TRIPAWDS: Home to 22971 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Banksy’s Tactical Tripawd Healing Strategy

Banksy shares his Tripawd healing recovery story
Banksy the Tripawd

Are you facing amputation for your dog or cat? Curious about what Tripawd healing looks like? You’ve come to the right place.

Last month during our Tripawds Hoppy Hour gathering, we were joined by Banksy’s mom, Mary Yuter, RN, of Heart to Soul Cardiac Wellness. She offered a ton of great input to everyone. Mary kindly offered to write this guest blog post based on Banksy’s amputation experience. We know you’ll learn as much from her as we did!

Banksy’s Tactical Tripawd Healing Strategy Post Amputation

Mary and Banksy.
Mary and Banksy.

Hello, Tripawd families!

We were lost and without guidance after our new rescue puppy had to have his front leg amputated after being hit by a car. From our trauma and struggle, and using my knowledge as a cardiac ICU nurse who believes in holistic healing and homeopathy, I wanted to share our tactical recovery strategy for our dog Banksy’s amputation, in the hope that it will help to support other Tripawd families.

Ambulation after Amputation

Banksy had to have his front leg amputated. As an interim to help him walk and toilet post op, we used a towel as a sling, which worked just fine. It is important to get them up and ambulating as they can and within comfort, to prevent clots. After that, let them have lots of rest and plenty of hydration. We put the radio on soft classical music and that has served as a catalyst for his naps now.

Banksy's Tripawd pain relief story
Banksy’s mom had to manage his excessive pain.

Banksy’s Pain Control for Amputation

He had a lot of pain, and we found post amputation pain goes largely unaddressed. One surgeon wanted to prescribe an antianxiety medication, which first, was not addressing the pain, and secondly, was addictive and would have to be tapered before discontinuing. We declined that and started researching.

We discovered the wonderfully supportive Tripawds site, and in one of the pain management articles, “Prevent, Avoid and Treat Pain in Tripawd Dogs and Cats,” found out about a medication called Amantadine.

Amantadine is a med used for Parkinson’s patients and helps to disconnect errant brain to peripheral nerve messages. After the first pill, he was a new guy. This, combined with Gabapentin to stop the nerve root pain, worked very well for pain management.

Gabapentin makes them drowsy, (side effect) so take care in ambulating them if they have had Gabapentin, and ensure they are supported. Carry your Tripawd up and down steps, if you can.

After his dressing removal, we noticed a lot of seizure-like activity or large twinges at his amputation site, and that is when he would howl in pain. When he had those episodes he was still on Amantadine, we would give him one Gabapentin 100 mg, and that did the trick during his weaning. It was on an “as needed basis” instead of every x hours as prescribed to wean.

We weaned off the Amantadine first, then slowly off the Gabapentin, (from two pills to one every x hours) and occasionally needed a Gabapentin for yelps of pain. We started by decreasing his Gabapentin in the daytime, but kept his evening dose, so he could be pain free and comfortable through the night.

Tripawd dog amputation recovery
Healing is happening for Banksy!

Banksy’s Tripawd Nutrition and Gut Health

Because our new amputees have been on antibiotics for infection prevention, or for infection, their gut flora may be compromised. It is important to have good nutrition (good protein sources) for their tissue repair and healing, and gut support. This is the base of immunity.

In addition to his kibble, I added fish oil (1/2 tsp) for anti-inflammatory benefits.

Wounds are inflamed after injury. I scrambled an egg for his breakfast, with turmeric and a little black pepper (which makes turmeric bioavailable for the body). For additional anti-inflammatory support.

To help his gut flora, I added a heaping tablespoon of coconut yogurt to his meal for probiotics. This was to seed and populate the gut with good bacteria (which are killed off by antibiotics). Then I chopped half a date, which serves as a prebiotic to feed those good bacteria. Dates are antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and provide fiber to help with bowel movements.

Constipation can be a side effect from anesthesia and pain medications. The fiber was important and we had no problems.

