Hello Yordmiester and Montana, and welcome to the best support group on the planet!  A lot of the dogs here were fine on 3 legs from the first or second day after surgery, but some take a little longer.  My Cemil (left front leg amputated, 140#) preferred to take it easy and be waited upon for about a month.  He's now five and a half weeks after surgery, and hops around fine, but a long walk is out of the question.  We walk down the sidewalk about 3 or 4 houses and then it's time to turn around and go back home.  They all have their own pace, but it seems that it's like Jerry says--dogs are born with 3 legs and a spare .  Look at some of the videos and be encouraged--Montana will surprise you with how quickly she gets back to normal.  Welcome!

Mary and Cemil

Welcome to our unique group, most of us like you hoped we would never need a web site like this, but how thankful we all are. I am sure you have done some reading of the posts. Some dogs seem to do better than others, but the one thing I know for sure is that after the first couple weeks you will be past the hardest part of the recovery. How is Montana doing? Will Montana get chemo?

I have been amazed at how Paris, our dog has adapted to life on 3 legs. Take good care and reach out for support when you need it. I found Tripawds one night when I was desperate for help to understand what we were going through.

Gineej & Paris

Sounds like you have figured out that our canine friends don't take long to adjust. You will find that this first 2 weeks can be very exhausting on your emotions. The drugs make the dogs act so unlike they normally do- it is a big adjustment period. I was a wreck those first 2 weeks of recovery and could not have made it through without the support of this site. So ask away anytime you feel you need advice. This site is full of wonderful people.

I would say to really make sure Montana rests during this first 2 weeks. I think that is very important- they need the time for their bodies to recover. 

Hang in there and keep us posted on your recovery. Also, I see you are in Sacramento- we are in Carmichael, and Cemil is also in Northern Ca. We are planning on meeting in April for sure at the canine walk in Elk Grove- hopefully you can join us.

Seanne and Wrigley

Janette,

We had Dr Richardson at Campus Commons Pet Hospital do her initial surgury on Dec. 22. He was actully the one who found her cancer and did the diagnosis also. At the time of diagnosis Dr.Richardson was available to amputate that day so I took advantage of getting that leg off ASAP. He is wonderful as is the staff there. He then referred us to Dr. Gabby for oncology- and they are also wonderful. I loved Kristi ( DR. Gabby's nurse) . She was always so fantastic in keeping me calm at our chemo appts. She has a very special way of showing her compassion for both the dogs and the parents.

We are now at the Integrative Veterinary Center ( on Elvas Ave) and seeing Dr. Signe Beebe. Wrigley's chemo was not successful after 2 rounds so we are trying the other approach with Dr. Beebe and seeing how that works. Dr. Gabby actually referred us here- she is so wonderful. She was in tears with us when she told us the cancer had spread to Wrigley's lungs already. She very rarely has this happen so soon so she felt just terrible. You are definitely in good hands with Dr Gabby and the staff there.

Look forward to meeting you at the walk -

Seanne and Wrigley

Welcome to the family Montana!! We hope that you continue to do well on your new Tripawd frame!! Max is a rear amp puppy and still runs like crazy! We are glad to have all of you with us and just give a shout if you have questions. The first couple of weeks after surgery can be a little ruff!!

Sending healing thoughts and Labby hugs your way!!

Janette,

You are not being nosey at all- ask away- that's what we're here for to share our stories. We met with the integrative vet- Dr Beebe and she as put Wrigley on some Chinese herbs. So far they are White Flower, Red Flower and  SLBZ. ( I really don't know alot about Chinese herbs) She also added a probiotic to her diet . Wrigley was already getting Fresh Factors and Joint Health Complex Supplements from Springtime Inc. so Dr Beebe agreed with the make up of both those so kept those as our supplements ( if not she would have given us another). She wants us to add things like more fresh meat , chicken , veggies to her diet- in addition to the Innova EVO that we are already giving her. More of a variety approach. She wants her to have a can of sardines per week. She also has us continuing with the flaxseed oil, fish oil that we had started since reading about nutrition for cancer canines on this site. Tazzie's mom Pam has a wonderful post outlining what she does with Tazzie.

The new vet has also suggested some accupunture-we will do our first session next week.

I hear ya on learning all you can. It has been a crash course that's for sure, but with everyone sharing their stories it is a bit easier. To try and learn more about the Chinese Herbs- I just ordered a book called Four Paws Five Directions - recommended by Dr. Beebe- so I will hopefully learn more about this approach. Right now our goal is to keep Wrigley as happy and as comfortable for as long as we can.

So far so good- she is still happy as can be.

Hope Montana continues to keep doing so great- big hugs to you all.

Seanne and Wrigley