TRIPAWDS: Home to 23086 Members and 2157 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?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
5 Days Post Surgery - Need Advice
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Member Since:
14 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
11 March 2018 - 8:22 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hello. I am hoping someone has some input, I am freaking out and feeling pretty down today. Roger had his rear leg amputated on Tuesday and they took out a lump on his shoulder at the same time (poor guy). We were able to pick him up Wednesday evening and he was understandably uncomfortable and not wanting to eat. With the use of a sling, he went out to to go pee and was drinking water. The next few days he started eating on and off, mostly chicken or ground beef with a little wet food when he'd accept it. As of Friday he was getting up and moving around the room by himself and even went out and peed/pooped on his own (with us supervising). Sat morning I came home from the gym and he got up to greet me, then went to stand by the door to go out but started panting and making a little huffing noise and then his leg seemed to kind of collapse. My husband and I took him right to the emergency vet where he started wagging when he saw the techs and we were told his vitals were all good, initial blood work looked fine if a little anemic and he was alert. They believed he stood up too fast and blood pressure dropped causing weakness. We picked him up a hamburger which he ate and seemed perked up. All of a sudden, later last night, he seemed really lethargic (drooping head, half closed eyes) and started refusing all food again. He was panting just laying down and didn't seem to have the strength to go out on his own. He's still not eating as of this morning (going to try another hamburger when the restaurants open) and needed help getting out. He's occasionally making the huffing sound but not panting. SO, has anyone else experienced this? When his initial lung xrays were done a month ago, they did not show any mets but now I am worried that that could be what's causing the huffing and overall decline. It did metastasize to the skin (which apparently is not common) and 1 of those lumps was on the leg that was removed and the other was the shoulder lump. I don't know, just really worried about the appetite loss and weakness. My plan was to keep a close eye on him today and try to get into his oncologist tomorrow. Any other ideas of tempting foods? I'm at a loss.

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
11 March 2018 - 9:51 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

What is Roger on for pain?  Some of this sounds pain-related.  We often see that pets are sent home without enough pain medication.  

Murphy came home with Tramadol (a narcotic), Rimadyl (anti-inflammatory) and Gabapentin (for nerve pain).  Some also come home with antibiotics or a Fentanyl patch.  The Gabapentin is often not given, but it seems to be the one that's needed the most.

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

Member Since:
14 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
11 March 2018 - 10:26 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

He is on Tramadol, Gabapentin, and piroxicam. Also amoxicillin and 1 other antibiotic due to low white blood count (from chemo). I've held back the antibiotics last night and so far this morning since they both say to take with food and he won't eat ANYTHING. He just turned down cheeseburgers as well. He still feels cool to the touch and I think his gums look paler than normal. When I asked the vet yesterday, they thought they were normal. I was going to give it an hour and then maybe back to the vet. He's drinking water when I bring it to him but otherwise just laying here.

Member Since:
14 February 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
11 March 2018 - 11:56 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Most of us had issues around day 5.  That’s about when the hospital pain meds wear off, and you might need to work with your vet to tweak his pain meds.  We ended up increasing Otis’ tramadol at that time.  

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.

Member Since:
26 August 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
11 March 2018 - 12:41 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

It does sound like a pain control problem to me also.  Charlie was on tramadol, gabapentin and metacam.  Its hard to get it right, the tramadol seemed to really take care of the pain but knocked him for a loop.  The first 2 weeks are the hardest, at least in my exp. because you do not know what to expect.  Work closely with your vet and try to stay positive.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
11 March 2018 - 1:17 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Follow your gut and take him back to the vet today if possible OK? Anytime gums are pale you want that checked out. Be sure to jot down a list of his symptoms so your vet can help you pinpoint the issue.

Sorry for the ruff start! Remember this is realllllly early in recovery so sometimes things like this happen. By staying in close contact with the vet you can get this figured out and get him on the mend. Keep us posted!

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

Member Since:
14 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
11 March 2018 - 2:06 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Well, we went over to the vet and just got a call with the latest blood work results. His red blood cell count is really low and he's needing a transfusion. They think it he is bleeding into the GI tact, (hopefully) due to the piroxicam and not the cancer. We are going to go ahead with the transfusion & fluids pray that this helps turn things around. Apparently with where he's at, that is the only option other than euthanasia. I hate that he has to stay another night away but know he's in the best hands. We'll go visit in a couple hours and then wait to hear more. Thank you everyone for your support and advice. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
11 March 2018 - 4:11 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Goodness, Roger is certainly having some ups and downs with his recovery!  It happens!

KUDOS TO YOU FOR BEING SUCH A POWERFUL ADVOCATE FOR ROGER!!    You know your dog better than anyone and you did an excellent job of staying on top of thi gs and noticing behavioral changes

From what I understand, it may take a day or so for the transfusion to take the blood count back up where it should be.  Just didn't wa t you to be upset if you didn't see a lot of improvement yet when you go see him tonight.  The fluids should help too.  Your Vet can advise on all this as far as when he should perk up.

How long has he been on the Proxicam?  Has he been on anything like Prednisone prior to the Piroxicam?

I think itsw really a good sign that Rover was peeing, pooping and drinking, and did woof down a cheeseburger early on.

We're all sending pawsitive healing energy and cheering for sweet Roger!  Hang in there! As you said, he is in good hands and is being monitored.

We'll. be watching for your update tonight.

Lots of 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!

Member Since:
14 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
11 March 2018 - 4:21 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank you for the kind words. I tend to be a bit of an over-reactor where our dogs are concerned so I always second guess my decisions when it comes to bringing them in. I'm glad I pushed aside the doubt in this case! Roger hasn't been on prednisone for quite some time but he was on rimadyl prior to switching to the peroixcam.

Member Since:
14 February 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
11 March 2018 - 4:25 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

So glad you have been able to get this figured out!  Hopefully, this will get him back on a path to recovery.

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.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
11 March 2018 - 4:31 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh wow, that's a step forward at least. Many dogs get transfusions and they do the trick. We are keeping our paws & fingers crossed for your Roger.

P.S. No such thing as over-reacting, you are advocating and doing a great job of it!

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
11 March 2018 - 4:45 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Was there a wash out period between the Rimadyl and the piroxicam?

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!

Member Since:
14 February 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
11 March 2018 - 9:15 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

"Was there a wash out period between the Rimadyl and the piroxicam?"

Is wash out like a break of time? If so, no, they switched the same day.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
12 March 2018 - 3:02 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Yeah, by "wash-out" I meant, for example, was there a five day period where ERoger was off the Rimadyl before starting the Piroxicam.

Any update on sweet Roger today??

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!

Minneapolis, MN
Member Since:
23 April 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
12 March 2018 - 8:00 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Checking in on Roger - hoping the transfusion has helped him and he will be home soon if he isn't already.  

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

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: jerry
Guest(s) 186
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1272
Members: 17842
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18635
Posts: 257067
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG