Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Louie is my darling 4 and 1/2 month old Chihuahua puppy who had a freak accident in the house last Saturday. It was awful and I knew instantly his little right front leg was broken. I am grateful we live close to a fantastic emergency hospital in Massachusetts, and I rushed him there. The diagnosis was a broken elbow and surgery was scheduled for that afternoon to pin it. Unfortunately, during surgery, the Vet realized his elbow was broken in more than place and she could not save it. I was faced with the instant decision to amputate, as he was on the table and she had to make a decision.
The only other option she said, was to tape the elbow and hope it heals. She thought he would be in constant pain and most likely would develop arthritis. It was not a good outcome. Amputation was the better choice. I was devastated.
He came home in 2 days, and I have not left his side. pain management has been an issue. The first night was okay, but I believe he still had a lot of IV meds in his system. By day 4 and now on oral meds, he was obviously in pain. They doubled his Tramadol and we added Gabapentin. So far this is definitely better, but we still had rough night last night and it is 8 days post op.
I'm not finding a lot of information out there on small breeds and their recovery. Louie is currently sleeping at my side, after his morning meds. I'm going to try to leave him for a few hours in his pen/crate so he can try to get used to my leaving next week to get back to work! Someone has to pay the bills, and trust me, this one was a doozy! I'm not complaining mind you, but work won't wait for me, and I have to get back. I'm terrified of leaving him. I'm working on setting up help mid-day to take him out and administer pain meds. This has been very difficult so far. I'm exhausted from lack of sleep. I should try to take a nap, now that he's sleeping soundly, but with Christmas in 2 days, I have a few things to get done....
I hope everyone out there has a blessed and joyful Christmas. My prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Andrea and Louie
I am so sorry you are having a tough time. The recovery period is hard. Adjusting the medication is tricky for some of them. By the end of the second week, you should see some relief.
I was sleep deprived also. I finally figured out when Trouble slept, I should be sleeping. If she moved or needed me I would hear her. Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
welcome to you and Louie. Sorry you had to find us here. Small breeds do quite well on three legs, so once you get past this thought recovery period, things should start to improve a lot!
The recovery is hard and getting sleep deprived makes it worse. The pain meds can be difficult to get dialed in just right, but really soon he should be feeling a lot better. Most dogs start seeming more like their old selves around the two week mark.
hang in there and I hope you have a lovely Christmas with Louie.
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Andrea and Louie, welcome to Tripawds. I'm so sorry about the accident. This is the club nobody wants to join but rest assured you are in good company and we're here to help.
First of all, how is he doing today? Keep in mind that 9 days post op is not a long time. Try to put yourself in his paws...losing a leg and adapting to a 'new normal' takes time, he'll get there.
I think one of the reasons you don't see anything specifically on small breeds and recovery is because well, they really do recover the same way, if not better, than larger dogs. In fact small dogs have a big disadvantage and generally recover much quicker. Now the hard part is not comparing Louie's recovery to others. He's his own dog and will recuperate in his own time. In the meantime you can do your part by being strong, and allowing him to recover without worrying too much (I know, easier said than done).
Check out our "Required Reading List" and these videos and interviews with California Animal Rehab for some great ideas about how to make things smoother.
Good luck this week. Hang in there, in another few weeks you'll wonder why you were ever so worried, I promise!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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I imagine one reason you're having trouble with finding the sweet spot in pain management is that Louie is growing every day. The dosage that was correct on Monday may be too small on Wednesday. A weight gain of a few ounces can throw it all out of whack. The vet can help you tinker with that.
Small dogs do seem to do really well on 3 legs, and the ones here who were puppies when they lost their legs seem to do the best. They don't know any different. We have a crazy, big French mastiff here named Hurricane Rosie who lost her front leg as a little pup and she is a wild child. Her mom posts awesome photos of Rosie being her nutso self, and I am sure that in a year, Louie will probably be just the same. Wild and crazy and so fast that you can't count the legs!
Since you return to work while kids are on Christmas break, maybe you can find a neighborhood teenager who will come in a few times a day to let Louie out and spend some time with him. Do you know someone who could do doggie daycare for you? Maybe an older teen who's home this week, and who'd let you drop Louie off in the morning? I have a son who is responsible enough to do that, and if they are big-hearted and love dogs, that might be perfect.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
thank you for your kind words and replies. It really helps me to know there is a community here to come to! What a relief! Louie was actually playfull today after his morning meds kicked in and he was comfortable! It was the best Christmas present ever! We go to have sutures removed on Saturday. I'll discuss pain management with vet then as well...for the time being, the combination of Tramadol, Metacam and Gabapentin seems to be working pretty well. He is still having phantom pain , but it is definitely decreasing since we added the Gabapentin
How is Louie doing Andrea? How are you holding up? just wanted to check in with you
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