Dear Buster
The lump on his front leg was an inoperable tumour growing around the bone. He had to have the leg amputated.
X-rays confirmed that it hasn't spread.
It upsets me seeing him with only three legs. But it's not about me it's about Buster, giving him lots of love and nurturing him back to full health.
The operation was on Monday and he came home yesterday. He enjoyed his dinner of rice and chicken, he's drinking and peeing. He was drinking from a puddle on the patio last night, he likes rain water. He's getting better with his balance, he can get on and off his bean bag and the furniture but he can't manage to lay down on the floor.
He's a stoic little boy, I think animals recover quicker than humans. I'm sure he will soon be back to running around enjoying himself.
Poor Buster, and you too, it must have been a distressing week. Will he have to learn to manage on his three legs or will he be given a prosthetic limb at some stage?
ReplyDeleteIt has been distressing watching him limping around, the lockdown delayed diagnosis so the tumour kept growing and causing him discomfort. He had lots of painkillers but the day before the operation he looked as if he had had enough. He will manage with three legs, I've read a lot of encouraging stories about how well dogs (and cats) adapt.
DeleteThat is so sad. I hope he makes a full recovery and that you have many more years together.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bijoux, I hope so too.
DeleteOh Polly, I'm so sorry. I know how much it must hurt to see this one you love have to make this adjustment. I'm glad they could get it all through the amputation but it is an adjustment. I guess the good news is that animals are astoundingly resilient. I don't know how they do it. I do know he'll have all the love and caretaking any animal or human could want from you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeanie. They are very resilient. I was reading a very interesting article about how animals in the wild hide any injury or illness and keep going because they have to avoid predators. I think that is still in their DNA even though we have domesticated them. He is certainly getting lots of love.
DeleteDear Polly I am so sorry to hear about Buster. What a good boy to be recovering so quickly! You have given him a beautiful life to live for! We are going through a health crisis with our beloved beagle, Georgie, too. She's got lymphoma and is declining more quickly than I am ready for. 12 years is not enough to love them the way they deserve. I'll keep Buster in my prayers. 💗
ReplyDeleteThank you Jodi. I'm sorry to hear about your Georgie. I'm sure you're giving her as much love as we are giving to Buster xx
DeletePoor little Buster! But what a trooper -- glad to hear he's adjusting and doing well!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what he is Debra, a little trooper :-)
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Buster, but I do know that dogs can adapt quite well to having only three legs, and I'm sure Buster will, too. He is a very lucky dog to have such a loving owner who takes such good care of him. That will help him recover, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Deborah.
Deleteit would be hard to see a pet with an amputation. I imagine Buster will adapt quickly just the same.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard Marie, I think Buster is coping better than I am.
DeleteSo sorry I am sure he will get used to it and recover very quickly it will probably take you longer. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lorraine, I think you're right. We went for a walk this morning. My daughter had Rufus and I had Buster on the lead, I could only just keep up with him!
DeleteGod bless you with good health and peace . Take care
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Buster. I'm sure he'll adapt to the loss. I've seen a few dogs with only three legs and they seem to manage pretty well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nick. He's not a youngster any more, but I'm confident he will cope.
DeleteSad news to read about Buster's operation, Polly, but then better news that he seems to be recovering. I hope that you will both share many more years together.
ReplyDeleteThank you Beatrice, me too :-)
DeletePolly, I'm so sorry to hear about Buster. That's sad that he only has three legs now. I hope he heals quickly from the operation. I'm sure he will, with all the love you're giving him.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Thank you Sheri, I have just posted his latest progress. He is healing very well.
DeleteOhhhh, Polly. So sorry. But love this fight to balance himself again. Animals are amazing. This past weekend we were watching dog videos and one lost his leg and was running about and just having fun. It was joyful to see.
ReplyDeleteThey are amazing, they cope with pain and upheaval much better than we do. I'm looking forward to him running around and having fun :-)
DeleteI think owning pets is hard when we see one of our beloved having health issues. You are doing the very best for a faithful friend and thank goodness it didn't spread!!
ReplyDeleteIt is Karen. I want to do so much for him, but I have to stop myself and make him do it for himself.
DeleteOh no, I'm so sorry to hear that about Buster! It always amazes me that dogs get around so well on three legs. I'm sure Buster will quickly adapt, poor thing, and enjoy all the fuss and cuddles as well.
ReplyDeleteHe's had a good day today, getting more confident.
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