Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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About 2 and a half weeks ago, our 7-year-old Great Pyrenees, Appa, starting limping on his back right leg. At first I thought he might have slipped on the stairs or hurt himself getting off the couch. We had a similar issue with him when he was a puppy and we found out he had a bruise. No joke! They did X-rays, tests... The whole nine yards and the vet showed us it was a bruise. Literally. He is my little drama queen. So, as you might imagine, I was a bit hesitant so I gave it a few days.
While he seemed to get better over the next few days, he still wasn't putting weight on his leg fully so I decided to take him to the vet on Wednesday, July 28th. I was just expecting something simple like he had twisted something or, god forbid , broken his leg. But what I came out with was a diagnosis of osteosarcoma. We decided to take him to a specialist because he was getting worse on July 1st and walked out that afternoon with a surgery consultation for his amputation, an idea of chemo treatments and a terrible gut feeling I was the worst pet owner in the world.
His surgery was Thursday (3 July) and today was his first day home. I know it's only the first day but I don't know what to do. They sent us home with medicine (carprofen) for him in the morning and information about his pain patch. Since then, he's exhausted himself trying to get comfortable, from us walking him out to use the bathroom and is just plain unhappy. He is refusing to sleep... He falls asleep and jerks himself awake (part of that may be the e-collar) and he is crying. It all makes me feel terrible.
My boyfriend has been very patient with me through this process and he's been extremely helpful as we help him adjust at him as best we can. I was just hoping that someone else might have some encouragement and/or suggestions for helping a 116-lb. white bear to get on his feet again.
jadalan I'm in the chat right now, come on over. I'll respond in my next post here in just a sec...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
First things first; welcome to you and Appa. Your future posts won't require approval.
We are so sorry you're going through this ordeal, it is difficult and emotional and really makes your head spin, no doubt about it. Let me start by saying that things DO get better, it just takes time, good pain medication and the pawesome support of this community will help too 
If it makes you feel any better, the first two weeks can have ups and downs, especially due in part to pain meds, which can be both a blessing and a curse until the correct balance of meds is figured out. It sounds like he has good meds with the Fentanyl patch (yay for your vet for being on top of that stuff) and all, but oftentimes the meds can make dogs really wacky instead of mellow. I would call your vet first thing to let them know what's going on, they can work with you to find the right balance so he can rest easier.
By any chance have you checked out Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books library? Oh and this recuperation tips video by the good people at Cal Animal Rehab. These things, along with our fabulous member support, will help you through this toughest part. Some dogs will take a little longer than others to recuperate, so try not to compare, just stay focused, be pawsitive and strong, Appa will sense that and follow your lead.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jadalan & Appa I just want to share a few thoughts with you.
First of all, don't feel like a bad pet parent because you waited a few days to have a limp checked out. I used to be a dog caregiver and our general rule was to wait three days before we would notify the clinic about a limping dog. When Boomer's limp started, I think I gave it about a week before the first vet visit because he seemed to be improving a bit and then got a little worse again at which point, I made an appointment to have him checked.
If Appa is wearing a pain patch, I am guessing it is Fentanyl. Many dogs get pretty stoned on the stuff and just zonk out but some do the opposite. Boomer was one of those - they call it dysphoria - he could not settle and he would not rest well. He whined a lot, which is very unusual for him, even shortly after his doses of pain meds when they would certainly have kicked in, he would still be acting like he was in pain. I called the vet hospital late Sunday morning (I brought him home Saturday evening) and told them what he was doing. They said to remove his patch and see what happens - he was also on carprofen, tramadol, and traumeel so he would still have plenty of pain meds. Within 20 minutes of removing the patch he had calmed down and was sleeping soundly - he continued sleeping for the rest of the day, save for the times when I woke him for pain meds and potty breaks. He came out of surgery at 9pm on Friday (September 13, 2013), I picked him up 21 hours later on Saturday evening after I got off work. When I picked him up I was told to leave the patch on until Tuesday mid-day which means they had me pull it two full days early and I can't imagine how much worse for all of us those two days would have been if I didn't take it off. If Appa is still being very restless, call your vet and ask if you can remove the patch early.
