Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Hi everyone
im new here. My little GSD pup had her front left leg amputated yesterday. She was born with a deformed leg that had no paw. We were hoping it wouldn't have caused her any issue but unfortunately she could get it to the ground and as she was growing and getting heavier it kept splitting opened.
So tonight was her first night after the op and it's been a long one. Crying and whining all night. She is on metacalm and still has the drugs in her system from the surgery. Can anyone tell me how long the crying lasts? It's breaking my heart x
Hi Holly and Fiona, welcome. I hope you don't mind but I moved your post here, this is a great spot to share stories of Tripawds who lost a leg for non-cancer reasons.
The first few nights can be tough, especially with vocal dogs like GSDs. What kind of pain medication is she on? Drugs like Tramadol and Fentanyl pain patches can really make dogs see pink elephants and drive them crazy. If she is only on Metcam, she needs more pain relief.
Although it happens often, she shouldn't be crying, acting anxious or appearing to be in pain. If so, give the vet a call and ask how you can adjust the medication for her. Oftentimes it's just a little tweak that will help her to feel better. I know it's hard to experience, but it happens often and goes away once you can fine tune the medication.
In the meantime check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds book Loving Life On Three Legs to prepare yourself for a life on three legs. There are many things you can and need to do to help her stay strong and injury free for life.
Stay tuned and keep us posted. If you want to talk, visit the Tripawds Chat Room tomorrow or give the Tripawds Helpline a call and we'll chat OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry you and Holly are having such a rough time. I think I saw sweet Holly on a Facebook post you had yesterday? She's adorable! Rene is right it's a fine line between enough medication. Never feel bad about consulting with your vet about what you feel your girl needs. If I'm reading this right you had to bring your girl home the same day as surgery? Most of our fur babies stayed overnight and we never had to go through that night of the surgery with them. So check with your vet about her medication and the symptoms she's having and go from there. Most dogs come home with something like tramadol, Rimadyl, gabapentin for phantom leg pain and an antibiotic. Once she's out of pain (if that is her current problem) you will see fast improvement and much better days ahead. Please keep us posted on your sweet girls journey and feel free to call the tripawds helpline if you need to talk to someone in person. Sometimes it helps to talk everything out with someone who's "been there and done that". Hugs to you and your sweet Holly ((()))
Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max
Hi Fiona,
So sorry you have to go through this. Maybe medication adjustment is needed. Is she on tramadol and gabapentin. The first 48hrs are the worst. It gets better, especially at the 2 week mark. Holly is so dang cute! I love her GSD ears. Please keep us posted with updates. Also any questions/concerns and don't forget about our 24hr help line!
Much Love
Julie and Buddy
Thanks everyone. We went back to the vet today as she was just to sore. She got another synthadon injection and pardale v to take along with her metacalm. She's doing much better tonight.
So glad to hear she's feeling better! Give yourself a huge pat on the back for being such a strong advocate for her and knowing she was hurting. Please keep us posted on sweet Holly.
Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max
Having to go back to the vet again. Screaming at the top of her lungs when ever she moves. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but never thought it would be this hard!
Does does Holly get up and move at all on her own? Is she able to go out to potty? Is she peeing all right? Has she pooped yet? It does sound like she's still in pain. Sometimes GSD are pretty highstrung and nervous and very vocal. I would expect some moans and groans but screaming in pain doesn't sound right. Is she eating and drinking? Follow your gut instinct and if you feel she needs to be seen for sure insist on it. It shouldn't be this hard. Insist on some answers. Do you have trust in this vet? You always have the option to get a second opinion. Keep us posted we're here for you and Holly!
Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max
Oh, how discouraging! You're doing a great job taking care of her - some dogs are more sensitive to pain than others and she's lucky to have you there to advocate for her.
Oh, poor thing! Ask your vet for some Gabapentin, it really seems to be the best thing for pain. It works best for the nerve pain.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Ohh poor Holly, and you too, I'm so sorry. I would agree, the pain needs a better combo/strength to help her feel better.
Not being familiar with synthadon or pardale, I had to look them up. Here in the states, Pardale = Codeine, which many vets use after amputation and Synthadone is a nerve blocker given to human patients with M.S., but as far as I can tell there's no veterinary equivalent here in the states. I'm not a pharmacist or a vet, but it sounds like Synthadone can do what Gabapentin does. However you might want to ask your vet about Gabapentin (Neurontin) since we've seen a lot of dogs do well on it.
Please let us know how things go. And I second that if you aren't feeling good about your vet, a second opinion can bring real peace of mind.
Hang in there. It's only been a couple of days and things really do get better. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh! Just catching up! So.sorry you're having to watch your baby in so much pain.
You've gotten great advice from everyone. Do follow up eith yiur vet in so e of the suggestions as what she's on is not working. Also, double check to make sure she's peeing, pooping etc as Linda mentioned.
Search phantom limb pain on here. Gabapentin is the drug that works best.
There's another youngster on here that had ro deal with amputation very early in. I think you'll feel reassured once you read about Leo. If I can find the link I'll post it.
I know you have yiur hands full, but please keep us posted. You and Holly will both get past this! You will!
Sending lots of love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Here's a link to get you started avput Leo''s victories.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Well craaap.....okay, look up nanawoofwoof.
Better yet.....RENEEEEE!!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
benny55 said
....okay, look up nanawoofwoof.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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