Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello All. I am new to Tripawds, today is my first day posting. My dog Ella is going to have her front leg amputated one week from today (September 8th) and I am nervous about the pain she is going to have. I have been reading through post and recommended pain meds and I am not sure that the vet is going to give Ella all that she needs? It is a new surgeon and I don't know him aside from our one consultation, he was highly recommended but I am still nervous!
Ella has already been through 4 previous surgeries (TPO on both hips and TPLO on both knees) and for all of those surgeries she was on a pain patch. This surgeon is not putting her on one- is that okay? She is already on pain meds (Tramadol and Rimadyl) so I was thinking maybe that is why?
The pain meds he is planning to prescribe to Ella are Previcox 227mg, Tramadol 50mg (she's already on). Is this enough?? How do I know if they are going to give her enough pain meds when she is recovering there.
They are not putting her on any nerve blockers that I know of, is this okay?
Antioboitics being prescribed- Cefazolin 100mg and Cephalexin 500mg
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I just want to make sure everything is being done correctly and Ella recovers as gently as possible! Of course the surgeon is on vacation up until the day of her surgery so I can't even speak with him until that morning.
Thank you,
Angie
I think each vet treats pain a little differently. Trouble was on the patch while she was at the clinic, but the day she came home the patch was removed. She was on Tramadol and Rimadyl for a couple of weeks following surgery. They took her off the Tramadol after about a week, but it was a little early, she wasn't doing as well, so after a day without, she was back on it for another week.
You will find lots of other variations by members here. In my opinion, what is right is what is best for youand your pet.
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.
As Shanna pointed out, you'll see varying types of pain meds on our dogs. My dog had a pain patch prior to surgery and after surgery. Was on Tramadol and Gabapentin before and after surgery as well. Oh and Deramaxx after surgery for a bit. The pain patches helped her alot but unfortunately they sure don't last long given their price! The Gabapentin was also a godsend for Maggie prior to surgery with a REALLY bad night of pain.
Good luck and thinking of you and Ella next week. I see you're quite close to me(I'm in Maine).
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Chloe was on Rimadyl (75mg, chewables, more like asprin) and Tramadol (50mg, heavy duty stuff) and only needed the meds for the first couple days. The Tramadol made her drool a bit more than usualy because I think it had more of a numbing effect than the chewables. Just use your judgement on her pain levels. I didn't give Chloe pain meds when she seemed fine because they interacted with her antibiotics and made her eat less.
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Sounds like a perfectly normal prescription for post op pain meds. Dogs are very resilient, and most can the pain better than the side effects from most medication. Check out our video interview about pain medication with Dr. Waldman for another professional opinion.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would make sure not to give the Previcox at the same time as the Rimadyl since they are both NSAIDS and together could ulcerate her stomach. My preference is to use the Fentanyl patch (I put it on at least 12 hours prior) and we also use an MLK drip (morphine, lidocaine, ketamine) during and after surgery. I have also seen dogs recovering much faster and smoother if they are given gabapentin for at least 1 day prior to surgery and continuing for at least 1 to 2 weeks post-op.
Your vet may choose to do thing differently but I do not think it is unreasonable to have him/her explain their choices.
Pam
Thank you for all the information everyone. I'm really not feeling comfortable with the pain meds that the surgeon is prescribing and NOT prescribing to Ella. I am not sure what I should do because he is on vacation up until the morning of Ella's surgery so I can't speak with him.
I just pulled up the Previcox website and saw that it said "Previcox should not be prescribed if the dog is already taking another brand of NSAIDS". Now I really have lost faith in the fact that the surgeon is paying attention, Ella has been on Rimadyl since April. So it sounds like him prescribing her Previcox could actually be somewhat risky?? It also said that it should be started before surgery which he is not doing? I am just so confused and worried!
The ladies at the front desk of the hospital are getting a little sick of me I think because I have called a few times and asked questions. I am going to call again even if they hate me for it and see if maybe there is a surgical assistant or someone that I can talk to? I don't want to be annoying or too pushy but I just feel so lost with all this. I just want to understand what is going on with Ella!
Thanks again.
Angie
we have no knowledge of pain meds that hasn't been surpassed by the excellent posts so far. BUT we do suggest, if you have questions or concerns call the vet. if the vet is not responsive or if the folks at the front desk are 'fussy' then to me that would be a red flag about that clinic. you are paying their salary, you are their customer. your main concern (and rightly so) is ella. ella should be a primary concern for them too. maybe a vet tech at the clinic, or another veterinarian is available for info, but don't be 'put off'... i guess our vets are used to seeing 'that ms. coonfield' coming, and they are always more than willing to answer questions etc. good luck. don't stop asking until you understand and are comfortable with the information you've received. hugs to ella.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Thank you for the words of encouragement! I called the hospital that is doing Ella's surgery and the lady I spoke to at the front desk was very nice and understanding. I don't know who I was speaking with before but I am so glad I got this person, made me feel a lot better! I told her my situation and that I was very worried and really needed to speak with someone knowledgeable and if I had to I'd pay for another consultation. She ended up having one of the surgical assistants call me back whom was also very patient with me, phew!!
They are going to do a pain patch which makes me feel a lot better- I am going to have my vet administer it the day before which will also save me some $. The hospital wanted to charge me $214.00- last time I bought the patch at Walmart I think it was less than $50.00 it's been a few years but still!
Also as far as the pain meds go the are NOT going to give her the Previcox. They said that it was an oversight and she definitely should not be given that if she has been taking Rimadyl. So as far as pain meds go they are just going to keep Ella on Tramadol & Rimadyl since she's already on them and if she still has pain then they will prescribe gabapentin.
Thank you everyone for all the information and educating me. I definitely feel a lot better and can breath easier now that I know exactly what is going on and was able to take control and ask the right questions. Ella thanks you too. Knowledge is power!
Angie
Whew! See, there are a lot of people out there who wouldn't have been so thorough. You win the Doggie Advocate Award! Bravo!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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