I also gave him coconut water, ½ cup in the morning after breakfast for electrolytes. (Note: all of these tips are great to keep Tripawd parents healthy, too!)

Using BEMER PEMF Medical Therapy After Amputation Surgery

Banksy gets PEMF therapy after amputation surgery.
Banksy gets PEMF therapy after amputation surgery.

Just prior to his accident, I had been introduced to a pulsed electromagnetic field (Pemf) Class II medical device called BEMER.

BEMER helps the smooth microvasculature lining our arteries and veins to open. It increases blood flow, taking away cellular waste and toxins and increasing oxygenation. This helps our white blood cells move to injured sites such as a surgical wound for infection prevention. By creating an oxygenated environment clearing toxins, it creates an inhospitable place for microorganisms to thrive).

The BEMER is for humans, and they also have an equine model for horse recovery. BEMER is used by Navy Seals for recovery, pro sports teams and Olympic athletes. It is a medical device, and requires screening for contraindications and training upon receipt. This is only sold through distributors. It helped me so much, I became a distributor, because it helps my clients in my cardiac wellness program.

I used the BEMER on my dog OFF LABEL.

His amputation wound and his other wounds from the accident healed incredibly fast. For more information about the science behind BEMER, please see BEMER therapy on pubmed.gov and scholar.google.com.

If you would like to know more about BEMER please see my website www.hearttosoulcw.com. And feel free to email me if I can support you or answer any questions about it.

Tripawd dog running
Banksy’s all healed up!

Of course, the greatest healer is love!

Best wishes on your very special Tripawd journey!

Mary Yuter, RN
www.hearttosoulcw.com

Sharing is Caring!

7 thoughts on “Banksy’s Tactical Tripawd Healing Strategy”

  1. My dog just had surgery 2 remove her front leg 26 hrs. ago and we brought her home at noon 2day.
    She’s taking her meds in wet dog food and drinking ok.
    At 7pm was the first time we tried to take her out to pee using a sling made from a t- shirt. She couldn’t stand up at all and didn’t relieve herself.
    Should we b concerned about this since she’s barely 24 hrs. from surgery?

    Reply
    • Cathy, we are sorry your dog is in recovery mode and send all our love for a speedy recovery. At less than 24 hours out, this is totally normal if she is on good pain medication. IF you are concerned please call your vet. And join us in the Forums so we can help you better.

      Reply
  2. Hi!

    Thank you for sharing your recovery ritual.

    I rescued a 5 mo. old pug who was abused. Her front right leg was so badly broken 2 specialist told me that amputation is necessary for her to live a pain free life. I went to 4 specialist and the 1st 3 gave me all different answers so I promised myself that the 4th one would tell me which way I had to go. To say I was/am devastated is an understatement.

    I am familiar with back leg tri’s., but the front leg just scares the bageebee’s out of me. How will she walk, how will she play, what about the pain during recovery, will I know what to do, how will i react when she tips over, what do I need to buy so that we are ready when she has this done? these are just some of the questions that keep playing over and over in my mind. being very transparent, the cost of this is also very scary. I am on disability and have already spent a ton of $$ on specialist. I will sell everything I own to make sure she gets the life she deserves, no dog should ever be abused. She didn’t deserve this. She depends on me now to make sure the rest of her life will be good. I can’t let her down.

    Can you give me any suggestions? Talk me off the ledge? I am so sorry your baby fell on bad luck.

    I am so happy I found this site, I am hoping that I will meet people in the same boat and eventually I’ll be able to help the people who are in the position I am in tonight.

    Reply
    • Hi Donna. We are glad you found us and we are so sorry you and your pup are coping with this difficult situation. Rest assured, front leg Tripawds (especially smaller breeds) can do great on three legs! Come visit our Discussion Forums where our entire community (including pug moms) can better help you with detailed suggestions and support. Also see our What to Expect articles for extra reading.

      Reply
    • Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am having my 7 month old Doberman LF leg removed Tuesday due to a traumatic shoulder injury before we got him.

      I personally am a ball of anxiety , wondering if we are making the correct decision

      Reply

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG