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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Hi there,
I found this week that my dog "Jake" has cancer. He is just 4 years old and is scheduled to have his right rear leg amputated on tues. This has been very difficult for me as all of you know. He is the first dog i have had. I'm looking for some help as to what to expect when i bring him home and what i might need to get in order that he is comfortable and recovers healthy.
Thank you,
Bryant
jetnbg said
...looking for some help as to what to expect when i bring him home and what i might need to get...
The first couple weeks of recovery can be a roller coaster, be sure to try and enjoy the ride! What Jake needs most now is for you to be strong, and show him that life will be OK. Confinement and rest are key to a quick recovery. Rugs or carpet runners will help provide traction if you have hardwood or slippery floors, and a comfortable safe bed is important. Bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for more helpful links or consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for immediate answers to the most common questions and concerns.
Jake looks like a happy healthy dog, he should adapt quickly and do well. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi bryant,
I can give you a very fresh update because our Lesty came home just yesterday. She is very tired and still in some pain but nothing like the pain she was in before the op. She is hopping around on her own but we have her in a harness just to catch her when she stumbles. The surgery site can be a bit disturbing for some people to see, I suggest looking at the gallery here so it's not too much of a surprise - but you soon get used to it. Suggestions in preparation include:
- Cover your hard floors with rugs or carpets to provide traction .
- Get sleep while you can!
- Pop some ice packs in the freezer to cool the wound
- read the Tripawds e-books which collect experiences of hundreds of Tripawds members
- Stay positive; you're doing a great thing for your beloved dog.
Colin
PS I guess Jerry types faster than I can!
Sorry you had to find us but glad you did!
Jake is a mighty handsome fella'
Just know that, although recovery is no picnic, once recovery does take place you will be so glad you made this "forced choice" decision for Jake
The journey becomes one of how much lovng and spoiling you can give Jake in every second of every day! It becomes one of living like a dog.....liing in the moment. Jake doesn't know ne's sick, Jake doesn't carrh about statistics, Jake doesn't care about any ole' stupid diagnosis. Jake just wants to be byyour side surrounded by joy and happiness and your love!
It is a very scarey time and we all understand better than anyo e what you are going through.
We are here for you! You are not alone! Review all the links, keep navigating the site and stay connected to us and you'll be fairly prepared. It's hard to prepare for the emotional roller coaster though!
My Happy Hannah if almost six months post amp and we are blissfully happy eenjoying every sacred second! She has become spoiled beyond words.....and she and are both thrilled!
I have the Big Barker Dog Bed and kt's held up beautifully...I think there's a link tomit here through Amazon. No bunck g, firm but comfy...kind of a tempur pedic bed for dogs.
Keepus posted Tues. We'll be here....especially for anh recovery questio s!
This is a great gkft for JAKE...o more pain!
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!
Jake and Bryant, welcome. I'm sorry you had to find yourself here in this place, which nobody really wants to be in, but as you can see there's lots of great people who are here to help. Jake does look like a sweetie. What kind of cancer do the docs think he has?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Expect him to be kind of drugged up, not really himself for a few weeks. You'll get glimpses of "your dog" but until they're out of pain and off the meds, they aren't exactly themselves. Its OK though, he will come back better than EVER! Trust me!
Expect (at least for us) a lot of whimpering and whining during the night for the first week or so. Don't expect to get much sleep.
Definitely put down some anti skid rugs if you've got hard floors. If you have a taller dog, a raised bowl really helps them eat.
It is hard, but it does get better.. we're 2 months post surgery and I've never looked back!
Good luck, Heather & Barret
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
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