On Tuesday our baby Rusty who is now blind from progressive retinal degeneration will be undergoing a surgery to remove his front left leg. Rusty was what I refer to as a dump dog. Someone dumped a litter of pups and he showed up in our yard. Needless to say he became our baby boy. We had no idea of the venture we would be taking. When he began to bump into things we went through three doctors before I would believe that his sight was failing and was unreversible. We have long past this challenge and he has done outstanding. You would not know that he could not see ass he is so so smart.
Now begins our new journey…. On Tuesday he will have his front left left removed due to a tumor that I am being told is non-operable. I have to be honest I am scared…. I know he is smart and they tell me will adjust and be back walking the next day.. But I have never been in this situation and am hoping for advise and guidance from someone. Please say prayers for Rusty and share any advise that you can. Thank you!
Keeping your boy Rusty (and you!) in our thoughts for his surgery tomorrow. And yes, you are right: dogs do adapt very well to having only three legs. I don’t know if you’ve visited the forums, but if you haven’t, please do! There is so much information there! Also, do a search for “Nova” on the forums. Nova was a great dane who lost her leg to bone cancer. She also lost her sight after that (a couple years later I think). Nova did great on both three legs, and being blind. She was an inspiration to so many, and I think it would really do you good to read her story. In the meantime, love up your boy, and know that the whole Tripawds Nation will be sending him positive thoughts tomorrow!!
Thank you so much for your message! I believe you were the first one I read this morning on the way to surgery. We did get an unexpected hope today regarding Rusty. During the Surgery the surgeon called because he had been able to remove tumor without taking the leg which we had previously been told that was not likely to happen. We will not know for a few weeks if he will be able to keep it as a large nerve had to be removed. I don’t know really what this means only that I am hopeful. I will keep you updated. Thank you again!
Do a search for Cora. She is also a blind Tripawd with other physical limitations. Just don’t tell her she has limitations. She won’t believe you!
Thank you, I have visited Cora’s site and she is amazing! I would agree she doesn’t know what limitations mean :). We actually got a little hope today that Rusty may be able to keep the leg. We do not know yet but expected based on what we had been told that it would be removed today. The surgeron was able to remove the tumor without taking the leg but had to take a
large nerve that may require the leg to be taken in a few weeks. We are at a wait and see stage. I wanted to say thank you and let you know that I will keep you updated. Thanks again!
I am sorry to hear about Rusty’s diagnosis & pending amputation. Queen Nova (the Great Dane) was blind due to glaucoma. She did great as a Tripawd and maybe her mom would have some helpful hints.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions on the forum or chat because on busy blog days we might miss them here
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Hi Michelle and Angel Sassy!
Thank you so much for your message! I did visit Queen Nova who is very impressive! We actually got a pleasant surprise today. We were told that they would try to remove tumor without taking the leg but not to expect this as the leg would more than likely be taken. Today I received a call during surgery and they had gotten the tumor and left the leg. They did take a large nerve that may require a second surgery to remove the leg. For now we still have hope that he will get to keep it. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your message and let you know that I will keep you updated.
Ohhhh Rusty and Family, welcome. I’m so sorry you are faced with this. Please know that we are here to help however we can.
One of Tripawds’ greatest legend was Nova the Blind Great Dane Tripawd.
https://tripawds.com/2013/03/03/happy-triday-from-the-queen/
I know her Momma Sue would love to talk to you and offer you advice. Please come to our Discussion Forums for more support but meanwhile I’ll let her know you’re here.
Be strong and remember we are here for you. Many hugs coming your way.
Hi Jerry,
Thank you so much for your message and the link to Cora’s site! she is awesome! I received all of my messages today on the way to surgery. I cannot in words tell you what that meant to me. I was over whelmed. I have never blogged before and still not sure that I am not repeating things as I reply to the people who replied to me. I did received encouraging news today not that I want to get my hopes up but we were originally told that the leg would be removed with the tumor but that didn’t happen. They were able to remove the tumor and leave the leg. They did have to take a large nerve that may still result in the loss of the leg. We should know more in a few weeks. The surgeon literally did not know what to say and was very open in sharing this. I will keep you updated but wanted to be sure that you knew how much your words meant, especially this morning when I was trying but not successfully to keep together.
