Meet Miley.
This is the story of a 7 year old Pomeranian. Miley has been an amazing companion over the years. She has been a part of my family. She is very spoiled and gets to go all over the place with us. I have been obsessed with this princess since the moment I first laid eyes on her.
Fast forward… On April 25th, 2017 Miley and our other dog, Wrigley, were in our backyard playing. Suddenly we heard Miley screaching. It was a sound I haven’t ever heard from her before. We ran outside and she was sitting in the yard crying with her front, left paw raised in the air. I could tell by the look of her leg that something was not right.
I rushed her to the nearest vet office. They did X-rays and come to find out she had a fracture in her radius and ulna. Her elbow was also completely out of the socket. We were referred to UW Madison for her to undergo a surgery.
They ended up putting a plate in the radius and ulna and a screw in her elbow to hold that in place. She came home and she was recovering quickly. She started to act as if nothing had happened. She had her arm splinted and everything was going great.
She was so used to sitting with us on the couch and would cry if she couldn’t. We had her on the couch one night and long story short she thought she was feeling good enough to jump off and before we could do anything there she went.
She did that same screaching noise she made when she broke her leg the first time. I grabbed her up and held her until she calmed down.
We took her to the vet the next day and they did X-rays. Unfortunately she had broken a bone near her elbow. We decided the best option for us was to continue splinting the leg and let it heal.
After three weeks of splinting we took her in for a follow up. I was expecting to have X-rays done and they were going to tell us how amazing it was healing and it wouldn’t be long until she could go run and be herself again. Unfortunately that was not the case…
The X-rays showed that her elbow had completely come out of the socket again. Our vet called the orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion. I was just hoping and praying that there would be something that we could do.
They decided that if they performed another surgery that she would end up with arthritis and be in pain and if we let it heal the way it was she would also end up with arthritis and be in pain the rest of her life. The best pain free option ended up being amputation.
I could not believe what I was hearing. This could not be happening to my dog whom everyone knows that I am crazy obsessed with. I got online and started doing some research. I found the Tripawds website and began going through the forums.
I have read many stories about Tripawds and I hope that one day Miley’s story can help someone else like the others have helped me.
Mileys amputation procedure is scheduled for next Tuesday 6/27/17.
To be continued…
Welcome! You’re definitely in the right place! I’m so sorry to hear that Miley has been having a rough go. My pup is having the surgery on Monday, so we are in the same nervous boat about now! I haven’t been here very long, but there are so many wonderful, supportive folks here and it is a priceless resource for all things Tripawd! We are wishing you and Miley the very best as you begin this journey.
Tracy & Zatoichi
I am so sorry that your baby has to have this surgery as well. I will be prayin for you guys. Please keep in touch because it looks like we will be on this journey at the same time.
Sending you love and light sweet Miley (and her parents). You will do great! And getting rid of the ouchy leg will be a relief to all of you. Please let us know how surgery goes and if you have any questions on post-op care. Marley had her amputation on 6/13 and we are still in post-op over here. 5 days post op Marley was trying to get me to throw the ball for her so she could play fetch! You got this Miley!! <3
This is so great to hear! Thank you so much! I really hope miley is back to her normal self that fast.
MILEY!!! Oh my goodness! What a rough time you are having!
I know “amputation” sounds scary and quite alarming to say the least!
Here’s the “good”‘news in Miley’s case. The Princess only has to endure ONE surgery and,after recovery, she will be like a new doggy without that bum leg!!
Now, it is MAJOR suregery and recovery is NO picnic for about two weeks….two rough looong weeks! The Vet will give you Tramadol, Rimadyl, an antibiotic, and probably Gabapentin. Finding the right doses can require some tweaking the first several days, but you and your Vet will get that worked out.
If you have hardwood floors you’ll need non slip scatter rugs for traction. Rest, rest, rest and potty breaks and more rest.
STAY CONNECTED!! We’re by your side the whole way!!
This IS the best solution for Princess Miley so she can get on with being her feisty adorable self!! Can’t wait for pictures!!
Lots of hugs and sending healing energy
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Thank you so much! I am going to have to get more rugs down because we do have hardwood floors. Is she going to be able to walk on 3 legs right away? Do they have falls at first? I don’t think my heart can take that. We live in a 2 story house. Can they eventually do stairs again? I also have a 10 month old baby so I am very nervous about this recovery.
Myley and family, welcome. I’m sorry you had to join our club, what a shock indeed. It’s a tough thing to experience but you are definitely not alone.
Thank you so much for starting a blog to document your journey. I guarantee it will help others 🙂
Please let us know if you need anything at all OK? We are here for you (and even have a few members in your part of WI…go Badgers!). Keep us posted.
Thank you so much. I really do appreciate it. I am a nervous wreck right now and I think I am actually still in denial. I am not looking forward to next week and we will need all the support we can get. Thanks again!
Well THAT is about the cutest darn face ever! Welcome to the best, most supportive forum you could ever find. I could not have endured the journey with my dog Fionn without the help and guidance from the wonderful folks here. I guarantee your little princess will do just fine after amputation AND she will get way more attention, something I feel she will appreciate! I blogged every day for the first 2 weeks after amputation thinking it might be a good “road map” for someone in the future. While you won’t have the same issues I had with a big dog, it might be useful in general. http://fionnsjourney.tripawds.com/
Take care and keep us posted ok?
Nancy and angel Fionn
Thank you so much! I am so nervous and I just need people to tell me that she is going to be okay and continue livin a normal life.
Check out the story of Meg, over in the UK. She had numerous surgeries and ended up with amputation and has been doing great. I think her blog is “My Life as a Meg-a-Star.” Meg is also a small dog. Her mum Clare posts all kinds of useful stuff (stairs, toys, etc.), along with tons of photos and video of Meg jusy enjoying life.