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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Tomorrow is A-day
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Coldwater, MI
Member Since:
15 April 2014
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24 April 2014 - 8:25 pm
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It seems like today was worse than yesterday for Wooly.  I'm not sure if it's because he's trying to do everything on his own or if the meds they gave him have worn off...or maybe both. I'll definitely try to find a shirt for him.  He is a front leg amputee.  I called the vet's office to ask about his cough and was told that as long as it's a dry hack, it should be from the tube.  If it sounds congested or he has labored breathing, it could be pneumonia.  The vet was surprised that Wooly was already getting up moving around on his own.  I also asked about pain meds because we only received Deramaxx (NSAID), which I thought was crazy.  Originally, I was told that he would have a pain patch but apparently, there are new rules/regulations on obtaining them.  His wound is bruised and he is definitely in pain today.  I tried to move him over a little bit, onto his bed and he snapped at me. I feel so bad for him. Oh, the guilt is creeping up again. My poor boy.  I think he was glaring at me today, wouldn't give me a hug tonight.  I was looking for a rehab vet but found the closest one is more than 2 hrs away, which would be hard to manage but I might check into it.  One of the local vets started doing acupuncture about a year ago, I guess that might be an option too.  Whatever I can do to make it easier for him; he deserves to have a pain free, happy life.

 

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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24 April 2014 - 8:29 pm
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Yes, it IS crazy that he only got a NSAID, that's like a doctor giving a human patient a Tylenol after they get their leg amputated. mad It's not your fault, your vet obviously isn't up on pain management protocols. Be strong, take a deep breath and call your vet back and demand appropriate pain medication, at least Tramadol, and get specific instructions on how to use them. His behavior is a sign that he is in serious pain. We haven't heard of any dogs being denied a Fentanyl patch because of new regulations, that's news to us. I'm sorry he's hurting.

It's not that he doesn't want to hug you, he wants his space so he can heal. Remember, hugging is a human thing, dogs don't naturally hug even if it seems that way. He'll get there, he just needs time and pain relief.

But I'm sending a hug to YOU, hang in there!

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

Coldwater, MI
Member Since:
15 April 2014
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24 April 2014 - 9:18 pm
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I have tramadol, have had it for him for several months but didn't give him any until after I verified with the vet because I thought that maybe they had given him a long lasting shot (2-3 days) of something strong.  Actually, when I picked him up yesterday and saw that we had only received the deramaxx, I asked the tech about it.  She said she would double check with the vet who did the surgery and let me know but I never heard back from anyone.  So, I called again this morning and spoke with the other vet.  When he tried to fill a script for the fentanyl patch at the local pharmacy, because he didn't have any in stock, they told him no.  I'm not sure what the problem was in getting them from their distributor.  I've even had a hard time getting tramadol refills at the local pharmacies, even though it's NOT a controlled substance in Michigan.  I don't think I should've had to ask about pain meds for Wooly, it's ridiculous.  I don't know if they ASSumed I would know to give him the tramadol, including dosage and schedule.  I think the 50mg dosage that I was told to give him is low, I guess I'll just adjust it as I see fit, depending on how he is feeling.  He was on 100mg twice/day before.  These vets have been SO frustrating during this whole process.  Two vets in the same practice with two totally different views on everything. 

 

Virginia
Member Since:
14 March 2014
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24 April 2014 - 9:39 pm
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So sorry that you're dealing with vets that aren't helping the situation. It might be worth asking about Gabapentin for Wooly also. Lexie is on that, along with Tramadol, and it really helps. 

Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.  

Ohio
Member Since:
21 February 2014
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25 April 2014 - 8:24 am
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I am SO sorry that you are dealing with this! I cannot believe that they would just assume that you would know/think to give him the tramadol. They should have given you complete instructions. This is a major surgery! Of course the poor thing needs some meds! UGH! So sorry! Keep being a great advocate and keep on them about this! You're doing a great job hang in there!

Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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25 April 2014 - 8:52 am
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One of the hardest parts about going through this journey is learning how to advocate for our animals. Few of us have had to do that before. I understand your frustration, our first vet operated in a similar way (and he wasn't our vet for long after we learned he had dragged out our cancer diagnosis much longer than necessary).

You did great by asking about the Tramadol, good for you. As for a refill, I'm not sure why you're having trouble filling it. You can always try online pharmacies. When you do get it, remember that have every right to get instructions and proper dosages for the Tramadol. I can't tell you how much or how often to give the meds, that's your vet's job. If they're not doing their job, then it's time to start looking for a new vet.

I know it's a lot to deal with right now, and I don't want to overwhelm you, but if you find you're not getting the treatment and attention you're paying for, be strong, speak up and move on if necessary. Are there other vets in your town you can go to?

Here's a great book that we love, about learning how to advocate for our animals, called "Speaking for Spot." We learned so much from it, I think you will too.

Give Wooly a big smooch from us, we hope he has a better day.

