Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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hi there, duds is 1 week post (right rear) surgery. he seems to be doing really well. but he does this weird thing where he bolts under a table or into a closet and sits there and stares at me. wondering if this is phantom pains? anyone have experience with this? thanks so much!
I can't tell you if it's phantom pain or not. What meds is he on? Maybe that is the cause? Otherwise, I'm happy to hear that he is doing well.
Hi Dudley's pack,
Welcome to tripawds. Tell us more about Duds- why amputation? What kind of pup is he?
My pug Maggie did not have phantom pain issues, but she did freak out on tramadol. She was very agitated and would not sleep, she seemed scared of something. Sort of sounds like what Dudley is doing. Many pups here have had similar reactions to narcotic pain meds. What meds is he on?
From what I have read here phantom pain seems to involve yelping or crying. Dudley sounds like he is scared.
Of course if you have concerns you should call your vet, I'm sure you have made quite a contribution to them with Dudley's surgery!
Karen and the pugapalooza
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Sudden outbursts are indeed an indicator of phantom pain . If you haven't already, be sure to review the tips for managing phantom limb pain in dogs in the Tripawds Downloads blog .
Thanks for joining! We too are looking forward to finding out more about Dudley. Since you started a blog, that's a good place to easily share photos. (Once you publish your first post we'll announce it here in the forums.)
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
thanks for all the replies...today, he seems much better. hasn't acted strangely at all.
dud's is a cocker spaniel. about 4 weeks ago, we noticed he was limping and very quickly he stopped putting his back right foot down. we worried and took him to our vet right away. they took x-rays, surgery to remove the tumour and send it for tests....
the pathology report first came back as an unclear diagnosis....osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma or histeocytic. so, we took him to a specialist and they confirmed the unclear results and highly recommended amputation to take away his pain and the local cancer.
we did the amputation last thursday (one week today!) and i'm so glad we did. he is recovering really well and hopping around like a pro.
we also received the bad news today that they did further pathology testing on his leg and can now say that it is histeocytic sarcoma. this was worst case scenario for us...as the prognosis doesn't seem good and further treatment doesn't seem to make much of a difference based on what we are reading.
so...now it's just watch and wait. and hope that he's one of the lucky ones that will be ok b/c of the surgery.
So sorry about the news. Regardless of his official prognosis, just enjoy the time you have with him now. Really that is all any of us are doing with treatments, just buying time. So enjoy every moment you can and be thankful for every new day you get with him. We are all here for you no matter what happens down the road!!!
-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
Hey Dudley, welcome to the Tripawds club. We don't get too many Tripawd Cockers here so you're one original dude! Your size will be a big help as you recuperate and learn to live on 3.
As for the prognosis...prognosis schmognosis. Remember that these are just best guesses based on statistical evidence that have little to do with you as an individual, your heredity, your diet, etc. Many pups with cancer have beat the odds and nobody can explain why. All we can do is hope for the best and live life to the fullest, every day we have together. I know you can do it!
We'll follow along on your adventures, so keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to Tripawds!!! Sorry to hear of the diagnosis but, as others have said, forget the prognosis, it's all a guessing game with a lot of luck thrown in. Some dogs beat the odds and you should always live with the belief that yours is one of the lucky ones-it sure helps with the staying positive approach. We all are very aware on this site that there are no two ways about it, CANCER SUCKS. You have already helped Dudley immensely by removing the pain so now get on to enjoying life day by day.
As for the "phantom pain "...I'm pleased to hear that he hasn't experienced anything recently. Tai did the same sort of thing as Dudley. About a week after her operation she started scooting like she'd been shot in the butt by something. Usually it was accompanied by a short yelp but not always. We had already taken her off of Tramadol due to the weird side effects she was suffering so I couldn't blame that. I put it down to phantom pain and the fact that the nerves needed to recede. If it persists there are some drugs that the Vet can prescribe. Fortunately Tai didn't need it but lots of members on this site have great information on that.
It sounds like Duds is well on his way to showing you just how awesome Tripawds are. Prepare to be amazed.
Laura and Tai Dog
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Hi Dudley and family,
I'm sorry to hear about Dudley's prognosis but want to add my agreement to the others in saying do not pay attention to the prognosis. Our dogs live for the here and now. Dudley is too happy living now to worry about what the future holds. Build up memories and cherish your time together.
Debra and Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Welcome to the family. Gus had phantom pain and when it hit he sounded like he was hit by a car at first. It started about 5 days post op and lasted about 4 weeks,but the attacks got milder as time went on. Gus also didn't get along with tramadol, and when the phantom pain started we got him on Gabapentin which I think helped hide some of the pain away, but he still got it. Other than that sounds like your having good luck,don't be afraid to ask anything here, experince gives the best answers,paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Hi Dudley and people,
Welcome to this club, the people and dogs here are great, the reason we are all here together is not. This is such a supportive and amazing group that you will be happy to meet them regardless! I love cocker spaniels so I look forward to pictures.
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
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