Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My dog Lulu, about a day after her amputation, began having horrible bouts of screaming - not whimpering or yelping, screaming. I read on tripawds that it could be phantom pain so I asked the doc for gabapentin. She started it yesterday evening but has had 3 screaming episodes since. Just a half hour ago she had such a bad one that she but my hand hard enough to puncture the skin. I\'m just wondering if these violent screaming bouts are actually phantom pain ? We brought her back to the vet yesterday and he didn\'t seem all that concerned - even though he said he\'d never seen a dog scream like that. Now, after gabapentin, she seems to be whimpering more than she was, too.
Hello and welcome to Tripawds.
I'm sorry your having these issues with Lulu, it does sound a little like phantom pain
. I think it might take the gab a couple days to kick in? I didn't experience phantom pain
with my pug.
You might consider registering as a member, that way your posts will not have to be moderated (after the first one).
Hopefully one of our vet experts will be along soon to answer your question.
Karen and the pugapalooza
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Oh I'm so sorry! I agree, perhaps the gaba needs a day or so to start working? What other pain medication is she on?
It's so soon after surgery, she could also be withdrawing from the pain meds given during the procedure. I know it's really hard right now, but if this happens again you have to be a strong pack leader. Be tough, try not to baby her, because that tends to make situations worse. Be calm, tell her it will be OK, because I promise it will.
Call your vet if you are at all concerned OK? And please keep us posted. Why did she lose her leg?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
For some more non-vet input:
I sure hope either the gabapentin or time stops those screaming bouts quick! They are so heart-breaking. Yoda had them and I did come to assume they were phantom limb pain, but never tried getting him on gabapentin - by the time I found that info on here they were less frequent and then stopped. He had his over a period I think of only 3-4 days (it was less that a week for sure - but those days seemed sooooo long, of course). They peaked in frequency and intensity on like day 3 or so and then dropped off over the final day. I never witnessed them again for Yoda in the remaining 4 or so months he had. I haven't heard anyone here describe a similar pattern with phantom pain /screaming bouts though. Good luck!!!
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
I know how horrible those screams are! Lily had them for about 2 weeks-seemed like forever. When she started, we would all come running!! For us, they stopped when we took her off Tramadol-may have been a coincidence.
I hope that this stops soon-my heart goes out to you and Lulu.
Take care,
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
Gabapentin works best for phantom pain if started before surgery (before the pain centers are "wound up") but it still may be helpful. Your vet can add a drug called amantadine that also helps with nerve pain. I have used Fentanyl patches or a narcotic injection called Buprenex in some dogs but unfortunately some dogs just need time to heal.
Pam
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