Ohhh yes here’s Cora’s story:
https://tripawds.com/forums/share-your-story/a-reason-to-hope-what-ive-learned-from-cora
Rusty has certainly had his challenges but he’s already proven he’s one strong and determined pup!
And clearly having you as is advocate is the best thing that has happened to him! He now knows what love is.
I KNOW this is soooooo scarey and you feel like you are stuck in a nightmare. AND…you will be sooo relieved when recoverymifover and you realize you jave done smething FOR your Rusty and not TO him.
Thr fkrst week or so can be pretty rough. Please know we are here for you. You are not alone, okay?
Rusty will adapt very quickly I’m sure adjusting his balance without his eyesight may take a little extra determination, but he’s already proven he has plenty of that! And so do you!
We’ll be sendng lots of positive energy your way. Stay connected to us…we understand!
Lots of hugs to you!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Hi Sally and happy Hannah,
Thank you so much for you message! I cannot tell you how much it meant to read all of the supportive messages this morning on the way to surgery. Today did not turn out as I had expected or been told to expect. I received a call from the surgeron who had been able to remove the tumor without taking the leg but with taking a large nerve that may leave to another surgery to remove the leg in a few weeks. He does not know but for now I am still hopeful that he will be able to keep it. I will be sure an keep you up to date but truly wanted to let you know how much your words meant.
Hi! I’m Nova’s mom Sue. I am sorry to hear what you are going through with Rusty. I know it’s scary to think about life on 3 legs, but you will be amazed at how well they adapt. Please don’t hesitate to PM me if you have any questions. My biggest piece of advice would be to get some rubber-backed area rugs/runners to put on any hard floors in your house. Not only are they tremendously helpful with slipping, but they serve as a sort of “map” to help a blind Tripawd find their way.
Sue
Hi Sue,
Thank you so much for your message! I have been looking at Nova and she is so beautiful! And truly made me breathe at ease somewhat this morning. I actually got what I am holding onto as good news till I am told different. Rusty had his surgery today and during his surgery I got a call from the surgeon who had a dilemma. He had removed the tumor from his shoulder and had not taken the leg. He had not thought this would be possible. However, he did have to remove a large nerve that he is not sure what the impact will be on the leg. He said it may mean that we will be back here in a few weeks to remove the leg anyway, which was where he needed us to make the call. I am sure you already know that we are waiting you see if he will be able top keep the leg, but I wanted to thank everyone who replied and especially your story touched me beyond words. I will keep you up to date as we know.
Hi Sheila! Oh I hope Rusty gets to keep his leg! Good luck with the surgery recovery! Please keep us posted and create a new blog post to let everyone know how he’s doing, we can’t wait to hear.
You are a really special dog mom for doing all you have for him, 3-paws up to you!
I am new at this and hoping I am posting in the correct place. :). Rusty had his surgery on Tuesday and during surgery I received a call from the surgeon who had been able to remove the tumor without taking the leg yet had taken a large nerve. We did not expect this based on east we had been told. We choose to leave the leg and see what happens with the understanding that we may be looking at a second surgery. We could not see yesterday but today we finally got to see him.. I thought he looked good and actually ate 4 cheese sticks while we were there. When I spoke to the nurse this morning he still was not eating. We did try and feed him the food that they provided but he turned his nose up and I can’t say I blame him. He is trying to use the leg but not successfully at this point. I guess once he is off the pain medicine we may know if he folds it back due to pain or the removal of the nerve. The doctor says it may be weeks before we see any improvement. That is where we are at and if I can figure it out I will post his picture. Thank you for all of your messages it means so much!
So glad he did well! How about creating a new post so everyone can hear the news?
Photo tutorials are available in your blog dashboard help center and we are always hoppy to help too, just holler.