My dog JUST went into surgery.

[flvegan]

Long story short...

My baby, my love, was diagnosed with bone cancer a short time ago. Biopsy backed it up. Today, the oncologist made the final determination. 2 xrays and a few hours later, my hopes for "something else" were quashed.

Tonight, 7:30-ish, my boy goes under the knife and loses one of his hind legs. I just got the call that he's prepped for surgery. 3 legs will not be the easiest thing for a Great Dane.

I'm VERY thankful, though, for the record.

1. It could be much worse. His bloodwork is excellent, and he's otherwise healthy and strong;
2. He's very fortunate to be with an expert surgeon and techs that I personally know and trust;
3. The oncologist is extremely skilled and I trust and respect his diagnosis. His clinic was also VERY kind to us out of personal and professional courtesy;
4. Our friends in rescue own a company that manufactures boat lifts. They've designed and crafted slings for us to help get him around;
5. This is a new experience that I hope to be able to not only learn from, but to be able to help others get through, mentally, physically and financially.

My apologies in advance if I'm a little short tonight. Might be time to switch to whiskey...I'll be a wreck tomorrow anyway.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Oh, sweetie. I'm so, so sorry.

Good thoughts headed your way for your boy. You're a treasure, flvegan. :hug:

[LeftyMom]

2. You're both going to be okay.

:hug:

I'm making you both cookies tomorrow. Could you find out if he wants more of the nut. yeast and garlic or should I do peanutbutter?

[flvegan]

5. No carbs at all.

His diet is severely restricted. If you can invent something he can have, I'll spread the word around.

[LeftyMom]

7. Sure, you tell me the rules and I'll make him something.

From now on, you're the second most spoiled boy in the house, at least until he heals up.

[flvegan]

13. Protein and fat, no carbs

I'm currently making him a nice bowl of broc, carrots, green pepper and tofu (in a nice marinade). Add to that some asparagus, banana and steamed spinach. For flavor, a touch of ginger and a splash of garlic.

Then, I take a half flvegan-sized portion of soy protein powder, blend it in minimal water with some spirulina (blue-green algae) and pour it on top. Mix together.

After that, he gets a big dollop of peanut butter and a bigger hug from me.

[LeftyMom]

14. Well, that'll make shipping a bitch.

I guess if I freeze him something and overnight it, you'd have no trouble thawing it out.

/me cracks one of a pile of books on holistic animal care to look through recipe section for ideas

PS Can you ask him if he'll share? That sounds way better than the burrito I had for dinner.

[huskerlaw]

23. Poor baby!

He's lucky to have such a caring human. :hug:

[SammyWinstonJack]

24. That's for sure! Sounds like he is well cared for and loved!

Sending best wishes for his recovery. :hug:

[China_cat]

8. Sunshine liver bait.

Leave out the flour and add more parmesan.

[Little Wing]

3. Damn dude

Number 5 says a lot :thumbsup:

Call in sick pre-emptively

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

4. Jesus...

I'm so fucking sorry. I hope the pup adjusts okay and that everything works out.

And if there's ever a good reason to switch to whiskey, it's now.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

6. I'm so sorry

I'm wishing all the best for your baby. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

9. Damn, I'm sorry to hear this my friend...

I'm sure the pup and you will adjust.

My neighbor across the street has a 3-legged dog. I don't think the dog even notices, runs around and plays with other dogs and the neighbor kids just fine.

Of course, the size of a GD will be a bit different.

Hang in there my friend...

RL

[GoddessOfGuinness]

10. Sending my best hopes...

:hug::hug::hug:

I adopted a three-footed border collie mix years ago. The poor pup was an abuse victim. I can't imagine that he was more energetic before he came to live with us. I made a little bootie for him, because he insisted on using the stump of foot that was left; and he'd use it until it bled. He was a great dog...loyal and protective. Ralph nearly nabbed an old boyfriend of mine right where it counts, when he jokingly put his hands around my throat one day.

He had a heart murmer; and the vet put him on Lasix, which eventually destroyed his kidneys. I still miss him.

[livetohike]

11. Sending positive thoughts your way for you and the big boy

It sounds like he will have the best of care and we already know he will receive lots of love.

:hug: for you both and an "Arf" from Cindy and Murphy.

[SeattleGirl]

12. Sending good thoughts to your boy, and to you flvegan.

:hug:

[Dastard Stepchild]

15. I'm sorry :(

My little gal has had her share of surgeries as well and it is just a nerve-wracking and upsetting experience.

I am so glad that you have such a good relationship with your vet and the experts - helps so much.

:hug:

[Flaxbee]

16. Have you ever read "Sight Hound" by Pam Houston?

It's pretty much about the character's love affair with her Irish Wolfhound "Dante" (and the dog's with her) who has bone cancer. It's all about the ways in which people and dogs bond and care for one another. It's actually a wonderful book - lots of humor, lots of praise for the vets - look it up if you think you'd be interested. It might help. Or, it might be too close to your current situation right now. The ending is sad (but in an OK way), but there are many years between diagnosis, surgery and ...

