Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all! Giving an update on Moony:
After talking with her vet/surgeon we decided to just increase the frequency of her tramadol. She had improved a bit by the time we made this decision, so I was ok with that.
The episodes of sharp pain, or whatever it was, have pretty much subsided. But she does continue to tremble quite a bit. She is now 7 days post op, so could this be "coming off" the pain meds, or has that time span passed?
Also, Moony is EXTREMELY high strung and always has been. She's always been vocal as far as whining,even just from boredom, in the past. When she was a baby, my husband would get her from her crate when she whined instead of training her to stay in it, so I've always thought she thinks she communicates through lots of whining.
Shes skiddish about beeps, fireworks, guns, etc. She remembers things that scare her too, so she now associates certain rugs, and spots in the house with the pain that scared her a couple days ago.
I guess I wonder how tough this recovery is on skiddish dogs? I think every time something uncomfortable or different happens to her, she's terrified. [Image Can Not Be Found]
This could definitely be the meds. Shelby had a bit of a challenge with some of her meds that we had to get her some doggy anti-anxiety meds to help ease her anxious, pacing, whining behavior. I am sorry it is still so tough. I think being a strong pack leader will help! I watched Shelby's anxiety and behavior but I didn't rush to baby or comfort her (trust me - that was hard). The vet told me she was safe and fine so I had to let her pee. She eventually rested and tired herself out and it was a couple weeks post-amp that I saw her true sparkle come back. You will get there!!!
Hugs!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Hmmmm. For what it's worth, our experience with super high strung, Mr. Anxious Wyatt Ray , is that he reacts badly to tramadol, similar to what you're describing. Once we switched that out with Gabapentin for one of his surgery recoveries, he was a much mellower patient.
Skittish dogs can be a challenge when it comes to pain management . Sounds like Moony is definitely one of these kinds of fur kids. Is she showing any other kinds of unusual behaviors like not eating?
Meanwhile, try to set a good example for her. Be strong, pawsitive and project good energy when she acts skittish. The more you try to normalize her life on three legs, the better she will respond when she becomes fearful. It's hard, we always want to comfort our dogs, but sometimes that has the opposite effect.
P.S. Here's a post about adding images to the forums. We'd love to see your photo. Holler if you'd like help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks again everyone! I love coming here and getting your feedback.
Here's the thing with tramadol: She was on it for about 2 weeks before surgery. Her first vet visit, we basically got a death sentence and were sent home with the tramadol. She was totally fine on it. No whining, no change in personality. She was back to her old self as far as playing roughly with toys to the point of us being afraid she was going to break her leg. However, she is on a MUCH higher dose now, which could be different. We may need to proceed with anxiety meds though. Probably couldn't hurt.
Moony is funny too. She's super anxious, but she still doesn't like to be helped lol. I think I mentioned that here somewhere about trying to help her with a towel underneath, and she just dead weighted me. Or that might've been something I was telling her vet.
Her vet/surgeon now is a new place we found once we decided to move forward with amputation. He, and they, have been great so far. We are new to this area, so its been a weird situation not having a regular vet.
She eats, not as much as normal, but some. And drinking, peeing, pooping is all good.
I try to be very positive and praise her when she's like this, instead of comfort her. I'm so glad we're on day 8 already. I'm looking forward to her appointment on the 19th.
I think I finally uploaded a picture of her in a yellow shirt as my icon.
Thanks again!!
jhutch said
Here's the thing with tramadol: She was on it for about 2 weeks before surgery. Her first vet visit, we basically got a death sentence and were sent home with the tramadol. She was totally fine on it. No whining, no change in personality. She was back to her old self as far as playing roughly with toys to the point of us being afraid she was going to break her leg. However, she is on a MUCH higher dose now, which could be different. We may need to proceed with anxiety meds though. Probably couldn't hurt.
That sounds similar to Shelby... she was on tramadol for other surgeries with no change in reaction but as soon as she had her leg amputated, it was a different story. Perhaps it was the dose. Perhaps she felt vulnerable because she was now on three legs. Perhaps her stitches bothered her. I will never know but I will say the doggy xanax was a life saver and a real help in her recovery.
I just saw where you mentioned Moony has not had her amputation yet so I am thinking increasing pain meds and different kinds of meds could present an issue. Jerry gave you some great advise as well.
I am glad she is eating, drinking, pooping as normal!!! Hang in there.. it sounds like you are doing great!!!
XX
alison with spirit shelby in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
And PS - that avatar photo is adorable!!! She's so cute!!!! 
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Not sure where I said she hadn't had amputation yet, but that is a typo. Her front right leg was amputated Jan. 4 this year.
Making sure to praise her once the whining starts has seemed to help... she's really slow today though. Maybe starting to feel the effects of only having 3 legs and maybe they're tired.
Thanks again!
Oh I read your statement earlier wrong (brain tired here)... you said once we found the place to move forward ... I read it incorrectly!
HUGS!!!!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Maybe she is doing it for attention/reassurance? And this early, she might be overdoing it a bit. Continue to moderate her activity - sometimes they just don't realize that they have any limitations.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
mom2shelby said
Oh I read your statement earlier wrong (brain tired here)... you said once we found the place to move forward ... I read it incorrectly!HUGS!!!!
No prob! Thanks for your help! I am sleep deprived as well, lol.
She's doing better every day! I think she probably did over do it at first, especially during those pains because she'd RUN away.
I'm sure a lot of it is whining from habit, and in need of reassurance like the next comment suggests.
Thank you all so very much! Don't know what I would've done without you these past 9 days. And, 
I'm so glad its already been 9 days! WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!
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