Daisy is now 24 hours post amp surgery.  Front.  Just picked her up.  Not doing as well as I'd hoped.  She won't stand up.  Very thirsty, but no pee yet.  I figured other newcomers here would have posted about this, so I joined this thread.  Reassuring that this is another normal, and at least she is resting comfortably.

Candace in Oklahoma

Hi Candace,

I'm sorry to hear about Daisy… Don't forget… she just went through a big surgery, and is pumped full of pain killers… It will take her some time to recover from that. If you're worried… call your vet… Keep us posted on her progress!!

Sending you and Daisy a big fat hug!!

Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom

Dear Candace,

I found the first 48 hours very stressful. My girl JD (just two weeks post-op today) had a front leg amputated as well. Please remember the amount of pain meds and anesthesia in addition to the disorientation of learning to balance must be so confussing!

I too used a cloth grocery bag (sides cut out) and it worked great for getting My JD outside to pee. I had to force her to go out by putting the sling under her and helping her to stand. She had to get over some privacy issues with peeing and having me standing right next to her, but eventually she got used to it.

Again I say that the first 2 days were the worst. Take a look at my blog and maybe it will help you, I just posted about my first 2 weeks with JD's recovery. She is hopping like a bunny now!

Good luck, you will be able to relax but call the vet and ask any questions, that is what they are there for.

Best of luck

JD's Mom

Welcome Candace and Daisy!!  My boy, Zeke, is 4 weeks post-amp on Monday, front left leg.  He had the surgery on a Monday and didn't come home until Thursday, he had a lot of swelling.  The first couple days he was home (so keep in mind 5-6 days after surgery), he pretty much slept and only got up to go outside a couple times during the day and we had to assist him down a few steps to the yard.  As said by everyone here, the anesthesia and pain medicine alone makes them so out of it.  I think the best advice I was given by everyone here is to remain calm, be patient and stay positive!  Being positive is HUGE.  The key is time with their recovery and each day, she should get better.  Utilize this website as much as possible because the best advice and tips comes from those that have been through it.  There really isn't a "handbook" for us, unfortunately and you have to learn as you go.  Good luck, Daisy will be in my thoughts, I hope she recovers well.  Hang in there!!!!

Hello Candace,

As others have said, the recovery period(usually a couple of weeks) can be a real 8itch!!!  Rest assured, we've all had similar struggles, so you're in good company(or is it bad?)

What type of medications is your dog on?  My dog was on Tramadol, Deramaxx and Gabapentin.  The Gabapentin and Tramadol she was on prior to surgery..the Gabapentin was a godsend one horrible, horrible evening Maggie was in alot of pain.  It's also good for phantom pains for after surgery.

My girl drank alot in the two week timeframe after surgery…but that was probably due to the fact she was running a low grade fever during that time…and off her food..I had to hand feed her anything she would eat(which wasn't her normal food).

When I took her out I used a sling the hospital let me take home to use.  It was very helpful to get her in and out of the house…but I'd usually not use it after we were out in the yard and let her try to get herself around…although times I had to help her too. 

No, I didn't have to take 2 weeks off of work BUT I did take quite a bit of time off before/during surgery as the surgeon was 3+ hours South of me.  Do you work close to home that you'll be able to go home and check on her?  That's what I did…and shortened my days up at work alot for a while as Maggie wasn't doing well.

Good luck…we're pulling for you and Daisy!  Stay strong!!

Tracy, Maggie's Mom