Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello,
My chi had his front leg amputated due to abuse prior to me rescuing him. (brief history on him- he was used as a bait dog in a pitbull fighting ring, he lost one eye & his remaining eye is blind.. I am not sure if this is playing a role in his recovery, but figured you all should know.)
We are 2 weeks post op Monday, he was doing great the first few days, he would get up and walk a bit. Then the beginning of last week he would scream in pain even when he was sleeping in his bed. He then started to not get up and move, he would scream and stiffen up. He wouldn't let you even touch him. So I brought him into the vet and she kept him for about 4 days last week. She stated that he has nerve issues and that is causing him pain. He had his shoulderblade and front right leg removed. They have him on multiple medications now: tramadol, prednisone, gabepentin and a sedation pill. He still wakes up screaming. Today he finally got up on his own to go potty and he tipped over. Is this normal for this to happen a few weeks after surgery? I feel like I have been reading amputees being better after a few days.. and my dog has gotten worse.. 🙁
This is seriously heartbreaking and I could use all the help I can get.. whether it is help on what to do, or even just support with stories of your experience.
Thank you!
Hi CiscosMommy, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
I know this is stressful for you, I'm so sorry
It sounds like your vet has a good grasp on pain management but other than the medications is s/he recommending rehab therapy? I would really seek out a referral for that. Things like dry needling acupuncture and rehab therapy massage and exercises can help alleviate pain and help him get his balance back. There are many reasons why this could be happening and a rehab vet is the best person to address the causes.
For more information about post-op pain, see this post about post-op pain management
http://tripawds.....ment-tips/
and for more info on rehab therapy see:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, CiscosMommy:
If he has nerve pain, and it sounds like he does, the Gabapentin could take a few days to reach full effect and give him full benefit. Nerve pain does sometimes happen a few weeks into recovery. With a sedative on board, too, it is probably impacting him a little in finding his new balance (the tipping over).
Jerry has given some really good advice on consulting a rehab vet. But hopefully, you will see continued improvement from the new pain med regime, too.
Good thoughts for Cisco and you!
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.
First of all, I am soooo glad Cisco has found such a loving furever home with you! What a special bo d you two will jave...already have
You are not alone, okay? You'll get this figured out and see Cicso's sparkle come back soon!
Before I forget...if you have hardwood floors, cover them with non slip scatter rugs for traction .
The Gabapentin should help if he is experiencing phantom limb pain. That's when the nerves are firing off signals to a let that is no longer there. It comes on quickly, the dog usually lets out a loud yelp and tries to run away from the pain. It comes quicly and leaves quickly, but often the dog is shaking and tense for a few minutes after.
A very gentle massage around the Incision area may bring him some relief. Very gentle massage up aand d xown his spine and around his neck before he gets up may help release the stress and strain in his muscles.
As far as tipping over...a combo of the pain meds, the sedative /and sometimes the Gabapentin can have a sedation effect) and not having any eyesight may indeed make him feel woozy and weak and lose his balance.
Geez! Poor guy!
Okay, there is one more thing to consider. I'm going to find the link to a thread started by a dog named Ollie. It will be self explanatory. It involves the rare ocassion where the surgeon had to go back in and and actually do surgery on a nerve ending that was causing horrible pain. I'm just throwing this out there as something to discuss with your vet if this pain continues.
HANG IN THERE! STAY CONNECTED TO US! We all understand how stressful this up a d down recovery can be for a couple of weeks. You and Cisco will get through this. You two were meant to be together! And yes, some dogs seem to recover fairly well arpu d the two week mark, and there are just as many who take longer. It was three weeks before I coukd finally say I did this FOR my Happy Hannah and not TO her!
Would love to see more photos of this precious Soul! I'm already head over heels in @ove with this courageous pup. Thank you for showing him what love feels like a d what happiness is! 🙂
PLEASE keep us updated! We'll be watching for it and help you in anyway we can.
(((((((((((((((((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!
Here's the link on Ollie. http://tripawds.....n/page-13/
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!
Oops....Here's the link starting with page 1. http://tripawds.....mputation/
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!
Thank you everyone for your replies and inspiration. I was finding myself feeling really down about all of this and the pain that he is in.
He has an appointment tomorrow to get his stitches out.. so I will update you all in regards to what else I find out.
He started his Gabapentin & Acepromazine on Friday. Also is taking Tramadol & Prednisone.
Hi, I thought of something after I left the chat room ......not that this will do anything for his nerve pain, but after you get that figured out, I was thinking of a thunder shirt to maybe make him feel secure while he's dealing with recovery and loss of eye sight. Good luck at the vet's tomorrow - paws crossed that she finds a solution.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Oh, his story just breaks my heart. I'm so glad he's found a home with you!
My Jack had a lot of trouble with pain after the surgery and had reactions that sound similar to Cisco's. It took a while for us to figure out that she was also having muscle spasms and adding a muscle relaxant to gabapentin and the other pain medications made a world of difference. Do you see any signs of spasms?
dobemom said
I was thinking of a thunder shirt to maybe make him feel secure while he's dealing with recovery and loss of eye sight. Good luck at the vet's tomorrow - paws crossed that she finds a solution.Paula and Nitro
This just reminded me of Cora's story, one that could sound familiar to you. See:
Tripawd Tuesday: Cora’s Miracle
and
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello everyone !
Just wanted to post an update on Cisco's post op appointment and suture removal.
He did great! He didn't cry one bit.
Miraculously- he was up and walking in the vet office. He only screamed once and I think it was because the vet tech came up and startled him while the vet was holding him.
Crazy thing is.. He five mins prior to the appointment would not even get up and was screaming. The rest of the night however he's been up and walking and chewing on bones.
Fingers crossed that it stays that way !! I am so happy 🙂
Maybe one of the staples was bothering him? Here's hoping that is all it was and you now see improvement!
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.
Yeah I like the staples theory! So glad to hear he's feeling spunkier. Paws crossed for more hoppiness!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm rooting for the staples pinching him....and better days ahead!
Yeah!
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.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR CISCO!!! :-):-) Thanks so much for the update! We are all so relieved for Cisco...And you!!
Stitch removal, Gabapentin, ...something is working a d that's GREAT news!! This little guy really deserves ato break. I am so glad he has found the best human in the world to love him...and that he can love back!
We had another tripawd here who was blind and he did very well managing on three legs too!
Hope we can see pictures of this cutie soon!
Love!
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!
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