Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all. I'm hoping I can get words of encouragement.
A little background first. Oscar, my 13yo Beagle, was diagnosed with Spindle Cell Sarcoma on the top of his rear left foot 2 years ago. Because that is typically a non-spreading form of cancer, and he didn't appear to be hindered in activities, and because he was already on borrowed time (he has Chagas' disease since 2011 and congestive heart failure), we decided to do nothing at the time. 2 weeks ago, the tumor grew to the point of rupturing. Regular vet put a bandage on to avoid blood all over the house, but it caused him severe pain and he stopped walking on the leg. We visited a surgeon on Tuesday and they advised amputation is the easiest and quickest solution.
After all the tests to ensure 1) he had no more cancer and 2) his heart and lungs were healthy, we all agreed to move forward. The leg was removed yesterday morning (Wednesday). Surgery was unremarkable, everything looked great, he handled anesthesia exceptionally well and he was awake and alert afterward. Surgeon said he might come home today.
Thursday morning - I just received a call saying that he developed high fever overnight (105+). They gave him anti-inflammatory medication and the fever has subsided, but obviously they want to continue to monitor him until tomorrow.
Help! I'm a ball of nerves - I know he's in the absolute best location possible for anything to occur - it's a specialist clinic with full staff around the clock, internal medicine docs, surgeons, oncologists, the whole gambit, but I'm still feeling so uneasy about this turn of events.
I'm hoping to hear other's experiences with fever post-op. I appreciate any guidance anyone can give.
Okay....dDEEP BREATHS....DEEP BREATHS....B R E A T H E......B R E A T H E!
This is NOT unheard of!!! And, if it had to happen, it's good thst it happened at the clinic where he can get IMMEDIATE attention, antibiotics, fluids, etc.
I would ask to speak directly to the Vet and see EXACTLY what protocol they are using. How is his pain being managed? Write down your questions and write down the answers. And, again speak directly to the Vet. I think you'll feel more reassured.
I know not all Vets are on board with this, but maybe you coukd stop by for a visit and bring a little treat of chicken.
STAY CCONNECTED! We are here with you!! Update when you can, okay?
Hugs!
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!
Oh gosh, i can totally understand how stressed and anxious you must feel. You are bound to until you get Oscar home with you where he belongs. I don't have experience of post surgery high fever, but I am sure others who do will chime in, so stay tuned. The fact that he is in such a great place with all the resources on tap is obviously excellent, as is the fact the fever has responded to treatment and subsided. The fact that he handled the anaesthetic so well is also evidence of his strong and healthy system (quite something given the other health issues he has had to contend with). They did keep my Meg in an extra couple of days because she wasn't sufficiently mobile and I remember how much that worried me. Then once she came home, she was blessed with the most straightforward recovery imaginable. In terms of 'guidance', all I would say is that Oscar is being well cared for. What you need is to take care of yourself. Try to get some rest (I know it's hard when you're stressed), so you're ready to look after Oscar when he comes home. If you haven't already prepared the house with floor coverings for traction etc., this can be a great way to keep yourself busy...
Please keep us posted. We are thinking of you and sending healing vibes to your Oscar. He is clearly a much loved dog.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
(((hugs))) I do know how scary that can be (we also don't have any experience with post-amp fevers) but he is in the best place. For you both. I know Shelby stayed an extra couple of days and it was huge piece of mind for me. I was able to visit her which helped me but having her in a place with 24/7 care was really a gift.
I would use this time to get some extra rest (you will need it when Oscar comes home) and try and take some deep breathes. And get some more info.
Keep us posted!!!
XO
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper too)
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
emilygmonroy said
I'm hoping to hear other's experiences with fever post-op...
Many members have shared their fever feedback over the years.
Forum Search Results for 'Fever' (395)
Search Results from All Tripawds Blogs
Also see the Tripawds Nutrition blog : Reduce Fevers with Homeopathic Belladonna
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here .
Best wishes, hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We once had one who came home fairly quickly after surgery and then developed a fever. It ended up being a reaction to the anesthesia/drugs. It did take a day or so for everything to settle down. Hopefully by now you have heard some much better news and have been able to get some rest. It sounds as if the facility/faculty is top notch! Update when you can so we know all is well with Oscar the 13 year YOUNG beagle!!! Hugs, best wishes, and PyrPaws all around!!!
It's not uncommon after anesthesia to develop a fever; also after a trauma, such as amputation. That's why it's important to monitor after surgery. It's a good thing that Oscar is at a hospital where they have 24 hour monitoring, as not every place does - some places send dogs home the same day, or leave them unattended during the night. It's a good sign that he responded to the anti-inflammatory. I'm sure that they are also giving him IV fluids. Hopefully you will hear from them first thing in the morning and all will be well.
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
Just received the call to schedule pickup. We will pick him up late afternoon today. I have his little cave fixed up and ready for him to come home.
I've read through the book, at least the sections covering immediate recovery instructions. The hardest part i think will be not to baby him. Before the surgery, when he stopped walking on his little painful foot, he refused to stand up and go outside to pee or eat. I "had" to carry him (or at least i felt i had to carry him to get it moving along). Once he was outside, he would pee, sometimes eat. It's that initial get-up-and-go that he was lacking.
How do I handle this situation should it arise? Do i lift him to his feet and then coax him outside (of course with the help of the canvas bag sling)? Or just wait until he's ready to get up and pee and/or eat?
Was trying to insert pic of the cave for some expert approval, can't seem to figure it out on my ipad...
YAAAAAAAAAY!!! REALLY GOOD NEWS!!! When you go get him, don't even look at his incision site! Just look into his happy drugged eyes and tell him what a good boy he is!!! He just wants to get home a d get some loving and spoiling!
Okay, this is just my opinion specific to your situation, okay? So take it with a grain of salt. Your pup is THIRTEEN and just had MAJOR surgery and is on pain meds. So yes, help him get up if he needs help. And if he needs to be gently carried outside for potty breaks at first, then do whatever works for him right now. Many dogs have trouble getti g up from a laying down position at THIRTEEN and that's WITHOUT having major surgery and with four legs!
He needs total rest now and just potty breaks. Many of us bring them their water and food the first several days until they start to feel better
Just make sure he drinks and has enough food in his tummy to take pills with. He may not poop for a few days. Let us know when he does. We celebrate anything around nere! 🙂 🙂
STAY CONNECTED!! Let us k ow how we can help! YIU ARE NOT ALONE!!
HUGS!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS...some techie will come along and tell you how tonpost from an I phone. Can't wait to see pictures!
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!
We can't wait to hear all about the homecoming!
How do I handle this situation should it arise? Do i lift him to his feet and then coax him outside (of course with the help of the canvas bag sling)? Or just wait until he's ready to get up and pee and/or eat?
Generally around here we've found that when a dog has to go, s/he's gotta go and will get up. But during the first few days it can take some encouraging. Try not to force it but do encourage him to get up at least 2 or 3 times a day to go outside, potty and drink. Eating will come soon -- if he's not hungry for a day or two, that's OK as long as he's drinking water. Luring him with a treat can help get him on his feet. The ol' shopping bag trick is helpful if he's wobbly.
Was trying to insert pic of the cave for some expert approval, can't seem to figure it out on my ipad...
Here's a post about Adding Images to the Forums. Do you have your photos hosted somewhere, like your own Tripawds blog, Photobucket or Facebook? That's the first step to post photos. Once they're hosted somewhere you can come back to the Forums and embed the image. Let me know if you'd like help OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ok, he's home and doing well. Really really well. Like so well that he escaped his unlatched kennel today, went out the dog door and roamed around the yard for no more than about 8 minutes. Talk about a crazy momma! I came down stairs and had an empty cage and empty house. So much for "creaky old man"...
After that ordeal he slept for several hours - it totally wore him out. Now, hours later, his temp is 100 (normal), gum color is good (was so stressed he might have damaged internally), just ate a medium-sized meal, and we'll try to get him out to pee in a little while.
My next question - when it is ok to start icing the hip/wound? i know it can hep with inflammation and after his silliness today I'm sure he needs it. Who knows how gracefullly he went out that dog door.
Thank you all for the support and help. You are all lifesavers here.
Oh my gosh what a nut! I would have had a heart attack myself. I'm glad he's feeling spunky though.
Great question! So, since it's only been a few days since his surgery, he's somewhere in between the sub-acute and chronic stages of recovery. When an injury is no longer acute, switch back and forth between ice and heat. See this post for instructions how.
Heat and Ice Therapy Tips for Tripawd Cats and Dogs
Remember to start slow and let us know how he likes it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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