Dog question...

I wonder if he's off-balance from medication and painkillers? That does it to me every time.

There are dog support carriers that might help Buddy. They're like a wide strap that wraps around his belly and has a carrier handle on top. That way he can get used to the new situation without all of his weight on the leg to start with.
 
Thanks Bob W... good info!

I had sent an e-mail to Chef because he had some 1st hand knowledge of a 3-legged pet. Just to keep all info in one place for others that may need it someday, I'm posting his answer per his request. Stella, as well as I, thank you, Chef! :thumbup:


"It took my dog Buck a good solid two weeks just to acclimate to having lost a leg. Like a person, they will have phantom symptoms associated with the loss. Things like leaning till they fall and trouble moving around. Also it will take about a month or so for the other muscles to compensate (build up strength) and allow him to move around at a quicker clip."
 
A happy note... I just heard from Buddy's mom and she sends thank you's to all who responded to her questions and helped get her and her husband through the rough time. Buddy's rear right leg was amputated on December 19th and today Stella tells me that Buddy is already able to go out by himself and has even started to chase squirrels! The type of cancer may not be as bad as first thought but Buddy will probably have some follow-up chemo treatment.
 
I'm late coming to this thread, but FWIW, I would have done exactly what Buddy's people did. He'll be fine with 3 legs after having some time to heal. Hopefully, the CA (if that's what it was... not all tumors are CA) will respond to the surgery and follow up treatments.

My sister and I are Dobermann breeders, so I'm familiar with the breed and their problems. Our recently retired brood bitch is 9 YO now and is in excellent health. She still works, she just doesn't breed anymore, and we're looking forward to quite a few good years with her, yet.

I would suggest signing up with Boxerworld (www.boxerworld.com) for good info on CA, nutrition, CA specific diets, info on meds that may be used, etc. The moderators and members on that forum are very knowledgable and have many hundreds of years (combined) of experience in dealing with all aspects of a dog's life.

Molly (avatar dog) sends best wishes and healing vibes to Buddy and family... me too!
 
Clydetz said:
A happy note... I just heard from Buddy's mom and she sends thank you's to all who responded to her questions and helped get her and her husband through the rough time. Buddy's rear right leg was amputated on December 19th and today Stella tells me that Buddy is already able to go out by himself and has even started to chase squirrels! The type of cancer may not be as bad as first thought but Buddy will probably have some follow-up chemo treatment.
Click to expand...

Hey Clyde glad to hear Buddy is OK! Having a three legged dog IMO is an honor as that dog is forever etched in your psyche. Sounds a little goofy, maybe, but the rehab and bond reforged with the animal is something very special. :)

BTW, my dog Stubbs that was gimping around on three legs has been confirmed as having a degenerative condition in his hip so it will sublax (sp?) now and then. But with a little medicine and no more running after rabbits he'll be good! :D
 
Regarding the phantom symptoms, yes same with our dog.

Even after all this time she still often tries to scratch herself with the leg that no longer exists.
 
Just received an e-mail from Buddy's mom... Buddy passed away comfortably on his bed this morning. Rest in Peace, Buddy.
 
I'm sorry to hear that. I hope his people take comfort in knowing they did everything they could. Giving a dog a second chance at having an extended and healthy life is the sort of thing that buys the proverbial "stairway to heaven".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top