TRIPAWDS: Home to 22969 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
Member Since:
10 June 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
46
26 June 2018 - 7:10 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Thanks again to my faithful new friends. It is always heart warming and relieving to hear back from all of you.

Today is postop day 15 for Blitz. We did see the vet yesterday. My husband lifted him into the car hugging his underbelly and he did not flinch. He rode well, which is unusual. He typically fusses the entire trip. We shared with the vet his discomfort at home most often while trying to lie down, or sit. He is constantly repositioning himself, whimpering and crying out with each move. It is very consistent. He will walk and hobble around and go outside to do his business and walk in the yard with little if any obvious discomfort, but when it comes to laying down to rest something is not right. I thought maybe he wrenched a muscle or the like due to his change in gate, and all the extra demands of his remaining front leg. I would think this adjustment alone would hurt long past the surgical site. I also wanted to be sure we were not giving him too much activity; out to do his business, small stairs with little help, waling in the yard, and sometimes taking off after a squirrel. We have had him out with us over the weekend while we work in the yard and he wanders a bit and then lays down in the grass. We also keep the cellar slider open so he can go in and out as he wants. Another thing he does is he is always after his incision site. A tshirt and the harness has helped with this.

He was examined by the vet from head to toe and she found "No strains or signs of injury". Staples were removed, his temp was fine and incision looking good. She explained that out of all dogs Dobermans have the roughest time recovering. She said "If he were a Lab she would be very concerned but not with a Doberman". She thought an additional 20 minute leash walk would be good for him. She thinks we are doing well with our pain management , and should stick to it, but wanted to give him another med and wean off of the Tramadol. She prescribed Amitidine 100mg q12. So he will be on Gabapentin 300 q12h, Carprofen 75 q12h, Amitidine 100mg q12h and the Tramadol 100 q6 until we wean him from it. 

Last night was an ok night. Not as relaxed as the night before. Between the itchy incision site, persistence in lapping it, and can't get comfortable to rest, it was a tought night. I think finally, out of exhaustion, and maybe finding a 1/2 way decent position, he will doze off to sleep. But if he wakes to reposition, the entire process starts all over again. 

This morning he ate well, did his business outside and came in to lay down, again crying to get himself comfortable. After watching him for a while my husband does not think he is in pain, and just having a real hard time adjusting to 3 legs "mad he can't do the things he did before". I disagree, respectfully of course. I do all the research on the net and with fine people like you and I don't believe this dog is just upset and frustrated. I KNOW my dog and I KNOW he is uncomfortable and in pain when he cries out. I am thinking we may be dealing with phantom pain , and wondered what you have experienced. It would make sense. Aside from being upright and hopping around he seems to be crying out in situations where he would be using his left leg (gone now) the most; pushing himself up from lying down, adjusting himself to lay on the other side, etc.... According to what I am reading, he fits the book; lapping or trying to knaw at the amputation site, not the incision site but down further where his limb would be. He has gone from waxing and waining discomfort postop to very situational types of pain, cries out, like the pain is abrupt and sharp. I understand that phantom pain is very different from surgical pain, and even any muscle pain adjusting to 3 legs. It is a neurological response where the leg if it were there is supposed to do something. The brain sends a signal to the missing leg, but it is interrupted because the leg is not there, and instead just terminating (painlessly), the nerves elicits a sudden response experienced by the dog as shooting pain, sudden, and abrupt. My hope is that between the Gabapentin and the new drug Amitidine any phantom pain will eventually be minimized or eliminated.

I did some reading today about message therapy for phantom leg in dogs, and will be starting that regimine at home. Lots of great education and tips on the Tripawd site and other sites as well. I am also going to encourage mental stimulation. He does not play, or kneed his ball anymore. He does not knaw on his chewy bone toy anymore. He seems the happiest (sometimes) when he is outside in the yard, or otherwise occupied to keep his mind off his troubles. So the regime will be medication therapy, message therapy and mental stimulation.

Ok, what do you think? Am I nuts?

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
47
26 June 2018 - 9:02 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hey Carol - no, you're not nuts , you're a mom who is worried about her boy. The phantom limb pain idea is probably spot on, and the gaba should help with that. I wonder about your vet's suggestion of a 20 min leash walk at this point, however. I would've NEVER considered this with Nitro at this early stage of recovery. I think I took him on a short walk (I use this term lightly, because Tripawds don't really walk anymore, they hop, and in Nitro's case, it was a sprint) maybe 2 months post surgery if not longer. I was super paranoid of hurting/damaging the remaining front leg, that perhaps I was a bit overprotective.

Our first summer was spent outside in the yard; I would bring a book outside, and just sit with him on his pillow and let him enjoy the sights and sounds. Eventually he started playing again - every picture I took of him seemed to be with a tennis ball in his mouth. And he started to enjoy chewing on his bones again...yes, they figure out a way to do it one-pawed.

As for the incision site, I think I used to take some lavender essential oil, mixed with coconut oil and rub it on him. And massages are always good. In my humble opinion, I think I would take the next couple weeks, get your med combination figured out, and just take is slow and easy. I also remember I was in a hurry for things to return to "normal", as you may be, but try to take it slow and not rush things. He will progress when he's ready.