If he is wearing one of the hard plastic cones, you might want to look at some of the alternatives out there. For larger dogs, the inflatable donut type collars aren't always that effective, especially for back end surgeries/injuries, but some dogs do much better with the Comfy Cone. It is a soft foam covered in heavy-duty ripstop nylon with several rigid plastic ribs in it to keep it in the correct shape (you can remove them to make the cone more pliable and comfortable depending on how determined your dog is to get to the incision). It is a lot quieter when they move around, it hurts a lot less when they whack you with it, and it forms much more comfortably around their head and legs when they are laying down trying to sleep (and as an added bonus, the model dog on their tags is a Great Pyr!). The thing some dogs don't like about them is that they can't see through them like they can with the plastic ones - it all depends on the dog. I used a Comfy Cone with Boomer and he did great, but my good friend's collie could not function at all when she tried one. Anytime I was able to be in the room monitoring Boomer, I just took off his cone because he wasn't too obsessed with his incision site, that really helped his comfort level too.
-Allison
Allison thank you, that is pawesome insight!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the response, Jerry. I think it's just trying to figure out what he needs when he cries... Whether it's to go out, he's thristy or hungry, or simply because he's in pain. He's always been a silent dog for us (minus the sudden barking fits starting about 10 months ago). So, for him to be vocal is definitely new for me so I panic.
He is a strong, VERY stubborn dog. I have no doubts he will be up in no time. And things might be better when he gets the drain removed on Friday. I think it's just that adjustment period for all of us... I am a nervous "mom" and all. Having our other Pyr barking at everything (including at times his own shadow) and being his normal goofy self probably isn't helping his stress any.
And thank you, Allison!
That helps actually. If he doesn't get settled I might call them and see what I can do. They didn't say anything to us about resuming the Tramadol while he was on the patch so I am thinking I should probably call about that in the morning before he gets his meds.
We're still over in the chat Jadalan, come over if you'd like to talk.
Yes, it IS hard to learn how to read their language. The pain meds are there to help but oftentimes they make dogs craaaaazy. You'll get that balance figured out. I really hope that maybe removing the patch as Allison suggested (with your vet's guidance, there are precautions you need to take), will help tremendously.
As odd as it seems now, this journey is going to bring you even closer together, in a good way. You'll get there, stronger than ever.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ohhhh how I can relate!! My Happy Hannah did NOT have the patch, just Tramadol and Gabapentin, and she was pacing and whining and yelping for 19 hours straight before she finally exhausted herself into a fitful sleep!
I don't think she, nor I got more than five hours sleep the first three days!! Just stay connected to us and know that we are here for you! Recovery is no picnic! Humans would still be in the hospital for a week! It's a major surgery and adapting to three legs takes a little getting used to.
All the links Jerry gave you wil help tremendously, as well as Allison's great advice.
Just know that the next several days may be pretty rough. But once Appa's sparkle comes back....and it will...you will be amazed at how much happier Appa is having that pain gone! You will spend your time loving and spoiling and creating wonderful sacred memories! You will learn to "Be More Dog " and stay in the present. That's where Appa is...in the present and not worried about a thing!
Try and take some deep breaths.....B R E A T H E.......B R E A T H E.......exhale slowly.....and finish the exercise off with lots of chocolate!! Lots and lots of chocolate!!
Let us know when Appa has the first poop!! We celebrate anything around here!!
TAKE CARE!!! Hugs to all!
Sally and Happy Hannah
PS...A good bed...and orthopedic type bed that offers solid support is crucial. A great bed made just for large dogs is the Big Barker Dog Bed. You can "search" it here on the site.
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!
Jadalyn,
We all know how hard it is to see our pets in pain. I agree with previous posts...it may be the Fentanyl. In general just be there for Appa. I found myself "Serving" Jake. Every time I filled the water dish, I would bring it to him (so his brother and sister didn't slobber in it) and he would drink a little. He also likes icecubes so I gave him an icecube almost every half hour. His appetite wasn't great so treats and carrots were served as well. A little bit at a time is less exhausting than eating a full meal. A comfy collar is usually better tolerated and less invasive. Since Jake has had numerous surgeries, and radiation treatments, prior to amp, ( been there done that) I have left the collar off as much as possible as long as he is supervised. At night I have put his leash on and slept next to him with one eye open, so that he could be collar free. WHO NEEDS SLEEP! Keep us posted!
Laurie
benny55 said
PS...A good bed...and orthopedic type bed that offers solid support is crucial. A great bed made just for large dogs is the Big Barker Dog Bed. You can "search" it here on the site.
Here is the information Sally refers to.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome!
I can say that when my girl, Shelby, came home, she also had the patch and was on Tramadol which literally made her psychotic. We had to get her some anti-anxiety meds as she would pace and pace and whine and whine. I also got her a soft cone which she preferred (she used it as a pillow). The meds are really hard on them so the first couple of weeks are definitely rough. I got to the point where I had to shut her out of my room and let her 'work it out' (she was 100% and I needed some sleep).
Remember, as many told me here, this is MAJOR surgery! Most of us would still be in the hospital! staying on top of the pain will help- a lot!
Hang in there... you are doing great and we are here for you! Check in with us and ask us anything... we've all been there!
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever 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
Yes, I think we all on here have experienced the what the heck have I done moments. The first 2 weeks are the toughest. I agree with everyone that the pain meds make them loopy. Ty had Gabapentin and Tramadol. I still remember on his 3 rd night home after his amp. my husband finally taking a shift on the floor with him so I could grab a bit of sleep. He slept so much better cuddled up to me. As exhausted as I was, I wouldn't trade that snuggle time for anything now. Ice cubes are a great idea( someone above suggested them) Ty loved snow and we had an abundance of it this winter so I would bring in fresh snow for him. Gatorade or low sodium beef broth can help them drink also. Do you have a sling or harness? Would help a lot with potty breaks. I used a canvas shopping bag with the sides cut out. I was the crazy lady hauling her 80 lb dog around in a blue shopping bag. Hang in there, it will get easier. Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Thank you all for your encouragement. We were doing really well today until his last potty break. When we got him back in his drain was bleeding. I called the vet and was told to keep an eye on it. I emptied it and now it's not draining anything. I double checked the seal and it's still functioning... but no fluid is flowing. So I am going to need to call the vet again.
As for other things. He finally gave up and fell asleep about 6 this morning. I had to lay in the floor with him to just get him to relax. Finally he flopped over on his side and seems to rest more comfortably. We still haven't gone poop yet but his gas is enough to kill an elephant so that is coming soon I hope. He's trying to stand on his own now, which is good. I just need to keep him from trying to scoot his way across the carpet with his incision site exposed. He had a bowl of food and plenty of water today so he seems to still have an appetite. So I guess that's one good thing.
I am going to ask also about whether or not to start giving him his Tramadol with his pain patch. My concern is that the patch isn't sticking to his skin well because the e-collar is pushing it away. I used some light adhesive medical tape to try and hold it down but it's still not sticking well.
Needless to say, this is all a learning curve for all of us.
*** Update from the vet: The emergency surgeon said that we should be seeing less and less fluid and to keep an eye on it. As long as the entry site isn't swollen with fluid or bleeding he's fine. Our surgeon will call us in the morning to advise on what to do.
Hi, just wanted to say I am now at day 17 and things are really starting to look up. Hang in there, it was a rough first two weeks for me with some minor complications and a pretty depressed dog.
If the e collar is upsetting your boy, check whether he really needs it. My boy didn't wear one at all. I have fostered dogs for many years, and only a small number actually need e collars after desexing surgery. Some are more distressed by the e collar than the surgery itself and simply won't rest comfortably with it on. The ones who do need them tend to bother their stitches continuously and incessantly almost straight away so it's usually easy to tell.
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