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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Thank you and new member...we're worried sick
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Milwaukee, WI
Member Since:
1 November 2009
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1 November 2009 - 8:03 pm
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Thank you. Our Stas had his front left leg amputated on Wednesday, 10-28-09 to cure nerve sheath cancer. His recovery has been rough so far.

Apologies if this has been asked and answered, but I did not see it when searching. Our vet took the Fentynal patch off on Friday night, because Stas was reacting very badly to it. Very lethargic and would not pee.

He still has issues controlling his bladder. He seems to hold it until he can't anymore then panics and pees where he stands. He has not poo-ed since Thursday. He's been eating some.

Our questions are this: Is he really sleeping? He seems so exhausted.

He's taking a Deramaxx once a day, Tramadol, 10mg as needed and acepromzine as needed. Do we need to adjust his meds? Is he taking too much?

Do we need to worry that hasn't pooped?

We've spoken to our vet and they are very supportive, but we are trying to figure out what our new normal is. Any help or advice you can share with us would be greatly appreciated.

Stas was rescued by us in 2001. He was abused horribly. Through lots of love, he is a great guy. He's a black lab mix, about 65 pounds. He's anywhere from 9 to 11 years old. He tends to be a nervous guy.

Thanks,
Christina

On The Road


Member Since:
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1 November 2009 - 9:02 pm
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Hi Christina, you don't have to apologize for asking anything here, promise. We'll try to help however we can. We're so sorry you're coping iwth all this.

The sugery was just days ago, so keep in mind that the first couple of weeks can be rough. Most dogs are seeing pink elephants from all of the pain meds running through their system, so lack of appetite, poo issues and lethargy are to be expected. The Fentanyl patches are very strong stuff, and lots of dogs here have had similar reactions. I'd bet that just about everyone here has some kind of advice in this area.

Is he really sleeping? Well, probably not much right now. He's coping with a lot. But as the pain meds wear off, he'll take more time outs and be able to relax again. Lots of dogs sleep through the first couple of weeks. We aren't vets, but it sounds like the pain meds are similar to what others here have been on after surgery, except for the acepromazene. Has he been on it before? How come the vet put him on it? How long is he supposed to be on it? That stuff will really zonk out some dogs, so be sure to find out what the purpose of him being on it is.

I wouldn't adjust the meds without talking to your vet first, but it's something you may want to address in a few days.

As far as a new normal...well, it varies for each dog, and it changes from week to week after the surgery, so that's hard to pinpoint for Stas. The general way we've seen dogs recuperate here is they either bounce back after a few days, or they take at least a couple of weeks before they start to behave like their old self again.

Give it time. It won't be easy at first, but you'll see how he will start to get used to his new body, and learn to get around on his own again. If you suspect that something isn't right though, don't hesitate to call your vet OK?

Hope this helps. Thanks again for joining us here, you're obviously a wonderful pawrent who cares a lot about this special boy. We can't wait to learn more about Stas, and send our healing wishes your way.

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

Member Since:
18 October 2009
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1 November 2009 - 10:31 pm
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Well, our Indy is having her surgery on Thursday but I can tell you what happened with her broken leg -- from what I've read, a lot of the meds are the same. The only difference really seems to be that with the broken leg, we were supposed to keep her horizontal as opposed to the amputation where our vet says we should let her try and stand whenever she wants.

Anyways, when we picked her up, she was on morphine, a fentynal patch, tramadol and rimadyl. She'd been on rimadyl and tramadol for her arthritis, so the main things were the fentynal and morphine. Well, the morphine wore off about six hours after we picked her up, but the fentynal was not working with her the first day. She was both restless and lethargic, and our vet said it just doesn't agree with some dogs as the transdermal nature of it transmits too much. The second day, the fentynal didn't seem to bother her.

The first two days, she didn't eat anything at all. She peed in her sleep (we put diaper pads underneath her butt) and would be in and out of consciousness. She consciously wanted to pee, though, and she wanted to get up to do it...we had to get her back down and just wait for her to dribble it out onto the pad. Because she was restless (for whatever reason...looking back, I think it's because she wanted to pee since she'd drink a lot of water but it might have been pain), the vet told us to give her an acepromazine as needed. That helped her stay down on the first week but one of the side effects of it is that it can constipate the stomach. So when she started eating solid food again (third day), and it was ready for the poop to come out, she really struggled and it came out in a really weird shape.

I'm not sure if this helps but hopefully you'll see the similarities. I think what you're experiencing is somewhat normal based on the meds you've got. The exhaustion is really the meds making him feel out of it. I'm guessing the second and third days will be better than the first.

