Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Crybaby had FHO surgery then complications with that caused him to have a leg amputation a month afterwards. Everything was good with recovering considering until maybe 8 weeks afterwards. He was asleep and woke up acted like something was attacking him in the amputated area. We spoke with the vet and started using Gabapentin after reading this blog. The vet suggested 2 weeks 1 doses every 12 hours then another 2 weeks with 1 dose every 24 then every other day until we got him independent. He just had a bad phantom limb pain attack as seen in this video. What can we do?
Welcome! And thanks for sharing the video. The symptom shown is similar to those presented by various other members' trikitties in this popular forum topic: Leg amputation freaking out post surgery need advice
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh...this is so ha4d to watch and I know itmleaves you so upset and feeling helpless.
You are on to a solution though with the Gabapentin, so know you are on the right track, okay? It is a little unusual for it to show up this far after amputation, but it does happen.
How long have you had him on the Gabapentin now? Had he had any doses of Gaba yet when this video was taken?
Our kitty expert will chime in and maybe come up with other observations. Hopefully the Gaba will take care of it. Can maybe try some GENTLE massage around the incision area.
Hang in there!
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!
Today marks one week of the single dosage prior to the 2 weeks of 2 doses a day. He had a dose the day before but we had not given his dosage for the day. We are also giving him a hemp + joint treat and salmon oil. In his remaining back leg he has a genetic hip dysplasia at under 2 years old.
Oh my, I'm so sorry crybaby is going thru this. This breaks our hearts to see him suffer like this. Has your vet seen this video? They need to see this! If they do not help you further, please find a new vet asap.
Sadly, we have had many members join with the same issue; here is one post that comes to mind here, and all our input with links is within it.
Willow was shot... how much trauma is too much?
We also posted for help in the Ask the vet site here too. You can read her response.
Gabapentin is the drug for this pain, but the dosage and timing need to be correct. What was his dosage? Was he doing well with no episodes on the Gaba 2 times a day? Sometimes a multi-drug approach is needed. Acupuncture is also helpful for this type of pain.
Do you have more Gaba? I would resume and call the vet today!
Also, traction in the home would be most helpful! If he hasn't already, he will get hurt on those slippery hard floors during one of these episodes.
If you do not get assistance, please find someone else a feline practice would know how to treat this pain. Feline Practice here in your area https://catfrie.....fessional/
& here is where to find a Pain Specialist in your area
https://ivapm-m.....sp?id=6052
Here is an entire series from Dr. Downing, a pain specialist.
Help Your Tripawd Live Better with Dr. Robin Downing
Please let us know how you make out with your vet.
Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins 💝💝💝
He was doing very well with 1cc every 12 hours. We did that for 2 weeks. This past week we did 1cc every 24 hours. At about 1 week of that dosage he had that episode posted in the video. We are starting him back on the 1cc every 12 hours as of yesterday.
Fantastic, you have the dose & time already that works for Crybaby. Yes, that's the proof it is needed. I'm so sorry you all had to go thru that.
I'm relieved you have some on hand & started again last night!
Hopefully, today is a much more peaceful day for Crybaby & the household!
Let your vet know what's going on, so you don't run low on the meds.
Keep us posted, please.
Chin scratches to Crybaby & your crew!
Hugs, Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
I hope Crybaby is having a good day, and you too. Holly gave you terrific input. Let your vet know and keep the meds filled so you don't run out. Sometimes phantom pain can creep up like this, even weeks after surgery. Hopefully the new medication dosing and schedule will help it go away. And also keep in mind that helping to get rid of phantom pain often takes a few different approaches like acupuncture and pain medication. Consider taking advantage of the Tripawds Foundation Rehab Reimbursement Program, which can pay for your first rehab visit .
Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all so much for caring and asking about him. Since we’ve went back to twice a day dosage he’s been back to normal.
Great mews!
You are welcome, and YES, we all care here!!!
We love hearing Crybaby is back to being comfy; no more episodes on the meds. What a relief!
Thanks for the updating!
Scratches & smooch to Crybaby, please.
Hugs, Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
Poor crybaby and so pleased he is back to normal again. I have a different problem with my tripawd who is also now on Gabapentin and the vet said if she needs to stay on gabapentin for life then its fine. So I just wanted to say don't despair if you can't wean him off it (although cost is obv a factor in this too). Definitely worth seeing a rehab therapist too for more advice.
Is it common possibly because of depression that there would be a loss of appetite for a day?
Loss of appetite not eating as much or not eating at all? Missed one day would not eat any food?
Has anything changed as far as his food? Household? Could he have possibly eaten something w/o you knowing a toy, etc.?
I would try warming his foods or try different flavors, different textures of food. Even Gerbers baby food stage 2 meat-based only. Chicken and gravy, turkey and gravy, see if he turns his nose up to all offered?
If he does not want ANY of the food provided, I would phone the vet and have him looked at!
Is crybaby still on the Gaba 2 times a day & phantom limb pain is still controlled?
Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins 💝💝💝
Holly's asking the exact questions that are on my mind.
These appetite tips can help too:
https://nutriti.....g/appetite
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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