On May 5th Benji left front Limb was removed due to Osteosarcoma. The hospital wanted to keep him on because he was having trouble getting up. I was worried that he would not be able to handle the weight of his body on his 3 legs due to his atheritus and 11.5 years. After being a pain in the ass and calling them 5 times to find out how he was, they finally let him go today because he could stand and walk by himself. He is a little wobbly however thats normal , its only been 3 days after surgery.
I gathered all my strength and looked at all the photos of Amputated dogs to prepare me for Benjis wounds. Going there and expecting the worst helped me jump with joy as I saw a handsome 3 legged Benji hop towards me each hop faster than the one before. Jumped into his bed and we carried him to the car. Benji was full of life and and it was amazing to see how relaxed and happy he was to have his limb and thus the pain away.
As we came home Damian was so excited to see Benji and was jumping up and down and wanted to kiss and lick him. We pampered him a bit in the garden and then he hopped up and went into the house by himself. I figured he wanted to go to his bed and rest. Boy was I wrong. He hopped into the living room , past the dining table , past his beds and straight into the kitchen in front of the stove. That convinced me I have the same boy, just with on limbs less. Who cares?
He seems to be drinking alot of water. It was a very warm day so I hope its due to that and not a Kidney issue. He pee’d thrice on his own and we are still waiting for him to poop:) I gave hime 2x50mg Tramadol just incase the pain starts at night. Not really sure about the pain killers but will call the hospital tommorow. Not sure how to detect if he’s in pain.
All in All day One at home was a good one. Gonna sleep on the couch next to him for the next couple of days. So happy to have baby back. What a fantastic Tripawd Mothers Day!!
May 8th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Wow, so many stories I’ve read over the past couple weeks here that are so much like mine. We have a 10 year old American Eskimo that had his right front leg amputated on April 13th, 3 1/2 weeks ago, due to an osteosarcoma that was on his right shoulder blade, armpit, and next to his throat…it was the size of a football. I know, how did it get that big without us noticing it? I ask myself that everyday. But as an American Eskimo, he is a very fluffy dog, and it was easy to miss. Our babies name is Max. Hes doing much better now, but had a difficult recovery. I paid close attention to a few things you wrote above about drinking lots of water , and wondering when you should give or not give the tramadol. Max was drinking a lot of water also when he came home. I was worried about the kidney issue as well, but my vet assured me that he just had major surgery, lots of drugs, sedation, anesthesia, pain killers…etc. Their bodies have to flush that stuff out, hense the increase in water. Max did the same thing. As for the Tramadol, I gave it to Max every 6-12 hours to prevent any pain for the first 1 1/2 weeks. After that, it was just intermitently, and now he doesn’t need it at all.
Also, we have a tri level house, and there are NO stairs allowed for the first few weeks, so we kept him on the lowest level living room in our house that goes right out to the back yard. Made it easier for him. I too slept on the couch for DAYS after his surgery. I wanted to keep an eye on him, and also let him know that mommie was right there if he needed me.
Hes doing very well now.
Anyway, I tend to ramble..but I just wanted to let you know that you’ll get thru it, and so will Benji. Remember, they may be enduring the pain of the surgery right now but THAT pain will go away. I’m betting hes just happy not to have the tumor pain anymore…he feels relief. I have been quite frazzled the last 3 weeks as Max heals, but hes coming out the other side, and getting back to all the things that made him so happy before. Its wonderful to see. Benji will get there too. Hang in there, and I wish Benji a speedy and comfortable recovery.
Stephanie
May 8th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
I can’t think of a better present for you, Mom. Try not to worry. There will be lots of ups and downs for the first couple of weeks, but just remember that we are here to help OK? The thirst is usually a sign that all is well. He probably hasn’t had a lot of water over the last few days.
Give your boy a big hug from us (and one for Damian too!).
May 8th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
A wonderful gift indeed, thanks for the update.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! We look forward to following Benji’s progress.
May 9th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Way to go Benji! Let the healing begin!
May 9th, 2011 at 11:37 am
What a wonderful Mother’s Day gift to you having Benji home! Feel free to call me again if you need me. We all have gone through this trying time. You’ll see how much Benji amazes you. After a little getting used to…our tripawds act like they were born this way. Big hugs to all of you xoxo