughest!  Koda’s eating with a gusto started on Day 0 after his surgery. Day 1 - breakfast, only about half and for dinner a few bites going downhill from there.  The infamous Day 3 - no eating, the high speed cocktail he got in the shoulder area was wearing off and him discovering a new form of discomfort.  We had to take him off of the MetaCam 1 week prior to surgery azzzgiving his body a break relying solely on the Codeine and Gabbapentin for relief.  By this point Koda Bear turned his nose up at Peanut Butter, eggs (raw or cooked), boiled chicken breast and rice; absolutely nothing worked. Day 4, I went to the store to by some canned kitty food and some organic canned dog food.  JACKPOT! Well to some degree, at least he started eating.  

What we discovered is he refused to eat from his normal food bowl (bamboo), plastic, metal and to some degree a glass bowls regardless of the position of the bowl.  He began eating from a glass bowl then turns his nose up but then, he looks at me like please I am hungry.  So, I use a spoon to help feed him letting eat as much as he can or wants which, can be some or a little with every bit counting. 

Since we recently returning from Germany, we are still trying to get the household together finally getting the last of our belongings yesterday.  We decided to keep our mattress on the floor with Koda’s bed next to me.  This morning, we heard him get up from his bed with his nub just a wiggling and a HUGE smile!  He decided to get out of his and come onto our bed wearing a HUGE smile!  We just about cried, not because of what he did, it was for nub wiggling and the HUGE smile that was lost for a bit.

Walking around is beginning to be a bit of a struggle most likely like how we would feel after nearly a week of some tough workouts. So he gets lots of messages, warm compresses, rest and he is set for his first rehab the end of March with the goal in teaching him to shift the weight from his front to his back end.

Each day is a new adventure with some small baby steps forward. Jerry - can’t thank you enough for what you started here. The sharing of stories and adventures filled with tid bits of information. I have seen a few stories where some are doubting/debating the decision to amputate.  For this, I will say nothing is for certain other than the cancer spreading to vital organs and/or lymph nodes determined by an ultrasound.  Consider the amount of pain your furry kid is in and ask yourself, do you trust your oncologist? We humans take this much harder than our critters do, all they know is the pain is gone and something is different so they adjust. The decision is an extremely difficult one to make and maybe we are looking for someone to make it for us and it is an expensive adventure. Listen to what your furry kids are telling you, how to support them as they figure out how to navigate something, pockets filled with their favorite treats praising their attempts while letting go (figuratively) so they can rediscover their new World pain free. Be their support and help when they ask.

Best wishes filled with HUGE HUGS and SMILES from Koda Bear

Virginia







Member Since:
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28 February 2021 - 4:14 pm
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We humans take this much harder than our critters do, all they know is the pain is gone and something is different so they adjust

Exactly!  You have a great attitude.  Good job of celebrating  the wagging nub and a hapoy smile👍  It is soooo important  to recognize when the sparkle starts to come back.👏  Seeing that happen is why we do what we do!

Whatever it takes to get yim to eat, even of it means spoon feeding. Inte thing you might try is to put his food on whatever remains on your dinner plate.  Also, a food I swear by is FRESH PET (Grain free Chicken in a bag).  It's in the refrigerator  section at Target and Whole Foods.  Its a  bit of a sticker shock, but it usually  does the trick.

So important to keep up the massages, the pain meds, etc.    The Rehab will be so helpful.  And yes, it is quite tiring .when first adjusting to three.  It "generally" takes about two weeks to recover from the surgery, and about one month to adjust  to the new gait on three.

You're  doing a great job!👍

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!

Member Since:
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28 February 2021 - 6:50 pm
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Thank you, Virginia! Koda Bear just ate his dinner. He is doing much better today with his eating. We take him back to vet tomorrow for bloodwork and check-up to see where his white blood cells are after the chemo. One thing we forgot to mention...if your furry kid got chemo at the same time as the surgery (like Koda did), be aware that their waste will be radioactive. We were not prepared for this, learning about it only during the discharge instructions last Monday. Not a huge deal because we had some heavy duty gloves and lots of wipees on hand, but wanted to let everyone know. One more tip because we are struggling with this, recommend having a medicine checklist. Koda is on quite the cocktail and it is easy for us to get them mixed up, especially since we have been tired and stressed as well.

Again, thank you to everyone in this warm community.  (:

On The Road


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1 March 2021 - 4:45 pm
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WHEW! Glad things are better, this sounds very promising. 

The decision is an extremely difficult one to make and maybe we are looking for someone to make it for us and it is an expensive adventure. Listen to what your furry kids are telling you, how to support them as they figure out how to navigate something, pockets filled with their favorite treats praising their attempts while letting go (figuratively) so they can rediscover their new World pain free. Be their support and help when they ask.

You are full of wisdom! Thank you for sharing this insight, I agree 100%. 

One thing we forgot to mention…if your furry kid got chemo at the same time as the surgery (like Koda did), be aware that their waste will be radioactive. 

Great tip! Giving chemo at the same time of surgery is relatively new and not widely practiced yet, so I appreciate the reminder for the benefit of others in the future.

I can't believe you literally just moved back from Germany and are going through all of this. Your upbeat attitude and thoughtful tips for others even through your exhaustion says so much about your loving heart and generous nature. Koda is one lucky pup to have you for a parent.

Let us know how the rest of the week goes.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
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1 March 2021 - 4:57 pm
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Koda had his first check up 1 week post surgery and the surgeon was elated with his progress.  Everything checked out better than normal including his liver and kidneys. The only exception was his platelets which were below normal but within range of expectations post surgery.  He will be checked again next Tuesday as well as, hopefully, the removal of his stitches.  

