Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi
I wonder if you can help. My Australian Shepherd, 6yo, bitch with osteosarcoma, had surgery 5 days ago and seems that she hasn't slept since... she just keep wondering around, completely restless. Occasionally will lie down and gets up soon after. She once cried in pain lying down, so maybe it's pain. She's normally good at kipping...
Help! Is this anxiety or pain?
She's had her left scapula and leg amputated...
Thanks so much
Hi there, I'm not a vet but I thought I would try to answer your question since this is a pretty common situation here. Our ebook and Required Reading List have lots of info about it.
What kind of pain meds is she on? Many dogs have reactions to pain medications like tramadol, which include signs like panting, whining and pacing. Oftentimes it's mistaken for pain. On the other hand, she might not be getting enough medication and that's why she's whining! It's a balancing act but it doesn't last forever.
The best way to handle this? Give your vet a call and ask about modifying the dosage to better suit her needs. You'll find that things will get better once you and your vet have a better grasp on how much or how little medication she needs.
Thanks for joining us. We look forward to hearing more about your girldog in our other forums! (Your future posts won't require moderation).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Maybe ask your vet about an anti-anxiety medicine along with the pain meds. Remy is on Xanax at night for his restlessness and it has really started working...he sleeps more comfortably.
Good idea dg!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks! It got really bad, so I took her to the vet this evening - they sedated her and at least she's now kipping. First time since the op.
I spoke to the surgeon who said that he'd expect her to have normalised by now... It was horrid to see her not sleeping and refusing to lie down.
She's on tramadol and rhymadol but I'll see how she is tomorrow, I'm tempted to see another vet who will give her a methadone derivative. I'm also booking her into a natural vet tomorrow to get her some acupuncture and homeopathy for her anxiety.
I'm trying to keep calm for her sake, but she's a very sensitive dog. Her boisterous baby (actually now 3 years old but acts like a pup) is away from us to keep Saffy peaceful, but I think I'll bring her back to see if that will calm her down.
Thanks so much!
Poor baby. She looks gorgeous. It sounds like she may have needed a bit more pain relief. Another opinion couldn't hurt.
Magnum had the benefit of extra strong pain killers for her first few days because she stayed 4 nights in hospital. When we brought her home she was on Tramadol and maybe Rimadyl (I can't remember! That's terrible of me)
I hope she starts to get more comfortable now.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Glad you saw the vet. What is kipping? I've never heard that expression before. Is that an Aussie thing?
Your instincts are right; if you're not happy with your vet's pain management choices, go see another. Always remember it's your right to get another opinion and make sure she is comfortable. Depending on where you are, pain management is a relatively new concept with domestic animals, so you may need to search to find a vet who is up on the latest meds.
Good luck. I hope you both get some rest (kipping?) tonight!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi
Thanks for the compliments on Saffy - yes, she's gorgeous and is actually a living saint.
It's just rotten that this could have happened to the loveliest dog in history. She is so loving, clever and loyal. A real softie but so capable. She's an obedience, agility girl and top Frisbee Champion in the UK and won her class at Crufts. Literally, couldn't get better than Saffy.
Sorry, I'm British, you sleep, we kip. Saffy did have a good sleep last night but this morning is again, really restless. I'm starting to think it's anxiety rather than pain, so am on the lookout for some anti-anxiety drugs. I think that she's just really clever and this has freaked her out. Hard to know if it's pain or stress though...
The surgeon this morning recommended I put her sedation tablets, but I'm getting second opinions.I don't want her to have 'locked-in' syndrome, that would cause too much stress. My other vet suggested Zylkene. Any views on this?
I've booked her in for acupuncture as well.
Seeing that she's so sensitive has made me completely rethink my very aggressive attack on this cancer - I'm now pondering ,perhaps we won't chemo...
Really appreciate your input! Lovely to have found a great support group.
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