In our previous discussions with canine rehabilitation specialists from California Animal Rehabilitation Center (CARE) we discussed fitness and conditioning, and coping with amputation recovery. In this final installment, we hear the doctors discuss pain indicators, post-surgery advice for pain medications and how to choose quality supplements.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb4mOh7NLVQ[/youtube]
Here are some of CARE‘s post-surgery tips to remember:
- Keep an eye out for pain medication side effects; if you’re concerned, stop the medication.
- Use supplements only when they are needed
- Choose supplements that have been third party tested by unbiased organizations such as ConsumerLab.com.
Many thanks to the pawesome staff at California Animal Rehabilitation Center in Southern California for helping us bring this series to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit this incredible facility and see how they can help your Tripawd stay strong and live hoppy!
Catch Part I: Canine Rehabilitation: Exercises and Stretches with CARE
Catch Part II: Canine Rehabilitation: Amputation Recovery Advice with CARE
My dog Lucky lost his right back leg at 6 months old and he is now 2. He seems to be having fanthom pains. I am also an amputee and I know that fantom pains aren’t fun is there anything I can give him to calm down is spasms hes been getting them more as he gets older. I feel he should have out grown them by now please help
Hi Linda, I’m sorry to hear about Lucky’s pain. Yes, there is a LOT you can do to help him. Check out Dr. Petty’s latest article he wrote for us, “How to Prevent and Manage Pain in Tripawd Dogs and Cats.”
Our Daisy Duke just had her back left amputation due to a cancerous tumor. She has been doing really well with her recovery, however, today she will not get up off her back good leg, she just drags it. We help her with a sling to walk so she does not tried herself out but i am very concerned because today all day she had been dragging it.
Please give advice for my Daisy Duke
Daisy may just be doing too much too soon. All she really needs is rest for the first few weeks, with the only reason to get up being to eat or do her doody. After that, very short walks are advised with lots of focus on core strengthening exercises. Walks do not build strength, only endurance. Be sure to post in the forums and review all our interview posts and videos from Cal Animal Rehab for more tips and advice.
Thanks for your information, I will be going home Saturday and my family feels less nervous be seeing your videos
Thanks for the comment and best wishes for a speedy recovery! You’ll find lots of advice and care tips in Jerry’s Required Reading List, and for immediate answers to the most common dog amputation questions download the new Tripawds e-book Three Legs and A Spare.
Thanks for these! I’m glad I finally took the time to watch them! Very helpful.
Once again, thank you so much for these videos…AWESOME information!
Tracy