Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My foster dog (2 or 3 year old island dog) came to be with me in mid September. In July, she had a right hind amputation (and her owner didn’t want her back). I live on a boat (in the West Indies), and she’s been adapting wonderfully. Better than most 4 legged dogs!
However, in October we had a day of “episodes”. By “episode”, I mean she screams/yelps for a few seconds intensely/disturbingly (it sounds like she’s dying), and tries to “get away” from (??) basically nothing. Nothing is touching her when these episodes hit. She’s usually resting, but not asleep. She then looks distressed, doesn’t want cuddles, and doesn’t offer kisses (very unlike her). She never licks or points towards her amputated limb (or anything else).
So, the day in October, she had like 4 episodes in a day. For 24 hours after that, she slept on our bed, looking depressed. Then, she was fine. Now, yesterday (12/4/20), she had one more completely random episode. I called her back to our bed, and she climbed onto it by herself and wedged herself between our pillows. She spent the rest of the day there and only came down to get her dinner. She’s giving me kisses again, but she’s not her happy, tail wagging self. I have no idea if this is phantom limb pain or not, but I’m starting to think it could be.
The vet who did the amputation and runs the animal hospital on this small island seems to shrug it off, suggesting she's being a drama queen and just wants attention (which is what she DOESN'T want during these episodes). They (the clinic) do the best they can with what can be had here on this tiny island, but anything beyond basic veterinary care is probably not going to be possible. I'm not sure how to help phantom limb pain or if it even IS phantom limb pain. It's hard to get a video because it's completely and totally unpredictable, with the yelping only lasting a few seconds. Thoughts...
?
I'm so glad you posted here so that Dr. Pam our fairy vet mother can give her input. I know that in a situation like yours it can be tough to manage something like this but stick around, we'll help you figure something out!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That is very late to have phantom limb pain but it does not mean she has not tweaked a nerve or muscle. Tripawds have to get used to using their body differently so sometimes they overdo things. This does sound like nerve pain of some sort so see if your vet will prescribe gabapentin and maybe an NSAID such as Rimadyl/Deramaxx/Metacam. They might need to do an exam first.
Pam
Pinched nerve is possible as she did take a tumble recently down our companionway stairs. I did read another article that had a piece that described her behavior pretty well, though...
"Owners also reported changes in their pets’ behavior in the first three to six months after amputation. Changes included reduced activity levels, reduced playfulness, a negative emotional state, decreased participation in family life, a loss of appetite and reduced sleep. There was a decrease in their interaction with and friendliness towards other family pets and strange pets. Dogs showing these behavioral changes from three months to a year after amputation also tended to exhibit muscular twitching in the stump region, licking the stump, whimpering, yelping, restlessness, chewing the stump and scratching the stump. Additional symptoms that could be an indication of pain included tiredness, tachypnea and irritability. In about 10 – 20% of dogs there was an increase in aggression towards other animals and humans, both before and after amputation (Rosati et al, 2017)."
https://onlinep.....n-canines/
It's hard to get a baseline on "normal behavior" for her as I've only known her with these issues. 
There are days when she's bright, shiny, playful and others where she's just down and voluntarily spending time alone. She usually eats well, though right now she seems to not be a fan of her fish based diet that I'm cooking for her (she appears to have a possible allergy to chicken, and there are no chicken-less dog foods available - so I catch and cook her fish, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, oatmeal, and yogurt).
I love that you found the study with Dr. Rosati! That was based on Tripawds member experiences.
You are doing such a great job with her! And you can cook for us anytime 🙂
As for helping her with any pain issues, why not consider a long-distance rehabilitation therapy consultation with an expert like Dr. Torraca of Wizard of Paws? Pearl's people are having one soon (they are in Alaska). Since you're way out in the islands (jealous!), it seems like this might be the way to go to at least see how you can help her in your current location. Also, Canapp Sports Medicine also does long-distance consulting.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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