Also, I'd never heard that about Dobe's having the most difficult recovery...interesting. The first 2 weeks were ruff for us, but then he came into his own, and rocked life on 3! Good luck, keep us posted. Remember you can call or text me whenever you need to. Hugs!

Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
48
26 June 2018 - 10:27 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

spayurpets said
...she right now is on a PT program of two separate 10 minute walks a day... 

Walking alone does not constitute physical therapy. FYI: Walks will not build strength, only stamina. Check out some of the starter exercises recommended by rehab therapists, or find many more suggestions in Loving Life On Three Legs , and consider visiting a CCRP/CCRT for a professional evaluation and a prescribed exercise regimen specifically for Blitz. The Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab can even pay for your first consultation, thanks to Tripawds Foundation supporters.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
1 October 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
49
26 June 2018 - 2:19 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I agree with Paula and ShuShu's pawrent regarding the 20 minutes. That seems like a huge start. I would def start smaller, way smaller. Like how about up the street and back and if he sits before he gets to the end let him rest a minute and then straight back home. As you well know, this was major surgery, it's going to take time not only for the surgical site to finish healing, but for his body to adjust.

Baby steps ❤️❤️

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Member Since:
10 June 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
50
27 June 2018 - 4:09 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Does anyone know how long phantom pain lasts? I hope it is not a chronic issue. I also learned the Amantadine will take a week to become therapeutic. I am convinced this is phantom pain and found a nice article on it from a sled dog owner who recommended mild compression using an ace or spandex over the missing leg site. I have coincidently been doing this wth Blitz and it definitely helps. 

https://tripawd.....pain.pdf 

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
51
27 June 2018 - 9:38 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I don't believe its a chronic issue, it should eventually stop...but I don't know the timeline for this.

Paula

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior





Member Since:
16 October 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
52
27 June 2018 - 11:26 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time with recovery.  You have received lots of great advice.  I agree advocate for pain control.  I don't  think the phantom pain should last forever.   We never had to deal with the phantom pain .

I agree 20 minute walks this early is probably way too much.  I just let Sassy walk around our yard and did a leash walk around the house and that was a little too much so we backed off ( have a pretty big yard). 

I also agree if you don't believe you have the best care with your vet or they are not listening.  Consult another vet.  We are an advocate for our babies. I believe you are doing the best you can. 

Also, I remember awhile back that someone's dog had an issue with a suture that was internal that was pulling.  I can't remember how they determined that but they finally figured it out.  Just maybe an idea since he acts like it's pulling when he moves around and lays down

hugs

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

Minneapolis, MN
Member Since:
23 April 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
53
27 June 2018 - 1:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hello - I am sorry you are having ups and downs with how Blitz is feeling.

I do think being steady on the multiple meds (they are different modalities and act in concert) is wise and will be key to getting you through this.  I have found, in our own experience and in sharing with others in the past, that sometimes it is frequency - getting full coverage, that is at play.

Pofi had a nerve sheath tumor which is also very painful and gabapentin is really crucial pre and post op, but still in conjunction with an opiod and an NSAID.  He actually took 300 mg every 8 hours before and after surgery.  I initially thought some of the symptoms you have described meant it was too much.  I think at first (pre-op) he was prescribed 200 mg every 8 hours and the vet agreed we could try backing down and that was much worse.  Switching to 300 mg every 8 hours was hugely impactful. 

Pofi was likely a similar weight and was a deep chested, tall, front leg amputee and weighed about 75 lbs.  For two weeks before and two weeks after surgery he took:

  • 300 mg Gabapentin 3x daily
  • 100 mg Tramadol 3x daily
  • 75 mg Rimadyl/Carprofen 2x daily

For better coverage, I did not actually give Gabapentin and Tramadol at same time - did a two hour gap between them.  After about 2 weeks, we cut down to Tramadol 2x a day and then in another week I cut the twice daily dosage in 1/2 to be 50 mg twice daily.  In another week I cut down to 1 Tramadol a day and one Rimadyl a day.  Then I cut those out and started reducing dosage of Gabapentin and frequency.  He was down to no pain meds by week 5 to 6 post op.  

Consult with your vet, of course, on mixing up the schedule and frequency and if you think you aren't being heard, say that. Say, "I really need to feel you hear me on this."  And I echo concerns that 20 minutes walking may not be what is right for Blitz at this point.  Dogs are individuals.  

Sending warm thoughts for you all to feel better. heart

Lisa, Minneapolis

On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly.  His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.

Blog: Pofi, Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Amputation

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
54
27 June 2018 - 4:31 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I don't think you are nuts at all, phantom pain is very real in many Tripawds. Did you happen to have a chance to connect with the acupuncturist at your clinic? Dry needling acupuncture is one of the most helpful tools for alleviating phantom pain .

