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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Recovery is up & down.. I just want normal back
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Member Since:
30 August 2016
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23 September 2016 - 9:16 pm
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kylie has had a couple setbacks since sutures are out.. Pain seems to come back, but don't think it's amp pain, it's "I've walked and done too much stuff" pain. Once she has a couple days on meds and rest she feels better. But then she does too much again (like her trip to chemo yesterday) and now she's hurting today. She literally slowly hobbled over to see me when I came him for lunch, broke my heart!! But im conflicted because she's also not eating much. Vet said Tramadol suppresses appetite. Yet I feel that if she's in pain she needs it. But it also changes her personality since she is not her active happy self. Hubby thinks she doesn't need the Tramadol, says she's just sore like we get when we overuse our muscles, it's not like surgery pain, so he thinks the pills are what makes her dopey. It's hard to know what to do. She is still on metacam so maybe that's enough? She has Tramadol twice a day right now. Was hoping it will help. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
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23 September 2016 - 9:33 pm
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OK, as Sally would say....deep breath!

How far out from surgery is she now?

So, I would take Kylie back to her right after surgery activity level...which means almost nothing.  Short potty walks only for a day or two.  Then slowly increase activity in a controlled manner.  A couple short walks and a some core exercises for a day or two.  If she tolerates that then increase again.  If it is muscle pain then the metacam should take care of it.  Maybe try tamadol only at night for a few days/nights.  If she is doing OK during the day (with limited activity) then she probably doesn't need it anymore. 

You said that after she rests for a couple days she is OK, that sounds like she it doing too much. 

Tomorrow WILL be a better day!

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Melbourne, AUS
Member Since:
31 August 2016
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23 September 2016 - 11:06 pm
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Sorry to hear you're having a down when it comes to the ups and downs of recoveries! I've silently followed Kylie's journey from the start and it has been one that's given me a lot of confidence for Meg's journey.

Obviously behind you in terms of recovery by three weeks or so, but based on things I've read on here, maybe massages before she goes to bed and in the morning might help the stiff sore muscles, and the painful obvious of just doing less activity, which is hard for all.

Maybe some mental stimulation games, like kongs might help on rest days, especially if you "do them together" and get her excited about it, you might see some of that spark you're missing? 

Hope things improve heart

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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23 September 2016 - 11:34 pm
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I'm totally with Karen's insight here, and your gut feeling: she's letting you know that she's overdone things and she's hurting. So cut waaaaay back, don't allow her to do so much and build up her activity level more slowly. Katie's also correct, those brain games really help stimulate the mind and prevent dogs from overdoing things, so be sure to incorporate mental activities to help her get through recovery.

P.S. Yep, pain medication does impact appetite and personality. But these drugs exist for a reason, so don't be afraid of using medication if you believe she's in pain. Go ahead and work with your vet to come up with an appropriate regimen to help her heal.

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

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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24 September 2016 - 7:10 am
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Definitely talk to your vet about when and how to give the Tramadol.  Our post-surgery dose was 3 pills every 8 hours.  When the staples came out (day 10), we were told to eliminate the midday dose, and by week 3, to use our judgment - first we eliminated the morning dose too, and then took the night dose down to one pill, and eventually nothing.  As noted above, moderating the activity is also key.  We did not start short walks until almost 1 month out (but Otis was King of the Couch, didn't bother him - I sense Kylie is more active).  That first month was still just in and out for potty breaks (although unleashed, with some wandering).

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:
31 May 2016
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24 September 2016 - 8:41 am
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My vet eliminated the Tramadol when Clyde's stitches came out. But kept him on Rimadyl as needed (one pill a day). I've found Clyde is happiest with a daily dose of Rimadyl, which the vet completely endorsed, so that's what we do. He got sore at first as well - he's a big fella and hopping uses muscles he hadn't really used before. The Rimadyl (equivalent of a doggy ibuprofen from what I understand) really helped and no noticeable side effects. I'd talk to your vet about decreasing Tramadol (that stuff knocked Clyde for a loop, I was so glad when we were done with it) and maybe starting Rimadyl if you are not already using it.

London, UK


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24 September 2016 - 9:45 am
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I'm sorry to hear Kylie's having a bit of a downer. It sounds very much as though you've got sound instincts and that Kylie is reacting to doing too much too soon. I agree with everyone who's saying to cut right back, and I really do know how hard this can be, as Meg is and was a total live wire. Mind games definitely help, but it's tough, no doubt about it. I found Meg loved just to sit outside (on a lead) so she could enjoy the smells and feel the wind in her fur, but she wasn't actually doing anything physical. A change of scene also helped to tire her, just a trip in the car to somewhere different to sit, and she loved paying court to visitors. Also, have you thought about seeing a rehab vet? I know you've got a load on your plate with the chemo and everything already, but for Meg seeing a rehab vet was really helpful, even a week after surgery. She had some acupuncture and laser to ease the tension in her back. It also left her really sleepy (big YAY!)

Re the meds, it's very hard to know whether an excess of meds, or not enough/wrong schedule is contributing to the problem. Meg was just on Metacam by this stage, but she's a smaller dog and was already one-sided, so there was less of a physical adjustment, and she wasn't on chemo either. I guess its a case of experimenting in conjunction with your vet. You'll get there for sure, and Kylie will get her wag back.

Meg and 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...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Member Since:
30 August 2016
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24 September 2016 - 2:31 pm
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 Thank you so much everybody for all your responses I was very emotional last night when I wrote that and feeling very hopeless and spent.   The loss of appetite is what concerns me most wirh Kylie because usually she's such a pig! and I need her to keep up her strength to get better and to deal with chemo so when she doesn't eat it worries me and I begin questioning if she's in more pain.

 But after further discussion with my hubby we decided that if she was moving a little better today that we would only give her the meta-cam and no tramadol in the morning and hope her appetite will come back a bit.  Well it was a good call because here it is almost dinner time and she seems to be more like herself and having a better day. We even got her to eat after a couple of hours of her being up. Her appetite finally begins to come around.  Now we will wait and see how tonight goes & have to decide if she should have one before bed or not. Or maybe the metacam is enough. 

I love all the other suggestions thank you! We are only out for short potty breaks today & probably tomorrow too.  I have been giving her some gentle massage when she first gets up before she goes to bed and usually a few during the day too.  Our Vet has not talked much about rehab therapy yet,  but I know they do laser therapy there because she had it before her surgery,  when we thought it was just a torn tendon.  Not sure if they do acupuncture but I have heard good things so I will ask about that.  I went outside and cleaned out my car today and Kylie enjoyed coming out with me and sitting in the sun in the grass. I think it did a lot of good, the change of scenery.  I will also be doing the mental stimulation games with her as well tonight.  I always know when she's bored because she will just lick & chew at her front paws almost compulsively.blush

 I can't believe how many ups and downs this journey is. Thank God for all you wonderful people and your advice and encouragement. heart Chris & Kylie xoxo

London, UK


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24 September 2016 - 2:42 pm
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Oh I'm so pleased! You sound much more positive. When you're exhausted things can so easily feel overwhelming. It sounds to me like Kylie's turning a corner and will soon be pigging out again. Better stock up on all her favourite treats!

Much love,

Meg and 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...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Livermore, CA




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18 October 2009
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24 September 2016 - 7:18 pm
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Glad to hear today was better. 

This is a great place to come and post when you are feeling down, this journey is not for the faint of heart!  We all have moments (or days!) when there just doesn't seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Hang in there.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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24 September 2016 - 10:36 pm
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A little late to the "pawty", but it sounds like things are on the upswing! You've gotten excellent advice.

It's not only a journey of ups a d downs, but also trial and error with exercise, foods, pills, etc.

It appears that if she feels better today and ate better, you may be onto a plan that works for her.

I'm sure you're tryi g every yummy food you can thing of. Now is the time for chicken and steak and cheeseburgers! Have you ever tried"Fresh Pet" in tbe refrigerator section? I haven't done research yet in the quality beyo d reading the ingredients, but it looks okay. Anyway, I bet she'll eat that!! Give it a try!

A d good ess graciiis, be easy on yourself a d lean on js, okay? This is an intense and exhausting journey in the beginning, emotionally and physically! We ALL get that! And we are all hear for you!!!

Right now you saw some improvement ANY improvement is a HUGE improvement on this journey! So let's CELEBRATE!!!

YAY FOR SUNBATHING!!!! 🙂 YAY FOR EATING BETTER!!! :-). YAY FOR MOVING BETTER TODAY!!! 🙂 YAY FOR KYLIE AND YAY FOR YOU!!! 🙂

Love and 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!

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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25 September 2016 - 5:19 am
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Never underestimate the power of sitting outdoors in the sun.   I think every dog loves it.way-cool

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.

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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25 September 2016 - 7:33 pm
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Murphy has aches and pains.  A massage does wonders!  But when he needs more, we give him a Carprofen  ... we used to give him Rimadyl, but they switched it when he ran out ... my understanding is that they are similar meds.  We do still have some Tramadol, but that's stronger than the Carprofen, and we don't normally need it for him.  Usually just one, some rest & a massage helps. 

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

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