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

Coldwater, MI
Member Since:
15 April 2014
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25 April 2014 - 9:44 pm
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Thanks for the support. Before moving, I went to a local vet in a very small town. He had the small town mindset and was good for the basics. I went there for years because he was five minutes from where I lived, convenient and affordable, which was a factor because I was unemployed. Looking back, I'm sure pets were euthanized much sooner than they needed to be, misdiagnosed. Since moving 5 years ago, I have seen 6 vets at three different locations. I won't go into a lot of detail, but there have been issues with most of them. I have learned to do my own research, ask questions and speak up for my kids. They don't like that. One of the vets that I see now, Dr V, made the comment to me a couple of months ago, "Oh Dorothy, I think given time anyone would disappoint you" in regards to vets. I was offended at first but then decided that she was right...because they just don't seem to care or want to take the time to do any research. They have a diagnosis in mind and they stick with it. I'll give one example. I was going to Dr B at a local vet's office. One of my dogs had a gag type cough, so I took her in for an exam. Dr B said it was probably allergies and her throat was irritated, said to give her some antibiotics for a couple of weeks. I asked if a chest xray should be done, she said there was no need. After causing the death of another one of my dogs, I stopped going there and started seeing another local vet, Dr K. My dog still had the gag a few weeks later, so I took her to the new vet. She did a thorough exam and said she thought it was mega esophagus due to her hypothyroidism and had the other vet in the office confirm this opinion. I again asked about a chest xray and was told it wasn't necessary. I was told to use a raised diner for her and to give her pepcid. A few weeks later, I took her back because she wasn't any better. This time, I demanded a chest xray. Dr K took me in the back room to show it to me...I knew it was going to be bad. Her lungs were completely white, filled with cancer. I was so upset, mad at them for not listening to me that I thought something was wrong and even more mad at myself for not demanding the xray sooner. That's just one story, there are others. Lately, I feel like I have to settle for the lesser of the evils and it shouldn't be that way. While Wooly was hospitalized, before they "found" the open fracture, Dr V kept telling me that Wooly was sad and miserable and dogs shouldn't be (she made it clear that she thought he should be euthanized). She said he didn't want to walk, when they would take him outside, Wooly would just lay down. Well, when I brought him home before his surgery, I took him off the appetite stimulant because his appetite was fine. His mood improved, he became more active. I decided to do some research on his meds, on their own and combined together. The appetite stimulant was mirtazapine, which is an anti depressant for people. It increases serotonin levels and when combined with other meds, like tramadol, can cause muscle weakness, lethargy and seizures. I was shocked. I asked her if she knew this and she said she had no idea. Gosh, I wonder why Wooly seemed sad and didn't want to move. There is a new vet practice not too far from here that I will be checking out. It's hard enough finding a new vet for regular exams, but it gets difficult when you have kids with major health issues, like Wooly, and he's not my only cancer child right now. So frustrating.

Tolland, CT
Member Since:
7 March 2013
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25 April 2014 - 11:27 pm
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Dorothy, I'm just catching up on Wooly's story after being knocked off the internet for the last week. I have to say, I think you've got great instincts on behalf of your kids! I'm sorry you've ended up in areas where the bottom-half of the vet class sets up practice, but just keep voicing your thoughts and concerns and finding new vets. I've been very fortunate to have had the same primary care vet for over 30 years. He's not threatened by second opinions or requests for specialists, and has been open to therapies outside the realm of what he learned in school. I would trust him with my life. I think we've built a strong partnership over the years and when I hear about other pawrents who don't receive the proper care for their kids or the proper respect, or the recognition of pain, I'm shocked. Just keep asking and pushing. My Roxie had an oncologist who is very dry and clinical, but whose warmth and sense of humor came out as the months went by after a rear-leg amp and chemo. Stinking rotten lung mets then led to a metronomic drug protocol. We quickly reached a point where the drugs made Roxie terribly sick and stole her energy, and, after a phone consult, I made the decision to stop. The onco argued, but when she saw Roxie after that weekend, she agreed and put her energy into supporting us through that last stage. You deserve the support of your vet team...maybe if you "invited" them to help you they wouldn't feel so unworthy. I kid, but maybe not so much.

You and Wooly have gotten through the worst - the surgery is behind you both. You've heard that these first weeks are exhausting and unpredictable. Try to take some time to sit quietly with that pack of yours and just b-r-e-a-t-h-e...and then get back to it. And rest when you can. You know you'll always find support here, no matter the question or your decision. And lots of prayers and good thoughts are out there for you all.

hugs, Liz and Angel Roxie Lou

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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26 April 2014 - 10:51 am
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Wow Dorothy, you definitely do your homework and you ARE a great advocate. I'm just sorry you've had such a difficult time finding a good, caring vet. They are definitely out there, I promise. You may like this other book by Dr. Kay, 12 Things to Expect from Your Vet (http://amazon.t.....-your-vet/).

My favorite place to find quality vets when a diagnosis is in question is at veterinary teaching hospitals. The relationship isn't as close since you're working many different students at times, but they are so young and bright and open to the pawsibilities that they don't hesitate to explore different options for treating what's wrong.

Oh here's another post about how to find a quality vet:
http://tripawds.....s-surgery/

How is Wooly today?
.

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

Coldwater, MI
Member Since:
15 April 2014
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26 April 2014 - 8:55 pm
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I think I need to order some books this weekend, learn how to deal with these frustrating vets. We didn't even get a follow up call after his surgery, find out how he's doing.

Wooly was doing well this morning but declined as the day went on.  He was up and about this morning/early afternoon, hopped across the building, went outside and came back in, without a break.  I put down a blanket for him just inside the door, thinking he could rest there for a few minutes, but that turned out to be a bad idea.  He laid down for a couple of minutes but then the blanket must've slid when he tried to stand because the next thing I knew, he fell and rolled onto his wound and then his back.  I felt horrible and I'm sure he was in pain.  He didn't do much the rest of the day, just laid down, licking his would.  When I checked it again this evening, part of the suture had come apart and there is a gap now.  So, I will have to call the vet in the morning, find out if it can wait until Monday or if he wants to see him tomorrow.  Poor guy, just as he was starting to feel a tad bit better, this happens.  I gave him an extra tramadol and tried to put a cold cloth on the wound, but he didn't like that at all.

I had some carpet remnants from my house and my neighbor's house so I laid pieces down, like runners, all over the place. Wooly seemed to like that; he's sleeping there now.

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