Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Rose is 13 days post surgery and she is doing well. In the mornings she is full of energy and hops along for about a 5 minute walk to do her business and then right back inside. She wants to walk more but I'm so fearful we will get far from the house and then her leg will hurt and she won't be able to make it back home. When I stall her walk she goes right back inside and lays down on her bed where she stays until the next time I walk her. Yesterday I let her walk around the den but she jumped up on a 9" high (which is short really) ottoman and I freaked out. She didn't seem to have any trouble getting up or down on it but I fussed at her and made her go back in her pen.
I know I need to chill and let her be a dog. But, I don't want her to get hurt either. She seems depressed. Her wound looks completely healed. Thursday she gets her stitches removed and I'll make an appointment with the rehab specialist.
I am still giving her 100 mg Gabapentin twice a day and that makes her sleep most of the day. I think I will cut it down to just once a day tomorrow night so she can have a good night's sleep. She probably doesn't need it at all but I don't want her to be in pain. She has trouble getting comfortable - going from one dog bed to another sometimes - which makes me think she is in pain. But, maybe she isn't. Maybe she is just bored to death. She is usually a very active crazy dog. I feel so awful for putting her through this and it wasn't even cancer. Rosie needs rehab and I'm going to need counseling!
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Hi Jeanne! I saw you in the Tripawds chat earlier but you left too quickly. Feel free to stop by and stick around, I'm often there in daytime hours.
13 days post-op is not a long time at all. Try to put yourself in her paws. Most people would not be anywhere near their normal energy level two weeks after losing a limb, so we shouldn't expect that from our dogs either. Also keep in mind, that if it's warm where you are, that heat is also something that adds to the exhaustion.
Yes, it is normal for her to be tired, and the brain usually wants to do more than the body can actually do safely, at least for the first several weeks. In time she will build stamina and strength and rehab will show you how to help her do that. Until then, just keep things really mellow and introduce her activity back into her life in very limited quantities, a few minutes at a time, with plenty of breaks and rest.
You are doing a great job overseeing her activity and managing it so she doesn't overdo things. Yes, she is probably bored. Have you tried any interactive brain games to keep her mind busy? Games are more tiring than physical activity, and keep her engaged and sharp.
In time, her brain and body will come to an understanding. Don't feel bad that you had to make that amputation decision. As we say around here, this is something we do for our dog, not to them. You are helping her lead her best life, but it's not going to happen instantly.
As you've seen here, we recommend a rehab evaluation so you can know exactly how much activity is safe for Rose now, and in the future.
Thank you for the encouragement. I do need to let Rosie set the pace of her healing process - without having certain expectations. I am so happy the stitches come out tomorrow. I will get a rehab referral while I am there.
Any suggestions on vitamins and dog food that helps with mobility?
You are doing a great job with Rosie!
At this point in recovery I think it's better to be on the cautious side. It's so positive that you are not dealing with cancer- these few weeks will soon be in your rear view mirror, Rosie will get stronger and getting on with her life.
I second Jerry's suggestion of brain games. And they are not just for recovery, I play at least one game a day with my dogs- Elly the Tripawd and Callie the quadpawd.
Here is a video I made a couple years ago of just some of the games Elly has learned. Not only do they help with boredom but they help with building strength and balance.
It's great stitches come out tomorrow!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Jeanne! You are both going to be so thrilled when stitches come out. It's like a brand new chapter!
Have you seen these posts about joint support? You will learn a lot about how to help Rosie with mobility when you visit the therapist. No dog food or joint supplement will do that alone, it's up to you managing her activity and keeping her weight down. A rehab therapist can guide you on some ways to do that.
We can't wait to find out how it goes tomorrow with the vet visit!
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