Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi meet Bella, its now been about a full day since Bella has been home, and 2 days since her full leg amputation and a partial foot removal on a hind leg. She seems very depressed low on energy today compared to when she first came home last night.
Anyways here is a short video on her after being home for about 10 minutes last night, yes I added some sappy music and pictures =) I could not help it.
Bella's Bad Day Part 1
Thanks for watching!
Precious... It is very early for Bella to be outside off leash. What you are referring to as "depressed" and low energy is very likely exhaustion and coming down off anesthesia and surgical.
Confinement and moderation of activity is key to a quick complete recovery. Only very short leashed potty time is recommended until the incision is healed. Then you can start working on proper rehab. For now, know that recovery can be a roller coaster. Do your best to enjoy the ride!
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation. Meanwhile, start here for help finding all the helpful Tripawds resources and assistance programs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, Bella is adorable and live the video!
When Brownie first came home I thought I made a horrible mistake! He seemed so sad and I thought he was mad at me. But after all the meds left his system (3 weeks) my boy was back to his happy self. We even went on a camping trip two months after surgery.
Hang in there. It will get better for Bella and you❤️
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Awww love the video! What happened, car accident? She's a sweetie. Looks like you have your hands full with multiple surgical incisions/injury. Take it slow and give her lots of couch time.
The depression is her on pain meds and in recovery mode (she's pooped!), she'll get her sparkle back eventually. Speaking of pain meds, what is she on, how much and how often? The biggest challenge will be keeping that pain under control so be sure to stay on schedule with the meds. If you notice she's anxious or restless, let your vet know so you can tweak the dosage and dial in the pain control.
Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
brownie1201 said
Hi, Bella is adorable and live the video!When Brownie first came home I thought I made a horrible mistake! He seemed so sad and I thought he was mad at me. But after all the meds left his system (3 weeks) my boy was back to his happy self. We even went on a camping trip two months after surgery.
Hang in there. It will get better for Bella and you❤️
Nancy it's great to see you! Post in Tripawds Alumni, we'd love to find out how things are going with you and the pupperz!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know I haven't posted in a while but some dogs just pull at my heart, like Bella
All is good, Kenzie is still a bratt. Lol
Would love to see more pics of Bella. I was also wondering why amputation? How old is Bella? Would love to learn more. Keep us posted.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
She had a cancer in two legs, one was very small they didn't notice until the day of the surgery, Sadly they felt amputation was the best action for the big tumor due to its location and being as aggressive as it was. Lucky though the small tumor they found the day of surgery only required the loss of 1 toe on her rear foot.
As for the meds she's on Tramadol 2x twice a day, Gabapentin 2x twice a day, and Cefpodoxime once a day.
She hasn't been eating much if anything at all so I decided to go and buy her a Boston Butt, and make a stew for her to mix with her normal food. I remembered as a kid my step dad used to make our dogs dinner for the week like this so hopefully this will be a win. Ill post a update on that when it cools down, as it just came off the stove.
She is however taking her pills now just fine with the use of Pill Pockets. It had gotten to the point no matter what I hid a pill in, cheese, peanut butter, cold cuts, anything she would only fall for it once lol. Smart dog =) But the pill pockets have been a life safer on that front.
Thanks all for the support
Justin
Thanks for some more update. Sich a sweet video. Yes, we are all in love with your beautiful Bella. ♥️
All the strong hospital meds are out of her system now so she may need some tweaking especially with the Gabapentin.
Here's a link for pain management . Also, Dr Downing, an up to date Vet on pain meds, suggests Tramqdol is no longer effective like it was once thought for amputation surgery pain.
Anyway, talk to your Vet about dosing the Gabapentin maybe every eight hours to keep ahead of the pain. How much does she weigh? Is it 300 mg X 2 (thus 600 mg) Gaba she's on twice a day? Lack of appetite could be a sign of pain. Of course the antibiotics may have her a bit off food too.
Is she also on an anti-inflammatory like Rimadyl?
With a sore foot all while recovering MAJOR amputation surgery.....Ouch!
Slow and easy. She'll get her sparkle back little bit by little bit. But right now just rest, rest and lots of spoiling!
And yes, let is know how she likes the stew! Sounds like a winner!!!
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!
benny55 said
Thanks for some more update. Sich a sweet video. Yes, we are all in love with your beautiful Bella. ♥️All the strong hospital meds are out of her system now so she may need some tweaking especially with the Gabapentin.
Here's a link for pain management . Also, Dr Downing, an up to date Vet on pain meds, suggests Tramqdol is no longer effective like it was once thought for amputation surgery pain.
Anyway, talk to your Vet about dosing the Gabapentin maybe every eight hours to keep ahead of the pain. How much does she weigh? Is it 300 mg X 2 (thus 600 mg) Gaba she's on twice a day? Lack of appetite could be a sign of pain. Of course the antibiotics may have her a bit off food too.
Is she also on an anti-inflammatory like Rimadyl?
With a sore foot all while recovering MAJOR amputation surgery.....Ouch!
Slow and easy. She'll get her sparkle back little bit by little bit. But right now just rest, rest and lots of spoiling!
And yes, let is know how she likes the stew! Sounds like a winner!!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
She normal weighs about 45 pounds the Gabapentin is 200mg every 12 hours.
I hope the fancy meal helps her feel better. If she is showing any other pain signals like anxiety or restlessness, you might want to talk to your vet about changing the Gabapentin dose to every 8 hours. 200 mg isn't unreasonable for a dog her size but there is room to adjust the amount and timing. Again though, talk to your vet since we aren't vets ourselves and can only offer our experiences here.
She's been through so much. Give her extra smooches from all of us and keep us posted when you can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Im sorry to say, Bella did not make it through this ordeal. I'd like to thank everyone for your best wishes they really meant a lot.
Oh no!!
I'm heartbroken to see this sad news. My deepest condolences to you and the pack. I can't even imagine what a terrible shock this was for all of you. She left this world far too soon and suddenly. We ache for your family.
If you feel up to sharing more about her life with your or just talking you can post here or call the Tripawds Helpline anytime OK? 844-TRIPAWD. We are here for you.
In time, all the good days you had together will replace your sadness. Be good to yourself and know that you did the best you could, and Bella knew that. She left knowing she was loved and cherished. It's the life all dogs deserve, thank you for giving that to her.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Completely shocked and stunned to read this. Was not expecting this in any way. This disease is so brutal and cunning and barbaric. Even with the best medical intervention on the planet, sometimes the path is already forged and it just cannot be stopped.
You gave your sweet girl the best possible chance at a good extended life of quality. Gellar want4d that chance. She knew you lpved her enoigh to try. And when it became clear the script was already written, she knew you would love her enough to release her.
I really am just shaking my head in disbelief and am at such bloss for words. There really are never any words anyway, but this has just gutted us all.
Our time with Bella was short, but she touched us all. The bond you two shared touched us all. That video amazed us all at how well she was hopping along sooooo early and with double surgeries. That girl is a true Warrior.
When you can, PLEAZE share more about who she is, how she came into your life and some of the silly things she did to make you laugh. I have a feeling she made you laugh a lot
((((((((Hugs))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
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