Just got word yesterday from the surgeon that amputation is the best choice for Freckles. It has a lot to do with were the cancer is located (upper thigh). The surgeon does not think we can get all of the cancer otherwise. My new vet agrees. But I am still celebrating. Because Freckles has the possibility of living a long life without the cancer. She is a very strong girl and I know she will come through this and will be the same baby I have loved for 6 years. I look forward to the possibility of at least 6 more. The surgery will be Tuesday, Sept 15.
When I do get her back a couple of days later, there will be lots of adjustments. One is my Terrier Scruffy. She is all energy and play. She is not going to understand why dad can’t take her on our daily walks or to the park on the weekends…at least for a while. When I feel comfortable leaving Freckles on her own for a short time, I can start walking her again. And, of course, as Freckles improves I will be taking her on very short walks and building her up as well.
So, in the next week, I am preparing to get all of the items I will need when I get her back home. Any suggestions are appreciated…something I might forget about. Today I am shopping for carpet runners. My floors are hardwood and tile and from what I have read, tripaws have real trouble with hard surfaces. So, until Tuesday, I am absorbing all of the information I can about what to do and expect when I get Freckles home again. Wish us luck! And again…thanks so much for all of the support.
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Follow my 1st encounter with amputation
If you don’t have one already, get a harness. The Ruff Wear by Webmaster from Tripawd site is a great one.
The first week or so can be challenging, so be sure to keep up on the pain meds. My Dobe Nitro wouldn’t eat for the first week and it was a challenge to find anything he would so we could get his pills down him. But other dogs have no issue with food. Stay pawsitive and take it one step at a time. We’re here for you.
Paula and Nitro
Hi Sorry I didn’t catch your name but I just read your post. My dog Patches is two weeks post amputation and she is doing so well. The carpet runners are a great idea and we have those and yoga mats to give her traction on our hard wood and tile floors. We got her a tempurpedic bed to sleep on, a magnet mattress was donated by my mom and she likes that and our pet sitter got her a very soft bed. She sleeps on all three. Patches came home from surgery after one night in the animal hospital because she was so anxious and upset. She wanted to be home. She literally walked out of that office like she was a pro. She has osteosarcoma and that’s why we amputated. It’s her left front. She is now digging, she’s been eating and her brother is very protective of her. We didn’t know what to expect and we just did everything we thought should and more. We have a baby gate across the steps because she wanted to go upstairs. I sleep downstairs with her and we monitor her not so much around the clock now but we listen for her and keep an eye on her. It was scary when she came home but she’s doing better and better. Will you be doing any chemo for freckles? Patches may have metastasis in her lung so we are going to do whatever we can to cure/halt growth. Good luck to you with Freckles and your other dog. Let me know if you have any questions or need some encouragement. Debbie
You give yourself a big pat on the back right now and say, “Good job!” Do it right now! I’m watching! That’s right, a really loud, “Good job!”
You have a WONDERFUL positive attitude! You really had a rough time getting to this point, that’s for sure! But now you have a plan, Freckles won’t be dealing with that painful leg any more and you two can move forward!!
Check out all the downloads from Jerry for all sorts of tips.
All surgery has risk, but it’s a risk all of us on this site were willing to take. The alternative was just too difficult to think about. Recovery is no picnic for about two, maybe even three weeks. There can be a lot of restless nights with whining and trying to get comfortable. Some dogs are a little more active than others but, for the most part theymjust want to lay around for the first four or five days. Every dog IS different and every recovery IS different.
Some dogs don’t eat at first. Some dogs, like my Happy Hannah, never miss a meal!
You’re getting the non slip scatter rugs down, that’s good. Have lots of clean sheets and towels for her bed in case she does have a little leakage from the incision.
It takes a lot of energy to adjust to three legs and some trial and error.They need more breaks when walking than before. It’s a great way to just sit in the shade with them and be in the moment.
And you think you’ve spoiled Freckles before…just wait!! It is impossible not to spoil a tripawd and let them get away with antics you never thought you would allow before!
I have a feeling Freckles is going to be a hard one to make slow down once she starts feeling better!
We’ll be thinking of you Tuesday. Make sure you get all your questions answered. Is this a 24 hr. center where she’ll be having her surgery done? I guess the plan is to keep her at least one night and maybe two? Ake sure you jave co tact numbers for when yiu bring her home should you have any questions. Make sure you have at least two weeks of pain meds on hand, preferably a little more. Usually you are given Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and an antibiotic.
Probably the most important thing is to BE MORE DOG! Freckles isn’t worried about a thing and doesn’t give a rip about any ole’ diagnosis! She’s living in the moment…in the now a d just loving being with you!
Take lots and lots of pictures! She’s just so darn cute we can’t wait to see more of her!!
Stay connected here! We’ve all been through it and can be a great resource for you.
This will all soon be behind you and you can enjoy the bliss of seeing how happy she is to be living life to the fullest with you and Scruffy! And I think you’ll find that Scruffy will be very patient with Freckles during recovery.
Oh, and keep lots of junk food handy for yourself! It helps calm the nerves!
Hugs to all the pack!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!