It was the night before surgery

So we adopted a dog we named Royal (originally Dennis) from the humane society in March (the day before st. Patrick’s day ironically enough because he’s a lucky dog). He broke his leg in mid November. He freaked out because of a thunderstorm early one morning. When he first came to us he had scars on the back of his neck (he came all the way from the south to Minnesota) that were consistent with a cruel choke collar that had been left on too long the skin had started to grow over and he is terrified of loud noises and sirens. He also has been positive for heartworm. We financed a surgery on recommendation from our spectacular vet (studied in Denmark with a LIFETIME of experience, I’ve gone to the same vet for 20 years and I’m only 24) but unfortunately the rod and pins put in his shoulder didn’t help as much as we had hoped. There was some healing seen but not enough for him to regain full functionality and not have problems with his joint because the break was right above the elbow. So tomorrow they amputate his leg. Mainly I’m creating this page because we personally don’t know anyone who has gone through this. We have done everything we can to try and save his leg so now we just save him I guess. This was a hard hard decision to come to butthe resources I’ve found on this website are so encouraging. So today my fiancée and I are keeping him as comfortable as possible before surgery tomorrow.

9 thoughts on “It was the night before surgery”

  1. Hello and welcome! It’s great of you to go to such lengths for your rescued pup. All the best and a speedy recovery! If you feel overwhelmed the first few days, come here and ask ask ask!
    Remaining paws and fingers crossed for you,
    Tina and Manni

  2. What a beautiful dog, and how lucky that he found you! We will be thinking of you tomorrow. My Meg lost her leg due to complications following a broken elbow. We also tried so hard to save it, but to be honest she is just SO much better with it gone. Almost ten months post amp now and doing fantastic. Royal will be absolutely fine and you have come to the right place for information and support. lean on us, we’re here for you. Anything at all you need, just ask.
    Big hug,
    Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx

  3. Welcome to the mighty Tripawds nation! And, for inspiration, check out the blog post right before yours – My Life as a Mega-Star. Tripawd Meg is another example of a dog who lost a leg, not due to cancer, and is now doing just great! Her mom just posted a lot of photos of Meg playing at the beach and having a ball. Yes, the two weeks of recovery after surgery will be hard. But, once the staples came out, my Otis quickly started doing all of the things he had done before, chasing cats and squirrels, stealing food off the counter, sleeping on the sofa – just shorter walks. It is horrible that Royal has had to go through so much, but hopefully he will sail through surgery and recovery and you will have a great life together. If you want, start a forum thread (perhaps under Beyond Cancer?), so that we can subscribe and follow your journey, as well as answer any questions you might have as you go through this process.

  4. Welcome to tripawds! It sucks that you have to join this community, but it is an awesome website with so many great people.

    Pre surgery is such a scary time, and the two weeks of recovery afterwards can get hard, but for the most part once the stitches come out, dogs go on to thrive and love life once again!

    Keep in touch, it makes everything so much easier. Good luck Royal, will be thinking of you!!

  5. This site has been a Godsend to me as I wrestled with oh so many feelings. We are on day 5 of recovery and don’t know yet if it was osteo. Good luck to you and your baby and speedy recovery!

  6. Good luck to Royal tomorrow! What a handsome guy he is! I am new to the site as well approaching 3 weeks since my Gracie’s amputation. These guys are wonderful! So you came to the right place! Keep us posted!

  7. Oh my goodness! Royal is such a handsome fella’ He looks soooo sweet! That face! I want to smooch

    STAY CONNECTED!!!! Recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks. You’re already somewhat used to so e of the hurdles and I’m sure you know how important managing the pain is.

    I think Royal will be soooo glad to have that painful leg gone, you will be amazed at how happy he will be!! 🙂 And no more surgeries!! YAY!

    Continue to update when you can. Also, you can post in the forums for more immediate response to any questions, concerns, etc.

    We’ll be sending positive energy tomorrow! TRY and get some rest! The Vet will keep him overnight. He’ll be pretty doped up a d feeling no pain whike there!

    Hugs to all!

    Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

  8. Welcome Royal, and Mom of course, you are among friends. We all have a story and will do our best to talk you through anything you have to go through. Just remember the best medicine is lots and lots of TLC! Deb and Angel Bandit

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