Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our female Great Dane was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 1.5 weeks ago and had her front right leg amputated almost a week ago. She has also had one round of chem .
She did great the first 5 days after surgery; eating and drinking a little getting up to urinate several times a da . But for the last 2 or so days it's been a real struggle to get her up. She'll only urinate twice a day and barely eats more than a bite or two. Same with wate . She's even started recusing her favorite.
She's currently taking rimadyl and gabapentin, plus an antibiotic. I was really hoping things would get better each day, not better than worse.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
While you wait for input from Dr. Pam...
From what I've seen here over the years a seeming slump or setback in the 3 to 5 day range post surgery is not uncommon. The hospital meds are out of their system and they get tired from their new hopping gait. Also the pain meds can cause some sedation. She may also be having some pain- not eating and not wanting to move can be pain signs. It is also not uncommon to need a tweak to the pain meds or dosing schedule. Many pups here come home with two pain meds plus something like rimadyl. Be sure to talk to your vet about what you are seeing.
She could be also reacting to the chemo- how long ago did she have her first dose?
Don't get discouraged with this set back- it happens to most here, recovery can be bumpy with ups and downs along the way.
What is your girl's name? How old is she?
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Yeah, ditto everything Karen said. Basically it sounds like she had the chemo at surgery?? Aome Oncos do it then, many wait til second week. The chemo, tne surgery, the meds all combined could mhe causing this.
Drinking and peeing are important. Eating snd pooping may be off a bit. Chemo can add to the lethargy.
I would keep your Onco in the loop. It may be that she needs some IV fluids to,perk her up. Did the Bet give you anything for nausea like Cernia?? That could help, as well as an appetite stimulant.
Try chicken broth, even some water with a scoop of ice cream swirled in.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Obviously I'm not the Vet here. It may be a vit before she sees this, so do check with your Vet about fluids, anti nausea meds, appetite stimulant, etc. Rest, rest, rest!
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!
Hi and welcome. I'm sorry your girl is having a ruff time. It's a lot to go through, surgery and chemo, in such a short amount of time. Her body is likely tired and in need of some rest. But do keep your vet aware of these symptoms.
Just want to x3 the input that you've gotten already, and hope that your vet can help guide her through this rough patch. Oh, and you may want to ask about an anti-nausea medication. Her issues right now could be as simple as feeling nauseated and in need of some relief. I hope so! Let us know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Is she drinking? Did your vet do any bloodwork prior to amputation? Some dogs can have reactions to the pain meds that take their appetite away or cause nausea. Often your vet can add a medication for that. Check her gum color and check her incision site. Take her temperature if you can; it should be less than 102.5 at home. Hopefully your vet is open today; if not you may need to at least call an emergency clinic for advice.
PAM
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