I can’t tell you how happy I am! Bentley is doing so great only three weeks after surgery and one week after his first chemo treatment. He can now go down the stairs all by himself and up (when I help him with the webmaster harness). He also walks further and without as many treats! He is still stubborn and if he doesn’t want to go a certain way lots of cookies are involved because I can’t pull him to start moving. I was having a tough time myself for a bit and didn’t want to admit it, but now that he’s walking and has his energy back I’m getting use to our new normal. i can’t believe how I thought this wouldn’t have been possible, but I can see Bentley is happy and pain free!!! My new favorite thing he does is sometimes forgets he can’t lift his back leg that he still has and goes into a peeing handstand. He’s going to be a doggy gymnast!
My Barney had his back right leg amputated 6 wks ago, and has had one chemo treatment. 2nd one is scheduled for today. He doesn’t seem to be doing as well as he started out. His one good hind leg collapses on him when it didn’t initially. Have you had this happen with Bentley? He’ll be hopping along & just fall. Or peeing & just sit to pee. Lately, he sits down to eat halfway thru eating. I’m worried his one good leg is either full of arthritis or cancer too. I’ll find out today. Just hoping you know what I’m referring to. We’ve ordered a harness & it should arrive today. I’m looking forward to helping him out with this.
Hi Jody,
I’m sorry but Bentley hasn’t had any difficulties with his remaining back leg. He hops along and stops and stands and sometimes lies down on walks, but doesn’t fall down. B does squat to pee instead of twisting sometimes. Maybe if you try getting raised food bowls he will have an easier time standing to eat? We use the webmaster harness which was suggested from others on this site and it is absolutely amazing. I hope Barney does well with his next chemo today and keep me updated on his other leg. It could just be sore form the extra use. Try massaging his lower back and glutes (meaty part of remaining back leg)
Good luck!
Sydnee was the same. She seemed to do much better at the beginning than she is now. I am choosing to believe it is her muscles getting used to her new gait. Praying that is what is going on. Good luck with you baby.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR BENTLEY!! 🙂
Such a great update!!
Yeah, it’s hard to think amputation was a “good” decision during recovery sometimes. But once the sparkle comes back it’s all worth it! 🙂
Thanks for the great update! HAPPY THREE WEEK AMPUVERSARY! 🙂 And its still early in the recovery process for Bentley! It still gets even better!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. TO JODY. Most likely the leg issue is too much too soon. We see it alot here. It takes awhile for the remaining legs to build proper strength. It’s very exhausting walking on three legs.
For the first several weeks dogs just basically need to.do.potty breaks and rest…no jumping, no long walks, etc.
Barney may just need some anti-inflammatory and more taking it easy. Let us know what the vet says.
You may want to consider starting a thread in the forums for Barney and others can offer more insight.
Hugs to you and Barney!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
WOOHOO!! Standing ovation (can you hear the crowd roar?!)