Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Milo is officially a tripawd! Proceeded with the amputation today. Found an excellent orthopedic surgeon in my region who is collaborating with the vet hospital. We had a second round of x-rays both on the affected leg, chest, and abdomen. Interestingly enough, the imaging is not typical of osteosarcoma, we sent samples for a second biopsy to determine the type of malignancy. It may be a different type of sarcoma.
How are the first hours after surgery? He has woken up but is still on strong medication. He is mostly sleeping/lying with his eyes open and/or whining. From time to time it's like he's waking up from a nightmare and crying until we calm him down. It's heartbreaking but I think it's also expected after a major surgery like this.
Hi Vg, Just chiming in here to say congrats to you and Milo on entering Tripawd life! And bravo to you for advocating for him and getting to this point!
And yes, those first few days can be really rough. His discontent could be dysphoria (possibly in reaction to one of the surgery drugs) or it could be pain signals - it might be worth a chat to your vet about what you're seeing to get their read on things. My dog Juno had a dysphoric reaction to the anesthetic protocol that was used during her surgery - so if she ever needs to be anesthetized again, they'll use a different protocol.
What pain meds is he currently on?
It will be interesting to see how the biopsy results come back. In the meantime, sending care for you and Milo. 
Natalie & Juno (aka June)
Surgery is done and MILO is home!!!
Bringing a dog home the same day of surgery can be a little bit rough for the next 24 48 hours or so. Milo will be coming in and out of the anesthesia and maybe acting quite wacky for a bit. Some dogs are whiny and estless and some dogs May sleep it off better than others.....and some, like Milo, may so both! One of the advantages of a dog being able to stay at an overnight staff Clinic is that their humans don't have to witness some of this reaction.
I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry about this behavior eight now. . Just continue to try and comfort him and stay strong and confident.
What pain meds did Milo come home with and what frequency and dose. Is he on a Fentynal patch by any chance? Some come home with one, some don't.
For now, rest is the best rhing for him....although that may be easier said than done as he shakes off the strong hospital meds/anesthesia,
Drinking and peeing are important....eating and pooping g may be off a bit.
Remember, Milo just had MAJOR surgery and his recovery needs to be at his own pace. Roght now you might question what have you done TO Milo? Soon you will be cheering for the fact that uou did this FOR Milo!!
Stay connected! We'll help you navigate through recovery and celebrate every milestone as he recovers.
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!
WOOHOO! YAY MILO! So happy the big day is over. Now you are on track to heal and get strong. You've got this!
Yep, that first night you bring a new Tripawd home is a tough one even when your dog had it the day before. Same day homecoming is even ruffer, but you can do this!
We are so not used to seeing our dogs all wacky on pain meds. As Natalie pointed out, it's good to let your vet team know about his behavior. Distinguishing between dysmorphia and pain signals is tricky right now, you should have a better idea of how he's doing tomorrow when he's not quite so loopy from the surgery anesthesia. Take good notes, and even video, so that you can better describe to your vet team how he's doing.
And it sounds like he's got quite a team too! All signs pointing to a good recovery. Stay strong, you can do this just like Milo can!
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