Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Karl is a front amp. And is 6 months post amp. He has recurring pain with panting, whining in the site of the amputation. Could this be Phantom pain ? He saw the vet a week ago, was doing better and today it came back.
Thank you, hate to see him in pain.
Hi - yes, I think it surely could be. What was the reason for Karl's amp? A cancer or injury?
Did he ever take Gabapentin? Was there any exam of the amp site area on this visit? Any diagnostic imaging? Poor guy - it is awful to hear them whine!
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Didn't do X-ray yet, per vet . Karl had Gabapentin after surgery and about 6 weeks after that. The amp site seems swollen more than previously. If it is phantom pain I'd suggest to the vet that we start back on Gabapentin.
Hopefully Dr. Pam will see this soon. Sending good vibes to you and Karl.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
I'm sorry he's feeling bad. What is his daily activity like? Is he doing too much too soon without being strong enough to do it?
I'd recommend a rehab therapist and pain management specialist if you haven't seen one already. There's so much more they can do to manage and get rid of the pain after it's controlled with medication. See our latest pain management post, there are good links at the bottom too:
Pain Signs in Cats and Dogs: Learn the Symptoms
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Nothing meaningful to say, but so sorry to hear that he is feeling pain. I guess your vet ruled out the possibility of infection or injury to the site. I wonder if it is a pulled muscle?
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Sorry to hear that Karl is in pain. I'd agree with all the suggestions above. Just one other idea, to maybe take a photo of the amp site each day so you can compare and see if there is any change, e.g. it's getting more swollen. You could maybe email them to the vet too. Do hope he's feeling better soon.
All best to you both,
Meg and Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
That is a long time to have phantom pain . I would look for a neuroma (abnormal growth of nerve tissue). It could also be a separate soft tissue/spinal injury or (hopefully not) OSA mets to the spine. I would put the dog on an NSAID such as Rimadyl or Deramaxx and if there is no improvement xray the spine.
Pam
Thank you so much everyone. Turns out Karl has anew mast cell tumor in the area of the amputation . When he had a fall onto the area it caused major pain. 24 hour emergency vet visit. ( yikes) . When he had his amputation done , he also had a mast cell tumor removed at the sme time. It certainly isn't good news. Another surgery is necessary.
Poor thing!
Glad you checked in and sorry to hear it is a MCT, but this certainly should be a much less significant surgery than amputation. Hope he comes out of it feeling much better. When will it be done?
Has Carl done any chemo post op? Perhaps talk to vet about Metronomic Chemo and/or Palladia (although it needs to be said, Palladia is expensive).
Best thoughts!
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Awww Karl! Sorry you have to deal with this.
Yeah, let us know more when you can. I know you have your plate full right now. Lots of spoiling to do too!!
We'll be sending lots a dd lots of good healing thoughts.
Lots of hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Darn! I'm so sorry to hear this. Karl, kick those little lumps to the curb OK? We know you can!
We have another Tripawds member who's fighting MCT right now, see:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, that stinks! One cancer is one more than any dog should have to deal with.
Do you know what the grade and mitotic index was for the first MCT that was removed?
The best treatment for MCTs remains surgical removal with lots of tissue to try for clean margins but because of health and age issues I went with less invasive surgeries when my both of my pug's cancer recurred.
Hopefully this is the last brush with MCT for Karl! Let us know when the surgery is scheduled.
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
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