Anxious & scared for our English Bulldog
We have a sweet, & loving 7yr old English bulldog named Lulu Belle who will be undergoing amputation tomorrow. We have struggled for the past 2yrs to find a solution for her on going issue on her front L paw. Not only are we dealing with her paw issue, we’re 1 week away from our due date of having our first baby. The stress of being first time parents is nothing compared to making this decision for our beloved fur baby.
What started as an interdigital cyst, turned into an aggressive round tumor that is cancerous. The biopsy diagnosed her condition as a histiocytoma or lymphoma. We were devastated with the biopsy results, since we’ve seen numerous veterinarians in Dallas, TX & also had a culture sample along with a biopsy a year ago where cancer was never mentioned. The previous cytology report done last year revealed numerous neutrophils & macrophages with intracellular cocci. After finding a vet that is sympathetic & concerned for our pups well being we finally are left to make this grueling decision. It’s either amputation of her front L foot or go through chemotherapy/radiation to attack the tumor which is causing her foot to be infected & swollen. We’re opting to amputate her foot immediately to give her the life she deserves. We’re hoping that amputating her leg will relieve any pain she may have, & stop the aggressive tumor from spreading.
As concerned parents were hoping that we make the right decision for our baby. We know that she’s a fighter, but we’re unsure how the healing process works for her since she’ll be coping & going through life with 3 paws. We’re scared & unsure of the outcome, but we’re hopeful & happy that the tumor has not spread.
We are grateful for this site which shares stories that encourages people like us that are about to see their baby go through amputation. We’re hoping that tomorrow will bring a positive outcome & a speedy recovery for our sweet little girl, so she can enjoy the journey with us as we greet our child into this world.
If anyone has a similar diagnosis that has gone through the same thing, please feel free to share your story. We would love to know that we’re not alone in this battle. I know believing & hoping is half the battle, but we’re also anxious & scared about the unknown.
Hello and welcome. You do have your hands full!
You are NOT ALONE! We have all been where you are now and we get it and can help. No matter what the reason for amputation it is a huge help to get support from those who have hopped this path ahead of you.
I recommend that you check out the forums for more information and support. There are more people there and you will get answers to your questions and lots of shoulders to lean on.
Best of luck tomorrow, let us know how Lulu is doing.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
YOU ARE NOT ALONE, okay? Sorry you have ro be here but, under the circumstances, there is no better place ro be for support and understanding and information.
We understand the fear, the panic, the uncertainty, the stress, the tears. We als o understand the joy when you start ro see Lulu’s sparkle come back bigger and brighter than ever!
Make no mistake about it, recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks. It is .major surgery, it hurts, and dogs have to adjust to three legs on top of that!
Whe. Lulu comes home she may be restless and whining. She may not get her sea legs right away. She’ll be pretty high on hospital meds. Some dogs are zonked out, some more in the restless side.
Drinking and leeing are important. Eating may be off a bit due to all the meds, as well as pooping.
If you have hardwoods, you’ll want ro get no slip scatter rugs for traction.
Yes, you’ll have your hands full with a new baby and a recovering tripawd!
You are doing what must be done to relieve Lu’s pain and give her a chance at a quality life with her new sibling! She’s done with that painful leg andx after recovery, will feel so much better! Her sparkle will come back bigger and brighter than before!!
My beloved Happy Hannah had a slower recovery than some. It took me about three weeks before I coukd say I did this FOR her and not TO her! I can tell you, it was the best decision ever!
Hang in there! You will get through this. We are right by your side, okay?
I’ll check back tomorrow. Don’t hesitate to call the Tripawds Helpline if you have any questions or just need someone to pull you back from the edge!
Love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
You are not alone but the initial fears do convince you that you are! My polly is three weeks post amputation – i was a mess when she had the op but meanwhile she was doing fine! This site helped me a lot with advice and gentle reminders to calm down
The best advice will come from those on this site with more experience and knowledge than me so ill leave the real stuff to them. What i will say is your pooch, you and your new family member will get through this x
Hello! We don’t have the same story as you and Lu, but we are in the same season of life – with a 3 year old and an 18 month old child. It’s a lot of responsibility and emotion and work, but you are doing an amazing job managing it all.
Please know you are in the right place for support, kind words and love. The comments you have already say it all. I will offer up some prayers for your sweet Lulu. Keep us posted.
xoxo
Debbie and Patches
We would like to thank everyone for all for the support, prayers, & love during this crazy time in our lives. We are happy to give you all some good news & an update after her big day at the doctors.
Our beautiful & strong fur baby got through the surgery. It was a grueling 2 1/2hr process since it was a complicated surgery, but she pulled through. The next 24-48hrs are critical, so let’s hope she recoups quickly without any trauma from the surgery.
Please keep sending our little fighter positive thoughts & energy, so she can finally start her recovery process, & be home to greet our new addition.
Ohhh really happy to hear that the surgery went well! Yay!
As you can see you are definitely not alone, we’re here with you every step of the way. The care and thought you put into caring for Lulu shows, and will go very far. You have a LOT on your plate right now but we know you can do this, your strength shows through!
We’ve had other members here who had babies close to their dog’s amputation date, and I promise, they all got through it with flying colors. Congrats on the new addition to your pack!
Keep us posted and let us know how we can help OK?