I'd be happy to send you my copy if you PM me your address.

I'll be sending your boy, and you, good vibes! Keep us posted, please.

[flvegan]

21. Funny you should mention that...

I'm just starting that right now, for that very reason. Thanks for backing up the recommend on it (and for offering to send me your copy...very kind of you).

[Flaxbee]

25. ah, good. It seems to me like it really could be a helpful book

as well as a 'good read'.

:hug: to you and your boy.

[xchrom]

17. my very best vibes for your boy.

and flvegan -- no one does more to be the person that his dog believes him to be than you.

[belladonna]

18. I can't think of anything profound to say to make you feel better

Just know that I'm thinking of you both and hoping for the best for your baby :hug:

[mzteris]

19. oh no......

I'm so sorry for what yall are going through.

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

:hug:

[Guava Jelly]

20. Dude you have my kharma and any positive energy i can muster!

:hug: No matter what happens.
You know you have friends that will be here for you.
Peace and luck my friend!

[undeterred]

22. I'm so sorry

I hope that they get it all. Better a hind leg than a front leg on a large dog I hope. Thinking of you and yours. :hug:

[seemunkee]

26. positive vibes for you both

[Redstone]

27. 6. I've seen numerous 3-legged dogs, and they've all gotten around real well.

Best of luck to your buddy.

Redstone

[Demoiselle]

28. My Great Pyrenees had her left hind leg removed three weeks ago..

It was Fibrosarcoma. She's a very big dog, and doing terribly well. After the first few days of training practice, helped out by a sling, she figured out how to move..how to get up...how to rest.
Yeah, she's a very big dog, but remember, very big dogs are left with three very big healthy legs to work with. Sido moves now in what I can only describe as a slow motion gallop.
If you watch galloping 4 legged creatures, you'll see that each front foot moves separately, and both hind legs move together. In this case, it's just one hind leg moving, but the effect is the same (a kind of rolling back movement.) Your dog will do just fine, I'm sure. Patience, a willingness to take it in small increments until that one hind leg gets stronger and the whole thing gets automatic and smoother...therefore, less physically taxing. The great thing about dogs is they're not vain. Sido's hair is just beginning to grow back (very long haired dog, unlike a Dane) so she looks more than a little weird at the moment. But she doesn't know or care.
At the Vet clinic while she recovered they took Sido for very brief walks every three hours (not in the middle of the night!) It was easier for two people...one to walk ahead on the lead, the other to hold the sling to catch her if she slipped. (Didn't hold her UP, just kept the sling ready to catch her if she weakened. ) It was astonishing how quickly she picked it up...and she was even more eager a learner when she got home. Not long after we got home I used the sling only as a precaution going down our three front steps (they're stone, might hurt if she stumbled on them). Now I don't bother with the sling at all. I walk both our Pyrenees by myself now..no problems. We've always fed our two big dogs from dishes that are 18 inches off the floor. A water dish up high is also easier, especially for a tripod.
I now feed Sido while she's lying on the floor...and she's got a fine appetite. As her leg gets stronger, I'll probably switch back to the regular feeder.
Pyrenees are just about as calm, stoic and lazy as they are big. I've never had a Great Dane, but my impression has always been that they too are calm, stoic and..maybe a bit lazy too. Please know I'm thinking about you and sending you lots of good positive thoughts. I know how hard it all is...but I think (well, I hope and pray) that you'll discover how amazingly well these dogs adjust. Good luck. Have a drink. Have two. It'll be all right.

[flvegan]

30. Left hind for mine, too.

I just went to see him. He's waking up nicely.

Thank you for this. Quite possibly the kindest post I've had directed towards me.

[Demoiselle]

31. You are entirely welcome. Keep us posted! (eom)

[Demoiselle]