Auburn, CA
Member Since:
28 October 2009
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1 November 2009 - 10:33 pm
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Hi Christina,

Ugh, you are not alone in this. I have been sleep deprived too with Raven (surgery last Tues) and am dreading going to work tomorrow. Like you, if I only knew what was okay and what wasn't, I wouldn't worry so much. So, nighttime seems to be the worst. Seems Raven always gets restless, blows up like a balloon (this seroma /bleeding out issue), it always happens after dark and I am up all night with one foot out the door to take him to an ER... I swear he knows that during the daytime, my vet is open and he acts much more comfortable. icon_rolleyes

I am not sure of the condition you describe on why he had the amputation, but that seems like a lot of pain meds. Don't go on my word, but I would ask the vet as to why Ace? And also, when and how to wean him off to less. Raven was only prescribed morphine and Tramadol, no Ace, no patch. Oh, and Rimadyl (an anti-inflamatory, and since inflamation causes pain, it helps with that). The morphine was the first night after surgery and it was a horrible night. In retrospect, a lot of people suggest that it was so bad for him (crying out and restless) because of the morphine. So, the next morning, I upped the Tramadol and stopped the morphine and Raven was more himself. Tramadol is less potent, but I gave him the max allowed for Raven and that did better than the morphine because of no side effects. So, now on day 5, he is down to half that dose of Tram almost, which is a very manageable amount, and the Rimadyl. That's all.

Peeing an pooing is also an issue here. I don't know for sure, I have property and haven't watched him here and there, but I don't think he's had a poo yet. And he didn't pee until day 3. Even now, he only pees twice a day, and for a male that liked to mark territory, that's not normal. He also won't drink though, so may be dehydrated. It's just too much work for him to go to the water bowl, even though I always have one near him and even offer it in front of him. So, he only drinks like twice a day, a lot all at once each time when he finally decides to.

Lethargy has set in today and yesterday. He actually was getting around better on day 2-3. So, I think he may be sore, or the swelling is effecting him. I don't know. I just take one day at a time and hope things improve a bit each day...

Hang in there. Please continue to update us. Good thoughts and prayers for your boy.

Dawn

 Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from.  raven.tripawds.com

Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com.  miles.tripawds.com

Milwaukee, WI
Member Since:
1 November 2009
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2 November 2009 - 5:50 am
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Thank you for sharing your experiences during this very difficult time. Stas got the Aces when they took off the FPatch. He's such a nervous guy, they vet thought the Ace would take the edge off for him.

He peed this morning outside for the first time in 2 days. (My husband carried him outside.)We're city people. No poop yet. He is happily eating wet dog food, which is a treat for him.

He seemed to get more rest last night. I got up about every 2 hours to piddle. He couldn't make it to the door, but peed on the floor. We're camped out in the living room. He does seem to want to spend more time by himself...so I think his doggie nature of finding a safe place to hunker down and heal is kicking in.

I work from home for the most part, so I rearranged my meetings to be with him for the next two weeks. My husband has two business trips in the next ten days..so it's just me and our teenage daughter.

I'm going to call the vet today about the pooping..nothing since Thursday.

Good luck and best to all of you and your pups.
Christina

zoes4life
6
2 November 2009 - 7:22 am
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Hi Christina, I think that acepromazine is similiar to Phenergan, I don't know if you have had that before but it really knocks me out.  Fentanyl can take awhile to get out of the system too.  Even though Tramadol, is comparatively alot less potent, Zoe still gets it prn and she kinda stares with a blank look on her face. So I think taking the drugs and the recovery from a major surgery into account, his behavior is probably normal. Zoe didn't poo for a week after surgery, I think alot of people on here have the same concerns as you about that, the vets recommended pumpkin or metamucil fiber wafers to get that going again.  I used the metamucil and it worked well, I would ask your vet about that.  Its been awhile now, but your concerns sound oh too familiar.  Zoe was pretty out of it and I was freaked out for the first 2 weeks and then it was a drastic change all the sudden. It is great that you can be there with him for the first 2 weeks, that seems to be the average for most to get back to normal. 

Best wishes, this is a great place to help calm your nerves, get info  and support, keep us updated.

Member Since:
26 November 2008
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2 November 2009 - 8:48 am
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jerry said:

Hi Christina, you don't have to apologize for asking anything here, promise. We'll try to help however we can. We're so sorry you're coping iwth all this.


Christina, Stas, and family,

We would like to express how sorry we are to hear of Stas's diagnosis, but he sounds like he was very luck to join your family.  Each dog can respond respond very differently so attempting to establish a "new" normal is not easy.  I realize that the pain-killers have a very important function, but Cherry had many complications with any of the chemicals used in her treatments.  All they want to do is feel and act normal and until all the chemicals are gone, you will be faced with issues.  As suggested by all, continue to talk to the vets and consider all your options.  With time the pain-killers will no longer be necessary and Stas will feel more like himself.  As far as the toilet issues, I cannot count the number of times we hear of "poop" celebrations.  I am not trying to make lite of your concerns, but rather tell you that these are normal concerns to a normal surgery problem.  Hang in there, make sure that Stas eats and drinks, and add small amounts of fiber rich food.  From what you said, I got the impression that Stas diet is currently different to help stimulate his eating.  That alone can cause loose stools or constipation in certain dogs.

