Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everybody. Our super sweet 11 year old (tomorrow) fit and active 100 lb Golden go get it yourselfer (he's never retrieved) was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his r proximal humerus a few weeks ago, had his leg amputated last tuesday the 25th. He is moving around very slowly and still seems bummed and confused. Incision looks good, eating well, but doesn't really want to drink water. I gave him some broth yesterday and gave him some by syringe last night, but is peeing and pooping, moving slowly outside to go to the bathroom. We took his fentanyl patches off last night and he seems to be a little more alert. How long did your older dogs take to get back up?
Hi Zep & Family,
Welcome! You sound like a really terrific pup, I like your attitude. And HOPPY BIRTHDAY!
Try not to worry Ma, most dogs need at least a week to start perking up. When a Fentanyl patch is being used, they are seeing pink elephants so it takes a while for them to feel good again. I'm going to be by tomorrow morning he'll start being perkier. You can read about other senior dogs' recoveries in our Size and Age Matters Forum too.
Our experience has been that the larger the dog, the longer it takes to get back to a new normal. Since larger dogs are already so laid back, the drugs and this type of major surgery tends to make them even more mellow, until they get used to things. For some it's a week, for others, two or three.
You sound like you're doing all the right things, and he sounds like he's on the right track. Remember that if you have any hesitation about how he's doing, call your vet, that's why they're there. Hang in there though, he'll be rockin the Tripawd Nation in no time.
Thanks for joining us (sorry you had to!). We're here to help. Oh and your future posts won't require moderation either.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to you and Zep. Love that he's a "go get it yourselfer." Cute. It sounds like he's doing pretty well, considering the amp was not that long ago and he just got his fent. patch off. Most dogs start to act more like themselves once the pain meds are all done and the staple as out - usually about 12-14 days, but with the older pups it can sometimes take a bit longer - maybe 3 or 4 weeks. It's very normal for them to seem depressed at this stage.
He's a gorgeous boy! Keep us posted on how he's doing.
Jackie, Angel 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 Zep! Welcome! So sorry you had to find us but I'm glad you did. The Size Matters link is so pertinent as my tripawd is a Jack Russell and 17 pounds and wired for sound so even on pain meds she was bouncing off the walls but that's just the breed and the size (and her age). Your Zep sure is a handsome one and I'm sure once that fentanyl patch wears off and he gets up and around he will be fine. The recovery is different for every dog and it sounds like you are following his lead well. It's still early.
That depressed thing I do remember and is something they get over as this is all new and he doesn't feel to good yet. It will get better once he learns what his new normal is. Remember, he feeds off of what you feel too....so stay strong and be a strong pack leader and he will feel it from you.
Good luck for a smooth recovery and hopefully Zep will be up and Adam soon. He's a cutie!
All our Best!!
Suzie and Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
Hi Zep and family.
Zeus was 11 when his right front leg was amputated and it definitely took him a bit longer to return to normal than some of the younger dogs. The first week after amp he didn't move except a few steps to potty and an infrequent trip to the water bowl. We saw a good bit more activity the second week, but he unfortunately tweaked his back and became reluctant to move again. Because of the back pain we ended up keeping him on pain meds (tramadol and gabapentin) for an entire month after amputation. We saw a big difference once he was off the pain meds, but it still took him a couple more weeks to get back to normal.
Try not to panic if Zep takes a while to figure it out. This is major, major surgery and he needs time to recover. I know we all say how quickly they bounce back from amputation, but that is relative to how long we humans would take. Even if he takes a month to be chasing squirrels again, you've got to admit that is still a lot quicker than us bipods would recover!
Please let me know if I can be of any help. Good luck!!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Welcome Zep and family!
So very sorry you find yourself here with us. OS is a scary diagnosis and we know how emotional it is.
I think you'll have your Zep back soon after the meds (like others said). You nailed it on the head by saying he is confused. Dogs can't comprehend pain meds. We understand we took something for the pain and we feel goofy but they can't comprehend anything but they are confused mentally. So, once he is off the meds, you'll be able to judge better.
As far as water, have you tried mixing it with high value food? Chicken breast, can dog food, tuna, beef, ect...? I have a non-drinking too (he is a 4-legger terrier mix). But he holds out for the good stuff now. I also freeze high value food with water in dipping cups and freeze them. Maybe Zep will lick the frozen treats? It may make him feel better since he has inflammation from the surgery. It'll cool him.
Wellness has a can food that is 95% lamb that most dogs love! I take a teaspoon and mix with water and my non-drinker will slurp it right up.
Keep us posted on how he is doing! Good wishes coming Zep's way!
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.
Happy Birthday Zep! I hope you are feeling more like yourself today.
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
Happy birthday Zep! Hope you are feeling better today and that you get some Frosty Paws for your birthday!!! Make sure your pawrents keep us posted on your progress!!!
Lupe was almost 15 at the time of her surgery and was otherwise healthy minus that pesky tumor on her leg. Her vet and the wonderful folks told me that it may take her a little longer to bounce back and to expect the first 2 weeks to be very trying. Keep your spirits up as best you can, if you need to lose it, go in the other room where Zep can't see or hear you...I spent lots of time crying in the bathroom or the hallway. They truly to pick up on our moods and emotions.
Hope he has a great birthday!!!
-Kori & Angel Lupe
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
Zep is feeling more like himself for his birthday, and of course he had a steak... Was out eating grass while going to the bathroon - part cow - and figured out the dog door. Walking a little faster and longer, seems more steady. Still looks like he feels down and I think he's occasionally having some phantom limb issues if his dad goes past 8 hours with gabapentin. Overall looking a bit better today. Have f/u with surgeon and intial with the oncologist next thursday, and appointment with rehab doctor that afternoon as well. Also has an appointment with a holistic vet next friday. He's doing better than I am, his dad has trouble living in the now and not thinking about median survival times etc...
Thanks for all the support, I think it's (hope it's) going to be a long road. Here's to a hopeful 12th birthday....
Brad
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