He is somewhat ouchy since yesterday but the surgeon stated this is normal and a good indicator the anesthesia has is flushed out of his body, at least most of it.  The wound area is a little swollen, again something to be expected. There some good scabbing going on and no infections.

Hopefully, by the end of the week or early next week we will know more about his cancer and the development of his vaccines.

Thank you so very much for the helping navigate the road ahead for Koda.  I have to admit we are exhausted, not getting much sleep because we are sleeping with one ear open. Armed with the information is such a relief and so extremely grateful for this community.

BIG HUGE ROTTI HUGS to all from Koda Bear! 

On The Road


Member Since:
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1 March 2021 - 5:23 pm
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Now that's a thorough post-op exam, congrats on the good report!

The exhaustion you are feeling is only short term, hang in there! Big hugs back at ya ((((hugs))))

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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2 March 2021 - 2:22 pm
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Thanks Jerry!  My mom has been a huge help but most of the time I want to figure it out myself and I know she is doing her best to help me.  I am a Rotti so I know what is best!  Ok, just kidding, well maybe not.  What a very different and confusing way for me. The great part is I don’t hurt like I used to anymore.  My muscles are sore as my body adjusts to my new way of life.  Mom let’s me try eating from my bowl but it is hard for me still. Then she tries using a spoon and sometimes that works and other times it doesn’t work. So, she feeds me by hand getting her hands all messy. For me, her hands are just holding on to the best parts of my meals for last so I can lick everything up, sort of like desert!

My mom also gives me messages for my sore muscles which feels great. Then I get this pill helping me to relax so I can sleep peaceably and heal. I know the road is long and will be hard but we can do this. My little sister, Keya, she tries very hard to be good and keeps me warm. Then, the puppy in her coming flying out with the zoomies. She is very good about not hurting me and does her very best to try and get me to chase her.  One day, I will surprise her and chase her! So until then little sister! 🐶

Have to go before mom figures out I was using her iPad instead of resting!  For all of my friends here who are waiting in the winds in becoming a tripawd or are, help your families in being strong and teach them the ropes.  They really do try their very best.

HUGE HUGS and WWOOOOOFFF from Koda Bear

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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2 March 2021 - 3:05 pm
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Oh Koda, you are such a cutie Pie!  You are an excellent typist and we appreciate  your thorough update!

Yes, you'll be playing  witb Keya  and chasing her before you know it!!👍

A d no worries, your secret update is safe with us!😘

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!

On The Road


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3 March 2021 - 10:01 am
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Koda you are so strong and upbeat, I know you can totally do this! Between you, mom and Keya, you will conquer the world!

Keep us posted sweetie, hope your TriDay (3/3!) is going great! 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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3 March 2021 - 2:06 pm
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it has been 8 days since my surgery and my body is very sore, I just do not want to walk I hurt but mom makes me.  She gives me messages all of the time with some warmth to help.  She encourages me to get up and move around but I do not want to, even to go potty because it hurts and is so very hard for me because I feel like I am stuck. I don’t know what to tell my mom, can someone please help?

On The Road


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3 March 2021 - 2:17 pm
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Aww poor guy I'm sorry to heawr that. Hmmm. Well, eight days is not a long time Koda. How much walking are you doing? How far and how long? And on what kind of surface?

It's good to move around a bit but you should still only be doing leashed potty walks right now, at least until stiches come out. Rest up and take it easy, and if you are achy check with your vet about upping your pain medication a bit until this passes.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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3 March 2021 - 5:31 pm
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Muscles are exceptionally  tight when first adjusting to the tripawd gate.  Back muscles, neck muscles, shoulder muscles leg muscles can all tighten up so easily.

Wjat pain meds is !oda takingdose and frequency

How's his attitude?  Alert?  Engaged?. Is it hard for him to get up and stand unassisted ?

Hugs 

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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19 February 2021
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7 March 2021 - 3:46 pm
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HI all!!!

Besides being sore, my doctors believe I may have a UTI so more meds.  It has been hard, sometimes I feel defeated but mom continues encouraging me to do the things I can while praising me for all my little accomplishments.  I am a big boy whose job is to protect my family and now I feel as though I cannot.  My little sister has stepped into my role and she has much to learn from me.

Today, I have very little pain most likely because I am on some antibiotics just in case I do have a UTI. The best part of the day, my mom and I love to go searching for goodies in the house before me being a tripawd.  I did not think I could do it anymore but mom kept encouraging me and I DID IT!!! It took her a few minutes to hide everything and I promise I was not peaking, finding all the goody piles she left for me. When I found the last pile she does praised me to no end!!! I DID IT!!!

Jerry, mom is searching where she can write a review for my new “tiny clothes” the Flagship” Harness. It really-really helps supporting me and fits me like the champion that I am! 

Thank you so very much Jerry!

WOOOF and HUGE Koda Bear HUGZ

On The Road


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7 March 2021 - 5:36 pm
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Koda I'm sorry you aren't feeling good and hope that by the time you read this your antibiotics kicked in. Don't worry about sharing the protector role with your sissy, that's what pack mates are for. It takes a team to keep an eye on things, everyone works together.

The sniff and search game is PAWESOME! It's such a good way to spend time together, especially when a pup isn't feeling good. Yes YOU DID IT and you KICKED BUTT!! So happy to hear this.

We LOVED the Flagline Review you left in the Tripawds Gear blog , thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It's pawesome to know that the harness works for you.

HUGE hugs back at you too Koda, get well soon!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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