Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We had such a great day yesterday. Belle was up and around giving everyone kisses, we even had our first visitor! This morning she is very lethargic and will not go out to go potty, no kisses to be had for anyone 
. We had a good night with only about 1/2 hour of the pacing and panting, so I was do expecting a good day. Is some depression normal? We are suppose to have some special visitors today, but now I am wondering if I should cancel. It is so hard for me to see her like this!
Shari
Belle's Mommy
I'm not a vet, but it is possible Belle just had too much excitement yesterday and is a bit sore. Four days is still very early on and they continue to adjust for a few weeks, building their strength and learning their tolerances.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I'm not a vet either but today is day 9 after Dylan's surgery (left front amp) and like Belle, Dylan is the same way. Some days he more up and playful and then the next day tired, more lethargic. They say depression is normal. The meds probably add to that also. Today is Dylan's 2nd day off the meds. I think he's feeling it.
Keep positive. From all I have read on the forums, this is normal.
Sending good thoughts your way. Belle is adorable!
Helen Marie
Dylansmom
She is laying on the pool deck now, so at least she has gotten up and moved. Still con't convince her to go out in the grass to pee. The company we are to have today is someone that through this last year. They are bring me somethings that helped Johnny the last couple he was with them. I haven't seen them since johnny passed away a couple months ago, not sure I am ready for any emotion today, I made it all the thur yesterday without one tear.
Thanks to everyone for helping us thur this, not sure I would be this stable without you guys!
Shari
Belle's Mommy
Agreed, it's not uncommon for dogs to have ups and downs so soon after surgery. Try to put yourself in her paws, four days after surgery is not a long time. Many dogs need at least two weeks to get their spunk back.
If she is eating and drinking and eliminating, then I wouldn't worry but to be on the safe side call your vet to let them know what's going on if her lethargy continues. Your visitors might be just what she needs to perk up but use care not to let her overdo things.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I agree with everyone else, 4 days post-op is VERY early in the recovery process. If one of us had a limb amputated, we would still be laying in a hospital bed with a morphine pump!
Let Belle go at her own pace. The recovery process is not linear... there may be some good days with some slower days mixed in. You can expect week by week process, not necessarily day by day.
Overall it sounds like Belle is doing great so far. Try not to be discouraged by the little set backs. She'll be up and running before you know it!
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Feel so much better, I finally convinced her to go out and potty. She has quite a bladder! She just keeps looking at me with those sad lab eyes and I feel so guilty doing this to her even though I know it was the right decision
Shari
Belle's Mommy
Glad your Belle is feeling better now. It's an up and down journey, for sure. But hope you have more ups than downs...hold tight to your knowledge that this was the right decision. That will get you through the tough days.
Maggie seemed so unhappy after surgery that I convinced myself I had done the wrong thing. Mag had her surgery before Tripawds was here so we went it alone. She took her own sweet time to find herself, but she did. As others have said, 4 days is really early. She sounds like she is on the right track- you will get there!
Karen and the pugapalooza
As others said, it's normal for them to seem depressed. Our Abby was a very kissy happy girl, but not during her recovery. She seemed so sad and wanted to be alone! The only thing that would perk her up was visitors. Your pup will come around! Hang in there!
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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