Historically, I would have to say that these are the toughest of days.  You will see a gradual improvement but there will also be ups and downs.  I usually post a number of suggestions for new TriPawd pawrents and I believe that the third may be most helpful here.  Consider keeping a journal.  I kept a journal and posted it on-line.  It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison.  This really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery.  Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition.

Cherry is also a left front amputee and started her chemotherapy started just hours after her surgery.  There were many ups and downs, but she is now just a little over two weeks from celebrating her one year ampuversary.  I would have to say that she has never been better than she is right now since the initial diagnosis.  So that is Stas's incentive!!

Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,

Bob & Cherry

Member Since:
20 May 2009
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2 November 2009 - 10:53 am
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I don't know if this is true for front leg amputees or not but back leg amputees sometimes have balance issues when eating or drinking so putting the food and water on a stool or kitchen chair might help.  It isn't so much work to eat or drink.  I can't imagine that it is not true of all tripawds that balance is an issue when their heavy heads have to go down to the floor.

I agree with everyone else that has posted.  Take it easy the first couple of weeks.  I woud amend what Jerry said and say "normal" changes from hour to hour or moment to moment.  There is no normal those first couple of weeks.  Soon you will be one of us that cheers for the the first poop!  Who would have known?

Stas will be in my prayers as will your whole family.  Good luck while your husband is gone.

Debra & Emily

Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.

Oaktown
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16 July 2009
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2 November 2009 - 12:45 pm
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Cristina and Stas,

I would echo Dawn's question about the Acepromazine.  The effect of Ace can vary greatly from dog to dog. We have 25 mg Ace tablets that we have used with Codie Rae and Smokey.  One half (12.5 mg) of one of these tablets will take the edge off of Codie Rae. She will still be reasonably active and alert.  We have used it to calm her down on a few occasions.  Smokey has gotten it a couple of times when he was stressed with stomach problems as a way to settle him down and help him relax.  When Smokey suffers Ace has become a standard part of his treatment because it does help him get through it.  The same 12.5 mg dose that slows CR down will make it difficult for Smokey to stand up.  His back end starts quivering and he can barely control himself.  But it does get him to lie down and relax. Both dogs are the same weight.  Your story sounds very similar to what so many others have gone through after surgery.  Just as Ace can effect different dogs in different ways, I would assume the same is true of all the pain meds that get used.  You might want to ask the vet about the Ace.  We have used as little as 1/4 of a 25 mg tablet and noticed an effect so if it is needed it could also be a dosing issue.  Good luck to you.

Ralph

Milwaukee, WI
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1 November 2009
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2 November 2009 - 12:55 pm
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All of you have been (and are) so kind.

Our update, as of this afternoon is: I cut back the Ace to nil. He's much more alert. I've halved his Tramadol dosage.

About 2 hours ago, he got up and walked to the back door. I carried him outside where he peed and then after much deliberation, POOPED!

I don't know who felt better, me or him.

He then ate 1 3/4 cans of dog food and a bit of chicken. I gave him 1/2 a pain killer. He's resting much more comfortably. When I sat by him, he actually shifted position so I could give him a belly & butt rub.

I know we still have tough days ahead, but having the support and the lifetime of knowledge that all of you have gained through your experiences has helped me immeasurably.

Stas and I thank you. We look forward to hearing more stories of your experiences as we become members of the tripawd family.

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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2 November 2009 - 2:35 pm
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...having the support and the lifetime of knowledge that all of you have gained through your experiences has helped me immeasurably.

So glad to hear that. It is why we created the Tripawds Blogs community! 🙂 Thanks for joining the family.

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

Madison, WI
Member Since:
14 June 2009
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2 November 2009 - 4:32 pm
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Oh cool, things are going better before I had the chance to finish reading and post - yay!  So I'll just say, good boy Stas.  And good luck with the rest of his recovery.  I know we all look forward to hearing more about Stas's progress too Big Grin

Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide

Auburn, CA
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28 October 2009
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2 November 2009 - 11:59 pm
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Hooray for the POOP!! That's funny how happy that makes us, good boy Stas! 🙂

For Raven the best thing was when I weaned down the painkillers. Some dogs just can't deal with the pink elephants and are happier dealing with a bit of pain and having their senses clearer.

Glad to hear the good report. smiley4

Dawn

 Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from.  raven.tripawds.com

Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com.  miles.tripawds.com


Member Since:
22 August 2008
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3 November 2009 - 9:44 am
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Welcome Christina!  I used to live in Pewaukee, WI before we moved out west and I often miss Summerfest and Packer games.  Do you have snow yet?

Your dog should get stronger every day but he does need to use different muscles to walk now and he will have to re-learn some things.  Most dogs are doing great by the time the sutures come out.  Depending on the weather he may benefit from some booties to help him in the snow this winter.

Pam

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