Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
I had posted previously in a different thread and received a bunch of helpful information to make some hard decisions. With all the experts looking at my big guy Yogi (125lb Roti mix) we determined that the best course of action for his quality of life was to proceed with amputation. He had a bone tumor (osteosarcoma) in his front wrist joint.
Though my stomach hasn't settled yet from the stress and all of the emotions I've been going through over the last two weeks I am extremely happy to say that the surgery was a success and my boy was so good through it all. He was so happy to see me when I picked him up today that he nearly toppled himself and the CVT with him.
All in all, his recovery is off to a good start. We had a little trouble getting him into the truck but getting out was much easier. He hopped his way to his usual spot and relieved himself right, he's been pretty well resting every since. Good appetite, ate all his supper and took his pain pills and antibiotics no problem.
The only issue so far is this "hypafix" bandage they put on him will not stick to the area near where his shoulder was, his skin is too rolly there. I tried to retape it with medical tape but it doesn't want to stick either, the surgeon said we should leave it on for at least 5 days but I'm not sure how to keep it in place. Any suggestions?
We are waiting for the oncologist to set up his chemo appointments, will post another update soon.
Thanks to everyone for your support and stories on here, it has made the journey easier.
Christine and Yogi
Christine I'm so glad that Yogi is home and doing well! That's awesome!
Bandaging is really tricky when it comes off like that. You can probably leave it unbandaged (about half of Tripawds come home with bandages, half without). I would put a t-shirt on over his torso and check with your vet just to be certain. There may be drainage though, so don't panic if that happens. If it's clear and pinkish it's probably a seroma , not a big deal but good to keep your vet updated about.
We are so glad things are headed in the right direction!
We understand fully all of the emotions involved in getting to this point. There is also a huge relief when you make the decision on the path forward, surgery is done and your boy is home recovering!
You may still have some ups and downs, that's all part of the recovery. We are here to help support you and offer any suggestions or insight as questions arise.
As Jerry said, some tripawds come home with bandaging, some don't. My Happy Hannah did not have any wrapping or bandage of any kind and her incision healed just fine.
Keep us posted and give Yogi some smooches on that precious Rottie mug for us🥰
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!
Hello,
Just an update, Yogi is doing really well. Hopping around easily, and getting around the farm.
Does anyone have any recommendations as far as weaning off the pain killers? The surgeon was not very clear about how long he should be on them.
Thanks,
Christine and Yogi
WOOHOO! Yogi's back at work!
You definitely want to ask the veterinary team about weaning off, and maybe even ask for 100 mg. capsules so you can fine-tune the dosages. But generally you start spacing the dosages further and further apart, from 8 hours to 12 hours say, and then eventually only at night, over the course of two weeks roughly. Watch carefully for pain signals and if you notice any go back a day or two on dosages. Again, check with your vet to make sure it's OK.
Thrilled to hear how well Yogi is doing! Hopefully smooth sailing hereon out👍
Jerry gave spot on suggestions about reducing pain meds. As she said, watch for pain signals and you can always readjust adding back in as needed.
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!
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