29. My Great Pyrenees had her left hind leg removed three weeks ago..

It was Fibrosarcoma. She's a very big dog, and doing terribly well. After the first few days of training practice, helped out by a sling, she figured out how to move..how to get up...how to rest.
Yeah, she's a very big dog, but remember, very big dogs are left with three very big healthy legs to work with. Sido moves now in what I can only describe as a slow motion gallop.
If you watch galloping 4 legged creatures, you'll see that each front foot moves separately, and both hind legs move together. In this case, it's just one hind leg moving, but the effect is the same (a kind of rolling back movement.) Your dog will do just fine, I'm sure. Patience, a willingness to take it in small increments until that one hind leg gets stronger and the whole thing gets automatic and smoother...therefore, less physically taxing. The great thing about dogs is they're not vain. Sido's hair is just beginning to grow back (very long haired dog, unlike a Dane) so she looks more than a little weird at the moment. But she doesn't know or care.
At the Vet clinic while she recovered they took Sido for very brief walks every three hours (not in the middle of the night!) It was easier for two people...one to walk ahead on the lead, the other to hold the sling to catch her if she slipped. (Didn't hold her UP, just kept the sling ready to catch her if she weakened. ) It was astonishing how quickly she picked it up...and she was even more eager a learner when she got home. Not long after we got home I used the sling only as a precaution going down our three front steps (they're stone, might hurt if she stumbled on them). Now I don't bother with the sling at all. I walk both our Pyrenees by myself now..no problems. We've always fed our two big dogs from dishes that are 18 inches off the floor. A water dish up high is also easier, especially for a tripod.
I now feed Sido while she's lying on the floor...and she's got a fine appetite. As her leg gets stronger, I'll probably switch back to the regular feeder.
Pyrenees are just about as calm, stoic and lazy as they are big. I've never had a Great Dane, but my impression has always been that they too are calm, stoic and..maybe a bit lazy too. Please know I'm thinking about you and sending you lots of good positive thoughts. I know how hard it all is...but I think (well, I hope and pray) that you'll discover how amazingly well these dogs adjust. Good luck. Have a drink. Have two. It'll be all right.

[BreweryYardRat]

32. I'm sorry to hear that.

Wishing you and your pooch luck. :hug:

[flvegan]

35. Thanks, and hey, as a Tampa fellow...

if ever the need arises for vet care, you let me know.

[BreweryYardRat]

41. You're welcome.

And thank you for offering to tell me who your vet is. Don't have any pets (in a dorm room, you can't), but if I acquire a cat next year, I'll certainly take you up on that.

[flvegan]

33. THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!! and an update

I went to see him, post-op. He's waking up well, responded to my voice nicely (how flattering). He'll come home tomorrow, or at least, that's the plan. He's got a little more than a stump where his leg was, but, hey...who cares. Not I. I want every single minute that we have coming to us.

Thank you again, my friends. The finest group there is, right here on DU.

[graywarrior]

36. Send him our love!!!

[SeattleGirl]

37. Thanks for the update, flvegan. Glad your big boy is doing well.

:bounce: :bounce:

[LeftyMom]

38. You two take care of each other.

You need anything you call me, okay?

[BreweryYardRat]

44. Good to hear the surgery went okay.

[InvisibleTouch]

48. Glad he came through okay!

Wishing him a quick recovery.

I've also seen a number of 3-legged dogs who moved so naturally that it was a surprise to see they were missing a leg. Give him time and let him take it slow, and I'm sure he'll re-adjust his balance.

Freakishly, this thread reminded me of a snippet of a dream I had last night, in which my favorite pup had his hind legs amputated. It didn't phase him at all, but it certainly upset me!

Anyway, sending good thoughts to your boy for a long and happy life!

[Starbucks Anarchist]

34. Good thoughts for you and your dog, flvegan.

:hug:

[bullwinkle428]

39. A special-needs pet couldn't possibly ask for a better owner than you!

Your love for animals comes across so passionately with all of your posts, so I know he's going to receive all the attention and caring he deserves from you...all of my best wishes to both of you in his recovery.

[chknltl]

40. Good luck to you and your pooch flvegan

Pepperoni, (female pit-bull, 3years old, much loved by EVERYONE who meets her), has recently recovered from cancer surgery and is doing fine. She even has her fat tummy back which she insists needs scratching often. Prior to Pepperoni's ordeal I had thought that dogs diagnosed with cancer were not long for this world. I suspect your boy will come through this and get along just fine. He has a loving owner who has the resources to provide a good life him, thats better than what a lot of dogs in this country get. In spite of the leg, yours is another doggy/cancer success story, thanks for sharing.
c

[Broken_Hero]

42. I hope your dog recovers,

and heals in good time.

[ThomCat]

43. I'm sending good thoughts

to him and to you. :hug: :hug:

Please keep up posted.

[u4ic]

45. I wish your friend the very best, flvegan

a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

[Robeson]

46. My thoughts go out to you and your baby boy, flvegan...

...and here's hope to a good recovery...:grouphug:

[Left Is Write]

47. .....

:hug:

:hug:

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

49. For you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qm9c_d6OHU


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRz5Y91kgnU



With love.

[marzipanni]

50. You might find some good information here

I googled 'three-legged great dane' and found this- Cassie's Three-Legged Dog Club (Cassie is short for Hopalong Cassidy, a 3-legged boxer mix) On this page see Pesto, a male Great Dane who had his back right leg amputated due to bone cancer. He has adapted well, I'd say! I'm going to bed now, otherwise I'd look for the other Great Dane stories/photos which this young woman mentioned.
Good luck to your dog, and to you!
http://people.ku.edu/~cadavis/Club61.shtml

[buddhamama]

51. i wish i had seen this sooner,

i am sorry flvegan. i know your baby means the world to you.

i am sending my bestest vibes to your friend and companion.
may your boy heal quickly and be well.

best wishes to the both of you. :hug: :hug: :hug: