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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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2 Weeks post amputation - yelping in pain for no reason?
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Member Since:
11 December 2015
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11 December 2015 - 4:10 am
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Hi everyone smiley

First time here.

2 weeks ago - to the day - my fur baby (dog, small, 10 years old, mixed breed called Jinx) had her front left leg amputated after a 6 month losing battle with a degenerative shoulder problem. It's been a traumatic two weeks for my little family (her, myself and my other dog). After reading through just some of the posts on this forum I don't think I need to go into details - you guys probably have a very good I idea of at least some of what has been happening.

I've experienced so much stress, worry, sleeplessness and even guilt over the last few weeks. I have a wonderful vet but I have often felt like I'm alone in all this and pretty overwhelmed - so I cannot express how relieved I was to find this wonderful site and this amazing community. I've got so many questions and concerns I would really like to ask for advice and help but will start with just one for the moment, if I might.

Several times Jinx has been in a deep sleep and has either woken by herself - or been woken up - and immediately starts yelping in pain. It's horrible and she's very distressed afterwards. I can't figure out what's happened. Is this common/normal? And if so, what is it? Should I be worried?

My apologies if this has already been covered before.

Thanks on behalf of myself (Nic) and Jinx 

On The Road


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11 December 2015 - 10:13 am
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Hi Nic and Jinx, welcome. You definitely don't need to apologize for asking questions, that's why we are here. Everyone feels like you do when they go through this, you're definitely not alone and we get it.

To me, and I'm not a vet so take it for what it's worth, that sounds like phantom pain to me. Click on the link for more information and you'll learn that while it's common, it is also treatable with several different methods including a drug called Gabapentin (relatively inexpensive and usually a short-term thing), massage and something we've tried and found to be useful, a Farabloc blanket. Here are some links that may help:

http://tripawds.....ment-tips/

http://gear.tri.....-farabloc/

and all search results in our news blog for "phantom pain "

http://tripawds.....?s=phantom

Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List too, you'll find lots of comfort in knowing that your situation is normal and can be overcome. Stay strong and remember we are here for you.

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

Virginia







Member Since:
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11 December 2015 - 10:52 am
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE ANYMORE!!! Welcome to your new family! Oh goodness gracious Nic! As Jerry said, we are HERE for you for ANY questions and ANYkind of support we can offer!

This recovery period, plus the stress of even getting to this point, can be so intense and so emotionally draining and full of doubt and uncertainty. We all need someone to lean on and guide us.

Not a vet, but you'll see from the links Jerry gave you it sounds very typical of phantom pain . The nerve edings are firing off and they no longer have that leg to absorb them. The pain is intense, it comes quickly and goes quickly. The dogs usually jump up in pain and try to "move away" from it.

As you'll see from your research that Gabapentin is a drug often prescribed for it. Most dogs are prescribed Tramadol, Gabapentin,Rimadyl and an antibiotic during the recovery period of approximately two weeks. Some dogs need pain meds longer.

Can't wait to see pictures of your sweet Jinx. Overall, is she doing okay? Try and get some rest when you can. I doubted my decision for the first three weeks. I thought I had done some horrible TO my dog. But once her sparkle came back and she was rid of that pai ful leg (osteosarcoma), I knew I had done it FOR her!!

Stay connected! Celebrate every "little" victory. In recovery, every victory is a HUGE VICTORY!!

Hugs to all!

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!

Schofield, WI
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11 December 2015 - 11:10 am
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Welcome ask any questions you may have. We're here to help you through this journey!  As the others have said it sounds like phantom limb pain.  You sound like a great pet pawrent to Jinx.  Try to take one day at a time and celebrate each success.  The hardest part is behind you and once once stitches are out and they're off the heavy duty drugs it will get better much faster.  Hang in there and hugs for all you've already been through.

Linda & Max

Norene, TN
Member Since:
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11 December 2015 - 3:43 pm
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I remember those feelings very well. This community is an absolute God-send. We're here for you, even if it's just to listen.

Welcome and howdy!

pam

Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.

"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."

- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey

Michigan
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11 December 2015 - 7:30 pm
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Besides the gabapentin, when this happens you can try a light massage to the area, it will probably help some.  Let her know that you're there for her.

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

Donna.png

Livermore, CA




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11 December 2015 - 7:47 pm
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Welcome to you and Jinx.

I'm so glad you found us so you don't have to deal with this journey alone, no one understands like those who have been there.

I did not deal with phantom pain in my pug Maggie, but what you describe sure sounds like phantom limb pain. 

Put all that stress and guilt away!  Jinx needs you to be a strong pack leader and show her everything is going to be fine.  You are doing your best for her!

What other questions do you have?

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

Member Since:
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11 December 2015 - 10:59 pm
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Hi again – and thank you so much to everyone who replied to my original post.

I have spent some time reading the links was directed to on the site (but still a way to go – the information available here is fantastically comprehensive) and I think the diagnosis of phantom pain seems to fit. Jinx is already on Gabapentin and Tramadol so I will take on board the other suggestions and hopefully help her through this. Just knowing what’s happening with her is such a help.

I’m not sure what questions I want to ask.

In the 2 weeks since the operation Jinx (and I) have really struggled.

Jinx did stand within 24 hours of the operation but since then moving about has been a battle for her. Every step seems to be a mammoth effort and takes so much out of her. She’s having real trouble finding her balance and co-ordination. To make matters worse, despite doing all I could to protect her, she has taken a couple of bad falls which seems to have affected her confidence.

She was never a fussy eater but now she rejects almost everything. The only thing I can get her to eat is chicken breast (not too shabby!) and kangaroo. Normally those things would be irresistible to her but she’ll only eat a little.

She drinks A LOT and urinates regularly but rarely has a bowel movement.

She seems just miserable. She just lies around all day, barely even trying to move. She’s not even sleeping. Just lies there. When I come home she doesn’t acknowledge me, let alone try and get up. Not even a surprise appearance by the neighbour’s cat in our yard – which would normally send the dogs into a frenzy of excitement – will make her raise her head.

I know it’s only been 2 weeks, but on the other hand, it’s been 2 weeks! Surely there should be even a tiny, little sign of improvement?

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not expecting miracles. And I will do what it takes and for however long it takes to get her through this. I just need to know that I’m doing everything I can for her. That I did the right thing. I know that she was in terrible pain before the operation and there wasn’t any other alternative (well, except the “ultimate alternative” and I wasn’t prepared to even consider that) but I just can’t stand to see her like this. It’s breaking my heart.

I guess I just need to hear that this is normal and that other's have experienced the same or similar things and have come out the other side.

Thanks

Jinx's very stressed and very tired mum crying

Virginia







Member Since:
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11 December 2015 - 11:55 pm
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Okay, a couple of things come to mind. First off, stand up! Whaaaat??? Yep, stand up! Seriously! Okay, now take your right arm (or legt arm if yoh are left handed), and reach around to yojr back and give yourself a big hearty lat on the back!! Yoj are doing everything right a d doing a great job!!

Okay, now a few more things that come to mind. Do you have hardwood floors? If so, cover them with non slip scatter rugs for traction asap.

How much activity was Ji x doing at first? He shoukd onlyybe getting up formpotty breaks and then very, very limited moving about.
Is he on Rimadyl or Metacam for any possible inflammation?

Is it possible she's too heavily medicated? I knlw that's a hard balancing act keeping her out of lain but mot too heavily drugged.

I just wonder if the last six months prior to surgery caused a lot of wear and tear on her remaining legs. If could be that the actual amputation plus several face pla ts have caused sore muscles, strains, or maybe even disc issues, etc.

Soooo, this leads me to having a vet check her out....ake sure she has no infection (we do see infections on here sometimes after surgery), and, even though she is drinking, wuite often a vet will give them so e fluids and thst seems to perk them up and improve their appetite very quickly.

Oh, a d as far as some possible constipation, a lot of members here use a couple of teaspoons of natural pumpkin...not the pie filling, but pure pumpkin puree.

And yes, it is early in recovery and it is exhausting walking on three legs, especially for front leggers! Generally, ot always, it takes about two or three weeks for recovery itself, and about one month to adjust to mobility issues.

So yes, I would consider a vet trip, discuss her medications, possibly reducing her pain .eds, give her some meds to coat her tummy and possibly some fluids,and eliminate any infection/fever I'm absolutely not a vet, but these are just some of the things a vet may do. And checking her for any sprains, pulled muscles, etc.

I'm sorry this recovery seems like it'll never end. Assuming there are no underlying issues, it just takes some dogs longer than others.

Stay connected and update when you can.

Hugs and 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!

Livermore, CA




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12 December 2015 - 10:29 am
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Here is more on my Pug Maggie's recovery-

First you have to know that Maggie was stubborn and not good with changes to her routine. And I mean stubborn- if you look up the word stubborn in the dictionary there is a picture of Maggie! Also- the only info I got from all the vets on recovery was 'most dogs do great on three' and 'dogs bounce back very quickly'.

Mag was standing the day of surgery (rear amp), had no medical complications, and her pain was well managed.

It was 6 weeks before Mag showed any interest in playing with me! I thought I had made a terrible mistake doing the amputation. I was down and stressed the whole time, which I'm sure didn't make Maggie's attitude any better. A couple weeks after the amp we got the path report back with bad news...then I KNEW I had made a mistake.  I was grumpy, Mag was grumpy...

Luckily Mag beat the odds on her cancer, and I learned a lot about my attitude around the dogs. I also realized that in hindsight Mag was just being herself by not accepting the change in her life until SHE was ready.

Maggie did not deal well with fails or falls.  When she fell, especially right after her amp, it took a ton of coaxing to get her to try again.

Is Jinx still on any meds? Is there good traction everywhere? Has she been checked by the vet?  Sounds a bit like she might still be having some pain when she tries to walk? Not unusual for a new Tripawd to tweak the back.

Karen

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

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5 December 2015
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12 December 2015 - 4:40 pm
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Hi Nic,  Wecome to this great site.  You'll get some great tips.  Looks like you may be from Australia like me.....check your inbox, I have private messaged you.

Michelle

Member Since:
11 December 2015
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12 December 2015 - 5:04 pm
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Well, after reading your replies and re-reading my own rather fraught post it's pretty clear that I need to take a few deep breaths and just...calm down aw-shucks

Thanks (again) to those who replied and I have taken on board some very valuable advice from both of you. The suggestion that she may be over-medicated is something I will discuss with my vet tomorrow - among other things. And Karen, your description of your Maggie's recovery really resonated with me. Especially when you wrote about how she didn't react well to change (that's very much my Jinx) and how your attitude/feelings may have affected Maggie during her recovery. My stressing and fussing must be being picked by not only Jinx but her mate, my other dog Monty, and it can't be helping. It just makes sense!

Sally - my whole house is hardwood floors but is already a sea of non-slip rugs. And, of course, the previous 6mths while she was dealing with the shoulder slowly falling apart would have taken it's toll on her 10 year old body! And of course that's going to have an impact on her recovery! Why hadn't I considered that? I feel a bit silly, to be honest. 

So, off to the vet tomorrow to discuss the things you both raised. Thanks ladies (to the others who replied earlier), you are all the BEST. I feel much better and also feel I am much better prepared to face the coming weeks and months.

We will get through this! big-grin

I am so happy and grateful to have found this wonderful community and will continue to visit (and occasionally ask for some more advice big-blink

Green Bay, WI


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13 December 2015 - 5:17 pm
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Hello Nic and Jinx, and welcome....I can relate to the not eating part of your journey. My Dobe, Nitro, had his right front leg amputated 18 months ago. He wouldn't eat for the first week - we had to forcefully spoon yougurt down his throat just to get his many pills in him. I felt like an ogre doing this, but we were desparate. No food for a week meant no pooping for a week either. Boy we sure did a happy dance when that day finally came. Its a fine line between enough pain meds and not enough pain meds. We used a harness to help him navigate and balance (and to almost carry him like luggage when necessary). He had a somewhat difficult recovery, that seemed to last FOREVER. I'm happy to report that today he is happy, active, and can run like the wind. He can go up and down stairs like a champ too. Stay strong, be positive, ask questions (of us and your vet), and take it one day, one step at a time. Better days are coming. Take advantage of the chat room and helpline, the people here are the greatest! Good luck and keep us posted.

Paula and 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

Durham, NC
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16 September 2015
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13 December 2015 - 11:16 pm
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Hello Nic and Jinx ... and welcome!

You've gotten VERY sound advice here and I wanted to add my "two cents" if I may. My pup Izzy is older (12) and is coming up on her three month "ampuversary" so I walked your path not too long ago. Izzy had what I would call a very easy recovery. VERY. But, with that said, she experienced phantom pain - would hop up and yelp randomly, even from a deep sleep - regularly for about 6 weeks, I would estimate. Beyond that, she had an occasional moment here and there, but just wanted you to know it can happen for what feels like FOREVER even when things are going otherwise well. 

Izzy also toppled over more than once. It nearly killed me every time (I thought I would have a heart attack on the spot) but she was no worse for wear. She did "walk" like a drunk for the first 2 to 3 weeks and seemed confident on her feet at around 1 month post amp. I was worried about her "other arm" given that she is old and front amputation puts a whole lotta weight all on one leg (approx 60% of body weight), so I started her on GlycoFlex as soon as I could. Her vet remarked that her body condition was better than pre-amputation at her 2 week post op follow up (not too shabby at all)!

This morning, Izzy had her first "play date" with other dogs - two boisterous boy boxers, both with four legs and much younger than she (18 mos and 6 years). I was a bit tense because the boys were playing with her as they would any other dog BUT that was MY perspective. Izzy was OVERJOYED, had a blast and never once yelped or cried, nor did she disengage. She played for an hour straight!

My point in relaying all of this is that recovery takes time. You are definitely doing the right thing by seeking advice, asking questions and following up with your vet. Jinx is obviously in good hands and I've a feeling she'll come around 🙂  Keep us posted!

Amy & Izzy, too!

Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.

Madrid, Spain
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3 June 2015
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17 December 2015 - 3:20 am
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Hi Nic,

Just wanted to give you my two cents -- our experience when we amputated Lula's hind leg six months ago was that the first couple of weeks were awful -- not eating, welping, not wanting to come inside the house, etc. -- and I actually found that once she went off medication (she had been wearing a patch with some kind of pain medication over the wound) she came right back to normal. I personally think dogs can deal better with pain than they can with being drugged, though that's obviously just based on my personal experience with our one dog. In any case, after the first 3 weeks, Lula came right back to her old self. I live in a small town where everyone flips out upon seeing her day after day, chasing after other dogs in the dog parks and going on hikes.

Good luck with everything!

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