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
10 June 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
55
29 June 2018 - 10:46 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Everyone, Blitz is postop day 18. It will be 3 weeks Monday. Yesterday was a good day, thought maybe we finally hit the tipping point where he will feel better progressively, but today not so good. Yesterday he had probably 5 episodes of sudden cries, mostly early morning and early evening. Today I have stopped counting. Vet wanted me to start weaning the Tramadol then when I called about his pain they wanted to add Percocet. Too many vets and one does not know what the other is doing. I am going back to my regular vet, who has an accupuncturist we will see today at 4pm. Hester your story is interesting. Blitz was 93 lbs, now 87, and on Gabapentin 300mg, Carprofen 75mg, and Amantadine 100mg 2x daily. I was giving the Tramadol with that 100mg q6 but vet thought we should wean off.  I tapered down to 1 tab and last night was first night without it. This morning about 8am I was sure he needed it and gave it to him.

How much pain is acceptable? I say little to none. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
56
29 June 2018 - 11:27 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Sorry for quick response,  but jist wamted to mention again, TWO THINGS TO GET THOROUGHLY  CHECKED,OUT:

Because this omly seems to happen more when he's  trying to lau down or fetmup, it still seems a rouge staple is hirting him OR  Airgeon needs romgo in and check to make sure their are jo dangly  merves that need ro be xlosed.....not sure of medical terms

Phanton USUALLY  is out of the vlue wild screams and dog gets up and tries to run away from it.  It's  not necessarily  relat3d to certain  movements.   Dog can be sound asleep.  It generally lasts seconds as opposed ro minites.  Anuway, if this is just trlat3d to those movements  you were  describing,  ,ay be time to check out the other possibilities. 

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!

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
57
29 June 2018 - 11:37 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Carol - thanks for the update, I've been thinking about you guys a lot. Happy you're seeing the acupuncturist today - I think that will help him. Agree, too many cooks in the kitchen, sounds like they are on one hand pushing more drugs, and on the other telling you to stop. I know nothing of Amantadine, so can offer no advice about it. I personally feel you still have some play with tramadol, maybe knocking it down to q8 or q12.  Didn't you say the Amantadine can take awhile to become effective? May once you feel it is, then start weaning off the tram. I'm glad you went with your gut and gave him some this morning.

He really SHOULDN'T be in so much pain at this point, but again, all dogs are different. And as I may have told you, this journey is a rollercoaster, so expect ups and downs...1 step forward, 2 steps back. Early on you look for any little achievement, and CELEBRATE! I've said in my blogs many times, this journey isn't for the faint-of-heart. You will find you have strength and courage you never know you had. If something doesn't feel right with you, tell your vet - you know your dog better than anyone. Don't be afraid to be persistent either. I'm a very quiet, shy person, but I will scream from the rooftops to stand up for my dog.

Good luck this afternoon, and be sure to tell us how it goes.

Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro

p.s. I'm off today if you want to talk

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
58
29 June 2018 - 8:54 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hey Carol, just wondering how acupuncture went, hope it helped make Blitz feel better. Hang in there, better days are coming.

Paula

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

Member Since:
10 June 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
59
1 July 2018 - 12:03 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Tomorrow Blitz is 3 weeks postop. Seems to be getting around better, and trots right along while we are out in the yard. He is eating and doing his business without issue. Blitz could not get the acupuncture last week. There was an emergency and the vet was tied up. We left without being seen. But the vet did call us that evening and apologized. After lots of questions, she thought he would benefit from changing the gabapentin 300mg to q8hrs vs q12h. All other medications remain the same.

I would have to say that he is physically doing better. But he will still have several episodes a day of pain where he cries out. Before we had associated it with movement but he can be laying perfectly still and comfortable and yelp in sudden pain. We took him for a car ride yesterday. He stood in the back balancing himself as we slowly turned corners and stabled himself for bumps, slowdowns, and stops. It seemed to give him an opportunity to get some core strengthening exercise. 

I wish he would not seem so sad still. Most of the time he seems depressed. He knows what has happened and not mentally adjusting so well. This decision was all about quality, so it is painful not to see that. If he physically adapts but remains depressed I will have failed him. That is not quality. Happiness and comfort is quality.

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
60
1 July 2018 - 1:00 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I know it seems like he should be himself by now but not all pups bounce back on the same schedule.

My Pug Maggie was very stubborn and hated any change to her routine.  She lost her left rear leg to mast cell cancer and healed just fine physically, in fact she was able to hop on her own the day of surgery.  But she was a grumpy slug who wouldn't play with me for 6 weeks after her surgery!  I was sure I had made a terrible mistake by choosing amputation.  The only input the vets had was 'most all dogs do fine on three'...I was convinced that I had the only dog that would not adapt.

In hindsight it made sense that she took her time getting used to her new normal, she took months to get used to riding in a new car.  Most here will tell you that dogs don't get depressed- and I think that is true to some extent- but some dogs are more sensitive to changes in their lives.

In addition some of the meds he is on have a sedating effect, especially gaba.  And every hop for new Tripawds is exhausting!  It takes much more than 3 weeks to build strength and endurance.  

Hang in there and stay positive for your boy, I DO know how hard it is! 

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 224
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17731
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256797
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG