Our 7 month old lab mix had front left leg amputation last Wednesday and has been recoveringsince.  Starting last Friday he became really lethargic and it is a challenge to get him to eat, I don't think he would eat if I didn't bring his bowl over to where he has been resting.

He is scheduled to get his stitches out either Monday or Tuesday of next week.  I have read that the removal of the stitches is often a turning point for the dog, we are hopeful that is the case for our dog.

Due to his current hatred for his food I was curious if anyone has any success with giving their recent amputee an alternative diet (possibly some boiled chicken and rice) and that possibly improving upon their moods.

I am hopeful he will turn the corner after this weekend as it is very difficult seeing a playful puppy in such a depressed state.

I greatly appreicate any feedback and advice anyone can provide.

Thank you,

I have not reported the excessive thirst to my vet yet as I have just noticed it over the past day or so.  I will report the excessive thirst issue to his vet when we go in early next week for the removal of his stitches.  I haven't tried any homemade food but I will definitly give that a try tonight.

To your point on babying him too much, I am sure I am babying him too much, like you said its tough not to when you see your previously energetic dog in such a down mood.

I will let you know how the change in food goes and also how he recovers once his stitches are out. 

thanks for the support

Shannon

Thank you for the post, we are going to see if the chicken, rice and veggies meal works for him tonight, hopefully he will enjoy it.  It is strange because it is not as if he wont eat he just acts like its something he would really rather not be doing.

Its funny you bring up wagging the tail as we have become amused over the past few days as instead of sitting up and wagging his tail when we get home from work, he stays on his stomach and wags his tail, I guess that is better than nothing.

Very best of luck to you and your dog as well in the recovery and hopefully you start to see a lot more tail wagging in the days to come.

I will let you know how the meal goes tonight.

Just got done feeding Bohdi and he licked his bowl clean in about 2 minutes.  Afterwards he ran outside to go to the bathroom as well, I know it cant change his down mood that quickly but those are two good signs.

I wasnt exactly sure on the proportions though and was wondering if anyone had a good estimate of how much of each I should feed him. He usually eats one cup of dry food so i portioned one cup off food off with 1/2 brown rice and 1/2 chicken and veggies mixture.

Hopefully he will continue to scarf down his food and keep on the up and up.

I was going to cut out his dry food completely and stick with the rice and chicken mix for now.  Still very lethargic but at least he ate, hopefully energy will pick up after stitches and bandage are removed on Monday.