Hi Karen,

Thanks for writing. I've been speaking with my vet and I was told to reduce the pain meds. He was on 2x300 mg every 8 hours. Now I am meant to give that dose every 12 hours. She said that him still eating/drinking was a good sign, but that if things continue down this path, I should likely bring him in. I am to report back later today. And while it's true he's still eating/drinking, it's not with the same vitality/enthusiasm as he used to even recently. On the bright side, he did poop. His affect is off as well. Like he's really depressed. And who could blame him? 

He mainly knuckles his left hind foot. He seems really weak back there - like he's got no strength to stand (that or it just hurts?). He was knuckling when I went to pick him up the day after surgery. I've seen him knuckle after general anesthesia previously, so I wasn't too surprised or concerned. And then he seemed to be over it - only to have it return, which is so disheartening. 

Hi Sally,

He was on Metacam (finished it yesterday) and gabapentin. That's it. I'll talk to the vet now about this and see if i can get a prescription for deramaxx.

Thanks so much for all the help!!! I'll keep you posted.

Thanks Jerry. So we went to two clinics yesterday - the first where he had his amputation and then they sent me to another, larger clinic for a second opinion. Consensus? Collective shoulder shrug on their part. They have no idea. They don't think it's a herniated disk (they felt all the way down his back and he didn't react at all). They think it's just that he's an enormous dog, recently after an amputation, and whose spine and single front leg are doing extra hard work these days. They gave me a new prescription of metacam and he's to continue with the gabapentin. He is still eating and drinking, so at least that. So the best I can do is bring him food and water, give him his meds, and keep him company. We are currently in the back yard - him on multiple comforters and under fake fleece saddle pads. It's been an unusually cold, windy, raw, rainy Spring out here in Eastern MA, which is a pity. I had hoped he'd be able to spend more of his recuperation outside, rather than cooped up inside. I just hope he turns a corner soon!

Hi again, Yes, these big dogs certainly do need more time it seems. I just feel so helpless. I wish I could figure something out to help. I genuinely appreciate all the kindness and support. 

Hi Jerry, Oddly, no, none of the vets have recommended therapy for him. A friend of mine suggested it and I was about to ask if anyone knew of anyplace out my way. I'd be delighted to send you my address - and thanks for going through the trouble to look this up for me!