Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi -
I'm new to this forum. My Italian greyhound Bella had her left front leg amputated last Tuesday. She was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis back in May and the neurologist started her on an immunosuppressant to manage the disease. That led to a snowball effect of problems, including the development of suspected osteomyelitis. They did multiple fine needle aspirate to try to confirm the diagnosis since biopsy on her tiny bone would have almost certainly resulted in a pathologic fracture that required amputation. The pathologists couldn't confirm it, but they suspected fungal infection so they prescribed sporanox. The medication caused liver toxicity so that left amputation as the only viable option for dealing with the bone infection.
When I brought Bella home last Wednesday, she was in great spirits and was moving along like she still had four legs. But when her fentanyl patch was removed on Saturday, she immediately seemed much more depressed. She's currently on tramadol for pain, and yesterday she seemed to have a pretty decent day. She definitely had more energy, but today she seems lethargic again. I know this is a serious surgery, and that these ups and downs are probably normal. It just breaks my heart. I want her to feel good again. At what point does their pain start to subside and they start to act like their old selves again?
Thanks!
Bridgett
P.S. - I contact the vet all the time, and I am pretty sure I'm now known as that annoying pet mom!
Hi Bridgett, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts won't require moderation.
Don't worry, Bella is more than likely having withdrawals from the pain medication. Your instincts are indeed correct; this is major surgery, and it just takes time for dogs to get back to their new normal. As long as she is eating, drinking and eliminating, and the incision is clean and not appearing infected, she is more than likely on the road to a good recovery.
It's hard to put a timeframe on how long it takes for dogs to get back to their usual personalities. For some it's 2 weeks, for others longer. More than likely you'll start to see the sparkle in her eyes again as this week progresses. I know it seems like an eternity, but you'll both get there. Be strong, and show her that you believe she will recover, and before you know it she will be!
P.S. Never feel bad about calling the vet's office, you're paying their salaries after all! And you can come and lean on us anytime, so don't be a stranger.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Always call the vet! Remember, with the bills you've paid them, you've put their unborn children through college!! And yes, the meds can have a major effect on dogs. Our Max wasn't really back to "normal" until about 4 weeks after the surgery. He was meds for the first two weeks, and he also seemed depressed. The next two weeks after that were coming off the meds and slowly getting back to himself. Some dogs breeze through, others (like Max) take a little more time. It's difficult, but just always try to stay positive around her. I think my husband and I being so worried about Max after the surgery also affected his attitude and recovery. Sending positive thoughts to your girl for a quick recovery.
Welcome to Tripawds.
My pug Maggie spent the first 4 weeks after her surgery in her bed, the following two weeks or so she was only slightly more active. I was really wondering if I had made the right decision by choosing amputation for mast cell cancer We weaned her off the pain meds after two weeks, and I don't think she was in pain, she was just not happy with her new situation. But she eventually got back to her obstinate, feisty self.
Each pup seems to deal with their new situation on their own timeline, but most take at least 2 or 3 weeks to get somewhat back to normal- lots of people see a change after the sutures or staples come out and all the meds are out of their system.
Don't worry about calling the vet- I got to the point that they knew my voice, I didn't even have to say my name!
Karen and the pugapalooza
What they all said!!! My Pixie just became a tripawd in late October and we have been going through all sorts of ups and downs, but I'm learning that they are to be expected. Being on heavy meds, coming off heavy meds, adjusting to life on 3 legs and their reaction to OUR reaction all need to sort themselves out. As time goes on, she's becoming more and more herself and I'm treating her that way!
Don't beat yourself up about calling the vet when you are concerned, that's what they are there for! And if it helps you feel less stressed to know things, you will pass less stress on to Bella.
Hugs to you and Bella!
UCD Jake CD CGC - aka Jake D Dawg, gone over the Rainbow Bridge on 5/10/09 at age 16 1/2. There will never be another Jake. <3
UCD Dawnee's Brooklyn Treasure CD CGC - aka Brookie my right hand girl, developed Hemangiosarcoma and went over the Rainbow Bridge on 1/2/11 at age 14 1/2. Always in my heart <3
Resqdogs Justa Lil Pixie - My sweet Pixie, diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 4/10/12, tripawd since 10/25/12 <3
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