Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Harley had his leg amputated when they found he had a lump that was a tumor. They did the surgery almost 4 weeks ago. the stitches are removed now too. once in a while he will just be laying down and yelp like he is in pain. Is this normal for a while after surgery? Do other dogs do this after surgery? Did he just make a move the wrong way while sleeping? I am concerned about him.
harleydwood said
...yelp like he is in pain. Is this normal for a while after surgery?
Sudden yelps or outbursts like that are a common indicator of phantom pain . Check out the tips for managing phantom limb pain in the Tripawds Downloads blog .
And welcome! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
We look forward to hearing more about Harley. Is that his name?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Shelby did that a couple of times. It was far past her surgery and her recovery. She would be sleeping and yelp and run to the other side of the room. Her vets didn't think it was phantom pain but from what I have read, it most likely was. It never became a huge issue for us so we didn't add the phantom leg pain medication for her.
Sadly, Shelby lost her battle to cancer about 7 weeks ago but I have read here that other dogs have done similar things and it has indeed been phantom pain . I also did massage work on Shelby's hind quarters where her leg was and that did seem to help.
Best of luck!
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
We didn't deal with phantom limb pain, but from the experiences written here it sounds like it.
Please tell us more about Harley, what kind of cancer? How old is your handsome man?
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Welcome, and congrats on being 4 weeks post op! Th yelps have been happening with Lexie and it started around the same timeframe. After seeing a vet we think it's due to muscle spasms and her being a front leg amp who still wants to run up and down the stairs at 13; the other muscles are compensating. How old is Harley?
We started PT and massage at home, which seems to be helping. Gabapentin can help with phantom limb pain from what we've heard.
Good luck, and keep us posted!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
You've gotten some good feedback. Sonds likeit is a suden muscle spasm or nerve pain (hantom limb pain). It comes n quicky, usually lasts just a short tme...dog will get up and try and "run away" from the pain. Admin. jas givenyoj good links to check out.
Just want to say welcome and to let you know you are not alone, okay?
And yes, we'd love to hear more avout your handsome Harley...and more photos too!
Hugs toyo and Harleu!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
I hope Harley is feeling better today. How is he?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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